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Summary of reviewsMarafiki Bungalows is a tranquil oasis, nestled away from busy resorts, ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation. Located amidst lush, green surroundings with stunning ocean views and direct beach access, it offers a tropical forest retreat-like experience. The bungalows, situated by a cliff, provide breathtaking sea vistas and a serene infinity pool area, making it perfect for unwinding. While the beach may have seaweed and tidal challenges, the hotel's lush garden landscape and calm ambiance compensate for it. Nearby, guests can visit Stone Town and enjoy activities like snorkeling and dolphin trips.
The breakfast at Marafiki Bungalows is widely praised for its quality and variety, featuring fresh fruits and beautifully cooked eggs. The ocean view enhances the dining experience, despite a few guests wishing for more variety and larger portions. The dinner experience is exceptional with the restaurant serving delicious and varied cuisine, including standout dishes like the catch of the day. Special events, such as the Wednesday buffet with local music, further elevate the dining experience, complemented by friendly and attentive staff.
Accommodations are well-maintained and tastefully decorated, offering spacious and clean rooms with modern designs, ocean views, private terraces and sometimes small pools. The hotel's family atmosphere and friendly staff, particularly manager Esther and guest relations manager Justyna, ensure a home-like yet luxurious stay. Cleanliness is a standout feature with impeccably maintained rooms and facilities, supported by daily cleaning services.
The pool area is a highlight, boasting a spacious infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the ocean view. Clean and inviting, it is a perfect spot for families and couples alike. Free bikes, kayaks and a pool table are thoughtful amenities adding to the guest experience. The staff’s friendliness and attentiveness contribute significantly to the relaxing atmosphere, making guests feel like family.
While the WiFi can be weak and inconsistent in rooms, it generally suffices for basic needs in some areas. The beach presents challenges like seaweed and tidal shifts, but the hotel's pool and a created sandy area offer enjoyable alternatives. For better beach conditions, a free shuttle is available to nearby beaches.
For families, the bungalows provide spacious accommodations with sea views and terraces, a cozy lounge, an on-site restaurant with a kids' menu and a baby pool. The family-friendly vibe and helpful staff make it a safe and enjoyable retreat for all ages. Beds receive mixed reviews with some finding the mattresses too hard, though many praise their comfort and high-quality linens.
Marafiki Bungalows is also ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway with a serene atmosphere perfect for creating unforgettable moments. The private dinners on the terrace, honeymoon suite with a private pool and picturesque location enhance the romantic experience. Overall, Marafiki Bungalows offers an idyllic escape with commendable service, beautiful surroundings and a relaxing ambiance. Show more
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Hotel near The Beach
Located on the beach in Kiwengwa, Marafiki Bungalows offers immediate access to the ocean. Its beachfront setting allows guests to easily enjoy the sand and sea.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel features a kids' pool, free parking, and free cooked breakfast. It also has a restaurant and free in-room WiFi. The hotel's beachfront location is ideal for families.
Hotel with Parking
The hotel provides free private parking on site. Reservation for parking is not needed. Free self parking is available onsite.
Small Hotel
These bungalows in Kiwengwa offer a cozy and intimate setting, perfect for a charming getaway. The hotel provides a relaxed and personalized experience.
4-Star Hotel
Located on Kiwengwa beach, this hotel offers direct beach access. It features an outdoor pool and a restaurant specializing in Latin American cuisine. Guests can enjoy massages and complimentary wireless internet access.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This property features an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Additionally, some of its rooms and villas are equipped with private pools and a plunge pool, offering exclusive relaxation options.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel with Spa
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Panoramic View Pool Private Pool Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Private Pool Rooms
Hotel with Panoramic View Pool
Room Types
Deluxe Double Room with Sea ViewThis spacious double room features a terrace and sea view. It offers locally crafted furniture, a safe and refrigerator.
