An Indian Ocean Hideaway At Funzi

It would I think be fair to describe Funzi Keys as a beach camp as opposed to an hotel. It is tucked away on small island amongst an island of mangroves not far from the Tanzanian border.

It is pretty remote, so if that worries you bearing in mind the geography it might not be for you.

What it is however is an ideal recuperation spot after a safari, whilst at the same time not losing the ‘away from it all' feel. The remoteness and wildness is kind of emphasised by the 30 minute boat ride you take to get there, and the huge number of bird species you can see on the short trip.

Another point to note is that weather conditions dictate when you go, and Funzi Keys closes between mid April and mid July, the best times to visit are October to April.

For me the one thing that sets up a vacation is the accommodation, and to some extent I don't notice anything else until I've seen my room, or in this case banda.

If you add to this post safari the eyes are so accustomed to seeing wondrous sights and scenery, that you become almost blasé to anything else, so I didn't really form a first impression of Funzi when I arrived, except the very pleasing sensation that our banda was huge!! In fact not only huge but luxurious!!

If you consider an enormous four poster bed, a jacuzzi, a shower for two, and then all sorts of toiletries and stuff you'd never really consider as essential but lovely to have, sarongs, bathrobes, flip flops, beach hats, beach bags, suncream etc so you can leave all that at home!

You will also find a cool box with a variety of alcoholic and soft drinks which is refilled every day. Outside were two sunbeds and at night they lit a fire in front of the door, which made you feel secure. The bandas have no windows or doors, only fine wire mesh, so the sounds of the ocean outside is what wakens you in the morning.

It has to be said the beach in front of the cottages and main mess is not excellent.

The beach you see in many brochures is not the beach in front of the camp - it is in fact a sandbank that appears when the tide is out. Having said that it is even more beautiful than the pictures suggest. You can ask to be taken over there with some drink and nibbles, and a radio, then when you want to be collected, just call up and they come and get you!

The food is very much ‘as you like it', from a breakfast of fruits, cereals, to bacon and eggs if you want. Safari the chef will ask what you want for lunch and dinner, and every two nights or so there would be a beach barbecue or dinner around the pool, which made for a nice change.

The heart of Funzi Keys is the informal lounge and dining area where guests can relax at the dhow shaped bar. A drink in the bar at sunset has fantastic views.

Finally, don't pack much in the way of clothes, you will be in barefeet and bathers most of the time, even in the restaurant, it is very relaxed and totally informal, and very expensive!!

I think it is worth it, when you consider that Funzi is rated as one of the best, and the price includes all your food, drinks, and watersports.