Blue Reef Sport & Fishing Lodge and Bungalows

We spent 2 weeks at the Blue Reef in August and loved it. It’s right on the beach with the most amazing views. The rooms were clean, comfy and although no air con, a fan was all we needed with a mosquito net. The staff couldn’t do enough to make sure we were all good. The owners were there most days, all were friendly and helpful. All the staff were so welcoming. Anton makes the best cocktails and Emmanuel and Paulo and the other staff were all fab. The breakfasts were included with the room and were lovely. The restaurant for lunch and dinner also had some really delicious dishes. The Blue Reef support a local beach rubbish recycling initiative. They have recycled items for sale and we loved the bottle top curtains in the rooms. They have lots of trips you can book into, we went snorkelling, went fishing and they organise taxis wherever you want to go and for airport runs. Zanzibar is incredibly beautiful. Jambiani is a long beautiful beach, much quieter than Paje which is what we wanted but there are still lots of other restaurants along the beach, some with pools which you can use as long as buying food/drinks. The village runs behind the hotels and locals were so friendly and welcoming. Lots of Masai selling beautiful bowls, bracelets etc Whilst in Zanzibar we went snorkelling, swam with turtles, visited Stown town, Kuza cave which is really close and flew over to the mainland for a 2 day safari. We had the best holiday and absolutely loved the Blue Reef. We were a family of 5 with 3 young adults, we’d all totally recommend..,.Thanks!

I have not been back to Zanzibar for 20 years, this is my 4th visit. I wanted to bring my children. Zanzibar has changed alot, big hotels and alot of development, not well controlled. This is an exellent establishment. The beach cottages are pretty with fans and an ocean view. Wonderful sunbeds infront of the ocean. We ate at the restaurant twice, i had really fresh lobster, chicken tacos and a very good cheesecake. The rooms are cleaned evryday to a very high standard which is a relief after the sandy beach days. We had our washing done and it was not a rip off like other places we stayed. The snorkelling in their own Dhow was really good and a third of the price of other places. Their captain spoke english and explained sailing techniques along the way. They have a wood pizza oven and their pizzas are really good, the best I have eaten in ages. The staff are professional and kind, their cocktails at the sand bar are superb with fresh juices. We had healthy breakfast option with really good homemade granola and local honey. The reason I am leaving such a detailed review is that I own a hotel and camp in Marrakech and I can see how well run this place is. They care about the beach and their room information educates you on how they give back and their recycling beach trash initiatives. This is one of a few authentic Zanzibarian accommodations left. Jambiani beach has other little places and I would recommend staying here if you want fresh fish, good vibes and a wonderful authentic experience. I was nearly detered by the bad reviews left, I can only imagine they have been left by jelous competition which is often the sad reality.

Big shout out to Wilhelmina, Simba, Immanuel, Ruby, Paulo, Anton, Juma and the rest of the most friendly, funny, smiling, laughning, caring and welcoming staff you will ever meet. You guys make our stay better everytime we are there. Love you a lot. You are the reason we return every year, and we can't wait till next time. Claus

Me and my friend were on vacation and had a lovely stay here! The main restaurant is located in a wonderful place, with a picturesque view, so you can enjoy very tasty food and the ocean at the same time. Delicious seafood, meat, and all the dishes are very wonderful. Oh en don’t forget to drink the delicious cocktails at the bar! Our room was located on the ground floor, with a beautiful garden, and 30 sec walk to te white sandy beach. Our room was cleaned daily. All the staff were really friendly and their service was great! We enjoyed every minute of our holiday and we will definitely return to this magical place with joy. We felt rested and relaxed when we left. Thank you!

This is not my first visit and every year I’am surprised about the changes, for this year the rooms have had en big upgrade with fresh beautiful colors like this green, see picture So waiting for the next surprise, maybe a swimming pool & chill area because the bar & personnel will make this the best place of Jambiani

We stayed in the Loft upstairs - fantastic and spacious! Great view from the big balcony. The people working there are so friendly and have a great sense of humor. The bartender makes the best drinks and smoothies. In addition, Blue Reef is situated at the perfect spot in Jambiani - even at low tides you can enjoy the ocean and walk out to a sandbank. We will return!

Some words to describe my visit this this Year (JAN-FEB 2024) Good Food (Fish/Chicken/Meat Restaurant & Pizza) Good Nice Drinks (Bar) Good Coffee (Bar) Nice beachfront with happy nice people but not to crowded, Jambiani beach 7km long but Blue Reef is real chilly place to stay with a nice atmosphere. So if you are in the neighborhood, just drop them a visit or book your stay in Jabiani

Terrible experience here. On arriving I was given a very small and dingy room; completely overpriced for what it was. I complained and asked for something better. I was taken to a second set of bungalows 10 minutes' walk south on the beach – it wasn't much better and had no restaurant (meaning you had to walk in the hot sun just to have a drink or a meal in the main building). Very outdated. No air conditioning or fridge in the room, both essentials in this part of the world! The foam mattress was so extremely soggy and soft that I woke up with severe backache. That was the clincher for me to go to a real hotel in Jambiani, which turned out to be cheaper and 100 times better. I can't recommend the Blue Reef for any reason.

I stopped by the Blue Reef Restaurant for dinner and it was very welcoming and friendly. The staff were awesome and I even sat with the owner and had a great conversation about his business and the area. Stop by and talk to Wilemina, the manager.