Junior Suite with Private PoolAlso known as Honeymoon Suite, this unit features a spacious terrace with a private pool overlooking the ocean. It offers locally crafted furniture. The double bed is placed in the middle of the room. The open plan bathroom has a double sink and shower cabin. The toilet is closed off.
Double Room with Garden ViewThis garden facing double room has a closed off with a wooden fence. It offers locally crafted furniture. There is a spacious double bed, a safe and refrigerator.
Deluxe Triple Room with Sea ViewIt offers locally crafted furniture. There is a safe and refrigerator.
Aside from a double bed, it also features a single bed for a child or an adult.
Deluxe Triple RoomOverlooking the garden, this triple room has locally crafted furniture. There is a safe and refrigerator and, a closed off with a palm fence.
Aside from a double bed, the room also has a single bed for a child or an adult that can also be used as a reading place during the day. The bathroom is open plan with a sink and the toilet is closed-off entirely.
Family Room with Sea ViewThis room features a a mezzanine with access through wooden stairs. the room also has a safe and a refrigerator and the bathroom includes a sink, a toilet and a shower cabin.
Family Room with Garden ViewThis room features a mezzanine with access through wooden stairs. The room also has a safe and a refrigerator and the bathroom includes a sink, a toilet and a shower cabin.
Guest Reviews
9.1
Excellent
Location
Nestled in a secluded and tranquil area away from bustling resorts, Marafiki Bungalows offers an idyllic escape for those seeking peace and relaxation. The hotel's location is beautifully immersed in lush, green surroundings, making it feel like a tropical forest retreat. With its gorgeous property, stunning ocean views and direct beach access, guests are consistently delighted by the serene environment and beautiful garden landscape.
The bungalows are situated by a cliff, providing breathtaking sea vistas and a lovely swimming pool area that offers an infinity edge overlooking the ocean. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, perfect for unwinding without the distractions of nightlife or crowded tourist destinations.
While the slightly isolated location might mean fewer nearby attractions, it ensures a restful stay. Guests can easily visit Stone Town and partake in activities like snorkeling and dolphin trips. The secluded setting also means that the beach itself might not be the best in the area due to seaweed, but the stunning views and calm ambiance more than make up for it.
The helpful and accommodating staff contribute significantly to the overall experience, providing excellent service and ensuring that guests feel at ease. Additional amenities, such as free bikes, kayaks, a pool table and incredible fresh fruit cocktails, add to the charm of this wonderfully located hotel.
Overall, Marafiki Bungalows is an ideal spot for lovers of tranquility, nature and picturesque ocean views, offering a splendid retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Marafiki Bungalows receives widespread praise for its quality, variety and taste. Guests frequently describe the breakfast as excellent, plentiful and very tasty with many noting the inclusion of fresh fruits and beautifully cooked eggs. The ocean view adds an extra dimension to the dining experience, making it particularly enjoyable.
The food in general was commended for its superb flavor and perfectly balanced taste with specific mentions of standout items like shakshuka and mango smoothies. The ability to compose one's own breakfast is another appreciated feature, enabling a personalized start to the day.
However, a few guests felt that the breakfast options were somewhat limited with a desire for more variety and larger portions. Despite this, the majority of reviews highlight breakfast as a major highlight of the stay, emphasizing it as one of the best features of the hotel, especially when compared to others at similar price points. In essence, Marafiki Bungalows offers a delightful and satisfying breakfast experience that leaves most guests extremely pleased.
Dinner
Marafiki Bungalows offers an exceptional dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on its guests. The hotel's restaurant consistently receives high praise for its well-prepared and delicious food, often described as incredible and some of the best in Zanzibar. Many guests found the food so good that they felt no desire to dine elsewhere.
The cuisine is noted for its variety and the ability to match seasonal offerings with many standout dishes such as the catch of the day and a delicious rice with curry. Guests appreciate both the quality and affordability of the meals with lunch and dinner being particular highlights. Special dining events, like the Wednesday buffet with local music and dance and Saturday's local menu, add an extra layer of enjoyment to the culinary offerings.
