The staff is outstanding. Gracious, kind, and always available to help.-and the food is always fresh, and delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here.

The tides recede quite dramatically every day and then come up in the afternoon. Make sure to be aware of that so that if you’re planning to just spend a whole day on the beach swimming, it won’t be possible. But there are other beaches very close by that the hotel will drive you to for free. So there’s always a way to find a beautiful beach.

We had a wonderful and regenerating stay at Marafiki. Structure is amazing, every bungalow has its own patio and all details are curated from interiors to the exteriors (common areas, pool, subbeds and restaurant). We were coming from Nungwui which is more chaotic and we really had relaxing 3nights, where we enjoyed meals at the restaurant and delicious included breakfast. I also experienced pilates class and massage. A special mention goes to the staff, very friendly and helpful. You guys made us feel at home! Very much recommended

The setting is beautiful, the gardens are lush and even if you don’t have a sea view room, you’re guaranteed a lovely view and brush full of creatures. The sea is a little rocky but we had no problem navigating the little beach and enjoying the privacy. The staff went above and beyond, we can’t sing their praises enough. Unfailingly friendly and pleasant. They treated us with such care and with incredible attention to detail. We loved our stay and would highly recommended Marafiki Bungalows to anyone visiting Zanzibar. I’ll really miss the property and all its lovely staff. Thank you for an amazing trip!

The location is a little out of the way but there’s great restaurants just ten to fifteen minutes drive away and the hotel is super helpful in organising cheap taxis.

We had a wonderful 4-night stay at Marafiki Bungalows in Kiwengwa. Our bungalow was beautiful, with lovely sea views and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. We stayed on a B&B basis and were really impressed with the breakfast – there was a great variety to choose from each morning. The location is right on the coast with stunning views from the pool area. There’s a long stretch of beach to explore, with direct access from the hotel, leading to water sports centers and other restaurants and hotels along the way. Just be sure to check the tide before heading out! Evenings were lovely with live music on some nights, adding to the relaxed and welcoming vibe. The staff were excellent – very friendly and helpful throughout our stay. We even had a visit from some lemurs, which was a unique experience (from a respectful distance, of course!). Highly recommend for anyone looking for a tranquil beach getaway with charm, great service, and beautiful surroundings.

We have had a fantastic time at Marafiki with a family of 7, including 3 generations. Although the hotel is advertised as 4 stars, the ambiance, food and the service feels like 5! The breakfast is amazing, they have their own pastry chef who bakes amazing bakery products every morning. They do not have a buffet but an extensive menu card from which you are free to order. There is no food wasted and everything is fresh! The lunch and dinner options are also excellent and there are also other hotels with restaurants in walking distance. The hotel offers several programs, we participated in the cooking class where the children learned to make chapati, there was yoga and a local dinner as well.

All was great although It felt like the space above the restaurant could have been used better - maybe a small gym would be great !

The staff were lovely, they really made an effort. The location was beautiful. Other reviews complained about not being able to swim in the sea, we swam every day. Rooms were beautiful, breakfasts were beyond expectations and food in general was really good. Our flight was delayed so we only arrived at about 1am and they were very understanding and accommodating about that. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Only complaint we had was that the taxi's that the accommodation booked for us were quite expensive. Sometimes they were pricier than the excursion. It didn't seem to be on par with the taxi prices we paid at other accommodation spots that were more remote.

Marafiki has Wonderfull large traditional bungalows scattered around a lush tropical garden. Many with direct sea view. The place is intimate, relaxed and peacefull. Away from the buzz and well managed. The restaurant is amazing! It was the best food we had during our 3 week trip and we loved the free water refil around the place. Having a small private beach there is not the hassle of normal other beaches. Lovely massage in a hut above the beach and many lying areas also in the shade and on the veranda. Absolutely loved it

There is not really a beach to swim. So you enjoy the pool but can use the beach much because of the tides, sharp corals just upfront and little sand with high tide

Authentic, step into a world of calm and easy familiarity with nature. It’s wonderful to see how well landscaped the Marafiki is; the views are so calming and looking out into the centre. The restaurant serves at times when people eat and it isn’t noisy with any loud music through the day. Massage facilities looking out to the Indian Ocean while the Marafiki Bungalows are so well priced for the comfort and emotional well being it offers. Don’t go to the staff! Esther and Justina were so helpful helping us get around with trusty Osman helping make this such a memorable experience. I’d return for sure!

Oh good old WiFi.

We had an AMAZING time at this hotel. The family room with ocean view was absolutely gorgeous, the beds were super comfortable, BEST FOOD we had on the island. Kids loved the pool and the beach. The staff was so friendly and welcome. The managers (Jastina, Ruth and Michal ) were always there with a smile and acomedat any request. I wish we could have book more nights but the place was full. Don't think twice! This is a wonderful place to stay in.

We loved everything! The wifi is very low so if you need to work it's better to get sim with data.

Ocean view as promised. Very comfortable and clean. Ease to plan excursions via reception. Very accommodating to our requests. Location, food choice and entertainment all great

Note there is a 4% charge on payments by card