As everyone’s already mentioned the road to get to the lodge is quite challenging but it’s worth it and not the owners fault as it’s the government’s responsibility to fix it.

We loved the location, the garden, and beach area are really well kept and taken care of. The views are absolutely stunning.

Stayed in August 2025

The road there is bad, but it's worth it. The bed was two separate matrasses with a hard part in the middle which was not great. Food preparation takes a long time, but they inform you about this & advice you to order one hour in advance.

A lot nicer than on the pictures. The area is amazing, very large property with real jungle vibes & so many cosy areas to relax. The restaurant is cosy and has a good offering of various foods. It's also very nice that you are still connected to the local life on the beach & the little boat restoration area next to the hotel. The sultan palace ruins are also beautiful. The owners are very nice and you can see they care about the property and surroundings, perserving as much as possible of the nature. We especially liked the outside shower with only lush green surrounding us.

Stayed in August 2025

There was lots of bugs after sunset. No water in the rooms, you have to go get water at the restaurant by bottle. The worst road from the main road to the lodge i have ever seen, 20min drive (1km)

The breakfast was excellent—fresh, flavorful, and a great start to the day. The location couldn’t be better, with easy access to everything and consistently good food throughout. The beach area was truly exceptional, offering stunning sunsets that were best enjoyed with a cold beer in hand. A perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.

Stayed in July 2025

The road to get to it is terrible, definitely needs sorting out. There is nothing else really around it so you have to eat and drink in their restaurant which I thought was expensive. There was a problem with electricity most days but this was a minor inconvenience.

The hotel itself was wonderful the grounds are fantastic and my room was lovely. There are two bars and a good swimming pool. It is located on a small beach but the hotel has a lovely sandy area looking over the beach which is lovely and has great sunbeds. A beautiful hotel for totally chilling for a few days

Stayed in July 2025

It was far from everything else and stonetown and the airport

The nature and beauty, it was tastefully decorated

Stayed in July 2025

We had a great time at Mangrove lodge, such a special place! The owners and staff are super kind, the lodge is wonderful and unique, with nature and history and very tasty dishes at the restaurant.

Stayed in July 2025

The logd organisation

Hotel owner and his family are very welcome & helpful with the hotel staff.

Stayed in July 2025

It’s not something to put you off, just be aware that the road to get to the lodge is a bit tricky so plan accordingly.

Get down to the beach front, it’s the best part! The beach is full of life evenings and there are plenty of comfortable places to hang out and have a drink. I particularly liked the range of different lying / seating options.

Stayed in July 2025

Difficult to reach

Very well kept and surrounded by many plants

Stayed in June 2025

An idyllic, quiet location right in the middle of the mangrove. A warm welcome from all the staff working there. Spacious, comfortable, and clean rooms with an outdoor shower. The breakfasts and all the meals were delicious and tasty. Everything was perfect, like a dream. I felt in peace at home.

Stayed in June 2025

The road to the lodge is in bad condition so will asd time to your journey but the lodge is worth the effort.

Lovely lodge and the staff were very helpful and welcoming. The surroundings are beautiful and the accommodation is very clean and has everything that you need.

Stayed in June 2025

The food was not good enough. Limited options. Breakfast undercooked or overcooked and dry.

The site is very beautiful.

Stayed in June 2025

No refrigerator, although not required. Undeveloped road, so not entirely good for walking. Need transport

Quiet, comfortable, authentic, unique location and lodging. Beautiful views. Clean. Beautiful sunset view. Fresh food. Good drinks

Stayed in June 2025

The beach isn’t good for swimming

An incredible garden, welcoming hosts, perfect sunset spot.

Stayed in March 2025

I had an amazing stay at Mangrove Lodge. The property is spacious and surrounded by nature, making it the perfect spot to unwind. On one side, the harbor is serene and offers a glimpse of local life, and on the other side, the beach is quiet and nearly empty—a true luxury. My room was large, clean, and thoughtfully designed (the outdoor shower was a highlight!). The breakfast was excellent, with a great variety—especially the delicious vegetarian options—and the other meals were just as tasty. A special thanks to the owners for the lovely conversations, and to the fantastic team for making my stay so enjoyable.

