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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Mbweni Ruins
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Mbweni Ruins: a serene escape blending ancient history with lush gardens and a beautiful beach.
"A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a touch of history by the sea."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Sunset Cocktails
Restaurant deck
Savor a refreshing drink as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History & Serenity
Dining Delights & Sunset Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🎬 Wednesday Movie Nights
Catch a film under the stars on Wednesday evenings; an abundance of snacks available!
🌿 Relax in the Gardens
The lush gardens offer a serene escape, perfect for a peaceful stroll or quiet contemplation.
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.
🌅 Sunset Drinks
Enjoy a cocktail on the restaurant deck at sunset for breathtaking views.
🎬 Wednesday Movie Nights
Catch a film under the stars on Wednesday evenings; an abundance of snacks available!
🌿 Relax in the Gardens
The lush gardens offer a serene escape, perfect for a peaceful stroll or quiet contemplation.
🚗 Convenient Location
Close to the airport and Stone Town, making it an easy visit.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! Taxis are a common and convenient way to reach Mbweni Ruins from Stone Town or other parts of Zanzibar. Negotiate your fare beforehand.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Mbweni Ruins is known for its peaceful, relaxing, and serene atmosphere, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
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.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the ruins and gardens. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for the tropical climate.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, Mbweni Ruins is renowned for its stunning sunsets. The golden hour light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing memorable photographs.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to inquire with the management at Mbweni Ruins beforehand to understand their policy on drone photography.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm, inviting ambiance.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Mbweni Ruins
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.
The Mbweni Experience: Beyond the Ruins
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. 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. The convenient location, close to the airport and Stone Town, makes it an accessible and worthwhile visit for any Zanzibar itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit