The bungalows are nestled privately in a cove near the lighthouse on the tip of Nungwi. Divers will appreciate its reasonable proximity to the Mnemba Atoll (just less than two hours away) and for part-time partygoers the lively bars and restaurants of Nungwi are just a 20-minute walk away.  There is a fantastic sandy beach where you can laze about on sun lounges and develop that long-awaited golden tan. The luxury lodge is run by Zanzibar locals. It was originally built in 1886 thanks to the enthusiasm of a young man, Nassor Salim Ali, from Pemba. Over the years this simple resort has been added to and improved. The hotel staff makes the place special. They're always friendly and courteous and provide impeccable service. The gardens have been well maintained and you’ll find name plaques on the trees and shrubs so you can learn more about the local vegetation.

Mnarani Beach Cottages is the only lodge development for kilometers on either side, so you're not inundated with hoards of tourists. Its location fairly close to the village means you get to see the goings-on in a typical fishing village. Mnarani's dhow is rather high-tech for these parts and is probably the envy of most of the traditional fishermen. It is fitted with outboard engines, short-wave radios, GPRS and fish finders, and all kinds of fancy fishing rods. Your days at Mnarani can be spent relaxing and enjoying the freedom of being able to walk on a long stretch of beach. There's also a local village where they build dhows and the Mnarani Aquarium to visit.

Mnarani Beach Cottages Hotel Accommodation
There are a total of 16 rooms at Mnarani Beach Cottages, all of which have ensuite bathrooms, hot and cold running water and mosquito nets. The description of the rooms includes:

Standard Rooms: The standard cottages are simple but nevertheless private and comfortable. They are decorated in local Zanzibarian style and have an ensuite bathroom, with hot and cold water and veranda. All rooms have mosquito nets and fans. Eight are located along the seafront with views to the ocean and four are within the lush calm of the tropical garden.

Family Cottages: Mnarani has four larger thatched roof cottages. These rooms are good for couples wanting more space or families. They have ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold water and two of them have adjoining doors for larger groups. These cottages are very spacious. There is an open-plan ground floor with sitting area, a small kitchen area with a sink and fridge, and coffee/tea making facilities. There is a first floor mezzanine double bedroom and space for extra beds on the ground floor. The cottages can accommodate up to four people and are decorated in the local style. Each cottage has a spacious balcony on both floors overlooking the sea where the sunrise can be viewed over the shimmering Indian Ocean.

Honeymoon Room (Mahaba Room): Mahaba Cottage is the romantic honeymoon accommodation located in a private part of the hotel with its own garden and access to the beach. It is decorated in local style with wooden floors and walls lined with traditional woven palm fronds. The room is self-contained, with kitchen area and bathroom, with an open-plan design on the ground floor for sitting and relaxing, and an airy sleeping area upstairs for two people. It also has a spacious balcony, which overlooks the ocean and where sunrise can be viewed. An attractive garden fronts the cottage. To add to the comfort of this special cottage, there is also a CD player, hammock, and Arabic cushions for relaxing.

Mnarani Beach Cottages Restaurant
Mnarani Beach Cottages has a fantastic restaurant where you can sample local cuisine. You'll be offered lots of freshly caught seafood, literally bought straight from the fishermen as they return with their morning catch for preparation that evening. Dinner is usually served on the terrace close to the sea. You can also enjoy barbecues on the beach under the stars. Vegetarians and non-fish eaters are catered for,. The restaurant aims to please, but needs to order specific requirements way in advance. It is certainly one of the highlights of Mnarani. 
Breakfast is a buffet offering local fruits, pancakes, bread and eggs on request. Juice, coffee and tea are included. Locally caught fish, often prepared in the traditional Swahili way by the locally trained chefs, dominates lunch and dinner experience. Mnarani also serves meat, rice, local vegetables and fruits. Lobster, crab, octopus and squid are freshly caught and served grilled, fried or cooked in coconut. The cottages also cater for vegetarians.
There is also a small bar among the palms, which protrudes out over the rocks to provide exquisite views of the lagoon. This is the place to gather with other guests to enjoy a round of sundowners and a game of the traditional Zanzibar game bao. (Don't leave Zanzibar without learning how to play!) If the mood is right, the staff suggests packing in a round of soft drinks and taking the boat out to enjoy sundowners on the water.

Mnarani Beach Cottages Activities
• Henna tattoo decorations.
• Boating expeditions.
• Massage services.
• Board Games.
• Snorkeling off Bawe Island
• Volley Ball on the beach.
• Spice Tours organized by
• Jozani Tropical Forest visit.
• Zanzibar cultural tour
 • Visit to Prison Island                                                                                                                           •

Overnight accommodation at the Chumbe Island Eco-Lodge.
• Dolphin Watching Safaris.
• Diving off Mnemba atoll and other Zanzibar diving sites.