Kilwa Ruins Lodge – Kristal and Shayne’s Update

While the boys are paddling and diving around various parts of Mafia Island Kristal and me are in heaven. After an early wake up of 4am when the boys had to catch a boat to Mafia, Kristal, Myself and ‘Ngluie’ (our pet pig, yep we have/had a pet pig) set off on what we new was going to be a long day. Well the roads where so bad they would rival those of the Serengeti. So bad we broke the shelf in the back that housed our dear piglet the shelf narrowly missing piggy’s fragile snout. After propping the shelf up and letting pig stretches his trotters we carried on. It took 8 long and very bumpy hours to get to Kilwa Masko. We arrived and spent the first 2 nights camping at a 5 star camping ground with FLUSHING TOILETS and A SHOWER!!!! We were in heaven. Piggy didn’t think so though as the tree which we had him posted under to stand guard was infested with vicious bull ants which made a tasty treat of his little eyes lids. But a plate full of putu and caned tomato paste cured his wounds a treat, he was soon back to his grunting mischievous self in no time. Although we love piggy, the resort we were camping at were not so keen on him rummaging through their gardens and basically being a pig. So we set off looking for a Christian local, who had to be up to our standards to have our precious mascot. Soon we came across the kind bar man who met the critical criteria better than the rest. He assured us he wouldn’t make bacon of him for at least another 6months as he was not yet big enough. It was the best we could do, so I hesitantly handed him over while Kristal ran behind the building and blocked her ears so she didn’t hear his heart breaking squeals as he said his goodbyes. We are hoping that between now and the 6month deadline piggy will make a lasting impression on his new found owner and they live happily ever after together.

We soon found some South Africans who owned a resort down the beach and got chatting on what we are doing. We returned day after day to their resort, eating the food and relaxing under their thatched umbrellas on the beach.. From our first impressions of the place we were in awe. Built by the hands of the owners own children this place is truly a lost haven. We don’t know whether it was the efficient and friendly staff and atmosphere or the tranquil sound of birds and waves 10meters away as we sat in on comfortable hand made chairs surrounding the bar, that had us addicted, but each day we found ourselves returning for more. After our second day on their beach, they very kindly offered us a bed until we met up with the rest of the team. We gladly accepted and found ourselves nestled in a modest little cabin perched up amongst tree’s and garden with many chirping birds. This quaint little resort offers accommodation for families of all shapes and sizes or privacy for couples with a different agenda. What ever the occasion the bar is a main feature and somehow you will find yourself sitting around sinking a few sun downers with the staff, guests or yourselves just enjoying the atmosphere. The breakfast, lunch and dinners provided are to die for. The catch of the day is usually \incorporated into the delicious dinner. One of the main attractions of Kilwa Ruins Lodge is the game fishing that it offers, its particularly known for its big catches of Yellowfin Tune ranging from (40-100kg). Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Kingfish, and Darado are some of the other game fish regularly caught. Kilwa Ruins also offers snorkelling, kayaking, water skiing, hippo viewing, tours of the near by historical ruins, seasonal game viewing, game fishing, over night camping on deserted beaches or simply relaxing around the fresh water pool or under thatched umbrella’s on the beach. We have been nothing but impressed with everything about this lost paradise, and want to send out many warm thanks to all the helpful, friendly staff and Carri-Ann and Kerri-Lee for their kind welcoming.
If you are interested in maybe visiting Tanzania, then definitely consider contacting Kilwa Ruins Lodge. www.kilwaruinslodge.com or email carri@kilwaruinslodge.com
Ph: +255 748 637 026
Or Gaby on +27 82 490 6775 email: gaby@kilwaruinslodge.com

We leave our peaceful spot on Saturday and head north again to meet up with the rest of the k2k team. We will hopefully update the blog with loads of pictures and lots about Zanzibar on the 1st!