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Lemala Safaris: honey badger crossing golden hills
Arched thatched-roof guest cottage at Makofi Guest House with a private veranda and two patterned armchairs, Zanzibar Island

Trail collection · Zanzibar

Makofi Guest House

A simple, sandy-footed base for beach days at the end of safari

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Collection
Trail · Great value
Destination
Zanzibar
Area
Zanzibar Island
Style
Beachfront guesthouse
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec, Jan

About Makofi Guest House

Makofi Guest House is an uncomplicated place to stay on Zanzibar Island, and that is rather the point. Arched thatched cottages, patterned armchairs on private verandas and a restaurant set directly on the sand give it the feel of a relaxed seaside home rather than a resort.

For many travellers it is the sensible answer to a common question: how do we add a few beach days without the cost climbing again? Lemala includes it in the Trail collection for just that reason, a comfortable, honest base after the long dusty drives of the mainland.

The atmosphere is informal. Bunting flutters over the communal tables, cushions in African prints brighten the veranda lounge, and nobody expects shoes. It suits guests who want sea, sun and good company, and who would rather spend on snorkelling and Stone Town than on grand rooms.

  • Open-air restaurant with communal tables set right on the sand
  • Arched thatched cottages with private verandas and armchairs
  • Mosquito-net canopy beds in simple, tidy rooms
  • Veranda lounge with bright African-print cushions
  • Sensible value for extending a safari onto the coast
  • Easy base for reefs, spice farms and Stone Town

Setting

Makofi Guest House stands on the beachfront on Zanzibar Island, where the Indian Ocean laps white sand and the pace drops a few gears. Thatched roofs and open-air spaces suit the climate, with the sea breeze doing much of the cooling. Beaches around the island differ in tide and character, so ask us to confirm how this stretch behaves for your dates.

Rooms and tents

The photographs show arched, thatched guest cottages, each with a private veranda and a pair of patterned armchairs. Inside, rooms are simple and clean, with a sheer white mosquito net draped over the bed and neatly folded towels. There is no attempt at grandeur, only a restful space to rinse off the sand. Ask us to confirm room types and bed configurations.

Dining

Meals are served in an open-air restaurant right on the beach, with colourful bunting overhead and communal tables set on the sand. It is a good spot for a slow breakfast and a sunset supper with your toes buried. Zanzibar's cooking draws on spices and fresh seafood, so expect local flavours. Ask us about dietary requirements before you travel.

Things to do from here

  • Swimming and sunbathing from the beach
  • Snorkelling or diving over coral reefs
  • Guided spice plantation walk
  • Half-day Stone Town heritage tour
  • Dolphin or turtle boat outings

When to stay

Zanzibar is at its most inviting from June to September, and again in December and January. The drier months bring clearer skies and gentler humidity. Long rains fall roughly from March to May, when some beach businesses slow down, and short rains usually arrive around November. Seasonal humpback whales may pass offshore in some months, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Good to know

  • This is a simple guesthouse, so expect modest facilities rather than resort-style extras. Ask us what is included.
  • Airport and island transfers are arranged by Lemala, so you will not need to organise them yourself.
  • Tides can affect swimming on some Zanzibar beaches; ask us to confirm what to expect during your stay.
  • Sun is strong on the coast, so bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.

Gallery

Inside Makofi Guest House

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