Pongwe v. Matemwe Bungalows
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pongwe v. Matemwe Bungalows
My fiance and will be in Kenya/Tanzania for our honeymoon at the end of August. I'm really looking forward to the beach portion of our trip (as it's winter in New York...) and have narrowed our search on Zanzibar to Pongwe and Matemwe Bungalows, both of which sound incredible (we like small, intimate places with beautiful views/nice beaches/great food).
Matemwe is 3x as expensive. Is it of a significantly higher standard than Pongwe, or are they comparably nice? We are aware the Pongwe does not have a pool and that the fans don't run all night.
Matemwe is 3x as expensive. Is it of a significantly higher standard than Pongwe, or are they comparably nice? We are aware the Pongwe does not have a pool and that the fans don't run all night.
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pongwe is a lovely property. The food is excellent and the staff attentive. I'm sure you'd enjoy it. Make sure that you get one of the bungalows on the beach; some are set back a bit and don't get the breeze. You'd probably want to ask for one further down the beach, as well, so that there is little foot traffic past your door. Just let them know in advance that it's your honeymoon.
Although there aren't many things to do on the property, you'll enjoy just kicking back and relaxing after your safari. The hammocks under the coconut palms were wonderful! Also, they can arrange day trips (spice farm tour, fishing, snorkeling or diving trips.)
Although there aren't many things to do on the property, you'll enjoy just kicking back and relaxing after your safari. The hammocks under the coconut palms were wonderful! Also, they can arrange day trips (spice farm tour, fishing, snorkeling or diving trips.)
#4
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
katesy:
We stayed at Matemwe Bungalows (Pongwe was a serious contender). The one night the electricity went out (not usual), turning off the fan, we woke up hot and sweaty. Now, hot and sweaty on a honeymoon can be a good thing but IMO sleep deprivation, because the weather is too uncomfortably hot to sleep is not. So I am very glad we did not choose Pongwe for that reason. (August may be different than Feb when we were there, but I think that Zbar is pretty hot and humid year round.)
We used the pools alot--one of which had a stunning view of the ocean. You probably know that Zbar is very tidal which limits when you can swim in the ocean. Plus, the bungalows each have a fabuous shaded terrace from which to watch the stunning view in privacy.
You can read my description--toward the end--in my trip report. Note that the very last unit 12--has a very small cove next to it; it would be the most private--but you would be the furthest from the dining room, large beach, bars etc.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=million+flies
We stayed at Matemwe Bungalows (Pongwe was a serious contender). The one night the electricity went out (not usual), turning off the fan, we woke up hot and sweaty. Now, hot and sweaty on a honeymoon can be a good thing but IMO sleep deprivation, because the weather is too uncomfortably hot to sleep is not. So I am very glad we did not choose Pongwe for that reason. (August may be different than Feb when we were there, but I think that Zbar is pretty hot and humid year round.)
We used the pools alot--one of which had a stunning view of the ocean. You probably know that Zbar is very tidal which limits when you can swim in the ocean. Plus, the bungalows each have a fabuous shaded terrace from which to watch the stunning view in privacy.
You can read my description--toward the end--in my trip report. Note that the very last unit 12--has a very small cove next to it; it would be the most private--but you would be the furthest from the dining room, large beach, bars etc.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=million+flies
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the advise! We decided to go with Matemwe Bungalows, since they had better availability, as well as fans as a pool which reading your notes I decided was important (plus their rates are full board, so it doesn't work out to be as expensive as I thought). Now we just have to wait until August...
#8
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DC2Africa
Africa & the Middle East
12
Feb 27th, 2008 06:12 AM
Tremizzle
Africa & the Middle East
4
Jul 5th, 2006 11:33 AM