Blue Reef Sport and Fishing Lodge & Bungalows

My stay at Blue Reef was nothing short of magical. I truly felt like I was home and by the end of my visit, the staff felt like my extended family. They remembered me, cared for me, and made me feel genuinely special through the smallest, most meaningful gestures from offering me fresh passion fruit when I simply asked to take a photo of it, to inviting me behind the bar to show me how their fresh juice is made. The sunrises and sunsets were absolutely breathtaking some of the most beautiful moments I experienced in Zanzibar. One of the highlights of my stay was requesting an off-menu dish: ugali. The chef personally came out to ask how I liked the meal, which turned out to be the most delicious food I’ve had since arriving in Tanzania. My time in Zanzibar and especially at Blue Reef was pure magic. I’m beyond grateful for the warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable memories, and I cannot wait to return with my family.

What a luxury to step out of our room onto a soft, white sand beach. Between our room, the water and neighbouring restaurants, we never needed to leave the beach! The rooms are simple, but clean and the bed was comfortable. The bungalows are lovely with a laid-back vibe, a beautiful garden and lots of shade trees. Restaurants are close by and the wood-fired pizza shop, literally steps from our door, made delicious pizza. What really made our visit was the staff – They are the best! Everyone is welcoming, friendly and always ready to assist. We liked that it was an ‘public' beach as described in the listing. Kids and families from the village played in the water, there was a nightly football game on the beach, and photogenic fishing boats and dhows bobbed in the water. Honest review – expect local guides, souvenir sellers, etc. to approach you on the beach. Fortunately, they are mostly easy going and it can be fun just to talk to them. The bungalows are closely clustered around the bar/lounge area. It is low-keyed, everyone is there just to chill, and all is quiet even before 10. Overall, this is an excellent value in a truly special location.

Great place to stay. The food is good and the stuff is friendly.

Just returned from an amazing 10 day holiday at the Blue Reef Bungalows. The location is great, right on the beach front. The bungalow is basic but has a comfortable bed and everything you need with the bar and breakfast restaurant literally a few steps away. The food in the Blue Reef restaurant is varied and really tasty and the pizzas at the bungalows are also excellent. The beach is stunning, however you do get pestered constantly by the sellers which got very tiring by the end (the cashew nuts are so good!). When the tide is out you can walk for about a mile across the beach and still have water below waist height and it is the most beautiful turquoise sea. What really makes it special are the staff - Simba, Wilhemina and Evelyn at the bungalows and Emannuel in the Blue Reef restaurant, the bar boys and Roby are fantastic. So friendly and looked after us so well with an enthusiastic welcome every single time we saw them (and delicious cocktails!) Would highly recommend if you want great staff, a beautiful beach and to experience local life.