Description

Simply put, we are a bunch of wide-eyed wanderers. Always yearning for new experiences, we travelled the world for years. And one day, on the coast of Africa, we suddenly found our own paradise; our place in the world. That day we vouched to never leave.

The place was called Kiwengwa, on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar. Here, far from the constant noise of towns and holiday resorts we decided to build our little hotel: the Marafiki Bungalows. This would be the place to host our friends, families and many more who would want to visit. We wanted it to be a place where you could feel happy and at ease; as when being on vacation with your best friends. In suahili, Marafiki simply means friends. This would be the perfect place to recharge your batteries, one that is far from civilisation and firmly rooted in its African nature, in harmony with the environment and the culture of its people.

In designing Marafiki Bungalows, we let ourselves be inspired by the native architecture of Zanzibar. Our raw materials are all local; the roofings are made of makuti - dried palm leaves. Building walls and fences are made of fito: twigs and palm wattle. This ensures natural ventilation without the necessity to add artificial air conditioning.

All furniture is hand-made by local craftsmen; no two chairs are identical. There are some true gems here, including an antique bed and dressing table we found in an old household. Even our lamps are hand-woven using local grass, hand-painted or precision-forged out of tin. The interiors are complemented with ocean-coloured overlays created using traditional looms. All this to truly let you experience the magic of Africa with all your senses.

Rooms Types

Junior Suite with Private Pool

Private Bathroom, Room Size 50 m², Also known as Honeymoon Suite, this unit features a spacious terrace with a private pool overlooking the ocean. It offers locally crafted furniture. The double bed is placed in the middle of the room. The open plan Bathroom has a double sink and shower cabin. The toilet is closed off.

Family Room with Garden View

Private Bathroom, Room Size 55 m², 1 Single bed and 1 double bed and 1 large double bed

Family Room with Garden View

Private Bathroom, Room Size 55 m², 1 Single bed and 1 double bed and 1 large double bed