Zanzibar Hotels

Zanzibar hotel options - Stone Town

Here's our preferred and current selection on Stone Town hotels - feel free to query alternatives or availability at places recommended by others.  Rates are per room on a bed and breakfast basis and subject to change without notice.

Beyt al Chai: Once a private home where local nobility came to sip spiced tea. Beyt al Chai has been restored and is now a small, attractive hotel with 6 en suite bedrooms. Rooms are large with high ceilings, authentic Zanzibari furnishings and lots of character. A tranquil choice conveniently located in the heart of Stonetown. Wonderfully hosted by the French manageress, Agnes Viellard and her team. Relaxed and homely – highly recommended. ...Sultan rooms $250; Prince rooms $170; Princess room $100  

Africa House Hotel: This famous landmark on the Shangani waterfront was once a royal residence before becoming The English Club, has recently been restored and renovated. Its balcony bar is the perfect spot for sundowners with great views and a good bar food - with recent unpromising feedback we’re watching and waiting …. Suites from $125

Dhow Palace Hotel: This small, luxurious hotel is set in the heart of Stone Town’s Shangani area. Originally an Omani Mansion built around a cool central courtyard, it has 17 bedrooms, a rooftop restaurant and swimming pool. An oasis of peace in the Stone Town maze, it’s spotlessly clean, well priced and lacks only a sea view. Serves no alcohol but don’t be put off, there are plenty of other places nearby that do. Deluxe suites $130; twin room $105

The old "Emerson & Green": The name has changed to 236 Hurumzi but this stylish spot is still well known for its airy Tower Top restaurant open to non-residents. With charismatic owners and a short walk from the sights of Stone Town, 236 Hurumzi is a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. Put up with the inconsistencies and you could enjoy a unique experience!   Suites from $165

Chavda Hotel: A good mid-range establishment in a large restored Arab mansion in heart of Stonetown, comfortable and well-decorated, if slightly inauthentic. Reasonable restaurant and a good rooftop bar. An alternative to the Dhow Palace if the latter is fully booked. Suites from $120

Clove Hotel: With 8 small but well decorated rooms, a residents-only rooftop bar offering great views over the town and close to the waterfront. A reasonably priced alternative to the upmarket hotels of Stone Town. Double rooms from $50

Tembo House: Formerly the premium hotel in Stone Town, the Tembo House Hotel overlooks the ocean and islands beyond. A good choice for those arriving in Zanzibar for the first time and much used by larger safari groups. A large swimming pool also makes the Tembo popular with families. Serves no alcohol. Suites from $125

Zanzibar beach hotels

Langi Langi Beach Bungalows: Langi Langi is Swahili for Ylang Ylang, the perfumed Asian tree. This is a budget hotel situated on the north coast of Zanzibar at Nungwi. The hotel has 19 en-suite rooms and the owners are investing heavily in its success. Double rooms from $60

Smiles Beach Hotel: One of the best quality, quiet options in Nungwi, this hotel has 16 en-suite rooms, Indian in flavour, and spotlessly clean. This is a firm favourite with passing overland groups and repeat visitors. Double rooms from $85

Mapenzi Beach Club: On one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, the Mapenzi is a medium class, all inclusive hotel. On the east Coast of Zanzibar in a secluded tropical setting, the Mapenzi Beach is set above a powdery white sand beach about 50 minutes from Stonetown and about one hour from the airport. All inclusive price

Ras Nungwi: Ras Nungwi is unique on Zanzibar in being somewhere between a small beach lodge and a large beach club. Reasonably intimate and very well run, the lodge also has a top dive facility. Popular with honeymoon couples. From $110 pppn full board

Blue Bay Resort: Blue Bay is a large beach club of almost two hundred beds, which caters mainly for the packaged holiday market, but which can be booked by independent travellers who fancy a few nights at somewhere with the kind of facilities that a large place like this has to offer. From $80 pppn full board

Shooting Star: Shooting Star Lodge is located on the north east coast of Zanzibar. It sits on a hill above the beach looking out over a beautiful palm-lined arc of white sand and turquoise lagoon beyond. Nine en-suite rooms from $75 pppn full board

Breezes Beach Club: A charming and romantic superior first class hotel and resort with 70 rooms. Decorated in traditional Zanzibari style, Breezes offers a hideaway for those seeking tranquillity. With a first class Spa, en suite rooms from $125

Matemwe Bungalows: Matemwe, built on coral rock with 12 bungalows. Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere and lush tropical gardens make Matemwe Bungalows the ultimate tropical paradise on the island of Zanzibar. En-suite rooms from $210

Dar es Salaam hotel options

Holiday Inn Dar es Salaam: Centrally located, 152 room hotel next to the botanic gardens.  Has all the facilities you'll need for a short stay.  Best breakfast in Dar es Salaam.  Don't be put off by the badge...we recommend it!  Suites from around $150

Sea Cliff: Set outside of town and 22 km from the international airport.  Smart upmarket 92 room hotel with a good location and great views across the sea.  It's spacious, with lots of facilities - gym, large pool, restaurants, business centre even a bowling alley! Deluxe suites from around $190.

The Moevenpick Royal Palm Hotel: Formerly the Sheraton, located in the heart of town and close to shops and nightlife.  Generally regarded as the most upmarket hotel in town with most first-world conveniences - the choice of celebrities and politicians.  A good business-travel option. 230 rooms, good patisserie. Suites from around $1500

Flights between Zanzibar and the mainland

Flights operate just about every hour through the day between Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Zanzibar (ZNZ). 

The important "Serengeti connections" are:

• inbound - Arusha-ZNZ-DAR: 1215-1345/1400-1420 waits for Serengeti flight
• outbound DAR-ZNZ-Arusha: 0900-0920/0930-1100 continues to Serengeti

The important "Southern" connections are:

• inbound - Ruaha-Selous-DAR-ZNZ: 1145-1305/1315-1400/1400-1420
• outbound - DAR-ZNZ-Selous-Ruaha: 0730-0750/0800-0915/0930-1130

Schedules are subject to change without notice - check first before setting plans in concrete!!

Contact us for availability ... please let us have dates...

Call UK: +44 1548 830059 | USA: +1 347 7081794
Canada: +1 647 6941402 | Australia: +61 2 84172176

UK Head Office
Africa House, Modbury, Devon, PL21 0QJ
 e-mail:info@zambezi.co.uk

African Head Office
The Heights, Kariba, Zimbabwe
e-mail: info@zambezi.com