Southern Tanzania island

Fanjove Island

LocationSouthern Tanzania island, Tanzania

Accommodation20 beautifully designed villas

Our take

About Fanjove Island

Fanjove Private Island is an exclusive barefoot-luxury retreat located in the remote Songo Songo Archipelago off the southern coast of Tanzania. Surrounded by powder-white beaches and the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the island offers an idyllic escape where nature, simplicity and understated comfort come together to create a truly tranquil and secluded island experience.

Managed with a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation, Fanjove Island is designed to blend seamlessly with its pristine natural surroundings. The island is protected as part of a marine conservation area, supporting vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. With only a handful of guests at any time, the atmosphere remains peaceful and intimate, allowing visitors to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature.

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Inside Fanjove Island

A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.

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Accommodation

Rooms

Accommodation consists of 20 beautifully designed villas inspired by traditional Swahili architecture and crafted using natural local materials. There are 14 Beach Villas, 3 Coral Villas, 2 Family Beach Villas, and the exclusive Coral Manor and N°16 Villa - all designed to maximise privacy, sea views and with direct beach or ocean access. Spacious and elegantly understated, each villa features airy indoor-outdoor living spaces, large comfortable beds, shaded terraces and stylish bathrooms.

Food & drink

Dining

Dining on Fanjove Island is relaxed and fresh, centred around locally sourced seafood, tropical fruits and seasonal ingredients. Meals are often served in scenic locations such as the beachfront or beneath the shade of palm trees, creating a laid-back yet memorable culinary experience. Guests can also enjoy sunset drinks by the water, beach picnics and candlelit dinners under the stars.

What to do

Activities

Activities focus on exploring the island’s natural environment, particularly the surrounding coral reefs which offer excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Guests can also enjoy dhow sailing, kayaking, beach walks and birdwatching. Between adventures, quiet moments spent swimming in the warm lagoon, relaxing on the sand or climbing the historic lighthouse for panoramic views of this remote island paradise.

Planning your stay

How Fanjove Island fits the journey.

Fanjove offers a quieter southern island finish, geographically separate from the Zanzibar Archipelago. Connections deserve careful planning, particularly after Ruaha or Nyerere.

Marine activities depend on sea conditions, and limited room numbers make early planning valuable.

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