Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
On a deserted white sandy beach, at 65 km from Stone Town, lies Karafuu Beach Resort and Spa, an international five-star hotel, winner of the World Travel Awards as Tanzania Leading Resort and Africa Leading Beach Resort 2011 .It is one of the most luxurious hotels on the east coast of Zanzibar, where, even during low tide, it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable swim in the ocean.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
This hotel is stunning itself, the whole grounds are extremely beautiful! The bungalows are very spacious which is great. One of the biggest rooms I’ve had in hotels which is great.
We tried most things at the resort to the Spa, pizzeria, diving centre and were happy with them all.
The food in the hotel is tasty and even for fussy eaters you would always find something to your taste. The hygiene standards were questionable at the start but once brought up to management it was amended very quickly and the staff couldn’t do enough to make us feel comfortable and make sure we had an enjoyable experience.
The only down fall I found and helpful to know for anybody going all inclusive is the lunch finished at 2pm and dinner doesn’t start till 7.30pm so it’s a long wait without eating so try get a late lunch so you’re not waiting for too long but there were cakes available by the pool at a cost.
Wifi is only free in the lobby and at busy times is pretty slow. 10$ daily or 50$ for the week if you want wifi all over.
One restaurant for the all inclusive but we tried the pizzeria (paid) twice and it was delicious! The pizza was stone baked so it was fresh and non greasy like a lot of pizzas so recommend a visit there. There is also a seafood restaurant.
The beach isn’t private so there will be a lot of locals trying to sell different things to excursions and different items which can get extremely annoying if you want a walk along the beach expect to be followed.
The best part was the staff, Freddy in particular was amazing and so friendly every time we entered the restaurant and the management were extremely helpful and we were extremely grateful for the changes made instantly after feedback. They really care about the customers experience and constantly working to improve everyone’s experience.
Really good value for money!! Definitely worth going all inclusive after looking at single cost for breakfast lunch & dinner. Good selection of drinks on the all inclusive package also. Highly recommend.
Had a lovely holiday and left feeling very relaxed thanks to all the staff going above and beyond.
Thank you very much.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed for 2 weeks at Karafuu Beach Resort. I enjoy my stay. Staff I would like to mention that was very friendly, Micha in the Osis Spa, Modather in Osis Spa, Daniel and Lilian at reception, Hamila in restaurant, John and so many more. I do think that the resort must re-look at their dollar rates. A glass of juice 6 US dollars? But a glass of wine 5 US dollars? I really dont understand the pricing. 1 bottle 1.5lt water outside resort 1 dollar but not allowed to be brought into hotel and being "told" by security at Gate that its an offence, but you are expected to pay them to let them allow you taking it inside? Also, no free wifi in rooms. You must pay 50 US dollars per device per 7 days. So, if you got a laptop, ipad and phone you must pay 150 US dollars per 7 days. Only free wifi in reception area. My booking agent did not tell me that before i booked as he was not informed by the resort. As a owner of a Hospitality Supplier Company in SA and UAE as well as an Interior Decor company, the towels need to be updated as well as the linen. The food quality is good. But, 2 spa gentleman, Micha and Modather is the only professional Egyptian gentleman that made most guests stay feel very welcome, but then when they speak to guests regarding treatments, their manager call them and say talking not allowed. So, this is my response. Daniela the owner was there during my stay. Not met her but i hope the people that is in charge of marketing this resort, tell people how things really work beforehand. I wish you all well. If things improve, I might see you again. Cristina (UAE)
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed 5 days at this resort. What I loved about this resort is that the beach is 1 minute walk away and that you are able to swim in the sea. You also have the option of renting a small boat ($10) to go to sandbank and enjoy the lovely warm water. siblings did dive lessons at the resort and Mohamed & Team were very patient. You can book excursions at Hotel. They have a lovely beach shop at resort. Gardens are beautiful and well kept. Rooms were cleaned everyday. They have Aircon and Fan. food wasn't gourmet however you won't starve and they always topping up dishes and the F & B manager was always friendly and accommodating. They do charge $1.50 for Bottled water... Water in a glass is free. They Do give you a 750ml water in the Room that was replenished every evening. We were on the All Inclusive package which makes things easier when kids are with. They have a Pizzeria on-site and the pizza was very tasty. They have Masai standing by beach so even though the beach is public we didn't have any problems with the beach boys. Our Spa experience was mediocre although the views of the Spa were breathtaking.
