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Set within 6.6 km of Rufiji Mafia Kilwa Marine Reserve in Kilindoni, Mgeni Homestay features accommodation with seating area. There is a private entrance at the homestay for the convenience of those who stay. There is free private parking and the property offers paid airport shuttle service. At the homestay, units come with a desk. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. Guests can dine in an outdoor dining area at the homestay. À la carte and continental breakfast options with pancakes, fruits and juice are available every morning at the homestay. You can cook your own meal in the kitchen before eating in the private dining area, and Mgeni Homestay also features a coffee shop. Sightseeing tours are available within easy reach of the property. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation. The nearest airport is Mafia Island Airport, 1 km from Mgeni Homestay.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.8)

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, American

Free private parking available on-site


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Availability

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Room type
Number of guests
 
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.7
Facilities
8.5
Cleanliness
8.9
Comfort
8.9
Value for money
9.9
Location
8.8
High score for Kilindoni
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Guests who stayed here loved

  • Nicolas
    Australia Australia
    The place is clean neat and tidy. Breakfast is good. You will meet other traveler’s here. The owner is helpful aswell as the care taker.. there a card that is helpful if you would like to participate in activities such as whale sharks.. I rented a...
  • Hannah
    South Africa South Africa
    I stayed in a large room with a private bathroom, which I would strongly recommend. I was comfortable and very well looked after by Bunda at the house, who even gave me a swahili lesson in the morning. There are places to eat nearby, but I highly...
  • Ioana
    Romania Romania
    My husband and I had a pleasant stay. The room and bathroom look exactly like in the pictures - very spacious and clean. Bunda is very kind and friendly. He prepared a very fresh and abundant breakfast for us every morning at the time we agreed...
  • Elise
    Australia Australia
    Mgeni Homestay was the best value accomodation that we've stayed in during our African travels. While the building itself is basic the rooms have everything you need: comfortable bed and pillows, mosquito net, ceiling fan, somewhere to sit that...
  • Saana
    Finland Finland
    very good value for money! the housekeeper Bunda is such a warm person making you breakfast every morning. the facilities are basic but clean and everything you need really. the location is good also, easy to walk to the beach or restaurants in...
  • Rosca
    South Africa South Africa
    Friendliest staff and great value for money. Place is also excellently located
  • Ella
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Bunda the housekeeper was very friendly and his cooking was excellent. Very good value for money, everything was clean and comfortable. Good location close to kilindoni.
  • Thomas
    Denmark Denmark
    Ally is a very good host that tries his best to help and make you feel at home. I had the room with own bathroom and it was big and comfy. Staff makes really nice food. A bit of a walk to the nice beaches but cheap to go there by motorbike....
  • Charles
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Mgeni Homestay is excellent value for money and in a good location. It is basic, but has clean rooms, good beds with mosquito nets and fans, showers and toilets.
  • Mónica
    Costa Rica Costa Rica
    Bunda and Ally are great hosts! They are always there to help you if you have any question! The kitchen can be used to prepare your own meals, as well they have a menu in case you would like to order dinner.

