Zanzibar

Photo of Zanzibar
Photo of Zanzibar
Credit: flickr user Bradclin Photograp
Photo of Zanzibar
Credit: flickr user rogersmithpix
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About Zanzibar

Few place names conjure up such evocative visions as Zanzibar; from pure white sand beaches, Swahili culture and ruined Arab palaces, to unspoilt coral reefs and exotic food. It's the perfect place for a honeymoon, or romantic, couples beach escape. The reality does not disappoint. Some of the most interesting and best places to stay in Zanzibar are simple barefoot luxury lodges with plenty of character and natural beauty but relatively basic facilities. Most people spend a night or two in Stone Town and then head to one of the picture-postcard beaches for some serious down-time.

Some of our Zanzibar collections:

Although luxury hotels with all the amenities are beginning to move in to the island, generally you're paying for a remote unspoilt location or romantic setting, an amazing beach-side spot, or wonderfully family friendly facilities. Zanzibar has not yet lost its soul to the vagaries of commercial mass tourism so go now and enjoy it at its real, very real, unspoilt best.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

  • Explore the picturesque winding alleys and old Arabic-style buildings of Zanzibar's main town, Stone Town.
  • Sun yourself on one of Zanzibar's many postcard perfect beaches. We recommend Nungwi beach for those looking to avoid other tourists.
  • Embark on one of the island's 'spice tours' and learn about Zanzibar's most profitable of trades.
  • Visit Prison Island and learn of the area's dark past (slaves used to be detained here). Also find a nature reserve for giant tortoises here.
  • The Palace Museum or Sultan’s Palace is perhaps Stone Town's most historic building and also offers magnificent ocean views.

Just remember that our pick of the best places to stay in Zanzibar will get booked up quickly during peak season. So if you want to ensure a highly recommended hotel, get organised and book early!

The best places to stay on zanzibar

For affordable beach life

  • For an affordable introduction to luxury beach life, Zanzibar style, the Pongwe Beach Hotel on the island's East coast is excellent. It owns the surrounding land so a deserted beach is guaranteed.
  • Another quiet budget resort popular with honeymooners and families alike is Shooting Star Lodge, with doubles from as little as $160 per night.
  • Find boho-chic at its finest at Indigo Beach, located on a perfect swathe of powder white sand, and boasting a very attractive price tag.
  • Experience boutique style on a glorious stretch of white sand beach at the aptly named Next Paradise Boutique Hotel.
  • For those who simply aren't satisfied by Zanzibar's picture perfect beaches why not have a whole island to yourself at Chapwani Private Island?

Best luxury places to stay in zanzibar

  • One of the best-known and certainly one of the most luxurious places to stay in Zanzibar is the Mnemba Island Lodge. Wake up in one of the romantic thatch-sided suites built on wooden platforms over the white sand and spend days having your every whim tended to by your own personal butler. Beloved of celebrities - a Hollywood salary helps.
  • Another lovely if fairly pricey retreat is The Palms. That the beach is white and perfect goes without saying and the comfortable accommodation is a mix of colonial and local styles.
  • Fishermen and women will enjoy the Matemwe Lodge where fishing expeditions with the locals are a highlight. The bungalows and villas look out over the reefs of the Mnemba Atoll.

Best places to stay in zanzibar - stone town

  • The closest thing to a hotel in our list is probably the Zanzibar Serena Inn in Stone Town. Reminiscent of an African Colonial Country Club it has white walls, dark wood furnishings and views over the Indian Ocean.
  • Beyt Al Salaam, a former tea house, offers beautifully atmospheric rooms mixing African and Arabic styles and houses a fantastic restaurant.
  • Get a true Zanzibarian experience at Emerson On Hurumzi, a rambling Stone Town palace, filled with fabulous antiques and boasting verandahs that overlook the Indian Ocean.

Best for the environment

  • The award winning Robinson Crusoe-style eco lodge, Chumbe Island, offers state of the art, environmentally friendly bungalows along with an excellent restaurant and utter privacy.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner, booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel information

  • International flights to Zanzibar tend to go via Tanzania. The most convenient stop in Dar es Salaam.

  • Ferries leave from Dar es Salaam and take around 2 hours to reach Zanzibar.

  • Best time to visit - Zanzibar's best weather is found between July – Oct or mid Dec - mid Jan for warm dry days (around 26°C). March is cooler and quieter and ideal for diving.

  • If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

  1. Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Zanzibar.

