Best Zanzibar Hotels→ TOP 3 Areas The place to Keep on the Island
Going to Zanzibar? Congrats, Zanzibar is the proper mixture of seashore and tradition! For those who love the seashore however get bored simply, this might be the proper vacation spot! Now that you’ve got determined to go to this stunning island, you should want suggestions for excellent Zanzibar lodges – and you might be in the fitting place!
With a number of actions like snorkeling, browsing, and kite browsing, in addition to the chance to study in regards to the tradition and historical past, this isn’t only a seashore trip. I’ll inform you all about the most effective Zanzibar lodges in numerous areas on the island!
There are completely different areas of Zanzibar, every with its personal really feel and vibe, however I’ve chosen the most effective locations to remain in Zanzibar with lodge suggestions for every of them (I additionally broke them down into completely different worth classes on your comfort)!
Speaking about lodges, let me simply warn you that this vacation spot is visited by many vacationers, and one of the best ways to take pleasure in your trip to the fullest is by reserving prematurely!
Having stated that, I’m prepared to start with all of the juicy data. Let’s go!
IF YOU ARE IN A HURRY: Best Zanzibar Hotels→
Listed here are the most effective lodges on Nungwi seashore (the most effective seashore on the island, in my humble opinion) that I’ve hand-picked for you – all of them have wonderful evaluations:
- Finest luxurious lodge – Zuri Zanzibar
- Finest center worth lodge – Aluna Nungwi
- Finest funds lodging – Makofi Guest House
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING A HOTEL IN ZANZIBAR
Do you already know when you’re going to go to?
When planning your journey, I like to recommend you take into account the wet season.
- Sizzling season (January to March) – in style time to go to is in the course of the hotter months of the yr. I visited in January, and although we had a few cloudy days, the climate was very comfy, particularly on the South Coast.
- Lengthy wet season (April and Might) – whereas it may be wet throughout this season, you may additionally get fortunate and don’t have any rain throughout your trip, good to spend it on the Northern Coast!
- Dry season (June to October) – it’s greatest to go to Zanzibar in these months when it’s cool and dry. I like to recommend the East Coast throughout this season.
- Brief wet season (November and December) – in November, it tends to rain every single day, however only for a short time, so the most effective half to remain at is within the Northern Coast.
NOTE: Questioning when to go to Zanzibar for scuba diving? It’s best to go from June to October on the North coast and between November and March on the South coast.
Zanzibar is a really fascinating island when it comes to lodging selections. Why? There are actually sturdy tides on the island, and the ocean in entrance of your sea-view room would possibly disappear for hours! That’s the reason I break down my suggestions by space.
IMPORTANT: Extra in regards to the tides – the tide goes out to a coral reef that’s 1 to 1.5 km offshore.
The northern coast is in style as a result of you may all the time swim there, even at low tide. Throughout excessive tide on the west coast, the seashore totally disappears because the water comes all the way in which as much as the rocky cliffs.
One of the simplest ways to know when excessive tide and low tide are is to test the Tide Forecast. It modifications everyday, so you may try predictions for if you’re planning to go to.
WHERE TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR : Best Zanzibar Hotels
To start with, here’s a Zanzibar map of all the most effective areas I’m recommending:
Now let’s see the whole checklist of the place to remain in Zanzibar that I can positively advocate:
1. The North coast – Kendwa and Nungwi greatest seashores for first timers
The Northern coast is in style as a result of it’s least affected by the tides. There are two in style Zanzibar seashores within the north, Nungwi, and Kendwa.
Nungwi is thought for its diving and sundown cruises, whereas Kendwa has extra nightlife to supply. Within the north, you may as well go to Mnemba Island, only a kilometer off the shore. This has nice diving and snorkeling spots and can be residence to inexperienced turtles! If you’re on the lookout for different actions, please test my detailed publish on superb issues to do in Zanzibar right here.
Enjoyable Truth: The previous identify of the nation was Tanganyika and it modified to Tanzania once they merged with Zanzibar!
Right here is my checklist of hand-picked lodges in North Zanzibar, all sorted by worth and class, so it’s simple so that you can discover what you want:
LUXURY ($220 USD AND ABOVE)
- Riu Palace Zanzibar is situated on among the finest personal seashores, it has a spa, and a dive heart. It really provides a luxurious, all-inclusive Zanzibar expertise!
