Comprehensive Zanzibar accommodation guide organized by area. Stone Town boutiques, Nungwi beach resorts, Paje kite hotels, Kendwa party scene, Matemwe intimate retreats, and private islands. Budget to ultra-luxury with real prices and honest recommendations from our team in Tanzania.
Choosing where to stay in Zanzibar isn't just about the hotel — it's about the coast. The north coast (Nungwi and Kendwa) has all-day swimming with minimal tides. The east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe) has dramatic tides but better value and more character. Stone Town has the culture. And then there are private islands and Pemba for those who want to escape everything. At Snow Africa Adventure, we've been placing hundreds of guests across the archipelago for years — and we know which hotels actually deliver and which ones coast on pretty photos. Here's our unfiltered guide. (For general trip planning, start with our Zanzibar travel guide.)
Stone Town: The Cultural Heart
If you're arriving by ferry or spending your first night before heading to the beach, Stone Town is where you'll start. The UNESCO World Heritage centre is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, rooftop restaurants, and centuries of layered history. It's not a beach destination — it's a cultural one.
Best Hotels in Stone Town
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Luxury | $350-$700 | Only international luxury brand in Stone Town, rooftop pool, ocean views, restored heritage building |
| Emerson Spice | Boutique | $150-$300 | Beautifully restored merchant house, rooftop restaurant with harbour views, each room unique |
| Zanzibar Serena Hotel | Upscale | $200-$400 | Oceanfront location, pool, combines heritage architecture with modern comfort |
| Zanzibar Palace Hotel | Boutique | $100-$200 | Intimate 9-room property, exquisite antique furnishings, personalised service |
| Dhow Palace Hotel | Mid-range | $80-$150 | Central location, rooftop pool, good value for Stone Town |
| Jafferji House | Heritage | $120-$250 | Former photography studio, art-filled rooms, stunning rooftop terrace |
| Lost & Found | Budget | $30-$60 | Stylish hostel with dorms and private rooms, social atmosphere, great location |
The Park Hyatt occupies a prime waterfront position in a restored heritage building. The rooftop pool has direct views of the dhow harbour, and the rooms balance Zanzibari design elements with the consistency you expect from Hyatt. Emerson Spice is the opposite approach — a restored merchant's house where every room is different, furnished with antiques, and the rooftop restaurant serves a famous multi-course dinner as the sun sets. Zanzibar Coffee House, tucked above a working coffee roastery, is our favourite budget find — rooms are small but beautifully kept, and the ground-floor cafe serves the best coffee in Stone Town.
North Coast: Nungwi & Kendwa
The north coast is Zanzibar's most popular beach area for one simple reason: you can swim at any time of day. While the east coast beaches lose their water for hours during low tide, Nungwi and Kendwa have minimal tidal variation. Add beautiful white sand, turquoise water, spectacular sunsets, and the most developed tourist infrastructure on the island, and you understand why 60% of all Zanzibar visitors stay here.
Nungwi Hotels
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essque Zalu Zanzibar | Luxury | $250-$600 | Suite-only property, infinity pool, spa, private beach section, excellent restaurant |
| Z Hotel | Boutique Luxury | $200-$400 | Adults-only, trendy design, beachfront infinity pool, great sunset bar |
| DoubleTree by Hilton | Upscale | $150-$350 | Largest pool in Zanzibar, reliable Hilton standards, family-friendly |
| Amaan Bungalows | Mid-range | $40-$80 | Beachfront cottages, restaurant, pool — excellent value |
| Langi Langi Beach Bungalows | Budget-Mid | $60-$120 | Directly on the beach, pool, good restaurant, reliable |
| Flame Tree Cottages | Budget | $35-$70 | Set back from beach but clean, pool, friendly, great for backpackers |
Kendwa Hotels
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa | Luxury All-Inclusive | $300-$700 | All-inclusive luxury, stunning design, private beach, spa |
| Melia Zanzibar | Resort | $200-$500 | Large resort with pools, kids club, golf course — best for families |
| Sunset Kendwa | Mid-range | $80-$150 | Beachfront, pool, quiet alternative to Nungwi, good restaurant |
| Kendwa Rocks | Budget | $50-$100 | The legendary backpacker spot, hosts Full Moon parties, lively social scene |
The Z Hotel deserves special mention — it's adults-only with a design-forward aesthetic that feels more Ibiza than Indian Ocean, which is either exactly what you want or completely wrong for your trip. The beachfront infinity pool is genuinely stunning at sunset, and the bar draws a social crowd. Essque Zalu is the opposite: spacious suites (some with private pools), a world-class spa, and a quieter stretch of beach north of the Nungwi village. If you want luxury without crowds, Essque is our first recommendation on the north coast.
