Description
The 15 cottages are all located with direct beach access overlooking the sea, they are made with local materials and decorated with a real Zanzibari feel to them. They are large and spacious with decks out the front overlooking the beach and sea.
The beach is a wonderful white beach with perfect turquoise sea beyond - ideal for a refreshing swim! You can take a snorkel for a swim around the island to spot some bright schools of fish.
There is a main dining area with a fun bar made from a local Dhow boat and a main pool. Beautiful bougainvillea plants decorate the main area and poolside making it look incredibly picturesque.
The atmosphere at Bawe is extremely relaxed and laid back, with an emphasis on completely unwinding with a good book, eating superb fresh food and having massages. A few nights at Bawe and you will feel very well recuperated! We would recommend Bawe Island at the start of a holiday after a wedding or long flight for example, or alternatively, at the end of a safari. It is perfect for those who are happy to laze about on a remote beach and do very little!
Stone Town is only about a 30-minute boat ride away so you can always head into town for an afternoon of shopping or activities on the mainland.
Accommodation
15 magnificent cottages are discretely scattered along the beach line, all of them with panoramic views of the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, ensuring maximum privacy and seclusion. The cottages are built with traditional local materials and topped with thatched roofs keeping the rooms airy and cooled by the sea breeze. Each one is elegantly decorated and they all contain ensuite bathrooms, all with double basin, two al fresco showers and a bath.
Childcare
There are no facilities for children and due to the peaceful nature encapsulated at Bawe Island it is regretted that children under 16 years old are not accepted.
Facilities
The essence of Bawe Island is its simplicity so there aren't lots of clever facilities on hand - just a few quiet spots in which to enjoy a sundowner or watch the fishing dhows drift by. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or treatment of their choice. There is also a fresh water swimming pool right on the beach.
Activities
The main activity here is relaxing! This simple island retreat offers peace and tranquility at all times but for those needing a bit more action day trips to Stone Town can be arranged giving the perfect chance to discover the Swahili culture. Other activities which can be arranged from Bawe include scuba diving, boat trips to neighbouring islands and snorkelling.
When to travel
Situated only 6° south of the equator, Zanzibar enjoys ideal holiday weather. Temperatures average between 24°C and 27°C throughout the year with 7-9 hours of sunshine per day.
There are 2 rainy seasons: Acute, brief showers, lasting about an hour in the morning occur for a couple of weeks during November. The rains last slightly longer in April and May, but even then it does not rain every day. These rains replenish the Island and are often referred to as the “Green Season”.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Zanzibar and the coast, Tanzania
Bawe Island is located just 5km offshore from the main island Zanzibar in the Zanzibar Archipelago. Opposite Zanzibar Stonetown, on the West Coast of the Island, Bawe Tropical Island is no bigger than a football pitch.
How to get there
The easiest and most direct way to reach Zanzibar is to fly via Dar es Salaam, on Tanzania's coast (9-hour 30-minute international flight). The connecting flight from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town Airport on Zanzibar takes 20 minutes. From Stone Town, Bawe Island is a 30-minute boat transfer.
