About us

The Story behind Utupoa

About us

The Story behind Utupoa

About us

The Story behind Utupoa

Nyumbani

About Us

Tim was a pilot in the Middle East when we first came to Zanzibar on a flight he was operating. It was 1992, before electricity, tarmac or cell phone networks.

When Tim sat on the Matemwe Beach all those moons ago, he gazed out to the Indian Ocean, and felt the kusi breeze from the south and the kaskazi from the north, and he imagined what home might be. He envisaged a huge roof, a round table from which to eat, and two bedrooms strategically placed to catch these signature trade winds in our dreams.

Nyumba Kubwa is the central hub of our home, the heart of it. Over the years, it has become a space filled with books, memories, trinkets from our travels, stories, our daughters’ art, our dogs, a piano that needs to be played, perhaps, indeed, all the stuff of life that solidifies our imaginings of what makes a ‘home’.

We welcome you to make our home your home for a while. Come, breathe, feel the sand between your toes and the wind on your skin. Wash the world off for a while, unwind, eat fish. It’s sort of like a hotel, but totally isn’t.

KAribu

A Destination

“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.”
~Rumi

"Utupoa is not only an extraordinary place of beauty and hospitality, but also a bit of an utopian society. That's because of Joyce's amazing ability to make everybody feel welcome and part of the Utupoa family. In the moment we arrived we felt the beautiful and peculiar vibe of the place - it was like arriving at a group of friends who would immediately accept you. Besides Joyce there is the great staff, everybody warm and welcoming. Five stars plus."

Fabian, Airbnb

"Just an amazing and adorable place. It‘s a place full of love and kindness ... just like Home away from Home 😉 Tim and Joyce created a little paradise and also the Food is so delicious. Thank you for everything !! We will miss you !!"

Claudia, Airbnb

"A stunning place with a very beautiful African-style interior and his own history. Perhaps the most beautiful house that we saw on our trip around the island. Lots of thanks to Joyce for such warmth and comfort. In this house you will really feel at home."

Julie, Airbnb

Contact us

Bookings / Enquiries

To enquire or book directly without fees, please email us below.

Please note, we accept payment in cash, card, or via online transaction. There is an ATM in Kiwengwa (15 minutes drive away).

For bookings, please click the button below or email us at [email protected]