Kusini beach bungalows — Hotel in Unguja

If you get room 101, run. Otherwise you’ll have to swim with the first rain. We got this room despite booking and paying for one of a higher category. It was the beginning of one of the worst accommodation experiences we’ve had as frequent travellers.

In a nutshell: We had to approach the staff multiple times before they agreed to move us to the room we booked. We still had to stay the first night in the room that should have been cheaper. It had a non-functioning fan and a mosquito net full of holes. No offer of any compensation was made. On the morning of the second day, it rained and the entire room got flooded in minutes. I had my suitcase open on one of the beds, and it rained into it. All my clothes, money, and electronics got soaked. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if somebody slept on that bed. This was the moment when I requested a refund for the first night. This was completely ignored by the staff. There was no apology, no compensation offered, not even a little “have a drink on us” gesture. From this moment on, the staff started avoiding us. We wanted to keep fighting, but then we read that other people had similar experiences and the management got borderline aggressive. In the end we didn’t feel safe pursuing the topic with them.

Other reasons never to come to Kusini: Very frequent power outages. Even for Zanzibar. Expect to be without electricity multiple times per hour. Long waiting times for everything. Again, even for Zanzibar. Christmas dinner took almost 3 hours to be served. Breakfast usually 1 hour for a fruit platter. Mosquito nets full of holes in two out of two rooms we slept in. Not so great if malaria is on your list of diseases you want to avoid.

All in all, this overpriced and undermaintained accommodation with management that treats you like a cash cow that will never come back anyway made for an unforgettable experience, no matter how much we’re trying to forget.

The one star is for the very nice waitress who was the only one behaving professionaly...

I absolutely loved this place. Kusini Beach Bungalows was heaven to stay in. I was only here for a couple of nights but I wish I stayed longer. Everything was perfect, the sea in-front with direct access, all staff from Reception, Tuko to Bar, Reagan, to chef, to Wazir the helper and security guard, Hasan. They made me feel so welcomed and safe. The food was delicious, prices fair. My room was big, spacious and clean. I adored the outdoor bathroom. I slept so well as the bed was comfortable and the mosquito net came in handy. The surroundings are well kept and it has everything to keep any guest satisfied from swinging loungers, to sun-beds facing the beautiful turquoise sea, kayaks, swimming slippers readily available to enjoy the warm Indian Ocean waters. The pool was refreshing to have and enjoy a dip while looking out to the sea or sunbathing while reading a book. All in all this is a great place to stay while in Zanzibar for those seeking a cosy, enjoyable, comfortable, quiet, relaxing holiday. This is one place I would return without any hesitation and I cannot wait to be back. Thank you to Haji and...

I absolutely loved this place. Kusini Beach Bungalows was heaven to stay in. I was only here for a couple of nights but I wish I stayed longer. Everything was perfect, the sea in-front with direct access, all staff from Reception, Tuko to Bar, Reagan, to chef, to Wazir the helper and security guard, Hasan. They made me feel so welcomed and safe. The food was delicious, prices fair. My room was big, spacious and clean. I adored the outdoor bathroom. I slept so well as the bed was comfortable and the mosquito net came in handy. The surroundings are well kept and it has everything to keep any guest satisfied from swinging loungers, to sun-beds facing the beautiful turquoise sea, kayaks, swimming slippers readily available to enjoy the warm Indian Ocean waters. The pool was refreshing to have and enjoy a dip while looking out to the sea or sunbathing while reading a book. All in all this is a great place to stay while in Zanzibar for those seeking a cosy, enjoyable, comfortable, quiet, relaxing holiday. This is one place I would return without any hesitation and I cannot wait to be back. Thank you to Haji and...