Yulia 
Going to Zanzibar? Congrats, Zanzibar is the perfect mix of beach and culture! If you love the beach but get bored easily, this could be the perfect destination! Now that you have decided to go to this beautiful island, you must need recommendations for great Zanzibar hotels – and you are in the right place!
With lots of activities like snorkeling, surfing, and kite surfing, as well as the opportunity to learn about the culture and history, this isn’t just a beach vacation. I’ll tell you all about the best Zanzibar hotels in different locations on the island!
There are different areas of Zanzibar, each with its own feel and vibe, but I have selected the best places to stay in Zanzibar with hotel recommendations for each of them (I also broke them down into different price categories for your convenience)!
Talking about hotels, let me just warn you that this destination is visited by many tourists, and the best way to enjoy your vacation to the fullest is by booking in advance!
Having said that, I’m ready to begin with all the juicy information. Let’s go!
Contents
Quick Picks for Your Stay:
Here are the best hotels on Nungwi beach (the best beach on the island, in my humble opinion) that I have hand-picked for you – all of them have excellent reviews:
- Best luxury hotel – Zuri Zanzibar
- Best middle price hotel – Aluna Nungwi
- Best budget accommodation – Makofi Guest House
What you need to know before booking a hotel in Zanzibar
Do you already know when you are going to visit?
When planning your trip, I recommend you consider the rainy season.
- Hot season (January to March) – popular time to visit is during the hotter months of the year. I visited in January, and even though we had a couple of cloudy days, the weather was very comfortable, especially on the South Coast.
- Long rainy season (April and May) – while it can be rainy during this season, you might also get lucky and have no rain during your vacation, perfect to spend it on the Northern Coast!
- Dry season (June to October) – it’s best to visit Zanzibar in these months when it’s cool and dry. I recommend the East Coast during this season.
- Short rainy season (November and December) – in November, it tends to rain every day, but just for a short while, so the best part to stay at is in the Northern Coast.
NOTE: Wondering when to go to Zanzibar for scuba diving? It is best to go from June to October on the North coast and between November and March on the South coast.
Zanzibar is a very interesting island in terms of accommodation choices. Why? There are really strong tides on the island, and the ocean in front of your sea-view room might disappear for hours! That is why I break down my recommendations by area.
IMPORTANT: More about the tides – the tide goes out to a coral reef that’s 1 to 1.5 km offshore.
The northern coast is popular because you can always swim there, even at low tide. During high tide on the west coast, the beach entirely disappears as the water comes all the way up to the rocky cliffs.
The best way to know when high tide and low tide are is to check the Tide Forecast. It changes day to day, so you can check out predictions for when you’re planning to visit.
Where to stay in Zanzibar
First of all, here is a Zanzibar map of all the best areas I am recommending:
Now let’s see the complete list of where to stay in Zanzibar that I can definitely recommend:
1. The North coast – Kendwa and Nungwi best beaches for first timers
The Northern coast is popular because it’s least affected by the tides. There are two popular Zanzibar beaches in the north, Nungwi, and Kendwa.
Nungwi is known for its diving and sunset cruises, while Kendwa has more nightlife to offer. In the north, you can also visit Mnemba Island, just a kilometer off the shore. This has great diving and snorkeling spots and is also home to green turtles! If you are looking for other activities, please check my detailed post on amazing things to do in Zanzibar here.
Fun Fact: The old name of the country was Tanganyika and it changed to Tanzania when they merged with Zanzibar!
Here is my list of hand-picked hotels in North Zanzibar, all sorted by price and category, so it’s easy for you to find what you need:
Luxury ($220 USD and above)
- Riu Palace Zanzibar is located on one of the best private beaches, it has a spa, and a dive center. It truly offers a luxury, all-inclusive Zanzibar experience!
- Zuri Zanzibar offers beachside bungalows in Kendwa for couples or families if you’re on a Zanzibar family holiday. When you’re not on the beach, you can wander through the garden or hang out by the pool!
- Zanzibar Queen Hotel is one of the best northeast hotels. Located in Matemwe, this hotel has diving facilities, a barbeque, water sports facilities, and even a spa center! Mnemba Island is also just 6 km off the coast.
