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Island Style
Mnarani is based on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island right in the heart of the village of Nungwi. “Mnarani” means lighthouse in Swahili and here on the eastern ridge of the village you will find the oldest lighthouse in Zanzibar, built in 1886 and still in operation today.
Mnarani Beach Cottages offer a coral lagoon changing with the tides as well as the seasons, Mnarani has one of the finest beaches in the Indian Ocean. When the tide is out, take a long walk on the golden sands and see what Nungwi really has to offer.
At Mnarani Beach we offer excellent, mid-priced accommodation suitable for families and couples looking for a wonderfully relaxing spot.
There are four types of accomodation available:
There are twelve standard rooms, which are arranged in pairs. Most of these rooms face immediately out to sea. The standard cottages are simple, but nevertheless private and comfortable. They are decorated in local Zanzibarian style and have an en-suite bathroom, with hot and cold water, and veranda. All rooms have mosquito nets and fans. Eight are located along the sea front with views to the ocean, and four are within the lush calm of the tropical garden.
We have four larger thatched roof 'cottages'. These rooms are good for couples wanting more space or families. They are en-suite with hot and cold water and two of them have an adjoining door for larger groups. There is an open plan ground floor with sitting area, a small kitchen area with a sink and fridge, and coffee/tea making facilities. There is a first floor mezzanine double bedroom and space for extra beds on the ground floor. The cottages can accommodate up to four people and are decorated in the local style. Each cottage has a spacious balcony on both floors overlooking the sea, where the sunrise can be viewed over the glistening Indian Ocean.
Mahaba Cottage is our romantic honeymoon accommodation, located in a private part of the hotel with its own garden and access to the beach. 'Mahaba' means romance and this cottage is definitely romantic. Decorated in the local style with wooden floors and walls lined with traditional woven palm fronds. It is self-contained, with kitchen area (inc. fridge) and bathroom, with an open-plan design on the ground floor for sitting and relaxing, and an airy sleeping area upstairs for two people. It also has a spacious balcony, which overlooks the ocean and where sunrise can be viewed. An attractive garden fronts the cottage. To add to the comfort of this special cottage, there is also a CD player, hammock, and Arabic cushions for relaxing.
The ten rooms in Zanzibar House offer superb accommodation, with a little bit extra. All rooms are en suite and spacious, fully air conditioned, with telephone, and fridges to keep your drinks nice and cool, as well as a tea/coffee station for your convenience.Each room opens onto a beautiful wooden balcony, for the enjoyment of sunrises in the morning, relaxation in the afternoon, and starry skies at night. For those wanting to share their holiday experience, the ground floor rooms offer the option of adjoining rooms for groups. The first floor rooms boasts the same large space with a higher view of the surrounding seas and fringing reefs. The two Top floor rooms (specially designed for honeymoon couples) give you awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets almost everyday of the year. These rooms are fully decked with wooden floors, the bedrooms open onto a balcony with a breathtaking sight: the stunning azure waters of the Indian Ocean, with traditional dhows sailing past. In addition you can have massage on your own balcony by our lady massage Ms.Morine. The icing on the cake is our roof top terrace that allows you to sit under the phenomenal night skies of tropical Zanzibar and enjoy the peace and tranquillity as well as a three hundred and sixty degree view of the north tip of the island.
Our guests come mainly for pure relaxation, but also for snorkelling, diving, fishing and sailing. Divers will appreciate our close proximity to the Mnemba Atoll. Nungwi is the most beautiful beach on the island, but because we can only accommodate 54 guests, even in high season, you’ll be guaranteed a peaceful, crowd-free beach for perfect relaxation. It's the ideal place to relax – and the art of doing nothing on a beautiful beach is one we’re keen to cultivate.
The Hotel is set in secluded grounds, so you can enjoy peace and tranquility, but you are still within walking distance of the village and its night life. whether it’s swimming with dolphins, taking a boat trip or visiting Stone Town - we can arrange this also.
Our staff are always friendly and courteous and we like to believe we provide an impeccable service to our visitors.
"...One of the few places on Zanzibar where you can see sunrise and sunset……" The Bradt travel guide.
