Our Story
Rooted in Chuini
Mangrove Lodge grew from two lives, one family home in Chuini and a shared belief that hospitality can help people understand a place.
Our Story
Mangrove Lodge grew from two lives, one family home in Chuini and a shared belief that hospitality can help people understand a place.
Founded in 2008
Family-run
Built in Chuini
Haji Ramadhan Ali
Local knowledge at the foundation
Haji was born in Chuini and founded Mangrove Lodge in 2008. He purchased the land, followed the design and construction, and worked with local carpenters and locally sourced materials to bring the lodge to life.
His years of guiding and deep knowledge of Zanzibar still inform the team, the experiences they recommend and the way the lodge shares the history and culture around Chuini.
Marina
A welcome shaped across cultures
Marina moved from Italy to Zanzibar in 2006 and made the island her home. She understands both the excitement of arriving from elsewhere and the care needed to welcome travellers into a culture that is not their own.
Her attention to food, detail and the practical flow of the lodge continues to influence how guests are looked after without making the experience formal.
The family and team
Hospitality created together
Haji and Marina raised their four children at Mangrove Lodge. Their sons Ali and Rama are now part of the team, alongside people from Chuini and surrounding villages working across the garden, kitchen, housekeeping, reception, maintenance, guiding and guest care.
Haji and Marina remain involved behind the scenes, while the family and wider team carry local memory, cross-cultural understanding and care into each stay.
Responsible travel
Everyday relationships, not a separate promise
People
Employment and collaboration in Chuini and surrounding villages.
Place
Daily care for the garden, beach and changing mangrove bay.
Making
Local materials, coconut toiletries and reuse where practical.
Food
Trusted market suppliers and Zanzibari businesses where possible.
Made here
Knowledge shared
Rooted in place
Come and discover the place behind the view
Stay for the warmth, local knowledge and a gentler way into Zanzibar.