Foxes Safari Camps, a family-run safari operator in southern and western Tanzania, has launched a new excursion from their private island, Lazy Lagoon: visiting a nearby isolated sandbar. The sandbar itself only emerges from the water for a few hours during low tide, before disappearing into the depths of the turquoise ocean once again.
Lazy Lagoon Island is located just off the Swahili coastline and boasts 12 A-Frame, en-suite ‘bandas’ situated on its shoreline with unobstructed ocean views and leads straight onto the white coral sand.
Whilst staying on the island, guests can indulge in restful beach days interspersed with ocean exploration activities; day trips to a lesser-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site for a guided tour of a local fish market coupled with the historic sites of Bagamoyo and the 13th century Kaole Ruins; and now they can also head out on a day-long excursion to the sandbar.
Using a local dhow, guests set out on a short boat excursion to spend time on the sandbar for as long as the island is above water. They can choose between sunbathing, snorkelling above coral reefs, and stand-up paddle boarding, while a fish and seafood barbecue is freshly prepared over a fire.
‘The sandbank is commonly referred to as ‘Mwamba Kuni’ by the locals, which directly translates to ‘rock wood’ in English. It is also interpreted as ‘reef’ and ‘firewood,’ due to the surrounding reef, and the driftwood that beaches onto its shores. Since the 19th century, fishermen have been frequenting the sandbank, which is known as a prime local fishing location due to its healthy coral and marine life.’ – Phillip Tsangari, General Lodge Manager of Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge.
Foxes Safari Camps showcases the often overlooked southern and western Tanzania, offering intimate safaris in areas with fewer tourists, which allows for a more immersive encounter with Africa’s wilderness.
Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge is one of seven camps and lodges within the Foxes Safari Camps portfolio. The island is set amidst a mahogany and mangrove forest, which shelters wildlife unlike that which you will find on safari at other Foxes Safari Camps properties.
‘The Lodge is always looking for new ways to allow their guests to experience more of the Swahili Coastline, explore new coral reefs and discover marine life, which is what the tidal sandbar offers,’ Tsangari adds. “Guests are encouraged to embrace the ‘pole pole’ lifestyle, deliberately slowing down and connecting with the true meaning of island living.’
Pictures: Casey Pratt, Love Africa Marketing | Foxes Safari Camps
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: The Ultimate 50 Best Things To Do In Cape Town
The post Mwamba Kuni: A remote, tidal sandbar explored from Lazy Lagoon Island appeared first on Getaway Magazine.