Reviews of Botanica Eco Lodge
Michamvi Road, Michamvi, Tanzania
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Reviewed: 4 November 2024 · Stayed in October 2024
Verified reviewThe 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.
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
This is the problem with African clientele. Guys you are not in Dubai, you are on a garden eco lodge in the middle of the countryside. This supposed to be an adventure, not a city hotel. You complained ablut cold water in November with 31'C outside, seriously? And about the salty water this is the water from the well because there is not government water coming here. Overall rating 5 for this..Wow, thanks a lot, thanks god most of our clientele are the one appropriate for this place, next time chose more carefully...!
This is the problem with African clientele. Guys you are not in Dubai, you are on a garden eco lodge in the middle of the countryside. This supposed to be an adventure, not a city hotel. You complained ablut cold water in November with 31&#… Show more
Reviewed: 17 May 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewI 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.
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.
Reviewed: 9 February 2024 · Stayed in January 2024
Verified reviewThe 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.
Reviewed: 12 January 2024 · Stayed in January 2024
Verified reviewStaff was friendly, that was the only thing.
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.
Dear Elena, I am puzzled by your feedback. Really astonished and it took some time for me to answer. Before I go point by point to answer you horrible and very imaginative feedback, let me just give you a tip, that could have "saved your holiday". "Can I talk with the manager?" We met, you knew me, we spent together a full hour on the first day during the welcome tour and you had my Whatsup number.. Why in the world you did not contact me in 12 days of staying if you had so many issues??? Instead of ruining your holiday, but leaving a "constructive feedback" as you call it (a 1 is a huge damage for my lodge, deeply punishing, nobody ever rated us 1, and trust me there is nothing constructive in that), we could have solved your issues from the very beginning changing room and you could have had a pleasant and memorable staying like all our other guests! Lets go now point by point: 1. Pest Infestation: • You mentioned Cockroaches and bed bugs. I confirm that there are NO COCKROACHES in the rooms, never were and never will be. There are some wood scarabs that can appear in the room during raining days, we are an African garden bungalow, there have geckos, some ants, chameleons and insect all around but no cockroaches. Regarding the beds bugs, after you left we check the mattress and we did not find anything. Anyway we eliminate the mattress and changed with a new one. 2. Hygiene and Cleanliness: • You speculated that the presence of pests suggests a significant lapse in hygiene standards. A part that I confirm there are not cockroaches, the fact that there are Geckos and various insect suggests that you are in an African Garden Bungalow. The room is being cleaned DAILY with specific disinfectant soap. How can you speculate, without find any dirt that the place is dirty?? You came to Botanica Eco Lodge. We are a real garden hotel, and if you hate insects, birds and geckos clearly you chose the wrong place. 3. Lack of Hot Water or even clean water to be able to wash our teeth. Well…Yes there is no hot water but there are 32C’ outside. We do not advertise us like we have it so you cannot complain for services that we do not advertise right? The fact you do not feel comfortable to brush your teeth with the water of the tap is understandable and its is your choice. But why write it as a complain. It’s your habit. The water from the tap is from our well, and it’s a bit salty but not dirty or infested as you like to write. It’s Africa you don’t drink the water from the tap, neigher in London anyway, but also on this point I don’t understand the complain. 4. Poor Sleeping Conditions: • Again, if you Asked for the manager if you had any issues with the bed we would have changed immediately the room and all would be solved. But you oddly insisted in your silence. Jaqueline was instructed to ask you daily how you were doing, but you were avoiding any contact with her.. 5. Noisy Environment: • We are surrounded by jungle. Now some weeks ago, some locals opened a place that is making music once per week. We are actively trying to fight it, but we are guests here in Michamvi. Whites do not rule anymore here. So we have to follow the most respectuful and correct paths to change local habits or behaviour. I cannot go there screaming or call the police, this is not how things move here. 6. Ineffective Communication: • Totally agree with this. You never raised ANY complain to the management despite living in a nightmare on earth (from your review). Jaqueline sweared to me that you avoided her most of the times and the few times she could ask how everything was going, you answer all good. I will improve my ratings again because clients are happy and satisfied at our place, but your holiday and memories of Zanzibar are going to be ruined and spoiled for ever and that's a pity. And the most sad thing of all of this is that all could have been avoided if you would had just bother to contact me..
Dear Elena, I am puzzled by your feedback. Really astonished and it took some time for me to answer. Before I go point by point to answer you horrible and very imaginative feedback, let me just give you a tip, that could have "saved … Show more
Reviewed: 7 January 2024 · Stayed in January 2024
Verified reviewThe area is green, place is calm
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.
Reviewed: 9 December 2023 · Stayed in November 2023
Verified reviewEverything about this lodge was amazing! The area was beautiful. The rooms were simple but nice with a lot of space. The gardens were very pretty and the pool was really refreshing in the evenings. You could hear all the wildlife from bed at night. I didn't walk anywhere, but it was possible to walk/bike to the nearby beaches. The lodge was able to drive us for a cheap price to wherever we wanted to go. They also organized snorkeling trips and boat rides. Plus, I got a free tour when I arrived. I only ate at the lodge and it was perfect. Nice breakfast with fresh fruit. I loved the staff! So friendly. They even brought me fresh cut aloe for my sunburns.
Reviewed: 7 September 2023 · Stayed in September 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 July 2023 · Stayed in July 2023
Verified reviewThe 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.
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.
Reviewed: 13 July 2023 · Stayed in July 2023
Verified reviewThe 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).
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 😅
Reviewed: 22 March 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewthe location is very comfortable for us.
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
You wrote that the location was very comfortable, so why you give us 3?! January is a very hot month here, if fan is not enough get a AC room. You give us 3 for the heat in Zanzibar?! That would be ridiculous if it was impacting very bad on our business. You should not address your personal problems to others..
You wrote that the location was very comfortable, so why you give us 3?! January is a very hot month here, if fan is not enough get a AC room. You give us 3 for the heat in Zanzibar?! That would be ridiculous if it was impacting very bad on… Show more
Reviewed: 21 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 January 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewThe 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.
Reviewed: 18 December 2022 · Stayed in December 2022
Verified reviewReviewed: 18 December 2022 · Stayed in December 2022
Verified reviewFor 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!
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.
Reviewed: 6 October 2022 · Stayed in October 2022
Verified reviewBeautiful paradise
Reviewed: 8 September 2022 · Stayed in September 2022
Verified reviewTranquil setting, lush gardens, attentive staff, good breakfast. Doing their bit for the environment with solar power and non heated water. Great value for money
A bit far to the beach.