All in all the Staff at this resort were always pleasant, friendly and accommodating and we throughly enjoyed our stay. Drive from Airport to Resort is about 90mins
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Rooms 112 & 113 and Room 601 - 605 are close to reception and restaurant. able to get wifi in room.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Team Marketing Karafuu, Marketing at Karafuu Beach Resort And Spa
Responded Apr 20, 2022
Thank you very much Zara for the nice, detailed review, we really appreciate the compliments to the location the diving center, the gardens and our staff. We are happy you had a good time with us and hope you'll visit us again soon!
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Fifth visit to Africa, second to Tanzania. 30 year anniversary with our adult kids. Spent five nights here and made the mistake of paying “all inclusive”. Always believed if you did not have a good thing to say, dont say at all, but there were some things that were not good.
All inclusive does not include much, everything is an extra to have water you need to ask repeatedly and they serve by the glass. In your room you get one bottle for the day if all inclusive otherwise extra after day 1 (you need to brush your teeth with bottled water).
Wifi - very poor and you have to pay ten dollars per day per device to use it. Free only in the lobby and only intermittent
The reception desk can make you a reservation with a restaurant near by but they charge for the call. If they order a taxi it will be charged in US dollars not local currency and not local pricing Staff we got the impression they dont really like working there. Beautiful location, by the beach but its quite rocky - unlike in the pictures so just be aware of it. You need special footware to get in the water, bring your own The food is very basic altho very plentiful it is not inspiring The rooms are very basic and not well maintained. They do have AC. All inclusive gives you free beer and awful wine by the glass. Lunch best taken elsewhere. They did do a superb New Years event.
Essentially the all inclusive is not worth it. You have to pay extra for everything that you think is included. Be aware if you are going to stay of the restaurants nearby where the food is better and the staff are nicer. Upendo great for lunch, The Rock superb for dinner. Their website says they take credit cards but 5% markup on every card if you don’t pay cash. This IS NOT a luxury resort. We wont be returning.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My colleagues and I booked with Karafuu as we read all the reviews, and it seems that it would be a great experience having to stay in Zanzibar for two weeks.
We arrived at the resort later than expected as we had a problem with our luggage that did not arrive on the same flight we did. When we showed our booking confirmation, they said that we do not have anything on their system of our books they tried to call the manager who was not available at the time and to check with their head office which still did not help much as we waited al ost 45min for them to decide whether the would let us stay the night, they then gave us each our rooms which resort did not prepare the rooms at all dusty, dead bugs, no water in rooms. Bedding not covered with sheets properly and overall just very run down bedding and towels.
As we arrived at 11:30 pm, we asked if we could get some food or a snack as we did not have any dinner yet; we noticed that the kitchen closed as 12mid night, so we asked for sandwiches, and they said that the kitchen was closed we then asked for fruit or anything really which they then gave us these small bananas which were bruised, but we appreciated the effort. We asked for water for the rooms, and it was a huge struggle to get water from anybody at this time as all stores and bar facilities were closed. I asked one of the staff members to go off the resort to get some water for my colleagues and me. They informed us that at 8 am we need to be at the reception for us to clear up the reservation problem. (which they did)
Once we checked in to our correct rooms, the same story warned bedding, towels, and just lack of proper cleaning in netting around the bed and a terrible mattress. ( needs to be replaced urgently)
The Diving centre & Spa they keep on hassling us to buy and book appointments with them. After several attempts, we decided to book a snorkelling trip with the diving centre, which was a let down as they say 3 hours and different locations but ended up with a 40 min snorkel one location. We then mentioned it to the manager, and he said that we could go again but at a discounted price after we already paid the first time??
The locals that keep on sailing items on the beach is really unpleasant as when you don't buy products from them, and they make bad comments that why don't you support the local's of Zanzibar.
I booked an all-inclusive package but the mini bar in the room empty luck if they replenish the instant coffee. The buffet food is very substandard, and there is not one precautionary measure in place to prevent the COVID pandemic. We even got told off by members why are we wearing masks as there is no COVID in Zanzibar.
We checked out a day earlier of an incident with the GM for the resort with my colleagues. He was very disrespectful and rude, and she felt unsafe at the resort after he verbally attacked her in the gym. We did pay all upfront, and they made us sign a declaration that we could not claim the extra day we paid for when we return home.
