FANJOVE ISLAND
Imagine a palm-fringed island with powder-white sands; azure, shimmering waters and all you can hear is bird song - and all of that you will have to yourself. Fanjove is a secluded and exclusive, tropical island idyll. Guests only share Fanjove with the abundant resident marine life and the dedicated staff, who help to deliver an experience of a lifetime.
On Fanjove, time seems to have no pull, and guests feel privileged to alight upon this pristine island – an unadulterated paradise, still very much as nature intended. Only the 19th century lighthouse and some architectural remnants of a former fishing village settlement hint at previous occupation by anything other than wildlife. Intact coral reef spans for miles; the prolific wildlife includes spinner dolphin, green turtles and humpback whales.
Activities
Fanjove offers exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities in warm waters of approx. 28°C and visibility of up to 30m. Sightings in this rich marine world may include butterfly fish, Angelfish, Damselfish and many more of the brightly coloured Indian Ocean fish and, if lucky, grey or black-tip reef shark, whales and turtles. Intact coral reef stretches for 11km around the island, enabling views of stunning marine landscapes such as underwater pinnacles and gardens of cabbage coral. Snorkelling can be done from the shore or by boat and diving is from a boat with an expert guide to help identify all the wonders you will see.
On Marine Safaris you can encounter different dolphin species that frequent the waters around Fanjove. Spinner Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins are regularly spotted, and with luck you may have the opportunity to swim alongside them.
From November to March, the island is the destination of migratory birds and hence fantastic for bird watching. Armed with good pair of binoculars, and stationed in a discreet lookout spot, you can appreciate the rich diversity of our island neighbours.
And of course you can also go on kayak safaris, sand bank excursions, dhow sailing, fishing and explore the nature trails on the island.
Accommodation
Six discreet, eco-friendly private bandas are set along the sandy shore in harmony with the environment. The bandas are A-framed, shaped to resemble a Dhow sail, reflecting the local traditional sailing boats which may break the endless horizons as you gaze out to sea. Each banda is open at its front to capitalise on the uninterrupted ocean views, which can also be enjoyed from the upstairs balcony.
An open-air restaurant and lounge area is the ideal focal point at the end of the day, from where to gaze at the starlit skies and appreciate the undisturbed surroundings. Fusion cuisine is served on tables on the beach. The menu reflects the multicultural heritage of the islands and may include outstanding curries or freshly caught fish of the day. For a truly unparalleled experience, sundowners at the top of the 19th century lighthouse can be arranged.
The whole property has been designed to minimize its environmental footprint. Solar power is employed for all the rooms, and the buildings use traditional, natural materials – sustainable wood, mukuti (palm leaves) and thatch. Simple, stylish and comfortable, and completely in keeping with the unpretentious Fanjove vibe, the accommodation provides the perfect base from which to explore the island, shores and seas.
3% of the income from Fanjove is donated to the local community of Songosongo island for social development projects.
On Fanjove, time seems to have no pull, and guests feel privileged to alight upon this pristine island – an unadulterated paradise, still very much as nature intended. Only the 19th century lighthouse and some architectural remnants of a former fishing village settlement hint at previous occupation by anything other than wildlife. Intact coral reef spans for miles; the prolific wildlife includes spinner dolphin, green turtles and humpback whales.
Activities
Fanjove offers exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities in warm waters of approx. 28°C and visibility of up to 30m. Sightings in this rich marine world may include butterfly fish, Angelfish, Damselfish and many more of the brightly coloured Indian Ocean fish and, if lucky, grey or black-tip reef shark, whales and turtles. Intact coral reef stretches for 11km around the island, enabling views of stunning marine landscapes such as underwater pinnacles and gardens of cabbage coral. Snorkelling can be done from the shore or by boat and diving is from a boat with an expert guide to help identify all the wonders you will see.
On Marine Safaris you can encounter different dolphin species that frequent the waters around Fanjove. Spinner Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins are regularly spotted, and with luck you may have the opportunity to swim alongside them.
From November to March, the island is the destination of migratory birds and hence fantastic for bird watching. Armed with good pair of binoculars, and stationed in a discreet lookout spot, you can appreciate the rich diversity of our island neighbours.
And of course you can also go on kayak safaris, sand bank excursions, dhow sailing, fishing and explore the nature trails on the island.
Accommodation
Six discreet, eco-friendly private bandas are set along the sandy shore in harmony with the environment. The bandas are A-framed, shaped to resemble a Dhow sail, reflecting the local traditional sailing boats which may break the endless horizons as you gaze out to sea. Each banda is open at its front to capitalise on the uninterrupted ocean views, which can also be enjoyed from the upstairs balcony.
An open-air restaurant and lounge area is the ideal focal point at the end of the day, from where to gaze at the starlit skies and appreciate the undisturbed surroundings. Fusion cuisine is served on tables on the beach. The menu reflects the multicultural heritage of the islands and may include outstanding curries or freshly caught fish of the day. For a truly unparalleled experience, sundowners at the top of the 19th century lighthouse can be arranged.
The whole property has been designed to minimize its environmental footprint. Solar power is employed for all the rooms, and the buildings use traditional, natural materials – sustainable wood, mukuti (palm leaves) and thatch. Simple, stylish and comfortable, and completely in keeping with the unpretentious Fanjove vibe, the accommodation provides the perfect base from which to explore the island, shores and seas.
3% of the income from Fanjove is donated to the local community of Songosongo island for social development projects.
