Are you considering Zanzibar as your next holiday destination? If so, that would be a great choice!
Zanzibar is an excellent mix of beach, culture and activity. You can visit the beach, but there is so much more than that on offer, too! Think watersports, spas, beach days, a vibrant national park, a historic city centre, and so much more.
Once you have committed to visiting this beautiful island, you’ll need recommendations for where to stay in Zanzibar – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here are our picks for some of the best Zanzibar hotels and resorts to choose from.
See also: Most Popular Day Trips from Zanzibar
Booking Zanzibar holiday packages
Zanzibar is an East African island just off the coast of Tanzania. It’s pretty tiny and has a population of around 1.3 million people.
Booking all-inclusive Zanzibar holiday packages is the best way to make holiday planning a breeze. If you don’t feel like choosing your own adventure or are looking for a spa-focused trip, you might enjoy Baraza Resort & Spa or Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa. These lush resorts offer some of the best leisure on the entire island.
See also: Zanzibar Nightlife: The Island’s Magical Nightlife
What about booking a Zanzibar yoga retreat?
Zanzibar offers the perfect destination for a yoga retreat. If you’ve ever wanted to spend a week practicing yoga between a beautiful forest and endless beach, join a Zanzibar yoga retreat. Below are two options, both 8 days:
- 8 Day Private Yoga Lessons Holiday in Zanzibar, Tanzania
- 8 Day Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa Flow Yoga Holiday in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Additional activities include kitesurfing, snorkeling, swimming, exploring the Jozini forest, swimming with dolphins, exploring Stone Town, visiting a spice farm and just chilling out on a hammock.
Where to stay along the North Coast
The North Coast of Zanzibar is one of the regions least affected by the tides. Two of the most popular beaches in the area are Nungwi and Kendwa.
Nungwi is a diver’s dream, while Kendwa has a wider variety of activities on offer, including bustling wildlife. Mnemba Island is 1 kilometre off the shore and offers fantastic diving and snorkelling spots, too.
If you are looking for the best place to stay in Zanzibar up north, here is where you should go.
Veraclub Sunset Beach – Nungwi
Veraclub Sunset Beach is one of the best Zanzibar hotels on the northern coast. This fantastic hotel offers a private beach, shared pool, a pretty park around the corner, complete with a restaurant, bar and shaded outdoor lounge.
Most visitors liked this hotel’s privacy, incredible views, quick beachfront access, spacious rooms and friendly staff.
Kilindi Zanzibar – Kendwa
We think this is one of the Zanzibar resorts to remember! You’ll find beautiful private villa-style accommodation complete with magazine-ready styling. This beautiful white palace houses king-sized beds, private bathrooms, private pools and your own private outdoor lounge.
Villa Chani – Kadoti
Perhaps you need to know where to stay in Zanzibar with a large group, whether you have a big family or a circle of friends who are looking for a fun trip together. Villa Chani is a luxury four-bedroom guesthouse that sleeps up to twelve people – and it’s perfect for big groups of people.
It’s set on a private beach on the Northwest part of Zanzibar, spread across multiple floors. This charming villa features a beautiful, modern home and a massive outdoor area, complete with a private pool. It’s all you ever wanted from the Zanzibar resorts of your dreams, with even more privacy than a hotel could offer.
Makofi Guest House in Nungwi, Zanzibar
This quaint, cozy guesthouse in thatched-roof buildings is just a 2-minute walk from beautiful Nungwi Beach and only 64 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
A simple shared room with wooden beams and mixed occupancy comes complete with Wi-Fi, mosquito nets, bunk beds, a fan, a terrace and a shared bathroom. Private rooms have balconies, private baths and/or four-poster beds. There are also huts made of coconut palm wood and palm leaves. One hut with upscale amenities is air conditioned.
Continental breakfast is served in a courtyard with a white sand floor. Other meals are available by prior arrangement. Parking is available upon request.
Z Hotel in Nungwi, Zanzibar
The Z hotel is the perfect place to stay for a unique and relaxing beach holiday experience. With its contemporary London-inspired design, it offers a fresh and original take on the traditional beach vacation.
The hotel is set in a tropical garden with steps leading down to the white powdery sands of Nungwi’s award-winning beach and the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean.
All rooms come equipped with LCD TVs, cable TV, Wi-Fi and docking stations, so you can enjoy all the modern conveniences while on vacation.
The Z has been named one of the ‘trendiest hotels in Africa’ – and is the only one in Tanzania – so you can be sure you’re staying somewhere truly special.
Whilst they aim to provide a totally relaxed and stress-free environment, the location of the Z also means they are perfectly placed to offer their more ‘energetic’ guests some of the best diving, snorkeling and fishing available anywhere in the world, as well as a wide range of water sports.