The restaurant doesn't just excel in food quality; guests frequently commend the wonderful and smiling staff, praising the top-notch service that accompanies each meal. Additionally, the dining facilities are considered excellent, featuring spectacular beach views which enhance the overall experience.
In summary, Marafiki Bungalows' restaurant delivers a memorable and delightful dining experience, characterized by exceptional food, diverse menu options, affordable pricing and superb service.
Rooms
Marafiki Bungalows offers an exceptional stay with its well-maintained and beautifully decorated accommodations. Guests repeatedly highlight the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms, which feature modern designs and cozy furnishings. Many rooms come with stunning ocean views, private terraces and even small pools, providing a perfect setting for relaxation. The bungalows are positioned right by the beach, allowing for an extraordinary experience with the sound of the waves in the background. High-quality linens, comfortable mattresses and stylish decor add to the comfort and appeal.
The hotel maintains a family atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home, supported by friendly and attentive staff. Special mentions go to Esther, the manager and Justyna, the guest relations manager, for their exceptional service. The common areas, including a lovely pool facing the ocean, also receive praise for their comfort and aesthetic appeal. Surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden, the bungalows' location enhances the overall serene and luxurious experience. Both the accommodation and common spaces are consistently described as comfortable, spacious and inviting, promising a memorable and rejuvenating stay for all guests.
Beds
At Marafiki Bungalows, the beds receive varied feedback from guests. Many find the beds to be super comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep with the quality of the mattresses and pure white cotton bed linen being notably high. However, numerous guests report that the mattresses are quite hard, which some found to be uncomfortable, particularly for adults. In contrast, teenagers seemed to find the firmness acceptable. Some beds also make slight noise, which may affect light sleepers. Overall, while comfort is often praised, the hardness of the mattresses is a recurring point of concern.
Cleanliness
Marafiki Bungalows has received very positive feedback regarding its cleanliness. Guests consistently describe the hotel as clean, tidy and well-maintained. Facilities, including the pool and rooms, are frequently mentioned as being extremely clean. The overall structure of the hotel is not only welcoming but also impeccably maintained.
Rooms are modern, spacious and spotless with high levels of hygiene being a standout feature. Daily cleaning services ensure that both the property and rooms are kept in top condition. Guests appreciate the sparkling clean bungalows, which are ideal for a relaxing stay, providing tranquil and idyllic surroundings for couples and families alike. The accommodation is described as beautiful and equipped, adding to the overall positive experience.
In addition to immaculate cleanliness, the hotel offers a few thoughtful amenities, such as free bike and kayak rentals, a pool table, water refill stations and hammocks, enhancing the guest experience. With its consistently high standards, Marafiki Bungalows ensures a comfortable and pristine environment for all visitors.
Staff
The reviews for Marafiki Bungalows highlight the exceptional friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. Guests consistently describe the team as welcoming, warm and exceedingly helpful, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The management is noted for their accommodating nature and quick resolution of any concerns, ensuring that every guest feels like family. Whether it’s the smiling faces, attentive service or the personalized care, the staff goes above and beyond to make stays enjoyable and memorable. The collective effort of the entire staff, from maintenance to catering, ensures a high level of professionalism and attention to detail, leaving guests feeling cared for and satisfied.
Wi-Fi
Marafiki Bungalows offers a beautiful beachfront experience, but it's worth noting that the WiFi connection receives mixed reviews. While it works well in some areas, particularly the beachfront, guests have found it to be weak or inconsistent in their rooms. There are mentions of the connection being too slow and often not covering the whole room, which might be a concern for those needing reliable internet for work. Overall, the WiFi seems to be sufficient for basic needs in certain parts of the hotel, but improvements could definitely enhance the experience for all guests.
