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Marafiki Bungalows

4.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Marafiki Bungalows

Outdoor pool
Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Garden View | Garden view
Bar (on property)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Latin American cuisine
On the beach, white sand, beach massages

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
Kumba Urembo, Kiwengwa, 2211
  • Place, Kiwengwa Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Kendwa Beach
    ‪59 min drive‬
  • Place, Nungwi Beach
    ‪59 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View | Beach/ocean view

Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 322 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Garden View

Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Garden View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Triple Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Garden View

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

Superior Triple Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Garden View

  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Superior Triple Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

Superior Triple Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 419 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Honeymoon Villa, Non Smoking, Ocean View

Honeymoon Villa, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Private pool

Honeymoon Villa, Non Smoking, Ocean View

  • 559 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Duplex, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

Family Duplex, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

Family Duplex, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 592 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Duplex, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Garden View

Family Duplex, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Garden View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

Family Duplex, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Garden View

  • 580 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Kiwengwa

Located within a leisurely stroll of Kiwengwa Beach, Marafiki Bungalows is within a few miles (5 km) of Pongwe Beach. This 19-room, 4-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Kiwengwa Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Mapenzi Beach - 14 min drive - 6.3 miles
  • Muyuni Beach - 19 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Kendwa Beach - 59 min drive - 24.7 miles
  • Nungwi Beach - 59 min drive - 25.6 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Wok - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Spice Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Gabi Beach - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Namaste Indian restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪z-lodge zanzibar - ‬19 min walk

About this property

Marafiki Bungalows

Family-friendly hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool
At Marafiki Bungalows, guests enjoy features like an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and free WiFi in public areas. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 45 per vehicle one-way. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with tours or tickets, luggage storage, and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this beach hotel include coffee/tea in a common area, a library, and a terrace.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer free toiletries. Furnished balconies, private yards, and refrigerators are also available.
An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Marafiki

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Children's pool
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Family friendly

  • Baby toys
  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • Children's pool
  • Children's toys
  • High chair
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Deep-tissue massages

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges 4 percent for credit card payments
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Pet weight must not exceed 22 lbs per pet

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 45 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 4 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to midnight.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

Property is also known as

Marafiki Bungalows Hotel Kiwengwa, zanzibar North
Marafiki Bungalows Hotel
Marafiki Bungalows Hotel Kiwengwa
Marafiki Bungalows Hotel
Marafiki Bungalows Kiwengwa
Hotel Marafiki Bungalows Kiwengwa
Kiwengwa Marafiki Bungalows Hotel
Hotel Marafiki Bungalows
Marafiki Bungalows Kiwengwa
Marafiki Bungalows Hotel
Marafiki Bungalows Kiwengwa
Marafiki Bungalows Hotel Kiwengwa

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Marafiki Bungalows?

Marafiki Bungalows provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Marafiki Bungalows?

As of Dec 2, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Marafiki Bungalows on Dec 5, 2025 start from $95.65, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do near Marafiki Bungalows?

This hotel is located in Kiwengwa within a short 6-minute walk of Kiwengwa Beach. Pongwe Beach is also within a driving distance of 2.9 mi.

Is there parking available at Marafiki Bungalows?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at Marafiki Bungalows?

Spa services at the hotel include deep-tissue massages.

Does Marafiki Bungalows include a casino at the property?

No, Marafiki Bungalows doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Marafiki Bungalows?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 6:00 AM and midnight.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Marafiki Bungalows?

This beachfront hotel offers many amenities for couples, including Champagne service as well as an outdoor pool and a poolside bar.

Are there hot tubs at Marafiki Bungalows?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Marafiki Bungalows feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Marafiki Bungalows serves free cooked-to-order breakfasts at Marafiki each morning.

Will Marafiki Bungalows allow pets to stay for free?

Yes, pets stay free at Marafiki Bungalows.

Are there connecting rooms at Marafiki Bungalows?

Yes, you can book connecting guestrooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

Where is the closest airport to Marafiki Bungalows?

The closest major airport to Marafiki Bungalows is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 28.7 mi away (74 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Marafiki Bungalows?

Yes, every guestroom at Marafiki Bungalows comes with a furnished balcony with some featuring ocean or garden views.