The world-renowned Mnemba Atoll has one of highest concentrations of turtles anywhere on Earth, and is just a half hour boat ride away.
Casa Carlotta & Villa in Nungwi, Zanzibar
Nestled in Nungwi, Casa Carlotta & Villa is a haven of serenity and comfort. Boasting free WiFi access, lush garden views, an inviting shared lounge area and terrace space – this 3-star accommodation will make your holiday truly unforgettable!
Just moments away from the beachfront palms where you can appreciate breathtaking sunsets over turquoise waters; here lies tranquility among tranquil surroundings that are perfect for relaxation. The Green Garden also allows guests to take full advantage of their downtime with plenty of peace and privacy on offer at all times throughout their stay.
Casa Carlotta & Villa is situated near Nungwi Beach, just 200 metres away. Royal Beach can be found after a pleasant 1.3 km stroll from the property and Zanzibar International Airport lies 61 km in the distance for easy access to this idyllic spot. An airport shuttle service is also available at an additional cost if needed! And as an added bonus there’s even a children’s playground onsite – perfect for little ones looking to stretch their legs before exploring Zanzibar!
Where to stay along the East Coast
Arguably, the East Coast has some of the best beaches in the whole of Zanzibar. You can also expect the area to be a little quieter than the North coast, which is a bit more of a tourist hot spot.
Some of the best beaches you’ll find here are Pingwe, Paje and Jambiani. These beaches have white sand, clear water, and peaceful palm trees to complete paradise. Bear in mind that it is not advisable to swim at low tide, but you can still enjoy other activities on the beach such as walking and relaxing!Â
See also: A Visit to Magical Mnemba Island: Discovering Paradise in Zanzibar
Here’s where to stay in Zanzibar on the East coast:
Marijani Beach Resort and Spa – Pwani Mchangani
If you are looking for one of the newest Zanzibar resorts, look no further than Marijani Beach Resort and Spa! Built-in 2021, this beautiful resort offers rooms of various sizes for various households. There is also a fitness centre, a fantastic spa and a large outdoor pool. The restaurant offers modern dishes too, making this the best place to stay in Zanzibar for relaxation.
Beach House Michamvi – Pingwe
Looking for Zanzibar hotels with more privacy? You’ll love Beach House Michamvi! It’s a luxury guest villa only 300m away from The Rock restaurant, a well-known restaurant on the island. Its four bedrooms sleep up to eight people, with a butler and private chef available to cater to your every need. This picturesque villa is located in Michamvi Pingwe beach, making it the best place to stay for an indulgent treat.
Casa Paradis – Jambiani
Casa Paradis is one of the most loved boutique hotels in Eastern Zanzibar – and for a good reason. This unique, adult-only accommodation is a one minute walk away from the nearest beach. It features eclectic decor and styling for something a bit different.
Take a look at your fantastic beach view- without having to leave the private pool! This excellent hotel is the best place to stay in Zanzibar for an authentic boutique experience.
Where to stay in Stone Town
Stone Town hotels feel like you are stepping into the past, with many old buildings in the city. There is so much to explore in this city, which is half the fun! Expect narrow streets steeped in history and culture.
It is a fantastic place to try local cuisine, learn about the island’s history, and spend more time soaking in the sights and sounds of the island.
See also: The Best Markets in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Here’s where to stay in Stone Town.
The Manor House Zanzibar – Stone Town
Historical buildings make the best Zanzibar hotels. The Manor House is a perfect choice if you agree with this statement.
This picture-perfect hotel offers clean, modern food, delectable dining, beautiful views, a relaxing garden, and large private bathrooms. This one is a no brainer when deciding on Stone Town hotels to visit!
Mizingani Seafront Hotel – Stone Town
Are you looking for a city hotel but still want some of the spirits of other Zanzibar resorts? Mizingani Seafront Hotel is a great choice.
This central hotel includes fantastic sea views, private balconies, and complimentary breakfast for travellers without sacrificing location. On offer, you’ll find a large shared swimming pool and a world-class restaurant. It is one of the best Zanzibar hotels rated by fellow travellers.
Kisiwa House – Stone Town
Some travellers prefer a touch of modern elegance wherever they travel. Kisiwa House is the epitome of style and ranks as the best place to stay in Zanzibar for prime relaxation. It features clean styling, rooftop restaurant dining, stylish bathrooms and air conditioning throughout the hotel.
Conclusion
There are many unique places to stay in Zanzibar, from Stone Town hotels to holiday packages and the best resorts throughout the archipelago.
Zanzibar offers many different lodgings at different price points. So, we’re sure that you’ll find something to suit your needs next time you want to go to Zanzibar.