We really do not recommend this property to anyone; there are so many different options available to choose from
I truly hope that this property's real management takes action as this could be an excellent resort with the correct approach.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip:Dont book here
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dominic Ouko, General Manager at Karafuu Beach Resort And Spa
Responded Apr 19, 2021
Dear Guest, We really thank you for having chosen our Resort as your preferred holiday destination and thank you for your feedback which definitely we shall act on it and correct the true ones but ones which are not true we shall see how to handle them. As you have mentioned customers do make holiday after reviewing Trip advisor and choose the right destination which of course you did and thank you for that. Which means we have been doing well. We will be supported by the clients whom have visited Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa before and those who are still on their way and will approve if all said is True or not. We do understand not everything always goes perfect as one’s plan, even though it started with your missing luggage from the flight that now become Karafuu fault and others that added, ofcousre we have to take everything and admit even though almost what narrated are false. Therefore we really apologize where we had gone wrong and where we did not meet your expectations. If all you had said were true, then I don’t think all of you would have stayed in Karafuu for 13 nights since last night you decided to depart because the Manager was rude to your colleague but unfortunately you did not witness his reaction towards your colleague because you were not there by then. Therefore we do not know who is lying but my approach was very simple and asked her stop damaging the equipment but to use it in a proper way. If this is the point you have to write negative things against karafuu which most of them does not exist then we are sorry and apologize but since I became famous as a very rude manager, I believe those clients who knew me already and who are still planning to visit Karafuu Beach Resort will comment on your feedback and will analyze if “GUEST ALWAYS RIGHT” or NOT. I mention this because I know one or two things might go wrong/missing somehow and can be corrected but not everything were negative to you and still you have to stay for 2 weeks without complaining. In this scenario, you definitely have to ask for your money even if you have paid up front. You have to get services of value for money. Once again thank you for your feedback because it help us so much where it is true we did not meet guests expectation and to create a chance of quality service delivery improvement. Yours sincerely Dominic Ouko Manager Assistant
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I want to start by saying I rarely, if ever, leave negative reviews but in this case, I do not have a single positive thing to say about this hotel.
My husband and I had booked, and paid fully in advance, to stay at this hotel for 4 nights during our recent holiday, however, the standard of the hotel was so appalling we checked out within 16 hours and walked along the beach to find another hotel with immediate availability (check my recent reviews to see the amazing feedback left on Upendo hotel where we ended up staying).
This hotel tries to make money from you any way possible, charging $10 per device per day for Wifi (which is not standard for Zanzibar as we did not encounter this at any other hotel during our 10 days). Also charging approx. $2 per 600ml of water which is obscene given the heat (in comparison to our new hotel which had a 20L complimentary water dispenser in each room).
When we were given access to our room we saw it had stained sheets and a hole in the terrace door, meaning the room was full of mosquitos. When we politely asked to move rooms we were informed by the Guest Relations Manager that "you get what you pay for"... having paid $1,100 for 4 nights it was absolutely not what we expected.
We moved to a second room and at this point still did not unpack. When we returned to our room the mosquito net had been closed around the bed and the room had been "fumigated" we saw blood on the mosquito net which was repulsive to say the least. In the morning, my husband woke up to 11 mosquito bites on one foot!!
I can't even get started on the hygiene levels with regards to food in this hotel as they expect everyone to be comfortable eating from a buffet whereby people are not required to sanitize / wear masks which is completely unacceptable given the current climate with COVID.
Overall, I believe this is a fair review of a sub-standard hotel - which must be used to guests leaving early as we were forced to sign a declaration confirming we would not request the money back!
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 5 nights "all inclusive" at the Karafuu resort & spa hotels after 10 days in a safari, as part of our honeymoon.
I have but one regret : that we did not stay longer.
The hotel is very clean, well kept (the gardens are breath taking) and offers services worthy of a beach luxury resort( diving center, spa, shops etc.).
Management did take into consideration the various comments on the wifi as now, the wifi is free and accessible everywhere in the hotel.
The room was clean, spacious and we truly apprciated the little surprise waiting for us in the room when we arrived, for our honeymoon. The mosquito nets were good quality (important in Africa). The air con was just right. Matrice, linen and pillows were good quality as well.
My husband and I tested the spa and we would like to say a big thank you to Modather and all the spa personnel. Modather was charming, took our comments into consideration, and offered us a package that suited our needs.
The spa is really worthwhile. They offer a wide range of services (massages, mani / pedi, facials, you name it !) in a spa located just in front of the Indian ocean. The masseuses were perfect (thank you Esther !!!) and we already miss getting our massages with the sound of the waves and sweet ocean breeze...! They also use high quality products. I have very sensitive skin and I did not get any issue.
