We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

The Old Boma at Mikindani

Save
Share
Boma Street, Mtwara Tanzania
Booking.com
eDreams
Priceline
Go to your Happy Price
Agoda.com
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
avatar-imageavatar-imageavatar-image
Traveller (125)
Room & Suite (21)
Pool & Beach (12)
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.

About

#1 of 18 hotels in Mtwara
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Old Boma is a beautiful hotel in Mikindani, southern Tanzania, with views of the Indian Ocean. A restored colonial building with restaurant, bar, spa and swimming pool. The Old Boma is run by Trade Aid, a charitable trust that actively promotes sustainable tourism. This is achieved by providing vocational and environmental education, training and employment within the local community.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Conference facilities
Paid wifi
Internet
Hot bath
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Meeting rooms
Spa
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Show more
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
73Reviews0Q+A25Room tips

Reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

Traveller rating
  • 45
  • 26
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
Andy J Long wrote a review 1 Dec
Boise, Idaho15 contributions5 helpful votes
+1
The Old Boma is a fantastic place to stay and visit whether for just a few days or as a destination and hub to explore the Mtwara and Lindi regions. The fortified mansion is perched above the idyllic Mikindani Bay, just above the historic Swahili port and lively village of Mikindani. As you walk up the hill to the glimmering Boma tower with the Tanzanian Flag billowing in the sea breeze, you notice the road is embedded with sea shells and there are fragrant flowers, it really is paradise. Though you also might notice it is pretty darn hot and steamy depending on your tolerance. The friendly locals of Mikindani greet you as they go about their daily lives, children play joyfully, and chickens and goats roam around town at will. Upon arrival the Boma staff welcomes you with delicious juice and genuine hospitality, a true Karibu sensation. The concierge service from Consolata and Nasra arranged to have crewmembers welcome us at the bus stop and assisted us with our bags up the hill. It was an exciting welcome after a bus journey from Masasi. We enjoyed the views, the monkeys in the trees and on the roof, the lovely pool, and getting to know the Boma staff, many of whom are local youth who are honing their skills in the tourism and hospitality industry. The hotel and fort itself is well restored and feels like you are stepping back in time, a comfortable time indeed. TradeAid, who runs the Boma, is a fine organization that has helped bring tourism, opportunity, and education for the townspeople for several decades, your stay helps the organization with their mission. The food is delicious, the pool is relaxing, the beers are cold. In the morning, having a nice tea or Africafe as you gaze upon the Indian ocean from the second floor is quite lovely. The town is walkable day and night and you can visit the Yacht Club and 10 degrees South to mix it up. The area is known for excellent scuba and snorkeling excursions. Tours of Mikindani and other excursions can be organized through the Boma. This place is a great secret off the beaten tourist path, but is well worth the trip. Can easily catch a local bus or bajaj ride into Mtwara, and the hotel can pick you up or deliver you to the airport, less than 15 minutes away. Asanteni sana to everyone at the Old Boma, tutarudi! We were there in mid May 2023.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Be kind to the trainees and help them learn and interact with travelers
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Anneli T wrote a review Apr 2023
2 contributions
We visited with our sailing yacht Mikindani yacht club and discovered that not far from that is a beautiful old hotel that offers delicious local meals, wonderfol local artwork, historically interesting atmosphere and very nice rooms. Young local ladies, who were learning hospitality in the same place in the framework of a charity program were especially cearing and lovely! They also offer interesting guided tours nearby. We enjoyed every moment in this hotel - this is definitely the best choise in this area!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: They arrange also safaries into lumekwika
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Old Boma, General Manager at The Old Boma at Mikindani
Responded 14 Apr 2023
Dear Anneli, Thank you so much for your wonderful review it was an absolute pleasure having you visit us and also celebrate mwenge uhuru torch with us! We wish you safe travels and hope to see again soon in the near future. Karibu Tena na Tena
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
reiner F wrote a review Jul 2022
1 contribution
when I was a young woman in the eighties, I once saw the Old Boma at Mikindan. It was broken down. I spoke out loud: "Someone must fix this, it's such a lovely place for a good hotel!" Now as an old woman I return to my favorite places, as there is MTWARA / Tansania an I stay in the Old Boma, in a place of luxury as I dreamt many years ago: Good Food, Water in the bathroom, a sink, a swimming pool, plenty to eat (especially fresh seafood, also vegetarian dishes) well prepared and comfortable beds and sofas in a historical place. I am in a dream with nature and lovely people all around me!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Livingstone or Nyerere are with the most beautiful views
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Old Boma, General Manager at The Old Boma at Mikindani
Responded 23 Mar 2023
Hi There! Thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful comments. It is comments like yours that motivate us to keep doing what we are doing here at The Old Boma Hotel. I am so glad that we could make your dream a reality. You are warmly welcome to visit us again and again. Karibu Sana
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
SASfive wrote a review May 2022
London, United Kingdom25 contributions26 helpful votes
