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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Zanzibar.
Expand your search to include all our recommendations in neighbouring Tanzania.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
