Mbweni Ruins - Nuraghe Arrubiu - Sardegna
1 / 10

Mbweni Ruins

4.3
·291 reviews·Zanzibar, Tanzania

Discover Mbweni Ruins: a serene escape blending ancient history with lush gardens and a beautiful beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Mbweni Ruins - Nuraghe Arrubiu - Sardegna

Mbweni Ruins

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Mbweni Ruins: a serene escape blending ancient history with lush gardens and a beautiful beach.

4.3
(291 reviews)

"A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a touch of history by the sea."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore the History

Wander through the ancient ruins of St. Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls for a unique historical experience.

🌅 Sunset Drinks

Enjoy a cocktail on the restaurant deck at sunset for breathtaking views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Mbweni Ruins

Historic Mbweni Ruins

Central grounds

Explore the remnants of St. Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls, a poignant glimpse into Zanzibar's past.

Lush Gardens & Beachfront

Lush Gardens & Beachfront

Throughout the property

Wander through verdant gardens leading to a beautiful, serene beach. Perfect for peaceful strolls and relaxation.

Sunset Cocktails

Sunset Cocktails

Restaurant deck

Savor a refreshing drink as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History & Serenity

Mbweni Ruins offers a unique blend of historical exploration and tranquil relaxation. Plan to spend time wandering through the ancient structures and lush gardens, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the serenity.

Dining Delights & Sunset Views

While the setting is stunning, dining experiences can vary. Check recent reviews for the most up-to-date information on the restaurant's menu and availability. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the restaurant deck for a truly memorable experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Wednesday evenings
Why
Unique movie nights
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

اسماء الوجهات:1 - Jungle Paradise Beach resort & spa - kendwa ( mbweni ruins )2 - Tembu hotel 3 - Park hayatt Zanzibar#summer2021 #to #zanzibar
@sharifaabbas
6.8K likes • 148.1K views

🎯 Explore the History

Wander through the ancient ruins of St. Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls for a unique historical experience. Instagram+1

🌅 Sunset Drinks

Enjoy a cocktail on the restaurant deck at sunset for breathtaking views. Reddit

The most aesthetic cafe in Mbweni ☕️🥐🍰 Everything about this place was amazing!! #cafe #brunch #stonetown #zanzibar #tanzaniatiktok #coffee #fyp #foryou #placestotry #girlythings #hijab #muslimah
@_nasriyaa
1.3K likes • 25.4K views
Exploring the historic Mbweni Ruins in Zanzibar, once home to St. Mary’s School for Freed Slave Girls built between 1871 and 1874. A little slice of beauty tucked away. 🌴💛 #MbweniRuins #ZanzibarDiaries
june_shimuoshili
56 likes • 782 views

🎬 Wednesday Movie Nights

Catch a film under the stars on Wednesday evenings; an abundance of snacks available! Reddit

🌿 Relax in the Gardens

The lush gardens offer a serene escape, perfect for a peaceful stroll or quiet contemplation. Instagram

Mbweni Ruins Mbweni ruins was once St. Mary’s School for Freed Slave Girls and was built between 1871 and 1874 by the UMCA. As slaves were freed by the British from illegal dhow traders, a village of freed slaves developed around the mission. At one point there were at least 250 freed slaves living there. Orphan girls and daughters of the freed slaves attended the school that trained them to beco...
atlas_hub_
30 likes • 424 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the History

Wander through the ancient ruins of St. Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls for a unique historical experience. Instagram+1

🌅 Sunset Drinks

Enjoy a cocktail on the restaurant deck at sunset for breathtaking views. Reddit

🎬 Wednesday Movie Nights

Catch a film under the stars on Wednesday evenings; an abundance of snacks available! Reddit

🌿 Relax in the Gardens

The lush gardens offer a serene escape, perfect for a peaceful stroll or quiet contemplation. Instagram

🚗 Convenient Location

Close to the airport and Stone Town, making it an easy visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(291 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mbweni Ruins is praised for its unique historical ambiance, tranquil gardens, and beautiful beachfront. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunset views, often highlighting the friendly service and spacious accommodations. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the restaurant's limited menu and availability, suggesting potential improvements in food and beverage service.

