Lupita Island, Kipili, Lake Tanganyika. Tanzania

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Love at First Sight

One of the most unique private islands in Tanzania, Lupita island is recognised for its rustic luxury and totally personalised service. Situated just 4 km off the mainland on the Southern end of lake Tanganyika.

Lake Tanganyika is the longest lake in the world and the second deepest, holding approximately 18% of the worlds fresh water. One of the cleanest lakes in the world and with very little habitation on its shores it boasts over 250 different types of cichlids (tiny colourful fish you find in fish tanks). Making it a snorkelling and diving paradise.

A hidden gem. Lupita island is set in the only archipeligo of islands on the lake.

In this 110 acres of indigenous woodlands, untouched by commercialism and tourism. Lupita island lodge has its own ambience, inspired by its location, history and local influences. Guests experience idyllic surroundings and absolute remoteness in an area of Tanzania not yet discovered. We offer, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and diving. Sunset cruises and dining out on deserted beaches. Kayaking and swimming around the island is a pleasure as the clarity of the pristine aqua waters just adds to the experience.

The only private island lodge on Lake Tanganyika. We have our own private airstrip on the mainland making the short 20 minutes journey (10 minutes by vehicle and 10 minutes by boat) from the airstrip to Lupita a great start to your stay. Situated in the remote southwestern region of Tanzania. The island is prehistorically lush, extraordinarily private. On our 110 acres of privacy you feel free to rediscover the inner self.

Ten strategically placed villas are scattered around the hillside. All boasting complete privacy and overlooking the magnificent views of the lake. Private plunge pools on open verandas, with a small stream running through the rooms to the pool. Open plan, each villa has its own sitting room, bedroom, bathroom and open verandas. A fabulous waterfall shower and open air baths. No glass or doors to be found. They are built in such a way that makes each villa incredibly private at the same time open and spacious. Incorporating many of the African woods, carpentry and antiques in our décor giving a wonderfully sumptuous rustic feel.

Lupita Island is specialised in romantic, remote island, leisure breaks. A perfect finale to an exciting Safari. Or a stand alone destination for that special occasion or romnatic getaway. Includes ethnically inspired meals and cocktails. Wonderful spa treatments to feed the senses, kayaking and snorkelling around the amazingly clear underwater boulders to watch the brightly coloured cichlids, fishing with a local fisherman with handlines, sunset cruise, beach buffet on an idyllic deserted beach. If you are looking for a relaxing few days away from the crowds with the option of various fun activities on Lake Tanganyika then Lupita island is the perfect destination. Working closely with the staff we employ, good values are evident in their friendly professional manner adding an extra spoke to an already great experience. We take pride in going that extra mile for our guests, always providing high levels of service nothing is too much trouble.

Romance

Lupita island lends itself to romance. It is perfect for small intimate groups or larger family groups for weddings or special occasions. With only 10 private villas scattered around the islands hillside our group occasions are the perfect mix of romantic setting and intimate occasions. It allows us to focus on every small detail of the occasion from exotic food requests, to special champagnes and customised excursions. All our services are personalised as we work closely with the organiser of the group taking every need into account.

We do not allow children 7 years and under on Lupita island due to the open plunge pools on the verandas and the height of the balconies in the villas. But both these facilities make the stay for your occasion that little bit more special for all the adults.

Your Stay

Arrive at Lupita Island private airstrip situated on the mainland on the edge of the lake. Lake Tanganyika, spectacular and tourist free! Lupita staff will be waiting at the airstrip with cold drinks and face cloths. 5 minute drive from the airstrip to Lupita island mainland jetty and another 10 minutes by boat to our Lupita jetty where we will be waiting with golf carts to transport you to the heart of Lupita island. And to the main reception and lounge area for your check-in and welcome drinks.

After you arrive full relaxation is on the cards and a delicious lunch with South African wines of your choice, our menus take into account the wonderful fish that Lake Tanganyika has to offer. Afternoon at leisure, lie around the pool, swim in the lake, kayak or snorkel or lie on the beach you can do everything or nothing depending how the mood takes you.

Each evening you will be welcomed to the main area or sit around the fire in the boma with you ice cold cocktails and snacks. Dinner is a four course affair by candlelight accompanied by a selection of wines served by our wine waiters. Enjoy the evening and as it draws to a close you will be escorted to your spacious villas to sleep under down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets.

The villas are ethnically inspired to give a taste of rustic luxury and wonderful ambience. Coffee or tea brought to your room each morning if desired to be enjoyed at leisure on your verandah or from your bed just taking in the magnificent early morning sunrise views views of the lake opened out in front of you.

Each day brings a new experience. From our wedding packages to your personal special occasion we can cater to them all. From start to finish your stay on Lupita island will be cared for in detail, you may arrive as a stranger but you will leave us a friend.

What to Do

The island is prehistorically lush, extraordinarily beautiful...

Laze by the main pool and order your favourite cocktail. Snorkel, swim or kayak in the lake. Join a sundowner cruise and observe the most spectacular sunsets while swimming in a mile of water, this is still one of the cleanest lakes in the world. Try an optional activity; have a relaxing treatment in our spa with a view or explore the waters in kayaks with our water guide. Water-sports, swimming, a village visit, nature walks, a work out in the gym, relaxing on deserted beaches are a preface to fine dining and blissful evenings under the stars. Socialise at the dhow bar sipping your favourite cocktail, play some pool, table tennis, darts, fusball in our well equipped games room set away from the main area.

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon on a deserted beach with a fully catered sumptuous cold buffet, ice cold drinks and delicious wines. Beach games and snorkeling around the fascinating rocks crowded with beautiful colourful fish - many only exclusively found around our island.

Walk down to our beach for a swim and a refreshing drink at our beach bar. Do as much or as little as you want. Lupita island is an experience that will stay with you forever, rustic luxury, unadulterated simple pleasure.

The Food of Love

Meals are always an important part of your stay on Lupita Island. Our menus are varied and often reflect the spices and culinary delights of the surrounding areas.

Many ingredients are sourced locally from the tiny markets scattered around the area to the fish caught by the local fishermen. A lot of time and care has been taken to source the best of Tanzania’s natural food resources. We now offer an 8 course taster experience at one of our dinners.

We can cater to a full compliment of guests who are celebrating a special occasion, weddings, anniversaries, family reunions or just couples on their honeymoon who want romantic meals for two. Small groups of friends catching up after months of stress. Dinners are never set up in the same place more than once. each evening is a culinary surprise.