- Zuri Zanzibar provides beachside bungalows in Kendwa for {couples} or households when you’re on a Zanzibar household vacation. Once you’re not on the seashore, you may wander by the backyard or hang around by the pool!
- Zanzibar Queen Lodge is likely one of the greatest northeast lodges. Positioned in Matemwe, this lodge has diving services, a barbeque, water sports activities services, and even a spa heart! Mnemba Island can be simply 6 km off the coast.
- Z Lodge is a wonderful luxurious lodge for an escape. It has all the things you need, together with an infinity swimming pool and a spa. It additionally is thought for its well-known Z Lodge rooftop bar, which may be among the finest locations on the island for drinks at sundown!
MIDDLE-PRICED ($100 TO $220 USD)
- Nungwi Home is a great spot when you’re on the lookout for spacious visitor rooms and free breakfast. It’s centrally situated on the northern tip of Zanzibar and is a fast stroll from the seashore. It is a nice possibility amongst middle-priced Zanzibar lodges.
- Opera Lodge in case you wish to calm down subsequent to some coconut palms, tropical vegetation, and white sand seashore? Opera Lodge is the place you should keep then. You’ll take pleasure in among the hottest seashores, an outside pool, and a restaurant that serves scrumptious dishes!
- Aluna Seaside Lodge is just a few steps away from the seashore; it has a pool, backyard, restaurant, and bar. You’ll by no means even wish to go away the property! For those who really feel like leaving, although, the Lodge is subsequent to a maritime conservation heart the place you may study in regards to the turtles.
- Warere Seaside is correct off the seashore, and a few of its services embrace a pool and a bar. What extra may you ask for? The lodge additionally has improbable views from the pool deck!
BUDGET (UP TO $100 USD)
- Inexperienced’s Visitor Home Nungwi is simply 300 meters from Nungwi seashore. With a backyard and terrace, in addition to free Wi-Fi, you’ll have lots to do after a protracted day on the seashore.
- Makofi Visitor Home is an alternative choice in Nungwi. You’ll be able to go for a less expensive hostel expertise in a blended dorm room or a non-public one. The patio additionally will get busy at evening if you wish to meet different vacationers!
- Babalola Bungalows this unbelievable lodge has all the things you will want! Wish to calm down in its out of doors swimming pool? Or, in case you are feeling somewhat extra adventurous, you may hop on a motorcycle or simply have a drink within the bar!
- Chikachika Seaside B&B is a superb possibility in Nungwi. That is an unbelievable B&B the place you’ll benefit from the scrumptious continental breakfast served day by day, the comfy backyard, or the bar in case you wish to end your day with some drinks to calm down!
BOOK YOUR STAY ON THE NORTH COAST
2. Finest lodges in Stone City – greatest place for a neighborhood vibe
For those who’re on the lookout for tradition and historical past, this space is a must-see!
It nearly seems like stepping right into a time machine, with varied previous colonial buildings lining the streets. You’ll certainly get misplaced within the maze of slender streets, however that’s half the enjoyable! It’s additionally the most effective place to attempt the delicacies and study in regards to the island’s historical past. For those who haven’t but, try my publish on issues to do in Zanzibar, the place I give tons of recommendations on what to see in Stone City.
Shifting on, listed here are some nice lodges with fabulous evaluations and services:
LUXURY ($170 USD AND ABOVE)
- Sunny Palms Seaside Bungalows is a 4-star lodging with a restaurant, health heart, bar, and naturally, entry to probably the most stunning seashores the place you may swim subsequent to the coral reefs!
- Kisiwa Home is likely one of the oldest buildings within the metropolis however includes a trendy design. This boutique lodge provides all of the consolation you’ll have to make you are feeling at residence.
- Zanzi Resort is certainly one of a number of Zanzibar resorts close to Stone City. At 15 km outdoors town, this is likely one of the greatest lodges in Zanzibar due to its beachside bungalows. You may get a therapeutic massage on the seashore or take a free bicycle out for a trip!
