If you expected that Tanzania’s most exclusive private island is on the ocean, you were wrong. Maybe surprisingly, but it is found in the heart of Africa at the Southern end of Lake Tanganyika. A remarkable achievement of logistics, planning and building Lupita is without doubt the most tranquil island destination in Tanzania and the lodge itself sets new standards for the rest to follow. Lupita Island is the ultimate private retreat, offering visitors total privacy in complete comfort. Surrounded by a spectacular combination of dense indigenous forest, open grassland and rocky outcrops, Lupita Island offers a wide variety of interests.
Magical Lupita Island in Tanzania
This 130-acre all-inclusive luxury resort features eleven lavishly decorated, thatched-roof Luxury Suites and 2 Executive Suites that offer total privacy, private plunge pools and breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Africa’s second largest lake. Each of 13 spectacularly designed suits are nestled on the hillside with breathtaking lake and distant mountain views. Hot waterfall showers cascading over stones, black granite sinks, large outside baths add to the Lupita experience.
Lupita has many pathways taking you to the various facilities. In the main area of the island there is a beautiful upstairs viewing deck, furnished with the utmost comfort in mind. Downstairs is a fully stocked bar and lounge with wonderful lighting for evening relaxation. The dining room with vaulted thatched ceiling ensures constant cool temperatures and a wonderful ambiance. Everything is open, to give a feeling of space and oneness with nature. Lupita Island also has a large infinity pool with a thatched bar for cocktails from the pool deck or in the pool. There is a gift shop, reception, games room and internet access available. A fully equipped gym awaits the more energetic guests at the Northern side of the island together with the spa and sauna, which combines holistic and traditional treatments to pamper the individual needs of each guest.
Lake Tanganyika’s waters are clear and calm, providing the ultimate setting for water sport activities. Kayaks and canoes are available for exploring beaches around the islands. Snorkeling and scuba diving take you to the underwater world of Lake Tanganyika, while water-skiing and sailing provide a great and adventurous way to exercise. Also, you can choose to experience the lake’s tranquil waters aboard. For that excursion, Lupita provided its lake cruiser the Windsor Rose. Take on a spot of fishing from its lovely deck or enjoy some tantalizing cocktails watching the sunset over the lake’s water.
And finaly, how to get there? It might look a bit complicated but it’s not. You have to travel to the closest international airport, which is the Arusha. You can either fly from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro by KLM or to Nairobi, Kenya, and then take a secondary, 50-minute flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. From Arusha, a three-hour flight by Cessna 208 will take you to Lupita’s airstrip; from there it is a short, seven-minute boat ride across Lake Tanganyika. For those who prefer a quicker flight, a King Air 200 seating eight passengers can be chartered. [Tanzania by Firelight]
Magical Lupita Island in Tanzania
