Lodges in Kiwengwa

Zanbluu Hotel was absolutely incredible! From the moment I arrived, I felt completely at ease. As a first-time solo traveler, I couldn’t have chosen a better place to stay. The hotel itself is stunning, with breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere that made it feel like my own little paradise. The food was exceptional—every single meal was a delight. From fresh, flavorful breakfasts to the most delicious dinners, everything was prepared with so much care and attention to detail. I looked forward to every meal because I knew it would be amazing. My room was perfection—spacious, beautifully designed, and so comfortable. Waking up to the sound of the ocean and having my own private space to relax made the experience even more special. But what truly made my stay unforgettable was the staff. Every person I encountered was warm, welcoming, and went out of their way to ensure I had the best experience. Their kindness and hospitality made me feel at home. This trip was a huge step for me as a solo traveler, and staying at Zanbluu made it one of the best experiences of my life. I left feeling so happy, refreshed, and already thinking about when I can come back!

We had a really nice welcome, very kind and helpful staff and owner. The place is super clean and we slept very comfortably, it's nice and quiet. Great value for money.

It’s a good location close to the beach and restaurants. The lodge is beautiful with lawnchairs and lounges outside in a nice garden. Beachchairs available at 2 locations by the beach, only 5 min away. Breakfast was also great. Staff is very friendly and helpful, I enjoyed my stay a lot. Thank you!

​Thank You and Review for [Shooting Star Lodge Boutique zanzibar] ​I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the management and staff of Hotel for my wonderful stay from Arrival to Departure. This was not just a stay; it was an exceptional experience that exceeded all expectations. ​A Special Review of the Food Quality and the Chef's Skill ​The most outstanding and special part of my experience at the hotel was the food. I would like to give a special thank you to the chef and the kitchen staff. Their cooking was incredibly delicious and wonderful in every sense of the word. Every dish I tasted was a work of art, meticulously prepared and full of rich, distinct flavors that showcased a high level of skill and a true passion for the culinary arts. ​Quality and Cleanliness: The room I stayed in was exceptionally elegant and clean, which contributed greatly to my comfort and relaxation. The other facilities, such as [the beach was good view ], were also of the highest professional standard. ​Exceptional Hospitality: What truly distinguishes this hotel is its amazing team. Every single staff member was keen on providing excellent service with a constant smile, making me feel right at home. ​A Heartfelt Recommendation ​I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and special stay, especially for food lovers. Thank you for everything, and I look forward to visiting you again soon. ​Sincerely, REEM

I really like the property because the beds are very comfortable, and the overall aesthetic is extremely pleasing. It's a beautiful place. The fish served at dinner is so delicious.

It looks better than the photos. It is a home away from home. You really feel you can just relax as you would in your own place and leave your belongings all over without a hint of worry. Joyce is something else, one rarely meets people like her in the world, such an inspiration, and her evening stories kept everyone entertained and enlightened (guests eat together at night and it was lovely meeting people from France, Holland, Japan and America and discussing life. Two families that were there, were returning guests which is probably the best advertisement one can have for a place. She went over board in accommodating food requests for everyone , and often changed the set menu to accommodate teenage dietary requirements. The house has a bohemian feel to it and we sat in different nooks and corners all the time just watching the world go by. We went from here on our snorkeling trip from here which was perfect as they all depart 20 mins from this guesthouse (others had travelled for a LOT longer to get there). Joyce's dogs are very much part of the establishment which we loved, being an animal family.

Truly paradise on earth! The most peaceful and restful spot. Could not have asked for more and wished I had more time to stay at AFYA. Really special place to stay if you want to get away from the busier places on the island. The staff were excellent, Timothy was very attentive and the food was good.

I could honestly write a 10-page article in praise of Shanuo. Firstly, yes. It’s every bit as beautiful as the pictures would have you believe. (With that said, there’s no way to truly capture the beauty of this place through a camera lens. You just have to go there to see that for yourself). Surrounded by coconut trees and brightly coloured tropical flowers, the bungalows overlook the Indian Ocean - a morning dip is a must! My room was clean and comfortable and I was provided with everything I might need during my stay. Although Shanuo doesn’t have its own restaurant, I can honestly say this has no impact on your stay at all. The breakfasts are generous and Shanuo provides drinks and snacks (at a small fee) if you’re feeling peckish. There are several neighbouring properties along the beach with restaurants. I promise you won’t go hungry! Secondly, the staff are incredibly accommodating and helpful, and you’re guaranteed to be met with a friendly smile and an enthusiastic “Jambo” 100% of the time. If you need anything, you just need to look up and someone is there to assist. A big thank you to everyone at Shanuo, but especially to Na who brought my breakfast every morning and who I had lovely chats with, to Daniel who cut copious amounts of fresh aloe vera to tend my sun burn, and of course to the manager, Gillian, who is energetic, friendly and builds meaningful connections with her guests which she uses to tailor her travel tips especially to your needs. This team creates an atmosphere that truly makes you feel as though you’re ‘coming home’. There’s so much more that I could say, but anyone reading this will begin to think I’m exaggerating. I’m really not. Do yourself a favour and just book! I’ll certainly be coming back here on my next Zanzibar adventure.

Great staff, beautiful quiet location, and lots of wildlife.