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Ngalawa Hotel & Resort

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Ngalawa Hotel & Resort

Honeymoon Suite (Superior) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace
Terrace/patio
2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Executive Suite | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace
Comfort Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View | Garden view

Reviews

6.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
Bububu, Kihinani, Bububu
  • Place, Masingini Forest
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Siso Spice Farm
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Kidichi Spice Farm
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Double Room (Deluxe)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Superior Double Room (Deluxe)

  • Garden view
  • 456 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite (Prestige)

Junior Suite (Prestige) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Junior Suite (Prestige)

  • Garden view
  • 434 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Executive Suite

Executive Suite | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Executive Suite

  • Garden view
  • 470 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Comfort Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

Comfort Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View | Living room | Flat-screen TV

Comfort Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 269 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Villa, 3 Bedrooms, Pool View

Superior Villa, 3 Bedrooms, Pool View | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Superior Villa, 3 Bedrooms, Pool View

  • 230 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Honeymoon Suite (Superior)

Honeymoon Suite (Superior) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Honeymoon Suite (Superior)

  • Garden view
  • 434 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Superior Twin Room

  • Garden view
  • 432 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Bububu

Ngalawa Hotel & Resort is located within a few miles (5 km) of Siso Spice Farm and Masingini Forest. This 58-room, 4-star hotel has 2 outdoor pools along with private in-room pools and 2 restaurants.

What's nearby

  • Masingini Forest - 6 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Siso Spice Farm - 7 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Kidichi Spice Farm - 7 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Slave Market - 14 min drive - 8.8 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 15 min drive - 9.0 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Lukmaan Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Secret Garden - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬13 min drive

About this property

Ngalawa Hotel & Resort

Ngalawa Hotel & Resort features 2 outdoor pools, a children's pool, and a gym. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a shuttle from the airport to the hotel (available 24 hours) for USD 20 per vehicle. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with concierge services, dry cleaning/laundry, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a sauna, free WiFi in public areas, and a hot tub.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include private pools, coffee makers, and free newspapers.
2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. Other recreational amenities include a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center.

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

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms. Services include massages.

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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 airport pick-up shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Sauna

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Private pool

Conveniences

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

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Conference center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels
  • Private pool

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

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 20 per vehicle (maximum occupancy 6)

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; cash is not accepted
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: 2:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals, you can take advantage of the airport pick-up service (fees apply). 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. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Ngalawa Hotel Resort Bububu
Ngalawa Hotel Resort
Ngalawa Bububu
Ngalawa Hotel & Resort Hotel
Ngalawa Hotel & Resort Bububu
Ngalawa Hotel & Resort Hotel Bububu

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

Ngalawa Hotel & Resort offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

As of Mar 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort on Apr 1, 2026 start from $105, including 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 can I see within easy reach of Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

This hotel is located in Bububu, close to Chapwani Island, Prison Island, and House of Wonders. You'll also find Kidichi Spice Farm and Masingini Forest within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

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

Is there a spa at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

Spa services at the hotel include massages.

Does Ngalawa Hotel & Resort include a casino?

No, Ngalawa Hotel & Resort doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools and a hot tub.

Is Ngalawa Hotel & Resort a good place to stay for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including a private pool as well as 2 outdoor pools and a bar.

Are there hot tubs at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

Yes, this hotel has a spa tub.

Does Ngalawa Hotel & Resort feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Ngalawa Hotel & Resort has 2 restaurants, and serves breakfast for a surcharge.

Will Ngalawa Hotel & Resort allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort.

Are there connecting rooms at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

The closest major airport to Ngalawa Hotel & Resort is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 11.5 mi away (47 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Ngalawa Hotel & Resort?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a balcony where guests can enjoy garden or pool views.

Ngalawa Hotel & Resort Reviews

Reviews

6.4
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 20 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Mimi

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Farid Ud Din

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would not recommend this at all. The clerk asked us to pay city tax up front and in cash, plus more than the amount invoiced by Expedia and government regulated amount. Room was filthy and dysfunctional. Had to be moved, but that wasn’t really that great. There did not seem to be guests other than us. The pool seemed to be filled by the children of one of the employees. Although the description says bar and breakfast, there is no bar or alcohol served. The staff offered to go and buy some for us but we had to pay them in cash. The food we ordered, took 2 and a half hours, it was good but absolutely ridiculous. As far as breakfast, nothing just a large pot of coffee. Everything about this place seems like it a front for something or just part of the Truman show. May have been something at one time, but that time has gone. Avoid it, like they avoid cleaning and providing the service they advertise.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Staff seem to do the best they can despite limitations, very picturesque in itself however was told to get cash to pay for food and expenses as their card machine was not working.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Tshikele

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
it was fine
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terence

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

A safe refuge in a chaotic island

The stay was very lovely compared to the surrounding parts of Zanzibar. You sometimes forgot there was a world outside the resort. The staff was very respectful and helpful. Grisham in particular was very professional, reliable, well-spoken with English, and was able to meet all our requests (including having breakfast made earlier than normal for our flight) with a smile. The food was good, and BiBi's restaurant is a short drive away if you desire something else. FOR UPPER MANAGEMENT: The executive suite was extremely spacious, but the fridge didn't open or seem to be on for us. The whole toilet tips over if you lean to the left, and the bidet pressure is WAY too strong. The shower stall leaks water, and it would be nice to have an actual dinner table since the room has the space. Lastly, give Grisham a PROMOTION! That man made our experience 10x better than it would've been without his help. If ever in Zanzibar again, i would stay here knowing I'd be in good hands!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Pierre C

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Gina

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Istar

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula

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

Great spot!

