Hotel

About us

We came up with the idea during family holidays in Zanzibar in July 2014.
Here, in Kiwengwa, on the Eastern coast of the island, far from the hustle of cities and resorts, we decided to build the small Marafiki Bungalows hotel. We wanted our friends, acquaintances and many new people to come and visit us. We wanted to make them them feel free and relaxed. Just like at a friend's place. Thus, we chose the name MARAFIKI, which means FRIENDS in Swahili. We dreamed of creating an ideal place of holiday restfar from civilisation while preserving African characteristics and living in harmony with nature and local culture.

We welcomed our first guests in December 2016.

After 2 years in operation we could proudly say that we have succeeded. Our guests leave Marafiki suntanned, relaxed and full of inspiration. Satisfied and happy. They send over their family and friends. We have had guests visiting us more than once, like on their honeymoon and on their first wedding anniversary. There are many connections made here that are continued after coming back home. Friendships are cultivated. We occasionally visit our guests in their places of residence, and that is when they play the role of hosts and guides. We get loads of nice feedback and commentaries. Thanks to very good reviews on Trip Advisor, Marafiki Bungalows was distinguished with several Certificates of Excellence.
Booking.com has appreciated our hotel as well. Our current rating (Feb 2025) is 9.2/10

In August 2021 we have opened a sister hotel in Matemwe. Marafiki Beach Hotel & SPA is dedicated only to adult guests.

There is only one thing that is not easy to accomplish in Marafiki: losing weight. The food prepared by our Zanzibar chefs is too delicious to be refused. Our most popular dishes include grilled octopus served on baked potatoes and tuna tartare with avocado. Traditional food lovers can enjoy exquisite pasta and homemade chicken nuggets. Vegetarians and vegans have a range of dishes to choose from as well. The absolute highlight of the stay here is our weekly Swahili Dinner - it’s a Zanzibar buffet dinner. This is a great opportunity to try many local delicacies accompanied by local music and dancing. You can feel the magic of Africa with all of your senses.

We know that for many guests a trip to Zanzibar is also their first encounter with Africa. They come here out of curiosity but also with many reservations resulting from coming to a different climate and culture. That is why our website provides you with many helpful tips which are regularly updated. We try to assist you even before coming here. Our “Travel Guide” bookmark is a source of information about journey, visa procedures, dress code, vaccinations and medical care. Our „Activities” bookmark gives hints about what is worth seeing and experiencing on the island and even outside it (safari). We personally test all of the attractions that we recommend, and we can book them for you with pleasure. We can call a taxi or help you to rent a car and obtain a local driving licence. Those who prefer to stay at the hotel can participate in free yoga classes or /and enjoy Zanzibarian massages, after which your relaxed body will smell of coconut oil. For the cooking fans we offer cooking workshops. Upon returning home you will be able to boast new skills preparing chapati or a curry smelling of Zanzibar spices. In this way the memories from the spice island will stay with you for a long time.

We'll make all your dreams come true

Trips

Although Zanzibar is not a big island, there are many places to visit here. The most interesting sights are described on our website in the Attractions bookmark. These are mainly natural attractions which allow you to get to know the local flora and fauna (mango trees, coconut palms, monkeys, turtles, dolphins). Some trips, e.g. those by quads, allow you to observe the life of villagers from a close distance. Lovers of sightseeing won’t want to miss out on a visit to the oldest district of the capital of Zanzibar: Stone Town. In the labyrinth of narrow streets there are many shops offering artifacts, paintings and clothes. We are willing to share hints and assist you in organising all kinds of trips. Just ask a receptionist or one of our managers.

Massage

Most of us live a hurried lifestyle, and we often struggle to find time for rest. Staying in Zanzibar is an ideal moment to take a break and to lie down for a while. Enjoy a full-body, hour long, relaxing massage with the use of coconut oil, accompanied by the soothing sound of waves. Take the time to calm your body and set your mind at rest. The platform built right at the ocean shore can accommodate two massage beds, thanks to which it can be used for couples massage, which we highly recommend.

Your massage can be ordered at the reception or from one of the managers.

Yoga

Staying at Marafiki Bungalows is relaxing. When complete with yoga practice, it is simply ideal. That's why we’ve created a special place for yoga - and it’s out in the open air while also sheltered to protect you from the sun. In the morning, when the sun is not yet scorching hot, it is nice to practice near the pool. Practicing yoga on the beach is a wonderful experience. You can practice on the soft sand during low tide. We provide comfortable mats for our guests, and they are blue, like the ocean.

For the active ones

To make it easier to visit the area, bikes are available for our guests. We recommend outings to the nearby caves, the village of Pongwe or the small supermarket in our village centre. We have bikes for adults as well as children above 7. You can pick them up at the reception. Bicycle rental is free of charge for our guests.

The beach is ideal for running at low tides. We have tried it and can readily recommend it. Especially in the morning, when the sun is not yet boiling hot.

An unforgettable dinner

Special occasion? Romantic evening? Or perhaps you’re longing to dine while enjoying the feeling of sand on your bare feet? We will gladly prepare a table on the beach for you. In the evenings, the massage platform, situated right at the ocean shore, transforms into a secluded place for an unforgettable dinner accompanied by the sound of the waves. Our cook can create an exceptional menu just for you.

Please arrange a date for this event with the manager.

Cooking workshops

Do you like discovering new tastes and learning how to cook them too ? Are you curious about where coconut milk comes from? Obviously, from the coconut! But how is it made? We recommend taking the time to cook together with our head chef. Aromatic curries and delicious fruit and vegetable salads include ingredients that are bound to surprise you. After coming back home you will be able to impress your friends with your newly acquired cooking skills!

Children in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an ideal place for holidays with children! As a mother of 3 children aged 8 to 18, I take full responsibility for this claim! My daughters have been enjoying vacations in Zanzi for a few years now. The youngest one came for the first time when she wasn't even 4 years old. The soft white sand is ideal for building sand castles which can be decorated with shells. The warm ocean invites you for a swim. For teenagers we offer snorkeling, diving or kite surfing lessons. Horseback riding on the beach is an amazing experience. Girls can return home wearing a beautiful henna tattoo. Visits at the spice farm, an encounter with monkeys or turtles, observing all of the stages of a butterfly's life cycle – all bring big doses of learning and fun experiences for children of all ages. What’s more, the islanders adore children. They show them a lot of kindness. Children can feel safe here.

The shops on the island have recently started providing nappies and baby products. The little ones can eat delicious natural bananas and other fruit.

Children at the hotel

Marafiki Bungalows has a swimming pool as well as a shallow wading pool. The additional area around the swimming pool is filled with sand: it’s our sandbox. We provide toy buckets, spades, rakes and molds.
Baby cots are available upon request. Our menu includes favourite kids’ dishes: spaghetti with smooth tomato sauce, pancakes with Nutella and bananas and delicious and healthy juices made from local fruit. We also make banana milkshakes.
KIDS MENU
We welcome families!