Kendwa Rocks is legendary among backpackers — it's been the social hub of Zanzibar for over two decades, hosting the famous Full Moon parties that draw hundreds. The accommodation is basic (don't expect luxury), but the beachfront location and atmosphere are hard to beat at $50-$100/night. Gold Zanzibar at the opposite end of Kendwa is pure luxury all-inclusive — one of the most beautiful hotel designs on the island.
East Coast: Paje, Jambiani & Matemwe
The east coast is where travellers go who want something different from the north coast tourist scene. The beaches are stunning but the tides are dramatic — at low tide, the ocean retreats over a kilometre, exposing sand flats and seaweed farms. At high tide, it's paradise. This isn't a drawback if you understand it going in; the tidal landscape is genuinely beautiful, and the east coast has better value, more local character, and world-class kite surfing.
Paje Hotels
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baraza Resort & Spa | Luxury | $400-$900 | The east coast's finest — all-suite, all-inclusive, Omani architecture, world-class spa |
| White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa | Boutique Luxury | $150-$350 | Private villas, beach club, pool, intimate and romantic |
| Arabian Nights Hotel | Mid-range | $40-$80 | Right on the beach, kite school next door, good restaurant, pool |
| Paje by Night | Budget | $30-$60 | Pool, bar, dorm and private rooms, social atmosphere, kite surfing crowd |
| Mr Kahawa | Budget | $25-$50 | Quirky beachfront guesthouse, incredible value, locally owned |
Jambiani Hotels
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zuri Zanzibar | Luxury Eco | $300-$600 | Eco-luxury resort, stunning design, community engagement, organic restaurant |
| Blue Oyster Hotel | Mid-range | $60-$120 | Beachfront, characterful rooms, excellent Swahili restaurant |
| Red Monkey Lodge | Budget | $40-$80 | Directly on the beach, friendly staff, good food, community projects |
| Shehe Bungalows | Budget | $25-$50 | Simple but clean, beachfront, locally run, seaweed tour available |
Matemwe Hotels
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matemwe Retreat | Luxury | $250-$500 | Only 4 villas, extremely private, ocean-view plunge pools, closest to Mnemba Atoll |
| Sunshine Hotel | Mid-range | $40-$80 | Beachfront, pool, dive centre, reliable and friendly |
| Zanzibar Retreat Hotel | Boutique | $100-$200 | Set in tropical gardens, pool, spa, peaceful and romantic |
Baraza Resort & Spa in Paje is the east coast's crown jewel — all-suite, all-inclusive, with Omani-inspired architecture, a Sultan's Spa, and service that rivals the best private island lodges. At $400-$900/night it's expensive, but it includes everything and the quality justifies the price. For budget travellers, Paje by Night is the social hub — dorms from $12, private rooms from $30, a pool, a bar that gets lively at night, and you're surrounded by the international kite surfing community.
Jambiani is where you go to experience local Zanzibar. The village stretches along the coast, women farm seaweed in the shallows at low tide, children play in the tidal pools, and the tourism infrastructure is minimal. Zuri Zanzibar brought luxury to this coast with an eco-resort that engages meaningfully with the community. Red Monkey Lodge at the budget end has been a backpacker favourite for years — rooms right on the beach, genuine hospitality, and community projects you can support.
Matemwe is for divers and honeymooners. Matemwe Retreat has just 4 villas — each with an ocean-view plunge pool and butler service. It's the closest accommodation to Mnemba Atoll, making it ideal for multi-day diving. Sunshine Hotel nearby is a budget-friendly alternative with its own dive centre.
Southeast: Michamvi Peninsula
Michamvi is a quiet peninsula famous for The Rock Restaurant — Zanzibar's most iconic dining spot, sitting on a rock in the ocean. Beyond The Rock, Michamvi offers genuine seclusion. The west side faces sunset, the east side faces sunrise. Very few hotels, almost no crowds, and some of the island's most romantic settings.
