The Island Pongwe Lodge

rhea parjiea

We stayed at Island Pongwe Lodge for only two days, but we truly wish we could have stayed much longer. Our room was absolutely beautiful, with a stunning view of the ocean that made every moment feel magical. The entire place is peaceful, serene, and even more breathtaking in person than any picture could ever capture. The staff were amazing throughout our stay—always happy to help, always warm, and always ready to answer any questions we had. A special thank you to Rafael and Michela, who were super helpful via email even before our stay and made everything feel smooth and welcoming from the very beginning. They continued to be fantastic in person, making our experience feel even more personal and memorable. We visited for my birthday, and they organised the most romantic meal for us. It was far beyond anything I expected and made the celebration incredibly special. The food during our stay was consistently delicious, and I also really loved that they support local businesses by using locally made soaps and products—such a thoughtful touch that reflects the heart of the lodge. Another lovely surprise was the presence of the island’s dog and cats. They were so cute, friendly, and calm—such a pleasant and heartwarming addition that made the island feel even more special and homely. Island Pongwe Lodge is a place that stays with you, and we can’t wait for the day we get to return. Highly recommended.

Carla Magari

I had the most unforgettable dining experience at this restaurant. The setting is absolutely breathtaking – located on its own private island with perfect views in every direction, it feels like a hidden paradise. The food was incredible, with every dish beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor – truly world-class. What made the experience even more special was the service. Juma, our waiter, was exceptional. He was attentive, helpful, and genuinely friendly, making us feel welcome and taken care of throughout the evening. His professionalism and warmth added a personal touch that elevated the whole experience. This is not just a meal, but an experience I’ll remember forever. If you’re looking for a place that combines extraordinary food, stunning views, and outstanding service, this restaurant is absolutely perfect.

Julia

Amazing Experience – Our First Time Trying Sea Urchin! We were passing by the area around 10:30 a.m., and since the restaurant usually opens at 12:00, I reached out to the hotel the day before to ask about visiting earlier. They were incredibly kind and said they would bring in fresh sea urchins especially for us — and even open the restaurant just for our visit. That gesture alone already made our day! The staff was very welcoming and polite, and the sea urchins were perfectly fresh. It was our first time ever trying them, and it became an unforgettable experience. A huge thank you to the hotel management for understanding our situation and being so thoughtful. Along with the sea urchins, they also served us lime and gin — and if you’re as new to sea urchin as we were, here’s a tip: you can pour a little gin inside the urchin and enjoy it as a sauce. Such a wonderful and memorable moment — highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a truly special experience! 🌊✨

Elie O

Beautiful spot for lunch with breathtaking views. Juma was our server and was very kind and helpful! Food was good and they have a good wine selection and full bar.

Jack Hardy

We were not guests at the hotel but visited the restaurant twice during our stay nearby because we thought the food, drink and service was so exceptional. The location really is amazing and is particularly atmospheric for dinner when the tide is low. The food was the best we had during our two-week honeymoon trip which took across Tanzania and Zanzibar - the bruschetta starter was particularly impressive. Amani was a very good waiter during our first visit. We were also very taken with the adorable cats who live on the island!