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.

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.

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

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.

Our bungalow had a lovely aspect facing the ocean through gardens and the infinity pool. I think most of the bungalows would have had a similar view from the layout. Marafiiki was comfortable, relaxed and welcoming. The gardens and bar restaurant were all very nicely thought through and presented. We were staying Bed and Breakfast, but in addition used the restaurant about half of our time where the seafood was good and compared well to when we ate elsewhere. The setting was tranquil, the sea and gardens spectacular. The places was friendly and I enjoyed the evening calls and sightings of resident Bush baby.

Nothing of significance really. The aspect of our bungalow meant it could be quite dark inside. The decor/soft furnishings where generally excellent and only a very few things were tired and ready for a refresh. The coastline is fantastic, do be aware of the tidal range, as Marafiiki is on a slightly rocky stretch between beaches to the north and south. We found this good as it was far busier north in the Kiwengwa resorts. This just needed some beach swim / walks planning with the tides.

This is a beautiful retreat on the quieter side of Zanzibar. The food is excellent and you are in for a treat if you happen to stay during Swahili night with a buffet of local food and entertainment! There is a massage platform that overlooks the ocean complete with sea breezes, light spray from the ocean crashing on the rocks below all while having an expert oil massage…perfection! Esther, Sarah, Jackson and all the staff are fantastic and really take the time to get to know each guest and check in regularly to make sure all your needs are met. We were totally impressed!

The quiet location is great but if you are looking to get to the closer village it’s a good 40 minute walk or use the provided bikes. Not a big deal but FYI

The food and drinks were great. The staff was friendly. The hotel is eco-friendly. Very calm so great for couples escaping the hustle of stone town.

The taxi taking me to and from Marafiki bangalows confused it with its sister hotel Marafiki beach and spa. So make sure you order a taxi who knows the difference. Beach boys and sellers waiting to harass you the moment you go down the stairs to the beach. I was stopped 8 times in less than 1 hour. They all start with an interrogation (name, country, duration of stay) and then start selling you tours or souvenirs or their bodies (Massai boys targeting gullible white women with black magic and spells).

The location was perfect: quiet and scenic, but also conveniently located to reach different parts of the island. The accommodation was lovely and well maintained, we had a seafront bungalow so the view was also quite special. The whole property is beautiful and curated, from the gardens to the pool, and everywhere is so clean. We loved how every room has a stone basin to wash one’s feet before entering! The staff is amazing: so welcoming and friendly but also efficient and helpful. Regularly, they host local groups to perform in the evenings, as well as Swahili themed nights with a special menu. The food was the highlight for us though, as it was so delicious -and consistently so. And of course the adorable resident cat! Marafiki really stood out for us as we were treated so well, and we will definitely recommend this to our friends.

Nothing, it was all perfect.