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Konokono Beach Resort | Luxury | $200-$400 | All-villa resort, private plunge pools, beach club, secluded |
| Upendo Beach | Boutique | $100-$200 | Stunning clifftop views, pool, intimate, excellent food |
| Kichanga Lodge | Mid-range | $70-$130 | Quiet beachfront, pool, kite surfing nearby, good value |
Private Islands
For the ultimate Zanzibar splurge, several private islands offer barefoot luxury that's genuinely world-class. These are bucket-list properties — the kind of places where shoes are optional, the reef starts at your doorstep, and the only schedule is tide and sunset.
Mnemba Island Lodge
$1,200-$2,500/night, all-inclusive – &Beyond's iconic private island off the northeast coast is the ultimate Zanzibar experience. Just 12 bandas (open-sided thatched bungalows) sit directly on the beach, each with an ocean view and outdoor shower. The all-inclusive rate covers meals, house drinks, snorkelling and diving on the house reef (one of the best in East Africa), kayaking, and paddle boarding. Green turtles nest on the beach from March to June. The island is tiny — you can walk around it in 20 minutes — and completely private. No day visitors, no other hotels, just you and 23 other guests maximum. This is the gold standard of Indian Ocean luxury.
Chapwani Private Island
$200-$400/night – A small island just a 10-minute boat ride from Stone Town. Ten rooms set in tropical gardens, with historic ruins from the island's colonial past and a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises. It's vastly more affordable than Mnemba while still offering genuine island seclusion. The beach faces west for spectacular sunsets, and the snorkelling is surprisingly good. A smart choice for couples who want a private island experience without the $2,000/night price tag.
Chumbe Island
$250-$450/night – An award-winning eco-lodge on a UNESCO-protected coral reef island. Seven eco-bungalows run entirely on solar power and rainwater collection — no electricity grid, no generator noise, just the sound of waves. The reef surrounding Chumbe has 200+ coral species and 400+ fish species, making it one of the most pristine marine environments in the Western Indian Ocean. Conservation isn't a marketing angle here; it's the entire reason the lodge exists.
Pemba Island
Zanzibar's northern sister island is for adventurous travellers who want something completely different. Hilly, green, covered in clove plantations, with some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean. Accommodation is limited:
- Fundu Lagoon ($400-$800/night) — Remote luxury on a mangrove-fringed beach. No roads to the hotel — arrive by boat. Dive centre, spa, barefoot luxury at its most genuine.
- Aiyana ($200-$400/night) — Boutique resort with pool villas, beachfront, dive centre. More accessible than Fundu.
- Pemba Lodge ($80-$150/night) — Hill-top views over the channel, basic but charming, great diving packages.
When to Visit: Seasonal Pricing
Zanzibar accommodation prices fluctuate dramatically by season. Peak season (June-October and Christmas-New Year) commands full prices — the best properties sell out months ahead. Shoulder season (November, early December, March) offers 15-25% discounts with good weather. Green season (April-May) brings 30-50% discounts, but some hotels close entirely and rain can be heavy. January-February is dry and warm but less crowded than July-August — arguably the best value window for good weather and lower prices.
How to Choose: Decision Matrix
| Priority | Best Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| All-day swimming | Nungwi / Kendwa | Minimal tides |
| Kite surfing | Paje | Consistent winds, shallow lagoon |
| Diving | Matemwe / Pemba | Closest to Mnemba / Misali reefs |
| Culture | Stone Town | UNESCO heritage, museums, markets |
| Budget | Paje / Jambiani | Most affordable quality accommodation |
| Honeymoon | Michamvi / Kendwa / Mnemba | Seclusion and romance |
| Family | Nungwi / Kendwa | Safe swimming, kids clubs, activities |
| Nightlife | Nungwi | Most bars and restaurants |
| Authentic experience | Jambiani | Village feel, seaweed farms, community tourism |
| Ultimate luxury | Mnemba Island | Private island, all-inclusive |
Booking Tips
- Book directMany Zanzibar hotels offer 10-20% discounts for direct bookings vs Booking.com or Expedia. Email the hotel directly and ask for their best rate.
- Season mattersPrices can drop 30-50% during the long rains (April-May). Some hotels close entirely. June-October and Christmas-New Year are peak season — book 3-6 months ahead.
