Mchanga Beach Lodge

With only ten rooms - and no plans to expand further - Mchanga Beach Lodge is located well away from the larger resort hotels on this stretch of coast, offering everything that you could expect from a barefoot beach holiday.

The centre point of each room is a beautifully crafted Zanzibari four poster bed, with both ceiling fans and air-conditioning ensuring your absolute comfort.

In addition to its very welcoming bar and restaurant, the lodge also possesses a 13 metre fresh water swimming pool - and a boule court and shop.

Mchanga is the Swahili word for 'sand', and the beach does not disappoint, being of the classical white powder sand variety. Just take your shoes off on arrival - and keep them off!

The usual island excursions can be arranged from here, but really Mchanga is best regarded as a wonderful place to unwind, perhaps following an eventful game-viewing safari on the mainland.