Hosted by Ally Rashid Mgeni

9.7
9.7
Host review score
Host review score
Ally Rashid Mgeni
Mgeni Homestay is situated along Tumaini Road / Pwani Road formerly Caritas Street at Kigamboni area at Kilindoni, Mafia Island, Pwani Region in Tanzania. Mgeni Homestay is a business unit offers bed and breakfasts at affordable rates. The place is ideal for people visiting Mafia island for different purposes such as businesses, tourism, volunteer services, researches etc. It is situated just a few meters from the center of Kilindoni - the main town in Mafia Island and 200 meters from the beach. The facility being surrounded by local neighbourhood and some few tourist hotels are nearer. There are also different services available near the place such as restaurants, shops etc. Mgeni Homestay can facilitate various activities including walk tours, snorkling, diving, whaleshark tours, cooking class, tour guiding etc. Others are car, motorcycle and bicycle rentals, class about local culture and many of that sort can be arranged from here. Guest access There are large verandah guests can share. Also the shared kitchen where guests can use to prepare fòods for themselves. The facility in addition has a large sitting area on the front and left side guests can use as resting or eating place. Other things to note; While in the place there are so many activities the guests can do with the help of the host. Tourism activities are leading in those aspects as Mafia Island is emerging as one of the most important tourists' destination in Tanzania. Community activities which involves interactions with the local community can also be organized. Other tourist attractions in Mafia which are very important to visit and the host can help to arrange are visiting the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP), Marine Tower at Ras Mkumbi and Kanga Beach Northern Mafia, Blue Lagoon at Juani Island in MIMP, a day tour to the Chole Island in MIMP - important for its historical ruins, bats roots and coral reefs, just to mention some. The guests are warmly welcomed to stay at Mgeni Homestay.
My name is Ally Rashid Mgeni 59, I was born in Mafia Island, Pwani Region in Tanzania. I studied Business Management / Administration with the Cambridge international College, Jersey, Britain. I also studied Sociology in one of the local based University. In the past i worked as the Community Conservation Officer in the public institution - Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MIMP) for more than 20 years. I have broad experience in community conservation and participation having worked in two marine parks in Tanzania namely Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP);and Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park (TACMP). Currently I am a Businessman after retiring from public service in 2018. I have married with seven chilldren. My interests including indigenous knowledge, local culture ,business venture, travelling, exchange visits and religion.
Mgeni Homestay is situated just a few meters from the center of Kilindoni - the main town in Mafia Island and 200 meters from the beach. The facility being surrounded by local neighbourhood and some few tourist hotels are nearer. There are also different essential services available near the place such as restaurants, shops etc.
Languages spoken: English,Swahili

Property surroundings

Facilities of Mgeni Homestay
Great facilities! Review score, 8.5

Most popular facilities
  • Airport shuttle
  • Family rooms
  • Room service
  • WiFi available in all areas
  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Breakfast
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Slippers
  • Free toiletries
View
  • Inner courtyard view
Outdoors
  • Outdoor dining area
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
  • Dining table
  • Kitchen
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Activities
  • Bicycle rental
    Additional charge
  • Cooking class
    Additional charge
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Bike tours
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Beach
  • Snorkelling
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Diving
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Canoeing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Windsurfing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Fishing
    Additional chargeOff-site
Living Area
  • Dining area
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and charges are applicable.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed).
  • Street parking
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • ATM/cash machine on site
  • Tour desk
  • Currency exchange
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour front desk
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Trouser press
    Additional charge
  • Ironing service
    Additional charge
  • Dry cleaning
    Additional charge
  • Laundry
    Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Key access
General
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Mosquito net
  • Executive lounge access
  • Wake-up service
  • Private entrance
  • Car hire
  • Packed lunches
  • Carpeted
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Barber/beauty shop
  • Ironing facilities
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wake up service/Alarm clock
  • Room service
Accessibility
  • Entire unit wheelchair accessible
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Languages spoken
  • English
  • Swahili

House rules
Mgeni Homestay takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 07:30 to 23:00
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 05:00 to 11:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 12 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Cash only
This property only accepts cash payments.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please inform Mgeni Homestay in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Legal information

This property is managed by a private host. EU consumer law relating to professional hosts might not apply.

FAQs about Mgeni Homestay

  • Guests staying at Mgeni Homestay can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 10.0).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Full English/Irish
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Halal
    • American
    • À la carte
  • Mgeni Homestay offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Snorkelling
    • Diving
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Windsurfing
    • Walking tours
    • Bicycle rental
    • Beach
    • Tour or class about local culture
    • Bike tours
    • Cooking class
  • Check-in at Mgeni Homestay is from 07:30, and check-out is until 11:00.

  • The prices at Mgeni Homestay may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Yes, Mgeni Homestay is popular with guests booking family stays.

  • Mgeni Homestay is 600 yards from the centre of Kilindoni. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.