Mbuyuni Beach Village

When you turn off the main road and bump along the track you might wonder what you've let yourself in for, but at the end of that short track is a delightful little hideaway opening out onto the Indian Ocean with bungalows hidden amongst the trees and located around a central bar/restaurant and swimming pool. My first impression was that it is a little tired and would benefit from some refurbishment (there are signs that rooms are being ungraded) but the simple fact is that everything is there, everything is clean and tidy, everything works although hot water can be a bit hit or miss and really, when you're sitting on a sunbed, beer in hand, watching monkeys in the trees and dhows sailing by, how can you get upset by a plasterwork crack or wonky tap? The staff are all pretty wonderful: friendly, helpful, laid back but still efficient and the cooks do consistently prepare really good food, and then there are the hotel pets. There are currently 3 dogs and 2 cats. They are all friendly, all appreciate fuss and your company and none of them beg at tables. It may not be your thing and they wont pester you if you don't want them, but we really enjoyed having them there. Located about half-way between Paje and Jambiani means that there are plenty of bars and restaurants within beach-walking distance and having hired a car we found that it was a good base from which to strike out across the island. However, last but not least, this is somewhere that allows you to relax as much as you want to or be as adventurous as you dare to be. We loved it.

Really lovely staff and great food. Quiet part of the beach with no beach boys or Masai. The property could do with a refurbishment and clean up - there was broken furniture and old swabs lying around and we had holes in our mosquito net and curtain that had sticky tape over them. It was however a budget price and you get what you pay for. We appreciated the kind attention from the staff.

Absolutely loved it. Quite, idyllic, peaceful. Beautiful pool area and gardens that are immaculate, monkeys came down to see us one morning which was entertaining. Food good and that and drink very reasonably priced. Cooked to order so there may be a wait but it's fresh. All staff friendly and helpful. Rooms basic but authentic and kept clean. Hoping to go back in December 2024

I’m here now,Idyllic if you want peace & quiet lovely secluded areas to sit or lay out. Nice sized pool, good sized chalets, I chose one with air con, should have saved my money completely ineffective, cooler out in the breeze of the restaurant. No hairdryer available, what hotel now doesn’t offer the use of a hairdryer ? Asked for a glass of wine with my meal, despite advertising wine by the glass told I couldn’t have one as they only have it by the bottle. If there had been a fridge in the room I would have bought a bottle but who wants to drink warm wine. Really liked this place on first sight but now quite disappointed with the set up.

A lovely small hotel with everything that I was looking for. Right on the beach with stunning views of the green/blue sea, good sized swimming pool, good sized bedroom with shower etc, never short of hot water, air-con and ceiling fan, excellent food, free bottled water every day, all in all very good value!

Wow! I have travelled around a bit, but for me this was a perfect place in an awe inspiring location. There are different levels of rooms, but I took a basic room. Located a few feet away from the most beautiful white sands, and azure sea. Yes it was basic but for me it added a sense of authenticity. The staff were very accomodating, always willing to help, friendly, and they were there to do their best to make your stay enjoyable. There are $100+ a night places up in Paje or Jambiani, hang out the with instagram crowds, but for me this was just perfect in a quietness and seclusion but not too far to take a stroll to the towns. I will never forget my time there and I am looking for ways I can come back as soon as possible. If you are expecting a 5 star hotel look elsewhere, but this place allows you to embrace being part of the authentic Zanzibar. Thanks to all the staff for making it a dream vacation. Asante!!!!