- Z Hotel is a beautiful luxurious hotel for an escape. It has everything you want, including an infinity swimming pool and a spa. It also is known for its famous Z Hotel rooftop bar, which might be one of the best places on the island for drinks at sunset!
Middle-priced ($100 to $220 USD)
- Nungwi House is an excellent spot if you’re looking for spacious guest rooms and free breakfast. It’s centrally located on the northern tip of Zanzibar and is a quick walk from the beach. This is a great option among middle-priced Zanzibar hotels.
- Opera Hotel in case you want to relax next to some coconut palms, tropical plants, and white sand beach? Opera Hotel is where you must stay then. You will enjoy some of the most popular beaches, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant that serves delicious dishes!
- Aluna Beach Lodge is only a few steps away from the beach; it has a pool, garden, restaurant, and bar. You’ll never even want to leave the property! If you feel like leaving, though, the Lodge is next to a maritime conservation center where you can learn about the turtles.
- Warere Beach is right off the beach, and some of its facilities include a pool and a bar. What more could you ask for? The hotel also has fantastic views from the pool deck!
Budget (up to $100 USD)
- Green’s Guest House Nungwi is just 300 meters from Nungwi beach. With a garden and terrace, as well as free Wi-Fi, you’ll have plenty to do after a long day on the beach.
- Makofi Guest House is another option in Nungwi. You can opt for a cheaper hostel experience in a mixed dorm room or a private one. The patio also gets busy at night if you want to meet other travelers!
- Babalola Bungalows this incredible hotel has everything you will need! Want to relax in its outdoor swimming pool? Or, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can hop on a bike or just have a drink in the bar!
- Chikachika Beach B&B is a great option in Nungwi. This is an incredible B&B where you will enjoy the delicious continental breakfast served daily, the cozy garden, or the bar in case you want to finish your day with some drinks to relax!
Book your stay on the North coast
2. Best hotels in Stone Town – best place for a local vibe
If you’re looking for culture and history, this area is a must-see!
It almost feels like stepping into a time machine, with various old colonial buildings lining the streets. You’ll indeed get lost in the maze of narrow streets, but that’s half the fun! It’s also the best place to try the cuisine and learn about the island’s history. If you haven’t yet, check out my post on things to do in Zanzibar, where I give tons of tips on what to see in Stone Town.
Moving on, here are some great hotels with fabulous reviews and facilities:
Luxury ($170 USD and above)
- Sunny Palms Beach Bungalows is a 4-star accommodation with a restaurant, fitness center, bar, and of course, access to the most beautiful beaches where you can swim next to the coral reefs!
- Kisiwa House is one of the oldest buildings in the city but features a modern design. This boutique hotel offers all the comfort you’ll need to make you feel at home.
- Zanzi Resort is one of several Zanzibar resorts near Stone Town. At 15 km outside the city, this is one of the best hotels in Zanzibar because of its beachside bungalows. You can get a massage on the beach or take a free bicycle out for a ride!
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar has almost everything you could ask for. Park Hyatt Zanzibar has a pool, spa, restaurant, and fitness center on the beach. If you feel like heading out, their tour desk can arrange various trips and tours for you!
Middle-priced ($80 to $170 USD)
- Mizingani Seafront Hotel is right by the ferry terminal, so you won’t get lost trying to find your way there! It is decorated in traditional Zanzibar style for an authentic stay! Oh, and be sure to ask for a room with a view of the Indian Ocean!
- Zanzibar Coffee House will make you feel like you traveled back in time. The spacious rooms all have antique details without sacrificing any modern comforts.
- Mangrove Lodge is an eco-friendly spot for a great vacation. If you want to be within walking distance of the attractions of Stone Town but also want a private beach getaway, this is the place for you! It has a bar, a restaurant, and a lounge with lots of hammocks for having a lazy day on the beach.
- Kholle House was built for a princess – really, it was! Built-in 1860 for Princess Kholle, the hotel has a rooftop terrace, a pool, and a teahouse! What more could you ask for?
Budget (up to $80 USD)
- Jabar Lodge is an excellent option for a traveler on a budget. Each room has its own balcony and air conditioning. There’s also a restaurant on-site, and during your stay, you can enjoy the terrace with one of the delicious dishes this B&B serves!
- Al-Minar Hotel is an incredible option, thanks to everything this budget hotel offers! From tours and classes about the local culture to bike tours and even cooking classes! I’m sure you won’t get bored during your stay.
- Balcony House offers shared balconies from every room and mosquito nets. There’s also free Wi-Fi and anything else you might need for a pleasant stay!
- Lost & Found Zanzibar is perfect for backpackers! It has common areas to get to know other travelers. It also has privacy curtains on each bed and AC.
3. The East Coast – home to the best beaches in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s East Coast features what some people consider the best Zanzibar beaches, and it is the area I chose to stay in as well! Typically less touristy than the North coast, the East Coast has beautiful, idyllic beaches like Pingwe, Paje (don’t miss the scuba diving experience!), and Jambiani. I personally stayed somewhere between Paje and Jambiani; read more about my experience below.
These powdery white sand beaches have turquoise waters that come to the palm trees along the shore during hiding tide.
NOTE: Keep in mind that you can’t swim at low tide but can still enjoy walks along the beach.
If you’re looking for places to stay during your east coast holidays, you’ve come to the right spot for information! I’ve found some great hotels along the east coast for you to choose from.
Luxury ($180 USD and above)
- Kiwengwa Beach Resort truly has everything you want. It has one of the best beaches with palm trees, a private plunge pool, a spa, tennis courts, and a recreation area for kids. They can also help you book any activities you would like to try. A complete 5-star experience!
- Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel has bungalow-style rooms that look out onto an infinity pool and the ocean. It’s hard to get sick of the views from the infinity pool at sunset. Definitely Instagram-worthy!
- Pongwe Beach Hotel, located in Pongwe, is a little slice of heaven. It’s a beautiful hotel with a terrace that overlooks the beautiful garden. It also offers a full restaurant, and the staff can arrange evening entertainment if you’re traveling in a group.
- Kisiwa on the Beach is in Paje Zanzibar. You can get a bungalow right on the beach and enjoy everything this hotel has to offer. You can wake up every morning to the sound of the ocean!
Middle-priced ($80 to $180 USD)
- Nyumbani Residence – This is the hotel where I stayed, and I enjoyed my experience there! You can find my full, honest review with details below.
- Kikoi Boutique Hotel has a private beach with beautiful palm trees, a pool, and a garden, as well as a bar and lounge. You can also take advantage of great hiking in the area or rent a bike and ride!
- Tsunami Village is the perfect spot if you want some peace and quiet. You can come here to enjoy the beach without worrying about crowds! The on-site restaurant also features a wide range of options!
- Villa Huruma is a beautiful villa steps from the beach in Paje. It also has a pool and offers a free breakfast.
- Zanzistar Lodge is located on the southeast coast in the town of Jambiani (an old fishing village). Full of bright colors and modern décor, the true star of this hotel is the restaurant. The seafood dishes are to-die-for!
Budget (up to $80 USD)
- Sagando Bungalows is a perfect spot for a laid-back beach vacation. It’s beachside and features a tropical garden, so you’ll be sure to make new friends around the nightly bonfire or while grabbing a drink at the bar!
- Amka House is an excellent find for a budget traveler. It’s right on the beach and has lots of places to relax and enjoy the natural beauty in Jambiani.
- Jua Apartments in Kiwengwa are made for complete relaxation, and the marine life there is just incredible! With an outdoor pool located just steps from the beach, you can go from check-in to the beach in minutes!
- Villa Kiota has a beautiful garden and restaurant. A great place for backpackers as there’s also a bicycle rental service, and you’ll be within walking distance to many restaurants!
Book your stay on the East coast
| 👑 Luxury price: | $300 |
| 🏨 Mid Range: | $130 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $70 |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Zuri Zanzibar |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | Aluna Nungwi |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Makofi Guest House |
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
BONUS 1: Special hotels in Zanzibar
Underwater hotel
If you want a truly unique experience in Zanzibar, consider staying in a Zanzibar underwater hotel. The Manta Resort has an underwater room off the shore where the bedroom is underwater. You may have heard of “sleeping with the fishes,” but never like this!
The top floor of the room is a lounge area where you can lay out in the sun and relax. The main floor has a deck, an outdoor living room area, and private bathrooms, of course. Then, you head down a ladder and experience the magic of the ocean. Windows in the underwater bedroom let you see the Indian Ocean life around you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will immerse you in the ocean like never before.
