The rooms have no glass windows, just mosquito nets which brings in fresh air (good) but at the same time you can hear absolutely everything from outside even in the room. I had to listen to the shouting guests from the next room when I had online work to do, no fun. Unfortunately there is a bar/disco in the jungle (doesn't belong to the hotel) but it was extremely loud a few nights per week. I couldn't sleep at all. I could hear music from somewhere else as well on other nights (some locals). I truly didn't sleep there almost at all as every morning I walked to the beach to watch the sunrise and there was loud music until midnight to 3 am. Wifi was usually very slow or not working at all but I was told that in the future there should be faster wifi. Hopefully asap.

I really enjoyed the swimming pool and all the birds around. I even saw a chameleon there, so cool! Got a free Michamvi tour by the host. Fresh breakfast, and tasty affordable food at the restaurant. It's strategically located in the middle of two beaches so that you can enjoy the best of the 3 Michamvi’s landscapes: jungle; the “fancy” Pingwe side on the East for the sunrise and quiet mornings; and Kae on the West with mangroves, sunset and some parties. Free wifi and mosquito net around the bed. Free aloe vera from their own garden to use on sunburnt skin and bites. They limit the use of plastic offering water refill of the clients personal bottles or they offer 20L water bottles in the room. They planted more than 2,000 plants around the garden - a mix of local and imported fruit trees, palms, flowers and trees. I loved the garden! It's the only garden bungalow in Michamvi where it's safe to walk barefoot and feel the Earth (while being in a very protective environment). They use solar power for lighting.

Stayed in February 2024

The owner was a great host and gave us a tour around Michamvi with lots of helpful tips at the beginning of our stay. The staff was very friendly and the Lodge serves its name right with a beautiful lush garden and a pool that is never crowded.

Stayed in January 2024

No hot water, no Internet (although when I asked the manager did provide me with a data voucher as I had an online meeting) 1000tzs to refill a 500ml bottle and no drinking water provided. Termites loudly eating the wooden ceiling beams 😅

The pool is beautiful and the staff are very kind. It’s walking distance from the beaches on either side if you don’t mind a little way (30ish minutes).

Stayed in July 2023

Our rating is a 9 and not a 10 because not everything was perfect: 1) there was no drinking water provided in the room. 2) the breakfast was very simple (tea/coffee, pancakes, fruit). For a full breakfast (with eggs and juice) you had to pay extra. For the price of the room (around 50 USD) you may expect a full breakfast. 3) the rooms don’t have AC. We knew that in advance. But…. It was much hotter on Zanzibar than we expected, so an AC would be appreciated as the fan was just enough to keep the room comfortable.

For those who like to stay at a quiet, relaxed place on Zanzibar: go to this lodge! The rooms are spacious, the staff is very friendly, the food in the restaurant is good and the swimming pool is perfect. So we had a great time. The owner gives a welcome tour to show you where the beaches, shops etc. are. Very helpful!

Stayed in December 2022

There was loadshedding for the better part of the night and there was no water in the shower, when we informed the staff about it they tried their best to fix whatever the cause was, but was ended up with cold salty water from the shower

The facility was okay, though a bit far from the beach. The owner came personally to come welcome us, he made us feel right at home. He offered us a complementary tour if we had stayed for more than one night. The staff were welcoming and very attentive. If you need to escape the busyness of the everyday life for some peace and quiet, Botanica is the perfect place to be at.

Stayed in October 2024

Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory, and I feel compelled to bring several pressing issues to your attention. 1. Pest Infestation: • Cockroaches and bed bugs infested our accommodations, leading to discomfort and numerous bites, affecting our well-being. 2. Hygiene and Cleanliness: • The presence of pests suggests a significant lapse in hygiene standards, which is completely unacceptable. 3. Lack of Hot Water or even clean water to be able to wash our teeth, we had to buy still water to be able to wash our teeth as it made us sick after first time trying to use the one from the bathroom 4. Poor Sleeping Conditions: • The bed provided was old, uncomfortable, and in dire need of replacement, contributing to a restless and uncomfortable night’s sleep. 5. Noisy Environment: • The loud music emanating from a nearby bar disrupted our peace and quiet, preventing us from having a restful stay. 6. Ineffective Communication: • Despite raising these concerns with Jaqueline during our stay, there was no discernible effort or resolution, leaving us frustrated and dissatisfied. Furthermore, we felt scammed, as the conditions at Botanica Eco Lodge were far from conducive to a comfortable stay. It was disheartening to learn that other guests, whom we encountered next door, faced similar issues and chose to cancel their trip after only a few days due to the deplorable conditions. We did not expect European luxury or five-star conditions, but we did anticipate basic amenities to ensure a safe and comfortable stay. Regrettably, this was not the case at Botanica Eco Lodge. I believe in fair and constructive feedback, and I sincerely hope that you take immediate action to address these issues and prevent future guests from experiencing such discomfort. It is crucial for Botanica Eco Lodge to uphold the standards expected from a reputable accommodation establishment.

Staff was friendly, that was the only thing.

Stayed in January 2024

Barely working fen. We couldn’t sleep at night, woke up sweated. In the middle of the night it started very loud sound for 10 minutes. Staff is sleeping all night and was not able to fix it. Wi-Fi didn’t work in our room. Bed sheets was with non washable brown spots. We had to remind to stuff 2-3 times about our request. And still they forget to do. The owner of the hotel blamed us that we are negative for complaining. But our complains was considered to basic needs: water, air, electricity. Joseph was very rude in WhatsApp. Seems if we pay 50$ per night we deserve nothing. But still people who own a hotel must be responsible and respectful.

The area is green, place is calm

Stayed in January 2024

There were weird sounds outside our bedroom at night which made it difficult to sleep as well as big ants everywhere inside the room. What we found extremely disappointing was the shower not having hot water but cold water, instead we were expected to pay for hot water if we wanted it to shower which is not mentioned in the booking. There was no wifi as mentioned on booking.com, we had to ask for them to make an alternative which was disappointing.

The 10 minute tour done by the owner was nice and thoughtful. The host lady named "Tato" was always smiling and always attended to our needs.

Stayed in July 2023

Nothing

Everything was nice. Friendly and welcoming staff. The host is welcoming

Stayed in July 2023

It’s too hot, small ceilings fans didn’t provide any cooling effect, so we had to sleep with an open door with all the mosquitoes

the location is very comfortable for us.

Stayed in January 2023

The Lodge is a quiet and cosy place surrounded by a wonderful garden. Each bungalow has a terrace including sunbeds where you can relax and/or get your everyday delicious breakfast etc. The crew is just perfect - charming, helpful and caring. The Lodge is located in the middle of the peninsula from which you can easily reach Pingwe beach (sunrise) as well as the Kae beach (sunset) area. Both beaches are not that crowded and, at least for me, far better than the beaches in Pajé or Jambiani.

Stayed in January 2023

Beautiful paradise

Stayed in October 2022

A bit far to the beach.

Tranquil setting, lush gardens, attentive staff, good breakfast. Doing their bit for the environment with solar power and non heated water. Great value for money

Stayed in September 2022

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in September 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in February 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in December 2022