LAZY LAGOON ISLAND LODGE – SWAHILI COAST TANZANIA

Lazy Lagoon is set at the end of a thin spit of land that forms a lagoon of azure waters a little south of the town of Bagamoyo. The spit, and a number of tiny islands in the lagoon, are home to mangrove forests, with spectacular high and low tides; the latter revealing miles of white sands, exposed corals, and naked mangrove roots and trunks.

The 12 ensuite beach bandas enjoy 9km uninterrupted beach and swimming at all tides. Imagine a private island in the Indian Ocean – the waves lapping the white sandy beach just metres from your bed. The day stretches ahead with promises of sun, snorkelling and mangrove exploration – just interrupted by freshly prepared meals.

LOCATION

The camp is located around 70 kms from Dar es Salaam just shoud of the town of Bagamoyo on the Swahili Coast of Tanzania.

LODGE

Lazy Lagoon is built using local materials and using traditional Swahili architecture. All the buildings have tall steep roofs designed to catch the sea breezes keeping you cool in the East African heat.  There are just 12 ensuite beach bandas with twin or double beds and an upstairs ‘loft’ with two twin beds which are ideal for older children. Each spacious banda has both an upstairs balcony and a porch with unimpeded sea views and access straight on to the beach.  There can’t be many more relaxing ways to start a day than to watch the early morning ngalawas go out fishing whilst sipping a coffee on your own veranda or walking down to the beach to look in rock pools in your pyjamas!

The main dining and living areas are spacious and airy with high ceilings and cool wooden floors and are the perfect escape from the midday sun. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here with each table enjoying sea views.  Soak up the evening sun in the upstairs sunset lounge which overlooks the swimming pool and the Indian Ocean beyond. The Swahili-style daybeds are perfect for watching the sun go down enjoying a pre- dinner gin and tonic.

ACTIVITIES

The Swahili coast has a rich and sometimes tragic history as the entry point for many cultures and influences, from slavers to ivory traders, Christian missionaries and early European explorers.

Lazy Lagoon is situated at the end of a thin spit of land that forms a lagoon of azure waters a little south of the town of Bagamoyo. The spit, and a number of tiny islands in the lagoon, are home to mangrove forests, with spectacular high and low tides; the latter revealing miles of white sands, exposed corals, and naked mangrove roots and trunks.

The mainland is home to a number of small fishing villages from which you can get up early to watch the fishermen take their ngalawas out of the calm lagoon waters and out into the Indian Ocean. Depending on the winds and the tides they return from noon onwards sometimes stopping to sell their catch to the lodge.

The mangrove forests of Lazy Lagoon form a private nature reserve with many resident small mammals including duiker and Suni antelope.  Nocturnal guests may include bush babies and genets.  Bird life and flowers are abundant especially during the wetter months.  Under the water lies another world of sea creatures, coral and fish – glimpses of the colour and variety of species can be seen in the many rock pools exposed in low tide where brightly coloured starfish can be seen.

Sailing – wind and tides permitting the lodge has an excellent Laser I and Laser II to take out sailing and an experienced manager to guide you. At most times of the day the lagoon is largely sheltered from the onshore winds and makes an ideal spot to learn to sail.

Snorkelling – the coral off the coast is home to myriad fish, sea anemones and countless other creatures to drift over and marvel at. For the more ambitious a dhow trip can take you further out. The lodge has a number of sets of fins, snorkels and goggles for different ages and sizes.

Kayaking – the lodge has a number of one and two person kayaks to explore the coastline around the lodge from a different perspective and there are plenty of life jackets for all activities.

Swimming – depending on the tide there are a number of spots where you can safely swim off the beach outside the main banda. At other times, when the currents are strong, or for those less adventurous there is always the serenity of the swimming pool!

LAZY LAGOON IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND.  SOUTHERN TANZANIA HAS A 6 MONTH DRY SEASON BETWEEN THE MONTHS OF JUNE TO NOVEMBER BUT THE COASTAL AREA DOES ATTRACT SOME RAIN SHOWERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR – SO THE WEATHER CAN BE QUITE UNPREDICTABLE

LAZY LAGOON IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHILDREN OF ALL AGES