Checking in on a private island!
If you want to stay right on the water, check out Chapwani Private Island. You can rent a bungalow right off the coast of Grave Island and really enjoy the ocean. Surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and top private villas, you will enjoy a barefoot luxury experience!
Another fantastic idea is to stay on Mnemba Island, a small island located around 3 km off the coast of Zanzibar and probably the most intimate and secluded place you can stay in Tanzania. It is truly a beach paradise, and it is also perfect for people who are going to Tanzania for their honeymoon, but not only them! If you want to truly feel like you are on your own private island paradise, I recommend staying at AndBeyond Mnemba Island! There are only 12 rooms on the entire island, and each of them is equally gorgeous!
Feel the history of colonialism in style
Another unique hotel in Zanzibar is the Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town. This hotel is a converted historical building that was built in 1559. The décor is in true Zanzibar style. If you want to get the full Zanzibar experience, travel back in time to this boutique hotel! There’s also a pool, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace.
My Experience Staying at a Hotel in Zanzibar
When I visited Zanzibar, we stayed at Nyumbani Residence. This charming hotel has a pool and is 2 minutes away from the beach in Paje. I got to stay at this place when it was brand new – it had opened literally a couple of weeks before we checked in!
The owner of the hotel, Daniele, even woke up at 3:30 in the morning just to say goodbye to us when we left for the airport! And I promise you this wasn’t because he knew I was a blogger (he didn’t)!
Most of the time when I travel I go “incognito” because I don’t want any extra attention and I want to get a real experience – without anyone trying to impress us for free publicity!
Daniele got up to say goodbye purely in the name of hospitality. He and his wife were also extremely nice and welcoming during our whole stay.
So, Nyumbani is actually a residence meaning we had the whole apartment (60 m2) to ourselves with a fully equipped kitchen and huge living room. They only have about 7 rooms I think and they all face the pool- how cool is that! I loved making smoothies for us every morning and having breakfast with this wonderful view- it was an amazing way to start the day!
Laundry service and food delivery as well as the transfer from the airport can be arranged (I think it is about $50 USD one way to the airport). They can also call a taxi for you to get to the nearest “town” (Paje); this will cost about $6 USD one way. Otherwise, we found that there are tons of restaurants within a 5-minute walk (ask the owner for recommendations as they are Italian and they know the good places! 😉 )
If you’re addicted to Wi-Fi, I will tell you that the internet isn’t super fast (it’s not fast anywhere on the island to be fair!). But there is a router right in your bungalow, so no need to go to the lobby or anything like that.
All in all, I really enjoyed my time there and I highly recommend this place if you want somewhere tranquil and intimate.
Check the rates for Nyumbani Residence
BONUS 2: Practical info about staying in Zanzibar
Now that you know about all the best areas and hotels to stay at in Zanzibar, let’s take a look at some practical information about staying on the island:
How do I get to Zanzibar?
You can get to Zanzibar either by ferry or plane. Both leave from Dar es Salaam on the eastern coast of Africa. There are also plenty of international flights that land in Zanzibar. I arrived by Oman Air, and there was a transfer to Muscat Airport. Check the best rates from your city here.
By plane
Flights to Zanzibar run daily from Dar es Salaam and cost about $100 USD. If you’re coming from Arusha at the base of Kilimanjaro, you can also catch a flight to Dar es Salaam for about $180 USD and then transfer to a flight to Zanzibar.
Please read more about my safari trip in Arusha here. I also climbed Kilimanjaro and I will talk about my experience here!
If you are traveling from your home country, you are in luck since Zanzibar is a popular destination now and many international flights land there. For example, I arrived by Oman Air, (there was a transfer to Muscat Airport). Check the best rates from your city here.
By ferry
There are various companies that have ferries leaving from Dar es Salaam. Tickets one-way cost between $35 to $70 USD. Some ferries are faster than others. You can get cheaper tickets if you’re willing to take an older, slower boat.
Be sure to reserve ferry tickets ahead of time as the boats fill up quickly. You can book online with most of the companies to ensure you have a spot on the boat.
Where should I stay in Zanzibar for nightlife?
Even though the majority of people in Zanzibar are Muslim, you will not have a problem finding a bar or pub to go to at night for a drink.
