Stone Town - Ngalawa Beach Village is an owner-run retreat, situated along Zanzibar’s east coast, off the beaten track and away from the crowded beaches further north.
The emphasis is on courteous and friendly service from staff and your dedicated hosts, delicious and imaginative food and a warm and secure environment creating the perfect getaway.
The focal point of Ngalawa is the large swimming pool. There is a private sunbathing area overlooking the Indian Ocean, speckled by the cooling shade of neem trees.
Ngalawa is designed to suit all ages, although our steep entrance makes it unsuitable for the physically challenged.
From reception you have a bird’s-eye view across the property including the dining area and art gallery-cum-lounge; which offers Wi-Fi.
All rooms circle the central lawn and pool. Scattered across the elephant grass are cyrus trees and tropical plants, which offer dappled shade.
There is a small boutique with hand-picked items and Lily’s Bar on the upper deck.
Ngalawa dhows float by and return with their catch, while children search the shallows for fishing bait.
A stroll up the beach brings you to the fishing village of Chwaka, a lively fish market. Arrive in the mornings when the fishing boats dock laden with the day’s catch to grab a glimpse of a lifestyle that has not changed in centuries – going back further than the reign of the Zanzibari sultans.
The waters are warm.
High tea is served on the upper deck and refreshments at Lily’s Bar include exquisite fruit juices, freshly created in the blender. Loungers with unique tables offer a choice of games etched into the wooden surface, ranging from drafts, chess, Boa (a local Arabic game) and scrabble. It is the perfect place to chill, enjoy sundowners and cocktails, and on occasion watch a live band and local cultural groups perform especially for you.
Enjoy a professional massage in a cabin set on a rocky overhang, and gaze over the Indian Ocean through its open shutters.
For the adventurous there is a lot to do and explore in Zanzibar, and Ngalawa Beach Village is the perfect stepping stone from which to venture.
Upon arrival you will be presented with a list of most popular things to do.
Neighbouring Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the rare Red Colubus monkey found nowhere else in the world. This dense and magical forest is also surrounded by myths and wonderful stories, such as tigers released by past sultans and visiting emperors. Exploring the forest is a beautiful way to spend the day and connect with nature.
A spice tour can be arranged, giving you the opportunity to touch, taste and smell all the wonderful herbs, spices and exotic fruits that helped put Zanzibar on the map centuries ago.
Zanzibar’s Old Stone Town is probably one of the most vivid, living history books in existence. Walking down the narrow, cobbled streets, full of tiny shops and traders, one gets swept up in the sound of bartering and surrounded by colour – just as it was a hundred years ago. Everywhere you turn there is a history story waiting to be heard, marvellous palaces preserved for you to visit, bustling markets and reflections of old times and adventures. Escorted into Stone Town by our trusted guide is a tour you don’t want to miss.
No visit to Zanzibar is complete without sailing on a dhow and we support an organisation that combines this with a super day out, snorkelling in crystal clear waters and enjoying a seafood feast on a deserted island.
Cost of package:
l 7 nights from R10 490 per person sharing (R3 600 single supplement). Valid from October 11 to December 6, 2014.
Package includes:
l Return airfares from OR Tambo International to Zanzibar
l Airport taxes
l Return hotel/airport transfers
l 7 nights’ accommodation in a sea-view suite
l Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
l $200 room credit for drinks and spa treatments
For every 20 bookings one person booked will travel free.
To book call 021 556 5884 or e-mail [email protected]
The offer is exclusive to Star Travel Club members. To join or renew membership call Penny at 011 633 2341 (am).
Saturday Star