Hotel on the Rock Zanzibar, former know as Domokuchu Beach Bungalows is heaven on earth! Meanwhile they have changed the name to Hotel on the Rock (same legal issues I believe) and the hotel is still available to be booked online!
After 7 months in Africa, a bit tired of traveling, sleeping in dorms or cheap guesthouses it was time to try something different. Or normal for people who like to spend money on accommodation. First I looked for a cheap place in Stone City but in the end, I choose a bungalow close to the emerald sea of the Indian Ocean. I stayed almost 2 weeks at Domokuchu and had negotiated a special price. First, I talked on the phone with Shebi but in the end, Zoe, the wife and the owner was to whom I made the booking. First by phone and then by email. In 5 minutes I already had the deposit via PayPal.
Hotel on the Rock Zanzibar
Location:
Paje Beach, Zanzibar. From Stone City its a 35 minutes drive by car and from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 52 km . From Paje or from Paje by Night, one of the trademarks of Paje Beach, we can reach it by foot in 10 minutes. To Jambiani the time is 5 minutes by car.
Its located just on the beach, on the left side of the road to Jambiani, next to Kilima Kidogo and Demani Lodge.
Facilities
In terms of facilities, the guesthouse can be compared to a luxury resort. Tea, coffee and a water heater to use them. 2 sets of towels and a cool wooden cupboard where to put your things.
They can organize for you same day tours (Blue Safari or Spice Tours) with a local guide. The prices are in line with the others travel agency in Zanzibar.
Breakfast is included in the price of the room. Its a healthy one and consisted of fresh fruits (pineapple, oranges), fried eggs and Chapati. The worst thing of the breakfast was, the fact is was the same every single day. For short stays, it’s all right; but for long stays like mine, eating the day thing.
When I asked at what time the breakfast would be served the answer made my day: whenever you want! You can wake up at 7 and the breakfast is served or you can wake up at 12 and the guys will stop that you are awake and will bring it to you!
You can deposit your food in the refrigerators and there are several restaurants where you can have a healthy lunch or dinner. From the fridge you can take a beer or a coke and to pay it at the end of your stay.
Domokuchu Beach Bungalows don’t have a restaurant. There were building one there were said to be ready by mid 2014. Update: restaurant is operating now and you can have a delicious seafood dinner with sea view as well!
The best food can be found either at Kilima Kidogo and at Demani Lodge, which has the lowest food prices in the area. For example, one dish at Kilima Kidogo starts from 16.000 Tanzanian Shillings and at Demani Lodge, one dish can start from 11.000 Tanzanian Shillings.
PaJe area had power problems, but it seems that now everything is in order. During my stay, only once the power was off, but no more than 30 minutes.
WI-FI is not available when I was accommodated in June 2013. Now they can have this service too. You should check it before arriving. I had an internet stick modem from Vodacom Tanzania – unlimited for one month for only 30.000 Tanzanian Shillings.
Rooms & Prices
As I was saying before, for long periods of staying you can negotiate your accommodation. I paid 25$ per night during my 2 weeks stay. The normal price of the room I stayed was 45$ and it was the end of the low season. I stayed alone in a huge room, which could easily accommodate 4 persons. It had 2 bunk beds and I had the 4 of them only for me! I really felt like a king! The prices can go up to 65$ during the peak season.
My room had a special thing: the open air bathroom! It’s awesome to take a pee and to see the sky or to take a shower in the open air. The showers were hot, too.
A small basin of water was located in front of the door, in order to wash your feet before entering the room. I did discover it after 3 days, thaw.
Atmosphere & Stuff
If you are looking for a quiet place and just to relax, swim and kite, this is the place for you. During the low season, you can be the only person on the beach and have your own private beach. Even if the other 5 bungalows were occupied, the place was still very quiet. I was looking for a silent place and Domokuchu was that place. If I do remember well, Domokuchu means the noisy ones!
Shebi can help you with everything. And when I am saying everything he is the guy to ask him…
Recommendation: 8/10. You can book it online at hostelworld.com.
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