The Fancy House
Nyumba Safi
Nyumba Safi stands on the site where we first built a small two room hut to sleep in as we watched Nyumba Kubwa grow. Before our eldest daughter’s wedding, which took place on the beach in front of Utupoa, we renovated the place to make space for the groom’s family. We called it Nyumba Safi, which sort of translates to ‘The Fancy House’, because, well, in-laws. The name stuck, and we are now delighted to share the house with you.
There is a self-contained kitchen and dining area, a place to chill out and drink tea on the first floor, and the Zanzibar equivalent of an attic or den upstairs, beneath a makuti thatched roof, where there is a TV, computer, a sound system, and Joyce’s favourite round, red couch.
Fast fiber wifi can be received throughout the house, including the bedrooms.
Ngalawa Bedroom
Ngalawa are traditional trimaran dugouts used by the Matemwe fishermen whose white lateen sails have graced our blue lagoon for centuries. We designed this ensuite bedroom as a tribute, indeed from the timbers of one we once sailed.
$95 / night
for 2 Guests (including breakfast)
Kibonge Suite
Looking for a private space to rest or revive yourself? Karibu to our newly renovated private suite with calming views and creative vibes. Enjoy an ensuite bathroom, living room with kitchenette, and a spacious terrace to watch Matemwe beach life.
$160 / night
for 2 Guests (including breakfast)
Kijiji Bedroom
This simple, en suite double room on the first floor of Nyumba Safi honours Zanzibar’s grandmother Bi Kidude, the famous taarab singer who drank and smoked and traveled the world and never married and lived to 100 and barely ever wore shoes as she traipsed through the kijiji – or village – greeting people.
$95 / night
for 2 Guests (including breakfast)
Sultani Bedroom
The ensuite Sultani bedroom has 2 separate Zanzibari beds that have been put together and echoes of an era of past Swahili grandeur. Although it is upstairs in Nyumba Safi, we always invite our guests to feel at home in both our houses.
$95 / night
for 2 Guests (including breakfast)
"This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond."
~Rumi
Contact us
Bookings / Enquiries
To enquire or book directly without fees, please email us below.
Please note, we accept payment in cash, card, or via online transaction. There is an ATM in Kiwengwa (15 minutes drive away).
For bookings, please click the button below or email us at [email protected]