Great spot! The staff was very attentive and helpful. Especially Jennifer! The pool was clean and the pizza was delicious. We had a great few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Tatiana

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is absolutely nice and attentive to your needs. All the issues are solved within the minutes. The pools are always clean. Our room was spacy and nicely cleaned every day. The breakfast choice is excellent. The menu is good though sometimes you had to wait longer than expected. The beach is within a few minutes but the access is under reconstruction yet. The place is nice overall. Four stars :)
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

2/10 Terrible

Mrs MT

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Ngalawa in Zanzibar a no-no.

nice room but, bath leaked, shower, leaked, toilet leaked, badly built, neglected, dining room minimum 2 HOUR wait AFTER placing order then often the incorrect food is brought to the table e.g order was a hamburger, received grilled kingfish. Alcohol is allowed but not sold on premises - this should be stated up front - no shops nearby. Laundry took 3 days to get back - only after I chased it 4 times and then some items were incorrect. Getting a pool towel while at the swimming pool is also near impossible. No beach to speak of - photos are misleading. You should remove them from your site if you value your reputation!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019

6/10 Okay

Richard, London

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Nice hotel but a lot of improvement needed

Stayed in Ngawala over New Year for 4 nights. Although I was advised that the hotel was build over year and a half ago it still was missing a lot of basic stuff. The Executive Suite that I've rented was a top class with really wonderful finishes and commodities etc. unfortunately had to go to reception and ask for basic stuff to be brought to my room. The following items were missing: Kettle, toilet brush, hangers, batteries in the safe, rubbish bin. One thing really annoyed me was that after requesting batteries for the safe I was advised that I will get them the next day only. After leaving all the values and quite large sum of cash inside the safe unlocked went into hotel restaurant to have a diner with my coleague. This is when the things really turned from bad to worse. After ordering spaghetti Carbonara I ended-up waiting for over half on hour and only then the waiter turned-up and advised that they had no pasta. To top it-up my colleagues chicken was served with cold chips. We ended up paying for our beer and leaving the place with empty stomachs. After that we managed to get some pizza and upon returning to my suite I've noticed that someone was in my room while I was having a dinner as the curtains were closed. When querying the following day in reception I was advised that mosquito spraying staff has entered my room last evening. Ended-up giving a lecture to receptionist about who can enter my room without my permission. Overall really disappointed with service
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

Nadine Andrea

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

Nice staff

Low season, terrible breakfast. Neighbour hotel chuini saved this stay with amazing lunch and dinner. Comfty beds. Friendly staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

francesco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best Gym I found in an hotel (even a/c didn't work) . The room was enormous, clean and quiet. The Road for getting there Is in bad conditions, as the standard of the Island, excerpt main roads. Breakfast Is simple but good enaugh. Staff very helpful, a nearby beach Is very "authentic" with few europeans. Good experience.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Ottar Breivik

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

Nice rooms

Very nice and comfy beds, big rooms with high ceilings and bathtub. Unfortunatly the breakfast crew does not speak english, nor do they know to be on time. Also be ware of the beach boys roaming around the hotel wanting to «help» you but as a game older than father time just wants your money.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

2/10 Terrible

Maria

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stéphanie

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

Magnifique

Je ne sais par où commencer! J'ai vraiment aimé mon séjour dans cet hôtel. La plage se trouve à 5 minutes à pieds et il est relativement bien situé. L'hôtel est très calme et très beau avec 3 grandes piscines, il ressemble à un petit village. Il y'a beaucoup de verdure, c'est très apaisant. La nourriture est bonne. Tout le personnel est poli, accueillant, aimable et au service de sa clientèle et toujours avec le sourire. L'hôtel est très propre, la chambre était nettoyée tous les jours. Elle est spacieuse, lumineuse avec une moustiquaire au dessus du lit. A chaque étage, un espace fauteuil est aménagé, c'est très confortable ainsi que tout le reste du mobilier de l'hôtel. Je voyageais seule et me sentir en sécurité était important. Je me suis sentie à l'aise de la première à la dernière seconde. Je vous recommande fortement l'hotel, vous ne serez pas décus. J'y retournerai quand je reviendrai à Zanzibar! Encore merci pour tout!!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dalila

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Établissement très propre le personnel hyper gentil, roberto est un excellent réceptionniste, les 3 piscine de l’hôtel sont magique , hôtel isolé et calme très bien pour se détendre
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

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