Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa, Pingwe
About the Hotel
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa is located on the east coast of Zanzibar, surrounded by a pristine beach and tropical garden. The resort is notable for being the only hotel where guests can enjoy comfortable swimming at low tide. It combines traditional Zanzibari aesthetics with modern amenities, offering a unique experience for visitors.
Location
Situated approximately 65 km from Kisauni Airport, Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa is easily accessible by car. The resort is set on a secluded stretch of powder-white sand in Kae, Chwaka Bay. It provides a picturesque environment for guests, enhanced by nearby natural attractions and guided excursions.
Rooms
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa features 150 spacious air-conditioned units, each with a beautifully furnished veranda. The accommodation options include Infinity Villas, Suites, Junior Suites, and Garden Rooms, all designed in a Zanzibari style that contributes to an authentic atmosphere. Guests can enjoy amenities such as minibars, flat-screen TVs, and private entrances in select units.
Eat & Drink
The resort houses four restaurants and bars, each offering a diverse range of cuisines, including traditional Swahili, Italian, and international dishes. Le Grand Bleu specializes in seafood and provides breathtaking ocean views for a romantic dining experience. Guests can enjoy themed buffets in the main restaurant which features a sea-view terrace.
Leisure & Business
Karafuu offers a variety of leisure activities, including a well-equipped fitness center, tennis courts, and multiple swimming pools. For relaxation, the Samawati Spa features private treatment rooms with ocean views. Guests can also engage in water sports and excursions arranged by the resort.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- No parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Private beach
- Allergy-free rooms
- Currency exchange
- Fireplace
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Cycling
- Tennis court
- Billiard tables
- Darts
- Table tennis
- Yoga class
- Sports trainer
- Aerobics
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Shared kitchen
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Poolside snack bar
- Snack bar
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Dinner
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Babysitting/Child services
- Playpen
- Baby pushchair
- Board games
- Children's menu
- Children's pool
- Children's play area
- Kids club
Spa & Leisure
- Saltwater pool
- Beach access
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Spa & wellness centre
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
- Public Bath
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Mini-bar
- Soundproofed rooms
- Sitting area
- Dressing area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Dining table
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Shared kitchen
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel might not live up to its 5-star rating, with rooms having an old, musty smell, but the bathroom seems newly renovated. The service is kind and helpful, but could benefit from training in certain areas. The location, particularly on an Indian Ocean Island with stunning pools, is a real highlight. Dining had enough variety but was marred by flies and wasps. Overall, a mixed experience with potential for improvement.
I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The rooms, with their modern Oriental furnishings and stunning sea view, were comfortable despite being a bit moist. However, the proximity to a slightly dirty area was a drawback. The service was exceptional, with friendly conversations and daily housekeeping. The location, with its three beautiful pools, was impressive, while the dining experience left much to be desired with insects present and the relatively high cost without drinks included.
