Kono Kono Beach Resort, Zanzibar

Everything about this lodge looks great. The rooms look good, they are big, the beach is excellent and pool is lovely. But we can’t think of anywhere on Zanzibar with such shaky management. Like its sister lodge, Kasha Boutique Hotel, it may be worth a three night stay at the beginning of a trip with the motive being to enjoy the rooms, private plunge pools and privacy while you just relax for a few days. But don’t expect all the wines to be in stock or the best level of service. For a longer stay you are better off sacrificing the lovely room and paying the same for a lodge that will deliver for you.

Kono Kono - The Facts

Kono Kono is located on the eastern side of Zanzibar on the Michamvi peninsula. This region of the peninsula is a conservation areas thus making it very quiet and there are no other tourists around. It is an hour’s drive from Stone Town and about an hour to the north of the island.

The main lodge is split into three areas. The entrance and reception is up at the top, set way back from the coastline. 50 yards down a pathway is the restaurant area to the and to the left is the spa, built on two levels. The rooms are then next with five on one side of the path and six on the other. These are split into 3 levels. The main pool and bar area is off the beach, just on the beach line. There is a bar on the beach as well, but it’s much smaller and you can order snacks from here whilst relaxing on the beach loungers.

The rooms are extremely private, with thick foliage between them all. The interiors are spacious with huge bathrooms that lead out to an outdoor bath and private plunge pool. You can see the sea from most of the rooms, but not the ones at the very back.
All your typical activities can be arranged from the reception but they do not have an actual activities centre.