Matemwe, Matemwe, Tanzania
#1 of 31 hotels in Matemwe
Guests' ChoiceBased on 218 hotel reviews
9.6Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.7
Location
9.3
Facilities
9.4
Staff
9.9
Value for money
9.2
Free Wifi
8.1
Real Bookers. Real stays. Real opinions.
Read more– opens a dialog boxEach review score is between 1–10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We're currently testing a weighted review system in Malta and Iceland (excluding hotel and vacation rental chains). For properties in these countries, the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate "subscores" in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money, and free Wifi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an accommodation that you booked through our platform if you stayed there, or if you got to the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialize in detecting fake reviews submitted to our platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team so that our fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we'd publish every review we get, positive and negative. However, we won’t display any reviews that include or refer to (among other things):
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out. We may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old, or if the accommodation has a change of ownership.
An accommodation can reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (e.g. language, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). You can sort and/or filter them by time of year, review score, and more.
Sometimes we show external review scores from other well-known travel websites, but make it clear when we do this.
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly, without limiting expression or strong opinions. They're also applicable regardless of the comment's tone.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, or the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and other similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties, and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options might be available (by type of traveler, by score, etc...).
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
End of dialog contentReviewed: June 26, 2024
Gianina
RomaniaEverything! The location, we had a room which was practically on the beach the view was amazing, we saw the sunrise from bed. The breakfast was delicious and all the staff were awesome people. We would definitely go back!
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: June 24, 2024
Aa-22
GermanyThe road to the hotel is in poor condition. It is no fault of the hotel but it does detract from the experience.
We had a fabulous stay at Marafiki Beach hotel! The entire hotel area was very peaceful and calm. Lots of comfortable seating arrangements in the pool area. The rooms were simply but tastefully decorated. The beds were very comfortable and there was lots of space to hang and store cothes. We had breakfast and dinner at the restaurant on all days. There was a good selection of dishes and plenty of vergetarian options. The food was excellent. We also enjoyed cocktails a few evenings at the charmingly decorated beach bar next door. We booked some treatments at the spa and it was fantastic. The location is great facing the sea and the massage therapist Happiness was very skilled! Highly recommentd. The hotel also arranged transportation for us at competitive rates. The highlight of the hotel was the wonderful staff. They were always very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Everyone from the cleaning ladies to the reception staff and the restaurant and bar personnel were smiling and helpful. Their friendliness and thoughtfulness really made our stay special. We look forward to visiting Zanzibar and staying at Marafiki beach hotel again.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: June 24, 2024
Abdulrahman
BahrainWhile our stay was overall enjoyable, there were a few areas that could use improvement. Firstly, the water pressure in our villa bathroom was quite low, affecting both the bidet and shower. This made it difficult to enjoy a proper shower. Additionally, the WiFi signal inside the villa was very weak, although it worked fine outside. Improving the internet speed would greatly enhance the guest experience. The food options for both breakfast and dinner were limited. Offering a wider variety of dishes would be beneficial. Being a tropical location, we expected some insects, but there were more mosquitoes and bugs than anticipated. For instance, when I picked up an umbrella from the restaurant lounge, a lot of insects crawled out, which was quite off-putting. Moreover, the umbrella handles were not clean. I would recommend using gloves or bringing your own umbrella if you need one.
