Mbuyuni Beach Village

Mbuyuni Beach Village is a small boutique property with bungalows and a beachfront location. The grounds are a bit rugged with sand paths and natural vegetation. However, the hotel has attempted to make it feel welcoming with thatched umbrellas by the pool, hammocks splayed between trees, and outdoor swings with coverings. Guests check in at the restaurant, which is an open-air affair with red walls, tiled floors, a thatched roof, rustic wooden tables and chairs, and ocean views. It’s also the only place in the hotel with Wi-Fi, thereby attracting guests at different times of the day. With just 24 bungalows, the hotel is largely peaceful but is generally busy during the high season with couples, families, and friends alike. Though it’s a beachfront hotel, it’s by no means luxurious or modern and is for the traveler who doesn’t mind a rustic vibe and basic necessities.    

Mbuyuni Beach Village has a beachfront location on the east side of Zanzibar, about a seven-minute drive between the villages of Paje and Jambiani. The immediate area is filled with other small resorts and hotels. A few restaurants can be reached within a 20-minute walk. In terms of activities, Kuza Cave is a 26-minute walk from the property, while Jozani Forest takes 25 minutes to reach by car. For a day trip, Zanzibar Town -- which has most of the island’s main attractions -- is an hour’s drive away. It’s an hour’s drive to Kisauni Airport. 

The bungalows at this property have thatched roofs and are called bandas. Again -- this is not the best place for those accustomed to luxury or modern amenities, but for travelers who want an affordable beachfront location and don’t mind the rough nature of the units. The interiors are all different, but generally include wooden beds with white bedding and mosquito nets, stone or tiled floors, and some prints or patterns in curtains or wall colors. The design style is best described as rustic. Furniture has visible nicks and scratches and fabrics appear worn. The bungalows lack air-conditioning, TVs, kettles, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi. Units have patios with day beds, couches, or hammocks, and some have ocean views. Bathrooms vary and are a little worse for wear, too, with rusty shower heads or grime in the corners. They include showers with bowls to catch excess water and might have a bar of soap. 

Though the beach is the main highlight of Mbuyuni Beach Village, there are some other decent amenities on-site. For one, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool -- a good alternative to the coral-heavy waters of the beach. It’s surrounded by loungers and thatched umbrellas. There’s a restaurant and bar that serves European and Zanzibarian food, plus drinks like smoothies. Breakfast is included in the price and includes fruit, cheese, pancakes, sausages, eggs, toast, tea, coffee, and juice. Half-board options are available. Note that the restaurant only accepts cash. There’s an outdoor lounge with books to read, a pool table, games, and sports activities. Tours, massage services, and excursions can be booked upon request from the hotel. Laundry service and bike rentals are available here. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the restaurant and lobby area.