Tulia Zanzibar is a small resort at Pongwe on the east coast of Zanzibar, with just 16 bungalows and villas set amongst tropical gardens beside the Indian Ocean. The beach here is protected by an offshore coral reef, creating relatively calm, shallow water close to shore and a coastline that changes noticeably between high and low tide.

That tidal change is an important part of this side of Zanzibar. At high tide the sea reaches much closer to the resort and provides good conditions for swimming and taking out the kayaks, paddleboards or traditional ngalawa sailing boat. As the tide retreats, a much wider area of beach and shallow seabed is exposed, providing an opportunity to walk out and explore the shoreline. It is worth understanding that rhythm rather than arriving expecting the sea to remain at the same point throughout the day.

Tulia offers more to do within the property than its small size might suggest. Kayaks and paddleboards are available from the beach, private yoga and fitness sessions can be arranged, and there is a gym and spa. Guests can also visit the resort’s organic farm, where fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices are grown for the kitchen. Many of these activities are included during a stay rather than charged separately.

The farm is particularly interesting because it connects several parts of the property. Guests can walk through it and see what is being grown, some of that produce subsequently appears in meals, and the resort uses the project to provide agricultural training within the local community. This gives us something considerably more tangible to talk about than simply describing the quality of the food.

LOCATION

Tulia Zanzibar is situated at Pongwe on Zanzibar’s east coast, approximately midway between Stone Town and the northern end of the island. The resort faces directly onto the Indian Ocean, with the coral reef offshore helping to shelter the water immediately in front of the property.

Its position also provides a base for exploring more of Zanzibar. Excursions can include Stone Town, spice farms, Jozani Forest and Prison Island, together with snorkelling and boat trips. These are arranged from the resort and can be combined or adapted according to the time guests have available.

Pongwe itself is relatively quiet, so most of the activity during a stay takes place either within Tulia or on excursions elsewhere on the island. That makes the resort particularly suitable for spending several days in one place while choosing individual days to explore further afield.

LODGE

Tulia has 16 bungalows and villas divided between garden and seafront accommodation. The Deluxe Garden Bungalows have large private terraces and can be interconnected, making them useful for families, while some offer partial sea views. Each accommodates up to three guests.

The Royal Garden Villas provide additional space with a separate bedroom and living room, private garden and their own swimming pool. They do not have sea views, which is worth knowing when choosing between room categories: the attraction here is the additional living space and private outdoor area rather than the outlook.

The Seafront Villas occupy the positions closest to the ocean, on slightly raised ground above the water. Each has a large open-plan bedroom and living area, wooden terrace and direct ocean view, while some also have a private pool. At around 190 square metres including their outdoor areas, these are substantially larger than the garden bungalows.

The main resort facilities include the swimming pool, restaurant and bar, spa, gym and two waterslides. There is also the organic farm close to the main property, and guests are encouraged to visit it rather than it operating simply as a back-of-house source of ingredients.

One practical aspect of Tulia is the way the inclusive arrangement works. Meals are served à la carte rather than through a buffet, premium drinks are included under its all-inclusive option, and a number of activities — including kayaking, paddleboarding, yoga, use of the gym and a first massage — are included rather than appearing as additional charges during the stay.

ACTIVITIES

Kayaking and Paddleboarding – Kayaks and paddleboards are available directly from the beach and are complimentary for guests. The relatively sheltered water in front of Tulia makes this an easy activity to fit around the tides, although conditions and water depth change considerably between high and low tide.

Sailing by Ngalawa – At high tide guests can take a short trip aboard Tulia’s traditional wooden ngalawa sailing boat with one of the resort’s captains. The trip is complimentary and provides an opportunity to get out onto the water without committing to a longer excursion.

Snorkelling and Diving – Snorkelling excursions can be arranged to several locations around Zanzibar, including the waters around Mnemba. Diving can also be organised for both experienced divers and those wanting to try it for the first time.

Stone Town – A guided visit to Stone Town introduces the trading history and cultural influences that have shaped Zanzibar. The narrow streets contain buildings reflecting African, Arab, Indian and European influences, alongside markets, the Old Fort and sites connected with the island’s slave-trading history. Tulia can arrange private excursions from the resort.

Spice Farms – Zanzibar’s history as an important producer of cloves and other spices can be explored on a guided spice-farm visit. Guests can see, smell and taste crops including cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and tropical fruits while learning how they are cultivated.

Jozani Forest – Jozani provides an opportunity to see Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, a species found only on the Zanzibar archipelago. Guided visits also explore the forest and mangrove habitats within the protected area.

Tulia’s Organic Farm – The resort’s own farm is only a short walk from the accommodation and can be visited with a member of staff. Fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices are grown here for use in the kitchen. The tour also explains Tulia’s composting, waste recycling and desalination systems, making this considerably more than a decorative hotel garden.

Yoga and Fitness – Private yoga sessions are complimentary and can be arranged in the gardens or on a guest’s terrace. Tulia also has a fully equipped gym and offers private fitness sessions, with equipment for strength, cardiovascular and TRX training.

Spa – The spa offers massages and body treatments, including treatments using ingredients grown on the property. A first massage is included with each reservation, with additional treatments available during the stay.

GIVING BACK

Tulia’s organic farm provides the clearest example of how the resort is trying to reduce its environmental impact while creating something useful locally. Fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices are grown for the kitchen, while organic material is composted to produce soil for further food production. Tulia states that approximately 70% of the resort’s waste is recycled on site.

The farm also has a community role. Tulia supports agricultural education for local people, with individual training courses funded partly through an unusual initiative known as the Charity Bike. Guests can cycle in the resort and Tulia converts the distance covered into financial support towards agricultural training.

Other community initiatives include support for local schools and villages and a programme connected with training for local car mechanics. Tulia also employs locally and uses produce grown on the island alongside that produced on its own farm.

There are plenty of broad sustainability claims in Zanzibar tourism, but the interesting part of Tulia’s approach is that guests can actually see some of the systems being used. The farm tour includes the growing areas, composting and waste-recycling operation and the desalination equipment used to produce fresh water from seawater.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

TULIA ZANZIBAR IS A SMALL 16-BUNGALOW AND VILLA RESORT AT PONGWE ON ZANZIBAR’S EAST COAST.

THE BEACH IS STRONGLY INFLUENCED BY THE INDIAN OCEAN TIDES, SO THE POSITION AND DEPTH OF THE WATER CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

KAYAKS, PADDLEBOARDS, NGALAWA SAILING, YOGA, GYM USE, BICYCLES AND A FIRST MASSAGE ARE AMONG THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED WITH A STAY.

THE RESORT CAN ARRANGE PRIVATE EXCURSIONS AROUND ZANZIBAR INCLUDING STONE TOWN, SPICE FARMS, JOZANI FOREST AND SNORKELLING TRIPS.