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar has nearly all the things you would ask for. Park Hyatt Zanzibar has a pool, spa, restaurant, and health heart on the seashore. For those who really feel like heading out, their tour desk can prepare varied journeys and excursions for you!
MIDDLE-PRICED ($80 TO $170 USD)
- Mizingani Seafront Lodge is correct by the ferry terminal, so that you received’t get misplaced looking for your method there! It’s embellished in conventional Zanzibar fashion for an genuine keep! Oh, and be sure you ask for a room with a view of the Indian Ocean!
- Zanzibar Espresso Home will make you are feeling such as you traveled again in time. The spacious rooms all have vintage particulars with out sacrificing any trendy comforts.
- Mangrove Lodge is an eco-friendly spot for an ideal trip. If you wish to be inside strolling distance of the points of interest of Stone City but additionally need a personal seashore getaway, that is the place for you! It has a bar, a restaurant, and a lounge with a number of hammocks for having a lazy day on the seashore.
- Kholle Home was constructed for a princess – actually, it was! Constructed-in 1860 for Princess Kholle, the lodge has a rooftop terrace, a pool, and a teahouse! What extra may you ask for?
BUDGET (UP TO $80 USD)
- Jabar Lodge is a wonderful possibility for a traveler on a funds. Every room has its personal balcony and air con. There’s additionally a restaurant on-site, and through your keep, you may benefit from the terrace with one of many scrumptious dishes this B&B serves!
- Al-Minar Lodge is an unbelievable possibility, due to all the things this funds lodge provides! From excursions and lessons in regards to the native tradition to bike excursions and even cooking lessons! I’m certain you received’t get bored throughout your keep.
- Balcony Home provides shared balconies from each room and mosquito nets. There’s additionally free Wi-Fi and the rest you would possibly want for a nice keep!
- Misplaced & Discovered Zanzibar is ideal for backpackers! It has widespread areas to get to know different vacationers. It additionally has privateness curtains on every mattress and AC.
3. The East Coast – residence to the most effective seashores in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s East Coast options what some folks take into account the most effective Zanzibar seashores, and it’s the space I selected to remain in as effectively! Sometimes much less touristy than the North coast, the East Coast has stunning, idyllic seashores like Pingwe, Paje (don’t miss the scuba diving expertise!), and Jambiani. I personally stayed someplace between Paje and Jambiani; learn extra about my expertise under.
These powdery white sand seashores have turquoise waters that come to the palm bushes alongside the shore throughout hiding tide.
NOTE: Take into account that you may’t swim at low tide however can nonetheless take pleasure in walks alongside the seashore.
For those who’re on the lookout for locations to remain throughout your east coast holidays, you’ve come to the fitting spot for data! I’ve discovered some nice lodges alongside the east coast so that you can select from.
LUXURY ($180 USD AND ABOVE)
- Kiwengwa Seaside Resort really has all the things you need. It has among the finest seashores with palm bushes, a non-public plunge pool, a spa, tennis courts, and a recreation space for teenagers. They will additionally assist you guide any actions you wish to attempt. A whole 5-star expertise!
- Baladin Zanzibar Seaside Hotel has bungalow-style rooms that look out onto an infinity pool and the ocean. It’s onerous to get sick of the views from the infinity pool at sundown. Undoubtedly Instagram-worthy!
- Pongwe Seaside Lodge, situated in Pongwe, is somewhat slice of heaven. It’s a wonderful lodge with a terrace that overlooks the attractive backyard. It additionally provides a full restaurant, and the employees can prepare night leisure when you’re touring in a gaggle.
- Kisiwa on the Seaside is in Paje Zanzibar. You may get a bungalow proper on the seashore and luxuriate in all the things this lodge has to supply. You’ll be able to get up each morning to the sound of the ocean!
MIDDLE-PRICED ($80 TO $180 USD)
- Nyumbani Residence – That is the lodge the place I stayed, and I loved my expertise there! You will discover my full, sincere evaluation with particulars under.
- Kikoi Boutique Lodge has a non-public seashore with stunning palm bushes, a pool, and a backyard, in addition to a bar and lounge. You may also benefit from nice mountaineering within the space or lease a motorcycle and trip!
- Tsunami Village is the proper spot in order for you some peace and quiet. You’ll be able to come right here to benefit from the seashore with out worrying about crowds! The on-site restaurant additionally options a variety of choices!