If you want more traditional bars and nightclubs, Stone Town is the place to go. I recommend 6 Degrees South if you’re looking for the perfect place to have some cocktails while watching the sun go down.
For beach bars, in the north, you can head to Kendwa and Nungwi. Kendwa is also home to the once-a-month Full Moon Party (similar to the one on Koh Phangan in Thailand!), which is usually held the first Saturday after the full moon. It’s a recipe for a perfect night of dancing on the beach.
To the East, there’s Jambiani and Paje, which each have lounges on the beach. Jambiani has Monday night parties at the Red Monkey Beach Lodge. You can also head to Pingwe and hit one of the most unique beach bars, The Rock. You have to wade out into the water to reach this restaurant/bar, which is literally just on a rock in the Indian Ocean!
Where should I stay in Zanzibar for a honeymoon?
Any of the luxury hotels I’ve mentioned before would be perfect for a honeymoon!
Another option would be the Konokono Beach Resort on the Michamvi Peninsula. With monkeys surrounding this beach hideaway, it has all the makings of an incredible honeymoon.
The restaurant also has spectacular views from the top of a cliff so you can take panoramic shots of the sunset.
Another spot for a romantic getaway is the Hotel Riu Jambo. Located in Nungwi right on the beach, this resort will give you a fully relaxing experience. With evening entertainment activities, spa treatments available, and a variety of private pools, newlyweds can spend quality time together in luxury.
For a more private honeymoon, you can rent a villa at The Residence Zanzibar. You can get your own ocean-side villa with a private pool. Wake up every morning to sunrise over the Indian Ocean and go to sleep to the sound of the waves! Their location offers a wide variety of activities as well, from a wellness center and a glass-walled pool to tours of the nearby Jozani Forest Reserve. Or if you want to just enjoy some alone time together, you have the privacy of your villa, pool, or the beach right outside your front door.
Where NOT to stay in Zanzibar
You may have noticed I haven’t included any hotels in the west of Zanzibar, except for Stone Town.
The West coast is more remote than the rest of Zanzibar and the beaches just can’t compete with the Northern and Eastern beaches. This is mostly because of the rocky shoreline in certain areas.
There are resorts on the West coast, but I personally would rather hit the beaches up north or to the east. If you do head to the West coast and want to go somewhere besides Stone Town, you can consider heading to an island devoted to eco-tourism.
The South coast of Zanzibar is the most populated part of the island, which means it is a great place to visit to understand more about their culture and take some very interesting tours. But if you are dreaming of a beach vacation, staying on the South coast is not the greatest idea, as the height difference between high tide and low tide is more noticeable there.
If you really want to see it for yourself, I recommend Nest Style Beach Hotel or Eden Rock for your stay in the Southern coast of the island!
FAQs about hotels in Zanzibar
☀️ What is the weather in Zanzibar?
The weather in Zanzibar is hot almost all year round (high temperatures around 38°C and in the cooler months around 29 °C) and has two rainy seasons; from March to May and from Mid-October to early December. So I recommend visiting the island from June to October where the weather is amazing and it’s the dry season.
🏖️ What is the best beach in Zanzibar?
In my personal opinion, Nungwi beaches are the most picture-perfect. During high tide, East coast beaches are amazing! But, as I said, during low tide, the water is so far from the beach that you have to walk up to 1 km to reach it!
👨👩👧 Where should I stay with my family?
The North coast is definitely the best place to stay in Zanzibar for a family vacation! I recommend the Zuri Zanzibar hotel.
💑 What is the best hotel for honeymooners?
There are many hotels perfect for honeymooners, but one of the best has to be Konokono Beach Resort!
🌊 What part of Zanzibar has the best beaches?
The East coast has the best beaches in Zanzibar! In case you are looking to stay there, I recommend Nyumbani Residence and Amka House! I’m sure you will love both options!
Conclusion
In this article, I recommend the 3 best areas where to stay in Zanzibar and the best hotels for each of them. I’ve handpicked each hotel based on price category and amenities so that no matter where you choose to stay, you can have the best experience!
I also mention areas where I don’t recommend you stay and I give you practical information about the island and other useful tips for your trip!