"Great service and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. The place is built around historic ruins, giving it a unique and charming vibe. It has a beautiful beach, a nice pool, and a restaurant with a wide variety of delicious food. The staff are friendly and helpful. A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a touch of history by the sea."

Rachelle Ridad

"Disappointed with the restaurant.. menu is scarce, and yet one or two things available.. we decided to take fish fingers as everything else on the menu is not available. We ordered a glass of white wine and they also didn't have.. the juices we ordered which costed 4$ were nothing much than water with sugar and few little pieces of mango! I suggest they should probably change the F&B team otherwise its just a big waste of a beautiful place and location like that.."

Joyce Solomon

"The setting amongst the ruins and lush gardens is simply stunning; the newer buildings are subtle and fit in well, and the rooms are spacious and nicely furnished.
The restaurant didn't have a really big range of vegetarian options but sufficient, and what they served was excellent. A sunset cocktail on the restaurant deck was a great moment in life. Service was extremely friendly and helpful. They found some items I'd misplaced and kept them safe until I was able to collect them, and they also helped me to find a couple of local contacts for my trip, which was very helpful.
The location is convenient for the airport, less than 10 minutes without traffic, and it's 15 minutes' drive into old Stone Town."

Jon Howe

What People Like

Historic ruins and gardens
Peaceful, relaxing atmosphere
Beautiful sunset views

What People Dislike

Limited restaurant menu
Food availability issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mbweni Ruins is conveniently located about a 15-minute drive from Stone Town. Taxis are readily available in Stone Town and can take you directly to the ruins. Some visitors also opt for local dala-dalas for a more budget-friendly experience, though this may take longer. Reddit

Yes, Mbweni Ruins is very close to the Zanzibar airport, typically less than a 10-minute drive without traffic. This makes it an ideal stop for arrivals or departures. Reddit

Absolutely! Taxis are a common and convenient way to reach Mbweni Ruins from Stone Town or other parts of Zanzibar. Negotiate your fare beforehand. Reddit

While taxis are more direct, local dala-dalas (minibuses) can be used to reach the general area, though you might need a short walk or another short taxi ride from the drop-off point. Reddit

For a day trip, a taxi is recommended for ease and flexibility. This allows you to spend as much time as you like without worrying about public transport schedules. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Mbweni Ruins grounds typically involves a fee, often paid at the reception or restaurant. It's advisable to check current admission prices upon arrival. Instagram+1

Mbweni Ruins is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to confirm the current operating hours before your visit, especially if you plan to dine or attend special events. Reddit

While the ruins themselves might have an entry fee, access to the gardens and restaurant area is usually free, especially if you plan to dine. However, it's always good to clarify upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Mbweni Ruins for the day to explore the historical sites, enjoy the gardens, and dine at the restaurant without being a resident guest. Reddit

Mbweni Ruins hosts special events like Wednesday movie nights and farm-to-table dining experiences. Keep an eye on their social media or inquire locally for upcoming events. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic ruins of St. Mary's School, wander through beautiful lush gardens, relax by the beach, and enjoy meals or drinks at the restaurant. Instagram+2

Absolutely! The combination of historic ruins, vibrant gardens, and ocean views makes Mbweni Ruins a very photogenic location. The golden hour at sunset is particularly stunning. TikTokInstagram

Mbweni Ruins is known for its peaceful, relaxing, and serene atmosphere, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Reddit

While not always formally advertised, you can often find information about the history of the ruins from staff or by doing some research beforehand. The beauty is in exploring at your own pace. Instagram+1

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the ruins and gardens. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for the tropical climate. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, with some reviews highlighting organic and delicious food. They also have a good selection of drinks, including cocktails. TikTokReddit