- Villa Huruma is a wonderful villa steps from the seashore in Paje. It additionally has a pool and provides a free breakfast.
- Zanzistar Lodge is situated on the southeast coast within the city of Jambiani (an previous fishing village). Filled with vivid colours and trendy décor, the true star of this lodge is the restaurant. The seafood dishes are to-die-for!
BUDGET (UP TO $80 USD)
- Sagando Bungalows is an ideal spot for a laid-back seashore trip. It’s beachside and includes a tropical backyard, so that you’ll be sure you make new buddies across the nightly bonfire or whereas grabbing a drink on the bar!
- Amka Home is a wonderful discover for a funds traveler. It’s proper on the seashore and has a number of locations to calm down and benefit from the pure magnificence in Jambiani.
- Jua Residences in Kiwengwa are made for full rest, and the marine life there may be simply unbelievable! With an outside pool situated simply steps from the seashore, you may go from check-in to the seashore in minutes!
- Villa Kiota has a wonderful backyard and restaurant. An excellent place for backpackers as there’s additionally a bicycle rental service, and also you’ll be inside strolling distance to many eating places!
BOOK YOUR STAY ON THE EAST COAST
👑 Luxurious worth: | $300 |
🏨 Mid Vary: | $130 |
🛏️ Funds: | $70 |
🛎️ Finest luxurious lodge: | Zuri Zanzibar |
💵 Mid-range lodge: | Aluna Nungwi |
👛 Finest funds lodge: | Makofi Guest House |
BONUS 1: SPECIAL HOTELS IN ZANZIBAR: Best Zanzibar Hotels
UNDERWATER HOTEL
If you need a really distinctive expertise in Zanzibar, take into account staying in a Zanzibar underwater lodge. The Manta Resort has an underwater room off the shore the place the bed room is underwater. You could have heard of “sleeping with the fishes,” however by no means like this!
The highest flooring of the room is a lounge space the place you may lay out within the solar and calm down. The primary flooring has a deck, an outside front room space, and personal loos, after all. Then, you head down a ladder and expertise the magic of the ocean. Home windows within the underwater bed room allow you to see the Indian Ocean life round you. It is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise that can immerse you within the ocean like by no means earlier than.
CHECKING IN ON A PRIVATE ISLAND!
If you wish to keep proper on the water, try Chapwani Personal Island. You’ll be able to lease a bungalow proper off the coast of Grave Island and actually benefit from the ocean. Surrounded by stunning coral reefs and high personal villas, you’ll take pleasure in a barefoot luxurious expertise!
One other improbable concept is to remain on Mnemba Island, a small island situated round 3 km off the coast of Zanzibar and possibly probably the most intimate and secluded place you may keep in Tanzania. It’s really a seashore paradise, and additionally it is good for people who find themselves going to Tanzania for his or her honeymoon, however not solely them! If you wish to really really feel like you might be by yourself personal island paradise, I like to recommend staying at AndBeyond Mnemba Island! There are solely 12 rooms on your entire island, and every of them is equally attractive!
FEEL THE HISTORY OF COLONIALISM IN STYLE
One other distinctive lodge in Zanzibar is the Dhow Palace Lodge in Stone City. This lodge is a transformed historic constructing that was in-built 1559. The décor is in true Zanzibar fashion. If you wish to get the complete Zanzibar expertise, journey again in time to this boutique lodge! There’s additionally a pool, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace.
After I visited Zanzibar, we stayed at Nyumbani Residence. This charming lodge has a pool and is 2 minutes away from the seashore in Paje. I received to remain at this place when it was model new – it had opened actually a few weeks earlier than we checked in!
The proprietor of the lodge, Daniele, even awakened at 3:30 within the morning simply to say goodbye to us once we left for the airport! And I promise you this wasn’t as a result of he knew I used to be a blogger (he didn’t)!
More often than not once I journey I am going “incognito” as a result of I don’t need any further consideration and I wish to get an actual expertise – with out anybody making an attempt to impress us totally free publicity!
Daniele received as much as say goodbye purely within the identify of hospitality. He and his spouse have been additionally extraordinarily good and welcoming throughout our entire keep.
