A Tanzanian Treat
A private island made for two, Alexandra Delf goes off grid for a remote honeymoon escape in the Songo Songo Archipelago, Tanzania
Wedding planning can be challenging and the lead up and day itself can be wonderful but overwhelming. Many couples may only manage to steal a few moments together on their big day due to the combination of a busy schedule and the excitement of being surrounded by friends and family. Choosing a honeymoon location which combines a remote natural wilderness, fabulous food and a private island (almost) completely to yourself is an exclusive way to get some alone time on your terms.
A gem set in the Songo Songo Archipelago, Fanjove Private Island Lodge is 140km south of Dar es Salaam in the Indian Ocean and the journey to the remote island of Fanjove is the just the start of the adventure. Reaching the Archipelago is possible via a direct flight from Dar es Salaam or a stop-off flight via Mafia Island, which offers an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with the local whale shark population. On arrival on Songo Songo island, a short transfer across the island leads to the final leg of the journey, the traditional boat or dhow to Fanjove.
Approaching the island in a graceful dhow, sails billowing, the surroundings are picture perfect. Day-dream imaginings brought to life in the shape of a tropical honeymoon idyll. Deep blue ocean waves meet wide, clear, cloudless skies and a seemingly deserted island. From the ocean a natural
wilderness comes into view, whose silhouette is broken only by the turquoise and white tip of a lighthouse. The presence of this 19th century lighthouse on the island is a nod to the archipelago and island’s unique, rich history, however the only inhabitants of the island are the small number of guests, the Fanjove team and a host of incredible flora and fauna. Many of the natural wonders that call Fanjove home are seasonal, however if you visit at the right time of year, green turtles, migrating birds using the island as a stop off and humpback whales can all be seen. More permanent members of the local wildlife community include the coconut crabs on the island which can grow up to 4kg in size and pods of spinner dolphins.
Should you choose to take to the ocean in search of the dolphins, be prepared as the sheer volume and playfulness of the dolphins is astounding. Spinner dolphins at the name suggests, leap and flip through the air continuously before darting through the water, unafraid, treating the boat as if it were one of their own. The uninhabited nature of Fanjove lends itself to such wonderfully close encounters and the same can be said below the waves. For couples who dive and snorkel, the balmy 28°C waters around Fanjove offer a warm and welcoming environment to spend some time with the local marine life.
The Fanjove coral reef extends for around 11km and is mostly unexplored and home to a wonderful concentration of biodiversity. Sightings include grey and black-tip reef sharks, whales, turtles and an underwater spectacle of brightly coloured fish and coral, which has mostly been preserved due to close relationships with the local communities and a focus on conservation.
On closer inspection, Fanjove is as close as you can come to experiencing the glorious adventure of a deserted island Robinson Crusoe style getaway, with all the romantic personal touches of a honeymoon destination. Less than a kilometre long and with only six ‘bandas’ or traditional huts, there is harmony with nature throughout the island and this is reflected in the architecture.
A focus on sustainability can be seen through the use of solar power which is employed in all the rooms, and the buildings use traditional, natural materials including sustainable wood, mukuti (palm leaves) and thatch. The spacious two storey bandas, not only blend into the vegetation of the island, offering direct access on to an unobserved area of beach, but are also designed to resemble the local fisherman’s dhows. Complete with thatched roof and multiple windows and doors which open to the sides and front of the banda, you can sleep with everything open to the sea breeze. If falling asleep to the sound of the waves doesn’t appeal, you can always batten down the hatches and hide away in the privacy of your very own island retreat.
The beauty of the island is the privacy and peace it affords, couples can choose to be as active or relaxed as they wish. The tidal nature of the island means that at low tide, long sandbanks are exposed providing walkways out into the ocean and another perfect opportunity for romance.
A sand bank picnic is a must when visiting the island, your very own pop up private dining destination for two, surrounded by nothing but white sands and turquoise water. Whether it’s a relaxed nature walk around the island, delicious candlelit dinner for two, or taking a moment to watch the sunset
from the top of your banda, a sense of relaxation is tangible. Simple pleasures, surrounded by nature.
So much more than simply a remote romantic location, this is taking time away together in a true slice of castaway paradise. Sundowners on the balcony of a historic lighthouse in the middle of the Indian Ocean anyone?
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