Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLEEPING & EATING
Opened by the love-him-or-hate-him Raf, who's been running
Swahili Divers
(
www.swahilidivers.com
;
Padi Five-Star) on Pemba since 1999, the almost luxurious
and fully comfortable
Kervan Saray Beach Lodge
( 0773-176737;
www.kervansaraybeach.com
;
dm full board US$55, s/d US$160/250; ) is a lovely,
relaxing resort on the shore (there's a beach only half the year) near Makangale village. Ac-
commodation is in a mildly Arabian-themed high-roof bungalow or a six-bunk dorm, and
the restaurant serves a daily set menu (lunch and dinner for nonguests US$15). Diving, nat-
urally, is the main activity, but snorkelling and kayaking are also on offer and they can take
you anywhere on Pemba or even camping on deserted isles. Those intending a long stay
will find some good packages on the website. Airport pick-up costs US$90 per vehicle.
Superbly situated above Panga ya Watoro Beach near the top of the peninsula,
The
Manta Resort
( 0776-718852/3;
www.themantaresort.com
/
; s/d all-inclusive except ex-
cursions US$400/660; ) rests on a breezy escarpment with perfect ocean views.
Accommodation is in rather ordinary (considering the price) thatched-roof cabins that have
a safari tent layout. Spa treatments are free and diving (it's a PADI Five-Star centre), sea
kayaking and fishing charters are possible. Day visits cost US$26, including a meal and a
drink. Airport pick-up costs US$40 per person.
Just south of Kervan Saray, the underachieving
Verani Beach Hotel
( 0777-414408;
www.veranibeach.com
;
camping per person US$15, r per person US$30) has more poten-
tial than result, but there's a small beach (swimming is possible, but not ideal), a dhow for
excursions and you'll probably be the only guests. There are three somewhat scruffy bun-
galows plus a few small tents and meals can be arranged with advanced notice. It's half a
kilometre from the road.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
The only dalla-dallas on this road leave Makangale for Konde (Tsh1000, one hour) at 7am
and return at 1pm. Sometimes a second truck follows a short time later. Hitching is usually
slow going, as there's little vehicle traffic other than bikes.