So, Nyumbani is definitely a residence which means we had the entire condo (60 m2) to ourselves with a completely geared up kitchen and big front room. They solely have about 7 rooms I feel and so they all face the pool- how cool is that! I beloved making smoothies for us each morning and having breakfast with this glorious view- it was an incredible method to begin the day!
Laundry service and meals supply in addition to the switch from the airport might be organized (I feel it’s about $50 USD one method to the airport). They will additionally name a taxi so that you can get to the closest “city” (Paje); this can value about $6 USD a method. In any other case, we discovered that there are tons of eating places inside a 5-minute stroll (ask the proprietor for suggestions as they’re Italian and so they know the nice locations!
For those who’re hooked on Wi-Fi, I’ll inform you that the web isn’t tremendous quick (it’s not quick wherever on the island to be truthful!). However there’s a router proper in your bungalow, so no have to go to the foyer or something like that.
All in all, I actually loved my time there and I extremely advocate this place in order for you someplace tranquil and intimate.
BONUS 2: PRACTICAL INFO ABOUT STAYING IN ZANZIBAR
Now that about all the most effective areas and lodges to remain at in Zanzibar, let’s check out some sensible details about staying on the island:
How do I get to Zanzibar?
You may get to Zanzibar both by ferry or airplane. Each go away from Dar es Salaam on the japanese coast of Africa. There are additionally loads of worldwide flights that land in Zanzibar. I arrived by Oman Air, and there was a switch to Muscat Airport. Verify the most effective charges out of your metropolis here.
By airplane
Flights to Zanzibar run day by day from Dar es Salaam and value about $100 USD. For those who’re coming from Arusha on the base of Kilimanjaro, you may as well catch a flight to Dar es Salaam for about $180 USD after which switch to a flight to Zanzibar.
Please learn extra about my safari journey in Arusha right here. I additionally climbed Kilimanjaro and I’ll discuss my expertise right here!
If you’re touring from your own home nation, you might be in luck since Zanzibar is a well-liked vacation spot now and lots of worldwide flights land there. For instance, I arrived by Oman Air, (there was a switch to Muscat Airport). Verify the most effective charges out of your metropolis right here.
By ferry
There are numerous corporations which have ferries leaving from Dar es Salaam. Tickets one-way value between $35 to $70 USD. Some ferries are sooner than others. You may get cheaper tickets when you’re prepared to take an older, slower boat.
You should definitely reserve ferry tickets forward of time because the boats refill rapidly. You’ll be able to book online with a lot of the corporations to make sure you have a spot on the boat.
Regardless that nearly all of folks in Zanzibar are Muslim, you’ll not have an issue discovering a bar or pub to go to at evening for a drink.
If you need extra conventional bars and nightclubs, Stone City is the place to go. I like to recommend 6 Degrees South when you’re on the lookout for the proper place to have some cocktails whereas watching the solar go down.
For seashore bars, within the north, you may head to Kendwa and Nungwi. Kendwa can be residence to the once-a-month Full Moon Celebration (just like the one on Koh Phangan in Thailand!), which is normally held the primary Saturday after the complete moon. It’s a recipe for an ideal evening of dancing on the seashore.
To the East, there’s Jambiani and Paje, which every have lounges on the seashore. Jambiani has Monday evening events on the Crimson Monkey Seaside Lodge. You may also head to Pingwe and hit some of the distinctive seashore bars, The Rock. It’s important to wade out into the water to succeed in this restaurant/bar, which is actually simply on a rock within the Indian Ocean!
The place ought to I keep in Zanzibar for a honeymoon?
Any of the luxurious lodges I’ve talked about earlier than can be good for a honeymoon!
An alternative choice can be the Konokono Seaside Resort on the Michamvi Peninsula. With monkeys surrounding this seashore hideaway, it has all of the makings of an unbelievable honeymoon.
The restaurant additionally has spectacular views from the highest of a cliff so you may take panoramic pictures of the sundown.
One other spot for a romantic getaway is the Lodge Riu Jambo. Positioned in Nungwi proper on the seashore, this resort gives you a completely stress-free expertise. With night leisure actions, spa therapies accessible, and a wide range of personal swimming pools, newlyweds can spend high quality time collectively in luxurious.