Stayed in March 2025

Location is a plus or minus depending on your plans. A plus if you just want to stay at the hotel and relax, a minus if you want to explore Zanzibar (although never short of options to get to go exploring) and the only other thing is the dirt road to get to the hotel which is already well described in reviews but does give the hotel a certain character

This property was like something out of The White Lotus!! A 5* resort without the insane price point! The attention to detail and attentiveness of the staff was amazing!! It’s incredibly hard to fault. If you’re thinking of staying just do it and give yourself a treat!! Eating dinner on the beach, the sunsets, the access to the beach (literally 2 steps off the hotel deck), the gorgeous pool, the bar, the access to facilities for transport (boat, taxi), the always polite and attentive staff and their willingness to go out of their way. Had a fantastic time here with the group I stayed with. Extra plus for the outside rainfall shower

Stayed in March 2025

Location by the beach, lush gardens, very peaceful and hidden away. The highlight was our group dinner by the beach!

Stayed in March 2025

Stunning location, each hut area was so secluded from others, beautifully tended gardens, such polite and friendly staff, wonderful food … so many great memories of our restorative stay at Mangrove Lodge!

Stayed in March 2025

A hidden gem in an historical place. The staff were so friendly and helpful and the food was outstanding

Stayed in February 2025

The only thing that was not perfect was that the water pressure was on the low side. Note that road access is bumpy, just about doable in a bajaj, but fine in a car I think.

This is a lodge of a type that is unfortunately fast disappearing in Zanzibar: small scale, massive garden, locally owned and managed. I loved so many things about it: the rooms were very comfortable and large, the Inaya coconut & lime soaps, the restaurant with unlimited coffee and water, the food was prepared in a healthy way (not just fried stuff) and included lots of vegetables, the beautiful swimming pool, the chill beach vibe, the nice 'Zanzibari' smell in the room, the staff is kind and helpful. I didn't bring my kids this stay, but saw how staff interacts with children, they are very welcomed. Also loved seeing the kittens play, haha, although that won't be a given for any future visit. For people who have been to Zanzibar in the past: it reminded me of Mtoni Marine before that was sold and torn down.

Stayed in February 2025

• The staff, especially in the service, are inattentive (exception: Moana), didn't say hello when we come in restaurandt, seemed unhappy and overwhelmed, e.g. very slow • The food is always served differently than it says on the menu, something is usually missing, but you have to rely on the restaurant because it's the only one for miles around • The breakfast buffet is unappetizing and petty • The lodge is very isolated, there are no shops or attractions nearby, you always have to rely on a taxi or a paid tour • The villagers are hardly used to tourists, you get stared at when you swim, especially as a young woman • The hotel's 'restricted area' on the beach seems bizarre and shows how little the lodge is integrated into the local population • The Barkeeper at the beach plays a very noisy playlist and changes the songs every 30 seconds, they just play for themselves, not for guests - not professional! • The village behind the lodge is extremely dirty, there is rubbish lying around everywhere • The pool looks dingy and needs renovation • The price-performance ratio is not good • They do laundry but cannot wash underwear - in all my travels I never experienced a stupid rule like this • My son had bedbugs, though we first thought it's a jelly fish but then the next night he had stings all over • The shower does not work well; hot shower makes you burn but mix with cold water does not work, almost no pressure, too • We left two days earier and noone cared about • I asked for a tip-box but the receptionist said I should give her the money, she will give it to the staff.... In that lodge, many things are not right. I wouldn't recommend to go there. So many other good places on Zanzibar.

• Beautiful, well-kept gardens with flowers and trees and pretty sandy paths in between • Some of the staff are very nice • Very tasty pasta! • Authentic village life around the lodge • You can swim well in the sea • Magnificent sunset • Lunch directly at the beach is possible • The owner took time to explain his project with the sultans residence nearby - very interesting, thanks for that! • Bungalows are nice

Stayed in February 2025

The power outage, maybe it's one off, but it made unbearable to sleep at night without AC.

The location was perfect, the lodge was very good , the staff were amazing & the food was great

Stayed in January 2025

The road from the main road to the hotel was horrible.

Private and quiet. Really friendly and accommodating stuff, beautiful garden and clean sweet rooms. The stuff arranged dinners on the beach, just ask for them!

Stayed in January 2025

probably only the road leading into the property :-)...it was an adventure on it's own

The location was absolutely stunning if you are wanting a natural, island life retreat. Sunsets were especially amazing as the sun sets on the sea. It was very safe, the rooms had a lovely old-school feel, and outdoor shower was amazing. We felt very safe, we didn't need to lock our rooms and spent early mornings alone on the beach without any concerns for safety. It's a great place to observe the local culture and lifestyle.

Stayed in January 2025