- All-inclusive vs B&BIn Nungwi and Stone Town, B&B makes sense because there are many restaurants. In Michamvi, Pemba, or the more remote east coast, all-inclusive is practical because dining options are limited.
- Airport transfersMost mid-range and luxury hotels include airport transfers. Budget hotels charge $15-$40. Always confirm before arrival.
- Combine coastsIf you have 7+ days, split between Stone Town (1-2 nights), a beach (3-4 nights), and a second coast (2-3 nights). You'll see completely different sides of Zanzibar.
- safari + Zanzibar combo packages for ready-made itineraries.Pair with safariMost of our guests combine 5-6 days on mainland Tanzania with 4-5 days in Zanzibar. See our
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area of Zanzibar is best for first-time visitors?
Nungwi on the north coast. Reliable swimming at any tide, beautiful white sand beach, good restaurants within walking distance, and easy access to all major excursions. We recommend 1-2 nights in Stone Town followed by 3-4 nights in Nungwi for a first visit.
Is it better to stay on the north coast or east coast of Zanzibar?
North coast for swimming and convenience — minimal tides mean you can swim all day. East coast for better value, local culture, and kite surfing. The east coast requires planning around tides — at low tide the ocean retreats over a kilometre. Check our beach guide for tide details by area.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Zanzibar?
Paje and Jambiani on the east coast offer the best budget accommodation. Quality guesthouses start at $25-$50/night, with meals at local restaurants for $3-$8. Stone Town also has budget options from $30-$60. Nungwi is generally more expensive at every budget level.
Do I need to book Zanzibar hotels in advance?
During peak season (June-October, Christmas-New Year), yes — especially for luxury and boutique properties which sell out months ahead. During shoulder and low seasons, you can find walk-in deals, but we recommend booking at least your first night. Mnemba Island and Chumbe Island should always be booked well in advance due to limited rooms.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in Zanzibar?
Yes. Gold Zanzibar (Kendwa, $300-$700), Baraza Resort (Paje, $400-$900), and Melia Zanzibar (Kendwa, $200-$500) all offer all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive in Zanzibar typically includes meals, house drinks, and some activities — it's not the Caribbean model where everything is included.
Is Airbnb available in Zanzibar?
Yes, with growing options. Apartments in Stone Town ($30-$80/night) and beach villas on the north and east coasts ($50-$300/night). Quality varies widely — read recent reviews carefully. Local guesthouses often offer better value with the benefit of staff and breakfast included.
Can I split my stay between two areas of Zanzibar?
Absolutely — we recommend it for stays of 5+ days. Stone Town + a beach coast, or north coast + east coast, gives you two completely different Zanzibar experiences. Internal transfers by taxi cost $30-$50 and take 45-75 minutes depending on the route.
Which Zanzibar hotels have the best diving access?
Matemwe Retreat and Sunshine Hotel (Matemwe) for Mnemba Atoll access. Mnemba Island Lodge if budget allows. On Pemba Island, Fundu Lagoon and Aiyana have on-site dive centres with access to Misali Island — some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean. See our full diving guide.
Are there family-friendly resorts in Zanzibar?
Melia Zanzibar (Kendwa) has the best kids club on the island. DoubleTree Nungwi has the biggest pool. Baraza in Paje is all-inclusive with family villas. The north coast is generally best for families due to reliable swimming conditions at all tide levels.
What should I look for when choosing a Zanzibar hotel?
Three things matter most: location (which coast — see our decision matrix above), tide impact (north coast = swim anytime, east coast = high tide only), and what's included (airport transfers, breakfast, activities). Everything else is personal preference and budget.
How much does a typical Zanzibar hotel cost per night?
Budget guesthouses and hostels run $25-$60/night. Mid-range hotels with pools and beachfront access cost $60-$150. Boutique and luxury properties range from $150-$500. Ultra-luxury and private islands start at $400 and go above $2,000/night for Mnemba Island. Green season (April-May) drops prices 30-50% across all categories.
Can I combine a Zanzibar beach stay with a Tanzania safari?
This is our most popular combination. Fly from Arusha or the Serengeti to Zanzibar in under 2 hours. The ideal combo is 5-6 days Tanzania safari followed by 4-5 days Zanzibar beach. We handle all internal flights and hotel bookings — see our safari + Zanzibar combo packages for ready-made itineraries.