Pool
Marafiki Bungalows offers guests a serene retreat with a standout feature: its remarkable pool area. The spacious infinity pool seamlessly blends with the view of the ocean, creating a stunning horizon that guests can't get enough of. Families with children will find it particularly delightful, as the little ones are captivated by the swimming experience. Sun loungers are plentiful, ensuring a relaxing spot for everyone to soak up the sun.
The pool area is consistently praised for its cleanliness and is nestled in beautifully maintained gardens, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Guests appreciate the thoughtful integration of the pool with the ocean view, providing a picturesque setting that is perfect for swimming and unwinding. The pool is also complemented by a cozy restaurant and bar area, offering a pleasant dining experience with a breathtaking backdrop of the sea.
The hotel staff adds to the positive atmosphere with their fantastic service and welcoming demeanor, making visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive. Whether it’s enjoying the sunset from the lounge chairs or taking advantage of the well-equipped amenities like beach towels, bikes and canoes, guests are treated to a comprehensive and enjoyable stay. Overall, the pool at Marafiki Bungalows is a highlighted gem, offering both beauty and functionality in an idyllic oceanfront setting.
Beach
The beach near Marafiki Bungalows offers a mixed experience for guests. While kids enjoy the beach and the setting is described as beautiful with a tropical garden and sea views, the beach itself poses several challenges. The shoreline tends to accumulate seaweed and can be muddy, making it less inviting. At low tide, the beach becomes rockier and less accessible and the area directly in front of the hotel is affected by significant tidal shifts.
Swimming can be difficult here due to the rocky and seaweed-covered conditions and access to the beach requires navigating rocky areas. However, the hotel compensates with a lovely infinity pool offering sea views and a created sandy area near the pool. There is also a private beach area, although it's quite small.
For those seeking better beach conditions, the hotel provides a free shuttle to a nearby beach. The hotel itself often hosts engaging programs such as live music and special dinners, adding to the overall pleasant stay despite the less favorable beach conditions.
Family
Marafiki Bungalows stands out as an ideal destination for families, offering a beautiful and cozy bungalow-style boutique hotel with a distinct family atmosphere. The accommodations include spacious family rooms with stunning sea views and terraces, perfect for relaxation and taking in the serene surroundings. Guests consistently praise the hotel for its family-friendly vibe, safety and privacy, making it an excellent choice for parents traveling with young children and teenagers.
The hotel boasts a large, cozy lounge on the terrace, providing a welcoming space for families to unwind together. The on-site restaurant offers a delectable variety of dishes with a special kids' menu that delights younger guests. Parents and children alike enjoy the pool facilities, which include a baby pool to cater to all ages.
Staff at Marafiki Bungalows are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The overall setting is tranquil and authentic, providing a perfect retreat for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether staying for a few days or an extended vacation, Marafiki Bungalows offers a family-oriented and idyllic experience that steals the hearts of its visitors.
Romantic
Marafiki Bungalows proves to be an idyllic spot, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or honeymoon. The serene atmosphere provides a calming escape from the hustle of Stone Town, making it ideal for those in search of tranquility. The charming environment, paired with the hotel's peaceful ambiance, lends itself to creating unforgettable romantic moments. Many visitors highlight the honeymoon suite as a notable feature, boasting its own private pool, which adds to the exclusivity and romance.
For those looking to make special memories, the private dinners on the terrace with breathtaking views offer a touching experience. The hotel's picturesque location, described as a little paradise, allows couples to relax by the pool while soaking in the view of the turquoise sea. The ambiance, coupled with the friendly and welcoming staff, fosters a home-like yet exotic feel, making one reluctant to leave.
In one instance, a guest's boyfriend proposed on the hotel's beach, highlighting Marafiki Bungalows as not just a romantic destination but also a place where lifelong memories are made. The hotel’s idyllic setting and family atmosphere contribute to a truly exceptional stay, making it an outstanding choice for a honeymoon or any romantic occasion.
Yes, Marafiki Bungalows has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Panoramic View Pool, Private Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Marafiki Bungalows.
No, Marafiki Bungalows doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Marafiki Bungalows.