While the menu range might not be extensive for vegetarians, there are usually sufficient options available, and the quality of the food served is generally praised. Reddit

Prices can be moderate to high, typical for a resort setting. However, many find the quality and the unique dining atmosphere to be worth the cost. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the restaurant for lunch or dinner without staying at the property. It's a popular spot for enjoying a meal with a view. Reddit

Dining hours typically align with lunch and dinner services. It's best to check with the venue directly for the most accurate times, especially if you plan to attend a special event like Iftar. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The historic ruins themselves, the lush gardens with their vibrant flora, and the beachfront offer fantastic photo opportunities. The restaurant deck during sunset is also a prime spot. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Mbweni Ruins is renowned for its stunning sunsets. The golden hour light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing memorable photographs. InstagramReddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to inquire with the management at Mbweni Ruins beforehand to understand their policy on drone photography. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm, inviting ambiance. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial shoots or if you plan to use professional equipment, it's wise to seek permission from the management. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mbweni Ruins offers a unique blend of history and relaxation that can appeal to families. Children can explore the intriguing ruins, sparking their imagination about the past. The lush gardens and beach provide space for them to run around and enjoy the outdoors. Instagram+1 Consider visiting during the day when the atmosphere is more relaxed. While the restaurant has options, packing some kid-friendly snacks might be a good idea, just in case. The proximity to the airport also makes it a convenient stop for families with early or late flights. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Mbweni Ruins can be a more upscale experience, budget travelers can still enjoy its charm. Opt for local dala-dalas for transportation to save on taxi fares, though this will take longer. Reddit Instead of a full meal, consider visiting for a sunset drink on the restaurant deck to soak in the ambiance without a large expense. Reddit If you're looking for a more affordable dining experience, explore local eateries in nearby Stone Town after your visit. Reddit

💖 Couples

Mbweni Ruins offers a wonderfully romantic setting for couples. The historic ruins and serene gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and quiet conversations. Instagram+1 Enjoying a sunset cocktail on the restaurant deck is a quintessential romantic experience, with breathtaking views. Reddit For a unique evening, consider attending the Wednesday movie nights for a cozy and memorable date. Reddit The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for unwinding together. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Mbweni Ruins

The Mbweni Ruins are more than just ancient stones; they are a testament to a significant chapter in Zanzibar's history. Once the site of St. Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls, established between 1871 and 1874 by the Universities' Mission to Central Africa (UMCA), these ruins whisper tales of liberation and education. Instagram+1 As British efforts to abolish the slave trade intensified, freed slaves, particularly women and children, found refuge and opportunity here. The village that grew around the mission housed at least 250 freed slaves at its peak, making Mbweni a vital community. Exploring these structures offers a poignant connection to this past, a stark contrast to the serene beauty that surrounds them today.

The architectural remnants, though weathered by time, still evoke a sense of the past. Visitors can wander through the grounds, imagining the lives of those who once walked these paths. The integration of these historical elements with the natural landscape creates a unique and contemplative atmosphere. It’s a place where history is not just read about, but felt. Instagram+1

The Mbweni Experience: Beyond the Ruins

While the historical significance of the ruins draws many, the Mbweni experience extends far beyond its ancient stones. The property boasts lush, verdant gardens that provide a tranquil escape, leading to a beautiful, serene beach. Instagram This natural beauty is complemented by a restaurant and bar that offers a diverse menu, often featuring organic ingredients. TikTokReddit Many visitors rave about enjoying a sunset cocktail on the restaurant deck, a truly magical moment. Reddit

Furthermore, Mbweni Ruins is known for its special events, most notably the Wednesday movie nights, where films are screened under the stars, accompanied by an array of snacks and drinks. Reddit These events provide a unique social and entertainment experience. The venue also hosts other gatherings, such as farm-to-table iftar meals, showcasing its versatility as a destination for both relaxation and cultural engagement. Instagram The convenient location, close to the airport and Stone Town, makes it an accessible and worthwhile visit for any Zanzibar itinerary. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2