Depending on what kind of Zanzibar vacation you’re looking for, you can pick the perfect hotel for you depending on your budget! On Zanzibar’s Northern coast you’ll see more travelers, but you’ll also get beautiful Zanzibar beaches. Stone Town offers so much culture and history. Then, to the East, you get more remote beaches and exclusive resorts.
Each area of Zanzibar has amazing things to offer but only you can decide what kind of trip you want to have. Or visit them all, why not?
To make things a little bit easier, let me tell you my top 2 choices:
- Riu Palace Zanzibar – if you want a luxury stay in Zanzibar, this is the best option for you – plus, it is an all-inclusive hotel!
- Mangrove Lodge – more on the budget side, but still perfect for an incredible stay!
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a relaxing beach vacation, and of course, do not forget as soon as you find the perfect accommodation option to secure your spot at this incredible destination!
If you have any questions, leave them in the comment section and I’ll get back to you!
Yulia
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
ANY OPINIONS ON SAFIRABLU IS THAT A NICE AREA LOOKING TO BOOK?
HI Yulia! Great post! Very helpful!
We are planning to visit Zanzibar on February and we want to avoid the touristic areas. What would you suggest? Paje is ok?
Additionally, what would you suggest for transportation inside the island? Should we book a local tour guide and a car? We will be 3 women.
Thanks!
Hello Eleni,
I think Paje is perfect for your girls trip if you are looking for something more relaxed with less tourists around. Tsunami Village is right on the beach and it will be a relaxing vibe.
Definitely book a tour guide if you want to do something fun and explore the inlands of Zanzibar, they drive like crazy and you will be in good hands with somebody who knows the area and the roads. Stone town is a must see in Zanzibar and I really enjoyed the experience when I was there, local foods and fruits to explore and just to have a true Zanzibar experience.
You can book your tours directly through the hotels/resorts and they will collect and drop you off. Check out this post to help you find the best things to do in Zanzibar.
Hello Yulia – super helpful post. I note you recommend the North beaches and state that the East beaches may not be idyllic in low tide. I am planning to go to Zanzibar between 6-14 January 2023. I do not know what the tide is like during that season, so should I plan to stay around the North coast or East coast? Thanks.
Hi Sabah,
happy the post was useful for you!
I’ve visiting in more or less the same time and I remember the tides were quite strong where we were on the East Side. As usual, your best bet if you want to avoid it will be the North part of the island! 🙂
This blog post was super helpful! Stayed at a few places you recommended including kholle house in stonetown, shanuo beach bungalows in pingwe and makofi guest house in nungwi. Really appreciated the breakdown of luxury, mid and budget for accommodations!
Happy to help Erin, enjoy your vacation! 🙂
Hi Yulia! I love your blog/information!!! We plan on being in Zanzibar June 7-11th (4 nights). We are thinking of staying in Stone town our first night since its close to the airport and our other 3 nights in nungwi area. I was wondering what best way to get around the island. Should we rent our own car or hire a driver? We have traveled around the world and usually drive ourselves so we can see as much as possible. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you!
Tina
Hi Tina!
I guess it is up to your personal preference at this point – you can do both.
If you are planning to have a chill stay in Nungwi and not move around much then I guess it makes more sense to get a taxi from Stone Town to Nungwi so that you do not pay for the 3 days uselessly
Hi Yulia
Really enjoyed reading your blog. Im Hopi g to go to Zanzibar this October with my family to celebrate my husbands birthday. I’ve provisionally booked The Balandin Zanzibar Hotel. Just Hoping there will be enough for my teenagers to do? Thanks for any info.
Hey there! The hotel seem super nice, I think you did the right choice! No worries, even if they will be bored in the hotel (for some reason), there are tons of tours and activities they can do in that area, kitesurfing lessons just one of them
Hi
What is the best way to travel and get around Zanzibar, especially for a woman travelling alone?
Hello Wendy, Zanzibar is one of the safest African destinations, not to worry! The best way to get around Zanzibar is probably getting a taxi. However, if you’re staying in Stone Town you can walk around the city center as the town is small. Here are a few things to do during your stay at Zanzibar.
Hey, I am traveling with my bf and want to have a fun yet relaxing vacation. We are staying for 6 day and was looking at both Nungwi or Kendwa. I was wondering what you would recommend if we are interested in
-beach-swimming/tanning/water activities
-nightlife
-hikes, caves
-touristic events (STONE TOWN IS A MUST REGARDLESS)
If you could help advise that would be amazing.
