Marafiki Bungalows – Stay in Kiwengwa (Zanzibar), Zanzibar

Guest rooms at Marafiki Bungalows are housed in traditional bungalow units with dried palm leaf roofing and locally crafted furniture. Interiors are finished with ocean-colored overlays created on traditional looms, and each room offers a private balcony with sea views. The property includes two swimming pools, one with an infinity edge overlooking the Indian Ocean and a separate children's pool.

The onsite restaurant serves local Zanzibari and European cuisine, with a menu that includes fresh seafood, homemade pastries, and locally sourced fruits. Dinners can be taken at the bar overlooking the ocean and infinity pool, and the hotel regularly holds Swahili nights with live music and local dishes. A pool bar serves drinks during the day, and the staff can arrange packed lunches for excursions.

The spa and wellness center offers coconut oil massages on a platform that overlooks the Indian Ocean. In the evening, this spa platform becomes a dining area for guests seeking a seaside dinner. Daily yoga and Pilates sessions are held on the same deck, using the ocean breeze as a backdrop.

Guided tours to see the only Red Colobus monkeys are available on the property. Guests can explore the area on free bicycles and join bike tours or hiking trips. Water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and kite surfing are offered from the private beach, and the hotel provides shuttle service to a nearby sandy beach at low tide.

Marafiki Bungalows has a children's pool with a shallow end, a playground, and a games room with darts and board games. Babysitting can be arranged, and the restaurant serves kids meals with special diet options. Family rooms are available, and the hotel offers room service and packed lunches to make outings easier.

Location: Beachfront on Kiwengwa coast, 1-hour drive from Zanzibar Airport

Accommodations: Traditional bungalows with dried palm leaf roofs and ocean views

Dining: Local Zanzibari and European cuisine, Swahili nights

Spa: Oceanfront spa platform with coconut oil massages

Wildlife: Home to the only Red Colobus monkeys, guided tours

Family: Children's pool, playground, babysitting, kids' meals