  2. Expand your search to include all our recommendations in neighbouring Tanzania.

  3. Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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The best hotels in Zanzibar

Indigo Beach
Indigo Beach

Zanzibar

Paradise found in this boho-chic property on a perfect swathe of powder white sand. Simply decorated rooms are all crisp white on white with contemporary wooden furniture and luxurious bathrooms. There's a glorious pool, superb seafood and excellent price tag. Utterly spoiling.

  • Beach Life - A boho-chic set up placed on a perfect stretch of powder white sand.
  • Diving - Search for tropical fish and turtles.
  • Restaurant
  • On the beach
from $95 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Beyt Al Salaam
Beyt Al Salaam

Zanzibar Town (P.O. Box 3120 Shangani)

Charming, tranquil budget hotel in a former tea house. Beautiful bedrooms decorated in a fusion of Arabic and African style with four poster beds and rich colours. A relaxing lounge, great restaurant. and a host of other facilities such as spa, scuba course and banqueting.

  • Value chic - A beautifully renovated tea house on Kelele Square, central Stone Town, with chic Zanzibari-stlye decor and wonderful seaviews.
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Sea Views
from $112 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi

Zanzibar Town (Forodhani)

A taste of the real Zanzibar at this rambling Stone Town palace. Rooms full of typical Zanzibari furniture and antiques, and have verandahs that overlook the rooftops and the Indian Ocean beyond. Fabulous roof top bar and restaurant. A Zanzibari romance.

  • Local markets - Stock up on fabrics, shoes, spices and other gifts in the network of alleyways.
  • Great walks - Explore the maze of alleys, shops and stalls of this Unesco-recognised town.
  • Sailing - Rent a boat and sail to one of the nearby islands.
  • Restrictions on children - Children cannot be accommodated at the hotel.
from $166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Shooting Star Lodge
Shooting Star Lodge

Zanzibar

Quiet, reasonably priced resort on a glorious beach. Private bungalows boast balconies with great sea views. Pure white rooms with ornately carved four-poster beds. Lively bar and great restaurant. Spa facilities for ultimate relaxation. Friendly and attentive staff. The ideal laid back beach hotel

  • Total relaxation - Embrace the slow pace of life- relax and rejuvenate in the spa, unwind on your private terrace and listen to the ocean.
  • Beach Life - Make the most of the white sands and turquoise seas with snorkelling, diving, sailing, fishing and beachcombing.
  • Families - Comfortable family rooms, plenty to occupy children with and a laid back atmosphere.
  • Sailing - Take a local dhow or ngalawa cruise to the nearby reef and explore from above the water!
from $160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
Next Paradise Boutique Resort
Next Paradise Boutique Resort

Zanzibar (P.O. Box 3363)

Next Paradise provides an authentic Africa experience in a breathtaking environment. Spacious rooms, elegantly decorated with hand carved wood furniture and precious oriental textiles. Set along a white sand, palm-fringed beach, offering views of the Indian Ocean. Romantic and idyllic.

  • Restaurant - Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a touch of Swahili cuisine
  • Traditional - Thatched-roof buildings, with hand-carved furniture
  • Views - Each room has a wonderful view of the sea
  • Romantic - Idyllic setting
from $181 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe Beach Hotel

Zanzibar (Pongwe)

Sixteen cottages sprawled through gardens in a gorgeous sheltered cove. Traditional lime walls and woven palm thatches on the beach. An affordable introduction to paradise on Zanzibar's east coast. Beach life at its best.

  • Swimming Pool - Infinity Pool
  • Fishing - Hand-line fishing equippment is available on site and game-fishing can be arranged.
  • Kayaking - Head out on the waves in the complimentary Kayaks.
  • Restaurant
from $175 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Chapwani Private Island
Chapwani Private Island

Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Charming eco friendly lodges on a private island just off Zanibar. Rooms are simple but stylish, overlooking the beach and the vibe is laid back. Freshly caught fish is the restaurant's speciality. Great for families & perfect for a spot of post safari "R&R".

  • Swimming Pool - Saltwater Pool
  • Restaurant
  • On the beach
  • Fishing
from $176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

Zanzibar (Paje )

A luxury boutique hotel with private villas set on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach. Lovely sunny rooms are all white on white with floor to ceiling windows and modern bathrooms. Ideal for both quiet romantic getaways or fun-filled family holidays.