Our stay at the hotel was fantastic. The staff were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. They helped us plan our excursions and activities in Zanzibar and even arranged all the transportation for us. The hotel was very clean, and you could tell they paid a lot of attention to detail. It made our stay feel very relaxing and pleasant. Everyone we interacted with was kind and helpful, always ready with a smile. Their hospitality made our stay really enjoyable. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and we highly recommend this hotel for its wonderful staff, cleanliness, and great service.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: June 14, 2024
Saad
CanadaExcellent service and staff Very relaxing energy
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: May 27, 2024
David
AustraliaNothing really
Perfect beachside location, comfortable room. Great food at reasonable prices and excellent cocktails
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: April 22, 2024
Katheryne
United States of AmericaWow! I was blown away by my wonderful stay at Marafiki. The staff were all SO lovely. The food at the restaurant was excellent. We were upgraded to the villa for our 4 night stay and it absolutely exceeded expectations. The spa services provided by Happiness were FANTASTIC! I cannot more highly recommend Marafiki, particularly if you're looking for a more relaxed experience.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: April 21, 2024
Naomi
United States of AmericaThe kindest staff of any hotel I've ever stayed at. They made the experience so stellar. The property itself is beautiful and relaxing - it was so nice to be able to walk steps away onto the beautiful beach.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: April 16, 2024
Hajra
GermanyThe staff was really wonderful, friendly, and helpful. My partner was a bit unwell, so they instantly arranged for a doctor to come for a consultation. Dr. Mohammad was great, and reassuring, even sent us some medicine and followed up after, which really helped my partner recover fast and made our visit very relaxed. The place is beautiful! The beach stunning!! The rooms are very clean, comfortable and spacious. They are designed to provide privacy together with a direct view of the sea, with the beautiful sound of waves at night and early morning, which makes it very special. We loved the fact that all materials used and architectural designs of the hotel were all local. Would highly recommend.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: April 10, 2024
Amy
United States of AmericaThis was the most amazing place we stayed at in Zanzibar (and we stayed at three different locations). In fact, it may have been the most amazing beach location I've ever stayed at in my life! Marafiki is a true gem. We were there for five days/four nights. Their service is exceptional - turn down service, cleaning service, responsiveness to anything you may ever need or want (e.g., booking excursions, questions about the area and property, etc.). The location is incredible - right on the beach, walking directly from your room onto the sand. The food was so memorable - we looked forward to their delicious breakfasts every morning and they have a wonderful variety of dishes and drinks. They mentioned their chef was trained overseas in Europe which makes sense. The place is also so clean and new - the bar area has a view overlooking the beach with a comfortable breeze and it was opened only a couple weeks before we arrived. Everything about Marafiki is beautiful and well thought out - from their decor to their landscaping to the comfy hammocks. An incredible getaway and a place I would love to return to.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: April 7, 2024
Irene
KenyaService, food, cleanliness, activities and infrastructure, all was fantastic
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: April 2, 2024
Karolina
SpainThis Zanzibar resort is just amazing, truly like paradise on earth! The rooms are spaciousness, beautiful and clean. The staff and owner are really friendly and helpful, making our stay even more enjoyable. The facilities and surroundings are simply the best! We had an amazing few days there and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: March 27, 2024
Paayal
United States of AmericaThe people of Marafiki were hands down the best part of our stay. Everyone was so hospitable and friendly. They went above and beyond in ensuring we were comfortable- giving us an early checkin and a late checkout even though we didn’t ask for it. On top of it the food there was just amazing, didn’t have to venture out to eat at all. The have a close engagement with the local community and run various activities that help them. It felt like family and we are sure to return
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: March 21, 2024
Faduma
United KingdomThe BEST staff. Really made me days 🫶🏾
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: March 5, 2024
Rachel
United KingdomHonestly, there's not much to improve! I would have liked a few more lounge chairs on the beach and it would be great to have more local / Swahili dishes on the regular restaurant menu (not just Sunday night at "Swahili dinner night").
Our room had a gorgeous view of both the pool and ocean and it was always quiet since guest rooms are quite spread out across the property. The restaurant and bar staff were super friendly and accommodating. Breakfast foods (both fresh fruits and made-to-order items) were excellent. Tons of activities offered (yoga, cooking class, live music, Swahili dinner food). Loved having water shoes and a kayak to use whenever I wanted. At high tide we could simply swim out in front of the hotel and snorkel without having to worry about sea urchins and there was lots to see (starfish, reef fish, sea cucumbers). Loved having bottled water always available to fill up my own reusable waterbottle. The hotel organised easy transportation to and from the airport (driver was on-time and friendly even though it was the middle of the night). Loved that the hotel used lots of bug spray and bed netting so mosquitos were not a problem. It was great having our room air conditioned to escape the humidity and heat outside.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: February 29, 2024
Jenni
FinlandMarafiki exceeded all our expectations. Such a beautiful boutique style gem! Food was great and beautifully set, staff always smiling and there for us, the villa we stayed was absolutely amazing with a huge balcony and spacious indoor space and the view just perfect… Could go on forever! Honestly, one of the nicest places we have ever stayed in Zanzibar.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: February 27, 2024
Delphine
FranceNothing
Everything was perfect !! Staff was very nice. Rooms wonderful. Perfect location too. Lots of activities
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: February 27, 2024
Louise
United KingdomNothing
We stayed in the Villa and it just perfect in every way. The place is beautiful and surprising spacious it also has its own pool. The food was good and the staff were very accommodating. We had a wonderful relaxing time. You can walk the beach for miles without seeing anyone, maybe we visited during a quiet time which did not bother us at all.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: February 18, 2024
Susannah
GreeceWe were initially given the incorrect room but it was soon sorted out. It would be good to have a few more fans in the restaurant. After the first night when I felt uncomfortably hot, I managed to sit under one of the two ceiling fans in the room.
The friendly staff, the location of our room, the wonderful breakfast, entertainment and my gin and tonic in the evening! Free yoga lessons and the swahili night with local food music, singing and dancing
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: February 11, 2024
Jeremy
United KingdomThe swimming pool had problems with ferrous staining.
Beautiful hotel in a wonderful location. Food was excellent and service excellent too. Magda the assistant manager was incredibly helpful and efficient.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: February 7, 2024
Zolt
United KingdomNot much the only thing I can think of is the signal posting of the hotel access. We were self drivers, so it mattered to us, as Google map doesn't really offer a fair navigation on the village dirt roads. But for those arriving by taxis, this is no issue.
The facilities and quality orientation and the all out service. The latter is very personal, flexible and just full hearted. For example the manager helped us sorting out a problem with local mobile-net provider, allowed a late checkout to enable us to take showers after snorkelling etc. Exceptional food and best fixed cocktails. Moody live music in the evening.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: February 7, 2024
Lukas
SwitzerlandA few maintenance challenges but learned that’s just part of Zanzibar.
Comfy bed, good food, great location, friendly staff. Booked the king suite with ocean views, well worth it, more private as upstairs, and ocean views.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: January 27, 2024
Melanie
ItalyVery kind staff with the most amazing food in Zanzibar! They also offer many free activities with a local guide such as reef tour, village tour and so on. Thanks a lot to the whole Marafiki team for making our stay memorable 🥰
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: January 19, 2024
Jonathan
United KingdomNothing. It’s stunning.
A quite stunning property right on the beautiful white sand beach, set amongst palm trees and tropical fruits, around a magnificent swimming pool. The room was ocean front, very spacious and very comfortable. The food, wine and cocktails in the restaurant and bar were wonderful. And very fairly priced. The breakfast each morning was outstanding. But what makes this place even more special are the incredibly attentive, professional and friendly staff. What a wonderful stay. Thank you.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: January 15, 2024
Shaun
FranceWe didn’t like leaving!
The room overlooking the ocean was fabulous. The food is absolutely fantastic, probably the best that we’ve eaten on our tropical holidays. Just so good. But, it’s the staff who make this just so wonderful. They are friendly but discreet, skilled but at ease. The best of Zanzibar. The beach is super for long walks and runs. The beach boys are respectful and do not insist once they know that you are not a potential customer.
Stayed in January 2024
Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.
We have more than 70 million property reviews, all from real, verified guests.
1
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.
2
When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more.
3
After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.
If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.
End of dialog content