Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mombasa, Victoria Falls, Egypt, Madagascar - African Encounters

Hakuna Majiwe

Back to accommodation guide  



 


We used to like Hakuna Majiwe a lot and used to send many of our customers here, but unfortunately something has happened to the place which we are not happy about. 94% of our customers came back unhappy after staying here. Unfortunately the management of the place were just not interested in trying to sort out their problems. Major complaints about the place include :

1. Terrible and arrogant management
2. Terrible staff with bad attitude who don't know how to treat the guests
3. Worst service ever experienced.
4. Absolutely no ambience in the hotel. Most guests actually leave the hotel for the day and only return to sleep and have breakfast.
5. The pool is falling apart.
6. Terrible weeds and plants obscuring the views
7. Attacks on guests on the beach outside the hotel

Our biggest concern is the way in which the management treat the staff and the consequences. Whilst we have not seen it, the vibe can definitely be picked up when interacting with the them. We feel there may be a correlation between the way the management treat the staff and the attacks of guests on the beach outside the hotel. A couple of our clients (and other clients) have been attacked on the beach outside the hotel. Zanzibar is a peaceful island, and it is strange for something like this to occur. This is the only hotel where this has happened so frequently. We feel the villagers are angry at the treatment and perhaps want to get back at the hotel owners. Whilst this is circumstantial, ad the staff and villagers are not prepared to discuss this, we feel that there is definitely some connection.

It is not our policy to slate hotels on our website, however we have taken exception here. We feel that due to the number of complaints we have received and the lack of interest from management. We will no longer be sending or recommending any clients to visit Hakuna Majiwe until further notice.

Below is an old description of the hotel

The hotel

The story starts with Claudio having a lifelong dream of coming to Zanzibar and building a lodge. Whilst finalizing the land purchase, Claudio came across a young little girl on the beach who told him she really loves the beach as it is “hakuna majiwe” meaning "it is without stones". The rest is history…

The owners, Claudio hails from Milan and his girlfriend Margherita is from Rome. As these are the fashion capitals of the world, you can well imagine the style and ambiance they have brought to their lodge. Added to this, Claudio has been very particular in using indigenous products in building the lodge and has kept the surrounding as in tact as possible. He is currently trying to secure the area as a marine sanctuary.

The lodge is located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the south eastern side of Zanzibar. It is about an hour’s drive from Stone Town. A bonus is that guests are able to walk to a variety of restaurants and pubs in the area, should you wish to go out and find alternative leisure. 

Claudio and Margherita have used bright colours and wood to make the place look absolutely stunning. They have a fantastic bar and restaurant area situated almost on the beach housed under a large thatch like structure. Guests are able to enjoy cocktails and meals in charming surroundings.

The rooms

There are 16 rooms in total in semi detached units of 2 rooms each. All rooms have ceiling fans, en suite bathrooms with hot water and a lovely verandah facing out on to the beach. All rooms are sea facing, and beautifully located within about 30m of the beach.

One thing about the Italians is they have style. The rooms all have stunning wooden floors leading from in the room out on to the verandah. The rooms have been painted in a tasteful yellow and they have used dark woods for the furnishings. We always know when a woman is present in the management of a lodge, as they have this flair for making a place feel just that much more homely. This is exactly what Margherita has done. The beautiful Zanzibari double beds blend in with the wooden floors and décor. They definitely set a new Zanzibar style.

Hakuna Majiwe also has a family room measuring 6x6 metres and can comfortably accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults. As the rooms are semi detached with 2 rooms, you could also house your children in the room next to you quite safely.

 

The facilities

Hotel facilities: 
• Restaurant
• Bar area
• Swimming pool

Activities:
• Snorkeling
• Bicycle rides
• Fishing 
• 3 boats (4.5m, 5m and 6m all with 50hp motors)

Services:
• Massage service
• Laundry
• 24 Hours doctor on call
• Airport transfers

Bookings
Bookings for Hakuna Majiwe are done through this website:

Contact:
African Encounters
Postnet Suite 45
Private Bag x 12
Roosevelt Park
2129
Tel: (011) 880 3079
Fax: (011) 447 6773
email: info@africanencounters.com

 

Home | Specials | Our contacts | Email us | Terms of sale

    Copyright © 2001-2006 African Encounters all rights reserved.
Please contact the webmaster if any area of this website is not responding.