For a extra personal honeymoon, you may lease a villa at The Residence Zanzibar. You may get your personal ocean-side villa with a non-public pool. Get up each morning to dawn over the Indian Ocean and fall asleep to the sound of the waves! Their location provides all kinds of actions as effectively, from a wellness heart and a glass-walled pool to excursions of the close by Jozani Forest Reserve. Or if you wish to simply take pleasure in some alone time collectively, you might have the privateness of your villa, pool, or the seashore proper outdoors your entrance door.
The place NOT to remain in Zanzibar
You could have seen I haven’t included any lodges within the west of Zanzibar, apart from Stone City.
The West coast is extra distant than the remainder of Zanzibar and the seashores simply can’t compete with the Northern and Japanese seashores. That is principally due to the rocky shoreline in sure areas.
There are resorts on the West coast, however I personally would somewhat hit the seashores up north or to the east. For those who do head to the West coast and wish to go someplace apart from Stone City, you may take into account heading to an island dedicated to eco-tourism.
The South coast of Zanzibar is probably the most populated a part of the island, which suggests it’s a good spot to go to to know extra about their tradition and take some very fascinating excursions. However in case you are dreaming of a seashore trip, staying on the South coast isn’t the best concept, as the peak distinction between excessive tide and low tide is extra noticeable there.
For those who actually wish to see it for your self, I like to recommend Nest Model Seaside Lodge or Eden Rock on your keep within the Southern coast of the island!
FAQS ABOUT HOTELS IN ZANZIBAR
☀️ WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN ZANZIBAR?
The climate in Zanzibar is sizzling nearly all yr spherical (excessive temperatures round 38°C and within the cooler months round 29 °C) and has two wet seasons; from March to Might and from Mid-October to early December. So I like to recommend visiting the island from June to October the place the climate is superb and it’s the dry season.
🏖️ WHAT IS THE BEST BEACH IN ZANZIBAR?
In my private opinion, Nungwi seashores are probably the most picture-perfect. Throughout excessive tide, East coast seashores are superb! However, as I stated, throughout low tide, the water is so removed from the seashore that you need to stroll as much as 1 km to succeed in it!
👨👩👧 WHERE SHOULD I STAY WITH MY FAMILY?
The North coast is certainly the most effective place to remain in Zanzibar for a household trip! I like to recommend the Zuri Zanzibar lodge.
💑 WHAT IS THE BEST HOTEL FOR HONEYMOONERS?
There are various lodges good for honeymooners, however among the finest must be Konokono Seaside Resort!
🌊 WHAT PART OF ZANZIBAR HAS THE BEST BEACHES?
The East coast has the most effective seashores in Zanzibar! In case you wish to keep there, I like to recommend Nyumbani Residence and Amka Home! I’m certain you’ll love each choices!
CONCLUSION
On this article, I like to recommend the three greatest areas the place to remain in Zanzibar and the most effective lodges for every of them. I’ve handpicked every lodge primarily based on worth class and facilities in order that regardless of the place you select to remain, you may have the most effective expertise!
I additionally point out areas the place I don’t advocate you keep and I provide you with sensible details about the island and different helpful suggestions on your journey!
Relying on what sort of Zanzibar trip you’re on the lookout for, you may choose the proper lodge for you relying in your funds! On Zanzibar’s Northern coast you’ll see extra vacationers, however you’ll additionally get stunning Zanzibar seashores. Stone City provides a lot tradition and historical past. Then, to the East, you get extra distant seashores and unique resorts.
Every space of Zanzibar has superb issues to supply however solely you may resolve what sort of journey you wish to have. Or go to all of them, why not?
To make issues somewhat bit simpler, let me inform you my high 2 selections:
- Riu Palace Zanzibar – in order for you a luxurious keep in Zanzibar, that is the best choice for you – plus, it’s an all-inclusive lodge!
- Mangrove Lodge – extra on the funds facet, however nonetheless good for an unbelievable keep!
No matter you resolve, I hope you might have a soothing seashore trip, and naturally, don’t forget as quickly as you discover the proper lodging choice to safe your spot at this unbelievable vacation spot!
In case you have any questions, go away them within the remark part and I’ll get