Independent Kiwengwa Pongwe Forest hotels

"Absolutely fantastic. After reading so many negative reviews about the disturbance from the construction I was a little worried, but it was never a bother and our stay was perfect. Shout out to Wanduta for being the sweetest! "

"Manager was very good plus reception young and hard working "

"Amazing hotel and staff! My every need was met and there was always a staff member close by who was willing to help. We arrived early and our rooms were not ready, they took our bags from us and allowed us to get ready in the change rooms. We went to our excursion and came back to find our luggage in our rooms! They even offered late check out for us! Ahmed is the best bartender ever! Made the best drinks and always had a smile on his face! Too many amazing staff to call out. I will miss Lux Marijani and the memories I had made over that week! The only down side I would say is the location is a bit far from stone town and other excursions around Zanzibar. However, the remote location makes for relaxation, quiet and great beaches! Expect a minimum of 1.5 hours each way to commute into the city areas like Stone Town. Other than that, for what you get in quality and celebrity treatment, the distance is the minimum of your worries! The staff literally cater to your every need! One other story, I came back from an excursion and needed dental floss. A staff member was prepared to call a pharmacy to get someone to deliver it to my room. I declined because it wasn’t necessary but just goes to demonstrate how serious they take guest satisfaction! Loved this place and will miss it tremendously. "

"I have travelled a lot and by far this is one of the best hotels I have visited. All the staff are friendly, Mwajabu, Mary, Mariam (at shisha), Simone…..the list is too long. Will definitely be back!"

"The hotel was very nice. Good customer service 👍 "

"This was the perfect place for a holiday! The hotel is located in the best possible spot, with easy access to everything you need, yet surrounded by peace and nature — absolute harmony. The beach is simply stunning — the cleanest and most beautiful we’ve seen, with incredibly fine, soft sand like powder. A true paradise! We stayed in a villa with a private pool, and it was absolutely amazing! We especially recommend the overwater villas — it’s not just a stay, it’s a true experience. Housekeeping was done twice a day, everything was always spotless and perfectly maintained. The staff were exceptionally attentive — kind, welcoming, always ready to help. You can truly feel their genuine care and dedication to top-level service. The cuisine was outstanding — breakfasts and five-course dinners felt like dining at a Michelin-star restaurant. Delicious, refined, and beautifully presented. Evenings featured live music and shows, creating a wonderful, festive atmosphere. If you’re interested in local excursions, they’ll organise everything quickly and at great prices, including smooth, reliable transfers. And a special mention goes to their attention to detail: on our way to the airport, the staff called the taxi driver to make sure he wouldn’t make any stops and would get us there on time. I’ve never experienced such care and consideration — absolutely top-tier service! Highly recommended! "

"This is a really AMAZING HOTEL for both families or couples. I travelled more than 70 countries; and this was such an amazing spot I stayed. Before selectong hotel I read all comments but some negative ones are not very realistic to me now: 1-amazing staff: from reception to beach, restaurants to gardeners; all are making the hotel really shine. So kind, helpful, and service quality to your front amazingly. In any other country you cannot find such - in EU for sure not 2- food: very very delicious, big variety. Some mentioned that it s not easy to book restaurants which is absolutaley not true; very very easy indeed. If you are searching for Michelin restaurants ; for sure no need to come here; otherwise this hotel is amazing 3-natives by the beach: wheb walking by the beach; there are Tanzanian and Masai people approaching you but in a very gentle way; tryijg to help you walk in return asking you to visit their shops in a very good petsonal distance. All are kind. No need to worry at all even with kids or ladies alone. Also in case there are safety guards by beach. 4- sea and beach: very beautiful amd clean. Even in low tides you cannkt see any trash in the sea or beach. Be careful with sear urchines in low tide after 1km from beach. Masaii will help you My only comment might be daily trips and spa services; despite of their quality; a bit overpriced even above EU levels. Overall: Such a very good price vs service quality. Big thanks to all team and employees. "

"This place is AMAZING! If you want a luxurious stay with good food and kind people go! I enjoyed every minute of my stay here and I would gladly stay here again and again. I went for my birthday and it was the best experience of my life."

"Friendly stafff and I believe his name “The King” is very funny and full of good vibes. Will visit again!!"