Excellent initiative, food and service in a beautiful setting. Staff consists mostly of trainees, doing their very best to get it right and all with the typical Tanzanian smile ;) What’s not to like, enjoyed every minute! Hopefully till soon again
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Old Boma, General Manager at The Old Boma at Mikindani
Responded 13 Jun 2022
Hi There SASfive! Thank you so much for your generous and uplifting review it is truly appreciated. We are so glad that you enjoyed every minute of your stay with us and look forward to welcoming you back very soon!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Khalid wrote a review Jul 2021
Arusha, Tanzania234 contributions45 helpful votes
+1
This fotmer colonizer building has been preserved and turned into something positve ghusnoffering some good quality hotel services catering to western tourist market. The decor is interesting. The absolute best part of this whole hotel is the wondeful staff. The are warm and welcomong. Many thanks to Lucas, Hassan, Mohammed and Asni for being stars.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Be bice to the staff.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Old Boma, General Manager at The Old Boma at Mikindani
Responded 13 Jun 2022
Hi There Khalidtz! Thank you so much for your insightful review. Thank you for taking the time to visit our Hotel and we are looking forward to welcoming you back soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
davedcw wrote a review Nov 2019
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
When I lived in Tanzania many years ago, I visited the Old Boma a number of times when working in Mtwara. In 2009 I returned to propose to my wife on the balcony of the room - unforgettable. When I came back in 2016 to spend 6 months in Tanzania with for work with my family, the hotel had reached a very high standard. Spotless and yet a training hotel. Impeccably managed. We will be coming back soon for another unique experience!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2018
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Jenny H wrote a review Jul 2019
Salisbury, United Kingdom39 contributions5 helpful votes
We have just returned from a magical 10 days at the Old Boma hotel which overlooks the town of Mikindani and want others to know the great experience they can have there. The Old Boma has been lovingly and authentically restored to make a very comfortable small hotel. Yes, it's a training hotel but all the staff were happy, friendly and very keen to provide excellent service. We slept in the biggest, most comfortable and most beautiful bed I have ever seen; carved and painted with exotic birds. Meals, taken by the pool, were always delicious and fresh. Hearing the haunting music from the mosques and celebrations in the town some evenings added to the magical atmosphere. Trips, organised by the hotel, were great value and very informative and fun. We particularly enjoyed the trip to the fish market at Mtwara. Mikindani itself is an interesting town, with a long history well documented in the museum. We enjoyed walking around the town and finding out about the charities working there; seeing a completely different way of life was certainly thought provoking and will remain in our memories for a long time.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Mauro C wrote a review Oct 2018
Trecate, Italy1 contribution
Excellent Very nice staff in training Good food and cocktails but.... unfortunately no air condition... Good for couples or business trip Old style large room but comfortable No amenities in the bathroom
Read more
Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
FAZEL83 wrote a review Jul 2018
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia51 contributions27 helpful votes
We were not able to get booking for our nights. So we went for lunch instead. Very good polite staff, excellent location and very nice breeze.. settings are very homely and very good view... I knew the boma before the hotel was built... It is very picturesque and well built. Could never imagine a hotel at the place. Well done!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2018
Value
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Just had lunch but enjoyed the time spent there
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
YellowWings wrote a review Apr 2018
Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya11 contributions9 helpful votes
2nd visit. We have been presently surprised with the quality of the food, rooms and the improved efficiency of the staff. It seems the prices have been adjusted and the overnight cost is justified. The internet worked in the common areas, the bar had chilled beverages and the spacious rooms had functioning air conditioning.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2018
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: Livingstone and Nyerere rooms are very spaciuos.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Previous
PRICE RANGE
US$128 - US$129 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the old boma at mikindani hotel mtwara
LOCATION
TanzaniaMtwara RegionMtwara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

THE OLD BOMA AT MIKINDANI - Updated 2023 (Mtwara, Tanzania)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Boma at Mikindani
Which popular attractions are close to The Old Boma at Mikindani?
Nearby attractions include Makumbusho MIKINDANI Museum (0.06 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Old Boma at Mikindani?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Old Boma at Mikindani?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Old Boma at Mikindani?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Old Boma at Mikindani?
Conveniently located restaurants include Msemo Southern Cross, GR7 lounge, and GR7 Legends Lounge.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Old Boma at Mikindani?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does The Old Boma at Mikindani have airport transportation?
Yes, The Old Boma at Mikindani offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does The Old Boma at Mikindani offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.