Reviews

Marafiki Bungalows Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Carol

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a beautiful and quiet hotel. Staff and food were excellent, lovely big rooms. Shame the sea is tidal and not the prettiest but the hotel is lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Aaron Lamar

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family was grateful for the last minute accommodations. The staff was pleasant and efficient in both checking in and out of the property. I know it was a necessity but the room had a heavy aroma of bug spray.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Herbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazingly quiet and peaceful. Exactly what I needed to unwind. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful in every way possible. I will return.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clare, Inverness shire

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you are looking for a proper escape to a quiet paradise then look no further. The Marafiki bungalows are set in lush greenery with steps down to the sea. There is a lovely pool but no real sandy beach, though with swimming shoes, you can get down easily to swim when the tide is in. The restaurant is fantastic with a brilliant breakfast menu setting you up for the day and a wide variety of choices for the evening meal, all beautifully cooked. However what makes this place really special are the staff! Always willing to help and have a smile and "jambo" to greet you. From previous reviews I had thought that it might perhaps be quite couple orientated but actually there were several families so actually this place is perfect if you have kids and don't want the big resort vibe. It is a little removed from the main road so you can really feel quite secure and completely disconnected from everything. However, if you do want to do trips then Justina or Esther will happily organise everything for you. This really is a little haven of paradise.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Kathryn

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rizwana

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent property with lovely helpful staff on the beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanna Petrucelli, kissimmee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had an amazing stay at this resort. The place was amazing. I didn’t want to leave. The food was so delicious. Breakfast was amazing and the staff were great. I would stay here again in less than a heart beat.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Casey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommend the Marafiki Beach Hotel & Spa In Zanzibar. Picturesque location on beautiful & luscious grounds with authentic sounds of nature, the feel of tranquility, and all your needs catered to by efficient & friendly staff. On our 1st day there, we arrived late in the day and the kitchen stayed open just to serve us a hot meal. Gorgeous Outdoor seating, which is always my preference, with bowls of locally grown fresh fruits and homemade breads prepared for us to share with one other. The beach was a few short steps away, along with free transport to another beach, and they easily orchestrated any day trip or excursion we could think of. A small bush baby made his way to dinner one evening for entertainment and sang us to sleep each night. Skinks galore in the lush gardens and Thursday night we were treated to live entertainment while we relaxed in the pool. And to top it off-on the last day, they packed up a nice breakfast to go, because they knew we were leaving on an early flight and would miss their yummy breakfast.

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thank you very much for accommodating our needs to shorten our stay from 4 nights to 3 nights. We enjoyed our stay very much, a perfect place to relax after our safari trip.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Andy

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
good : staff at the front desk were trying to help out . neutral : food in the restaurant was hit or miss , sometimes good , sometimes bad bad : I don't normally write bad reviews, but maybe they can do some improvements . there was a bad smell coming from the toilet , we were in room 7b , we turned on the a/c to mask the smell and I became sick with runny nose and flu like symptoms. They tried to switch us to another room , but they were fully booked and we got stuck in there 2 nights . They need to figure out where the smell is coming from.

10/10 Excellent

Ioan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lajos Zoltán

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The management did everything for us! This was my best holiday ever! The bungalows are amazing and unique! All the staff members are amazing! The food was fresh and so tasty! It was like a big family
Stayed 13 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very peaceful hidden spot in Kiwengwa. This is definitely a location for those that want to be away from the hustle and bustle of a busier city center. We were able to go to tours from this location, with Stone Town being about an hour away, but we enjoyed spending time lying lazily by the pool. The restaurant had good food and the staff was very kind and accommodating.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Logan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly recommended boutique hotel

Extended stay for 1 more night due to attending diving course. Was moved to an even nicer room facing the ocean. Would highly recommend this boutique hotel
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

Logan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay in a nice boutique accomodation

Came as a solo traveller. Excellent service & accomodation in this chic boutique hotel. Would highly recommend another stay
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The place is amazing with brilliant staff. There was a mix up with my room and double booked
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

sari

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Henkilökunta oli aivan mieletön. Ranta oli huono ja leväinen, mutta uima-allas hyvä.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Trevligt litet och personligt hotell

Trevligt litet boutiquehotell. God mat och bra service. Hela kusten har stor inverkan av tidvatten- bra att veta. Men fin pool finns.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey Willem Derk

Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Florence

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nous avons passé un bon sejour dans cet établissement où le personnels sont d'une gentillesse et attention remarquable. Nous avons pu organiser des excursion avec laide de la réception et avec une très grande facilité. Le cadre est vraiment fait pour se ressoucer dans la tranquillité d'une bulle naturelle et verdoyante au bord de l'océan. Je le recommande vivement
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pontus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Truly a hidden gem!

The pictures don’t do it justice - the surroundings are absolutely beautiful, the forresty vibe together with it being beautifully placed on the beach, as well as the rooms. 10 out of 10! What should have even higher praised are the entire staff. So welcoming, so nice, incredibly keen on you having the best possible experience while visiting and giving you the space needed to just relax. 15 out of 10! Food is great, rooms are great, their house cat Tiger is amazing, and the closeness to nature (seeing bush babies etc) just adds to the experience. Highly recommend Marafiki for your visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luís

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sascha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small resort with very friendly and helpful staff. Excellent food and very nice bungalows with african look & feel.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024