One last comment about the personnel. Everyone has been absolutely fantastic with us. From the bar, to the restaurants, to the pool bar, maids, gardiners etc. they all did their best to make our stay unique. We miss you all very much already !
My husband and I truly enjoyed the Karafuu experience and our honeymoon could not have been more perfect. We will miss "Gin o'clock " by the pool ;)
Thank you Karafuu team !
Cathy and Stéphane - room 52
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Team Marketing Karafuu, Marketing at Karafuu Beach Resort And Spa
Responded Sep 21, 2021
Dear Cathy and Stéphane, thank you very much for your kind review! We are sure the staff will greatly appreciate your compliments. We are happy you had a good time at Karafuu during your honeymoon and enjoyed the spa and our efforrts to improve. Hope to see you again soon!!!
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Location was ok, but the service in general was appalling. We reserved a ‘beach front’ Junior Suite Villa that was nothing like ‘beach front’ upon check with the one that was assigned. It had an obstructed view of the back of the spa and a walk to the beach. We were relocated to a beach front villa after we raised our concerns, having been made to feel we were being unreasonable, so there were clearly some beach front options free when we checked in!
The biggest shocker amongst a general lack of training for staff, was being made to feel like second class citizens driven by hotel policy when we went for our ‘buffet lunch’ which we knew we had to pay for (we did not opt for the all inclusive package at booking as that was not an option online). It was made very clear that my wife and I needed to pay $30 each for the fairly limited buffet lunch options available, ok….we could handle that. As we sat down with our plates of food costing us $60 having paid $250 a night for our stay, we asked for a glass of basic water with our meal in addition to ordering and paying for soft drinks. Staff were parading bottles of water for other tables to enjoy at no charge. However, we were told we would have to pay for basic drinking water, and the manager actively stopped a bottle that was about to be served at our table (as if it is some kind of extra special perk!) At no other hotel during our stay in Tanzania did we get charged for basic drinking water.
The front desk staff were dismissive, rude, and had a hostile attitude like they were being inconvenienced with any query. They begrudgingly correct mistakes with no apology.
Also if you want to relax, the hotel’s own staff don’t let you do so, you’re bombarded by some staff wanting to sell excursions, spa treatments etc.
Also there is a hidden 5% fee that they tell you about when you get there on all credit card purchases payments, rather than being up front about it on their webpage.
Having previously lived in Africa, being well travelled, and understanding what minimum standards make for a pleasant stay, we won’t be going back and don’t recommend to others. There are plenty more options that are better in the area.
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well, Karafuu Beach R&S has its issues. But they are microscopic compared to general impression. Rooms, though old-fashioned, are very spacious and the interiors add to the atmosphere – mixture of African and colonial styles. Most cottages are blocked in twos, but are very well isolated. Each cottage has a terrace where it is nice to sit and chill out. Note, however, that in the evenings mosquito repellent is very much advisable, and for the night, keep the mosquito nets closed. Beds are very comfortable which is not common in this part of the world. Sheets and towels are clean, shower is of good strength. Safe box and minifridge are provided, so is water (replenished in glass bottles). The latter, however, could be one per person in the room, not one per room. Though it is possible to ask for replenishment, but it is quite boring to do it almost every day. Food in the restaurant is excellent, it varies every day and practically everyone can find something for their taste. Also excellent choice and quality of vegetables and fruits. Special word is to be said about the hotel garden, which is beautifully maintained, full of exotic plants,with many resident birds and occasional visiting colobus monkey. For swimming, there is a pool with ocean water and via concrete path reachable nice sandy area for swimming in the ocean itself. It is accessible mainly in the first half of the day, during the low tide. Though in the swimming area there are no sea urchins, it is still advisable to have water shoes – just in case. Especially if one tries to swim during high tide. I would like to mention specially Wimbi Diving Centre in the hotel. We bought a tour with them which included snorkeling, visit to mangroves and fantastic fresh seafood platter lunch. Absolutely recomendable.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a very nice and peaceful place. Loved the beach. The staff are also really friendly and helpful. The food was excellent. I would have liked one of the bungalows, but I guess my tour operator was too stingy. The terraced room was fine,too, quite spacious. So why only 4 stars? Because of my pet hate: chargeable WiFi. There is free and slow WiFi in the reception area but only there and it is not very reliable.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Pingwe area.
PRICE RANGE
$183 - $277 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
karafuu beach hotel pingwe, karafuu hotel beach, karafuu resort beach
LOCATION
TanzaniaZanzibar ArchipelagoZanzibar IslandPingwe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
140
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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