This stay was the worst part about my trip to Zanzibar. I had to book it last minute because my original hotel reservation was randomly cancelled. I did not want to stay in a hostel, but it was my only option, and it was worse than I imagined. I have stayed in plenty of hostels in other countries, but this one was unimaginable. The water did not run - the electricity went out - the host did not know I was coming and took a mattress out of the room I stayed in. There were not enough sheets or any toilet paper, and an animal on property barked all night long and threw itself against the door to be let out, but no one did. The host even had people sleeping under steps, and the internet did not work. I left after one night when I had paid for two, and the hotel denied my request for a refund, even though the conditions were horrendous. Save yourself the annoyance - don't book Homeland Swahili Lodge.