Hi Sarah,
Both areas are actually quite similar, have great nightlife and are very close to each other (4km apart) so you can easily explore both no matter which you choose. Nungwi has better snorkeling and a wider beach so if you are intending on spending a lot of time in the water it might be a good choice for you. If you are looking for a little more privacy, Kendwa has smaller coves and generally fewer people.
Whichever you choose I’m sure you’ll have a great trip!
Thank you for the advise ! And a nice blog!))
Thanks for the nice words! 🙂
Thank you, Yulia for this incredible article. It surely will guide us in planning our next visit! We will be staying for 10 days visiting Nungwi, Matemwe, and Stone town spice tour.
If I have an opportunity to move to ZanziBar, I will be now with a ticket in my hands. It is awesome place to visit. When I was there, I was like in paradise: ocean, seafood and a lot of amazing sunsets. By the way, I rested at Clove Island and was soooooo satisfied. I swear you, you will not regret it if you come there ona day.
Thanks for your comment, Yevhenii!
I met many expats there, am sure you will like it if you decide to relocate! 🙂
This is so useful- THANK YOU Yulia! 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Good article… thanks for all that. We’re going to Zanzibar in April, still not sure which side of the island we’re going to go for. I’m just wondering about the tides in Paje, is it true the water can be gone very far away for large portions of the day?
Hello,
It’s true that the tide varies a lot, it’s a wonderful experience both ways!
I wouldn’t say it’s gone for large portion of the day, though, over the course of 12 hours it basically increases gradually until the high tide and then it starts lowering again.
Dear Yulia, great article since we are packing for our Zanzi trip on Sunday 19th 🙂 I’m more concerned about transportation prices, since most of the available info refers to prices from Stone Town to Nungwi/Kendwa area or similar.
We are staying at Azao Resort on the top little penninsula between Pongwe and Uroa (East Coast) and resort seem to be little isolated for some evening exploring the island.
Any tip in that regard would be great!
Thanks in advance!
Una
Hi,
The beaches on the East Coast are simply marvelous! I don’t think you’ll have any problems exploring close to the resort and if you want to go further away, a taxi would be the safest bet! It will be a bit pricier but also the fastest.
I hope you’ll have the most wonderful time on your trip!
Hey. Thanks a lot for this post! I’m arriving in Zanzibar in January. Can’t wait!:) I will be staying in Makunduchi. The place itself is fantastic but I’m hungry for seeing new spots and doing a lot of different things. Your article inspires me!:)
Thank you!
Zanzibar is a great choice for January, I hope you’ll have lots of fun and discover some amazing places!
I appreciate the information on this web page. I gained a lot of knowledge about where to stay on the island, thanks Yulia:) keep sharing this kind of articles 🙂
Thank you, I’m glad to hear this! I’m trying my best to keep my articles as informative as possible 🙂
Oh Yulia! You have done such an amazing job with that article. Couldn’t believe I got all that information in one blog post. You are super amazing!!
Thank you, Sally! I’m happy I could help you, have fun on your trip!
I have read lots and lots of articles on this subject and yours really stand s out thank you.
yes, thanks so much! thats because we always hand pick the beat hotels in the area that have amazing reviews and also sort it by price, i also think it is pretty convenient, happy it was useful to you! 🙂
PS we are going to publich an article about Things to do in Zanzibar soon, check it out here – https://misstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/africa/tanzania/zanzibar/
Tanzania is an awesome place to explore but I think Goa is a destination where you can enjoy everything that you had at Tanzania. India is awaiting for you.
Nice Article, thanks so much! I have made up my mind about where to stay on the island, it was very confusing before, thank you!
You are welcome! Here are all my posts about Zanzibar in case you want to read more about things to do there – https://misstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/africa/tanzania/zanzibar/
Please note, the country was Tanganyika, no Z like in your article.
After the Zanzibar revolution in 1964 when hundreds of Arabs were massacred and the Omani Sultan was chased from the island, Zanzibar was incorporated into Tanganyika, which then became Tanzania.
Thanks.
Caroline
Hi, Caroline! Thank you for your comment, I have updated the post with the right information! 🙂