  • Fishing - Zanzibar is an excellent location for both leisure, big game and deep sea fishing
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor swimming pool and kids' pool
  • Hideaway - A sanctuary of peace and harmony
  • Spa
from $324 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Zanzibar Serena Inn
Zanzibar Serena Inn

Zanzibar Town

A stunning hotel reminiscent of a colonial country club. White washed walls, crisp linen, dark wood furnishings. Each room has a private balcony with beautiful sea views. Multiple dining options specialise in Swahili cuisine and seafood. A great spot for seaside family fun or romantic breaks.

  • Romantic Break - Romantic suites offer fourposter beds and private hammacks, in the evening dine under the stars listening to live Taarab music.
  • Beach Life - Right on Stone Town's seafront with a range of beach side activities from dolphin swimming to snorkelling and diving.
  • Sights nearby - Explore the narrow lanes of Stone Town the only functioning historical city in East Africa.
  • Restaurant
from $361 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar

Zanzibar

A tropical beachfront resort comprising of private stylish villas and bungalows. Secluded rooms have a traditional feel and most enjoy fabulous sea views. The spoiling spa offers various treatments alongside yoga and meditation. Featuring a high quality restaurant and relaxing pool area.

  • Beach Life - Accommodation on the beach with views of the Indian Ocean and lots of sea-related activities on offer
  • Sights nearby - The UNESCO protected Stonetown is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar
  • Views - Stunning views of the Indian Ocean and tropical garden
  • Private Hot Tub - Villas come with own private hot-tubs
from $411 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Chumbe Island
Chumbe Island

Zanzibar

Magical Robinson Crusoe-style eco lodge on Chumbe Island. State of the art, environmentally friendly bungalows provide simple but comfortable accommodation. Candlelit beach dining with excellent cuisine. Ideal for honeymooners and nature revellers alike.

  • Eco break - Fully protected coral reef sanctuary, forest reserve and eco-lodge, pioneer in marine conservation and eco tourism.
  • Back to Nature - Forget your gadgets and be brought back to nature with an entire island to roam, encased by white sand beaches.
  • Great walks - Head off on an intertidal walk from the island's north point to south observing the marine life, fish eagles and roseate terns
  • Diving - The scuba-diving in the reefs outside the sanctuary (it is forbidden inside) is utterly spectacular.
from $506 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
The Palms, Zanzibar
The Palms, Zanzibar

Zanzibar (South East Coast)

Six luxurious villas and a sophisticated restaurant with a relaxed feel and terrific location. Rustling coconut palms, white powder sand and the warm waves of the Indian Ocean combine to create a stunning recluse for the discerning traveler.

  • Honeymoons - You would be hard pushed to find a more romantic or beautiful honeymoon hideaway.
  • Sailing - Try sailing in the Indian Ocean this holiday, we offer daily lessons to experience to sport and hiring for the more experienced.
  • Cooking classes - Cooking classes are organized regularly where guests learn to prepare some classical Swahili dishes.
  • Swimming Pool - Each villa has a private plunge pool, and all have acces to the main pool overlooking the sea.
from $721 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island Lodge

Zanzibar

Exclusive private island and haunt of celebrities. Thatched-sided bandas sit on stilts along the beach with stunning views out to sea. A personal butler attends to all ones needs. The coral reefs make for excellent diving. The ideal spot for a romantic getaway.

  • Honeymoons - Think candlelit dinners under the stars, longs walks along pristine white sand and secluded lodges with plush fourposter beds.
  • Beach Life - Make the most of this private tropical island paradise, with snorkelling, fishing, beach combing and whale spotting.
  • Diving - Mnemba Island has its own dive center which provides a range of activities for all levels of skill.
  • Kayaking - Paddle the turquoise seas in a two man sea kayak, the perfect way to explore the coast.
from $750 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe Lodge

Zanzibar (Matemwe )

Eco chic villas with thatched roofes perched above a white sand beach. Individual bungalows and villas with private balconies and hammocks looking out to sea. A secluded spot offering total relaxation and intimacy for honeymooners. Plenty of sea activities, from big game fishing to scuba diving.

  • Beach Life - Right on the most beautiful beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean, with diving, snorkelling, kayaking, swimming and beachcombing.
  • Honeymoons - Tranquil, laid back and wildly romantic- swing on your double hammock, sip cocktails and dip in your private plunge pool.
  • Diving - The on site dive school, Dhow Divers, offers outings for both beginners and experienced divers on nearby the Mnemba reefs.
  • Sailing - Sail on the hotel dhow or with a local fisherman on his ngalawa and hopefully spot some whales and dolphins!
from $768 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees