Meet our Team
About us
Fun
Work hard, play hard
Mahali is owned by us: Floris and Leanne. We are a couple from Holland with a great passion for Africa.
The extent of our passion only became apparent when we went on our honeymoon, crossing all of Africa. We travelled all the way from Cairo to Capetown and we ended our journey on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. We fell in love with the island instantly. The culture, the climate, the ocean, we felt like we had found a very special place.
After years of working in a corporate environment we felt it was the right time for a new adventure. We decided to leave our jobs and take on new responsibilities as the owners of Mahali.
Our vision for Mahali is to combine the things that also unite us as a couple. That means we want Mahali to be a place that is suitable for both romantic retreats and athletic, adrenaline-filled holidays.
45 Employees
All of the 45 employees are Tanzanians and most of them have been here since we started out.
Diversity
Most of our crew is Muslim but there are also Christians. They also represent a variety of native tribes. That means we always have a holiday to celebrate. Eid Mubarak and Merry Christmas!
Local Suppliers
We want Mahali to be an integral part of the local economy, all of our suppliers are from Zanzibar.
Fun
A good laughter is always welcome, that’s why we have fun outings with the Mahali family twice a year. We believe that if our family is happy it will show through in our service to you.
March 1, 2017
Construction Period
In the beginning we traveled back and forth from the Netherlands to Zanzibar several times to check on the progress of the construction. It was very exciting and scary at the same time. Starting April 1st Leanne stayed to oversee the last stages of construction and Floris went back to the Netherlands to build the website and do the first promotion. It was time to grow our Mahali family.
First time reception
Checking the construction
Building the restaurant
Apr 1, 2017
Our first employees
We started with just a handful of employees in the beginning. Most of them still work with us today. We wanted Mahali to become an integral part of the local economy. To achieve this we work hand in hand with local initiatives and we employ local staff to make sure everybody benefits.
Chef Asma
Our very first employees
Chef Haidar
May 1, 2017
Our first guests
We were just finished with some of the rooms, when we welcomed our very first guests. It was so exciting and we were all so happy! Our believe was and still is: friendliness goes a long way. You will be greeted with a smile and we will try our best to fulfill your every wish.
Spice Tour
Drinking Fresh Coconuts
First drinks at Mahali Beachbar
November 1, 2017
Having Fun
We want to know exactly what we offer our guests so to experience some of the activities we put our Mahali team on a big bus and traveled to Upendo and The Rock to have lunch. Afterwards we watched the splendid sunset in Michamvi.
Michamvi
In front of The Rock
Enjoying drinks
December 25, 2017
Christmas @ Mahali
Most of our staff is Muslim but there are also a few Christians who celebrate Christmas. Mahali is like a big melting pot and we celebrate all the holidays together. During our first holiday season in Zanzibar we played Christmas music and decorated a Christmas tree. For some it was the first time in their life!
Christmas breakfast
Beach bar crew
Employee Christmas dinner
June 15, 2018
Eid Mubarak
Our first Eid in Zanzibar was the end of Ramadhan. It was a completely new and exciting cultural experience for us. We celebrated it with delicious Biryani (a local food) and sodas.
Lunch table
Eating Biryani
Eid Mubarak
July 15, 2018
World cup Mahali Beachbar
We have guests coming from all corners of the earth. One of the reasons we love what we do so much. During the World Cup of 2018 this was truly visible. Every game was exciting as we had locals cheering and we had so much fun with all the different nationalities under one roof.
Finals!
Thrilling game
Singing the anthem
November 12, 2018
Added in the Lonely Planet
This was a special milestone for us. A friend of ours told us: “I’m sure I saw Mahali in the Lonely Planet. We were very surprised and excited. Until today we don’t know when the representatives stayed with us. They managed to keep their identity hidden very well!
Tanzania LP
Description
Happiness Managers
March 16, 2019
A day of Joy
This time we took our Mahali family to Stone Town and Prison Island. A big bus, a lot of music, three boats and a guide. During sunset we went to a rooftop bar and we ended the day by sharing a meal of Injera (Ethiopian food), something you should definitely try!
Boat ride
Prison Island
Injera Ethiopian Food
June 29, 2019
Running with Mahali
For the last two years we’ve sponsored a running competition. ZANZI HALF is a race, through the streets of Stone Town, that encourages women and men to participate on equal terms despite differences in gender, faith and social background. Almost half our Mahali family participated!
The Medals
Start point
Finish line
August 5, 2019
Mahali Soccer Team
Mahali has its very own soccer team! Our employees are very athletic and they practice on the beach in front of Mahali every day. Teams from neighboring hotels have started forming and competition is fierce. To lift team spirit we got our team a special Mahali outfit with a Dutch twist.
Gameday!
Mahali Soccer Team
Special Mahali Outfit
Our Rates
From $115/night*
