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:

• Top Zanzibar Resorts

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.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Zanzibar