The best hotels in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has 8,000+ hotels and resorts across the island. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in Zanzibar
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Toa Hotel & Spa
Zanzibar
$134/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel
Zanzibar
$177/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Zanzibella Hotel & SPA
Zanzibar
$72/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Z-LODGE Zanzibar
Zanzibar
$21/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa
Zanzibar
$175/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Sand Beach Boutique Hotel
Zanzibar
$42/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Evergreen Bungalows
Zanzibar
$44/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Kwanza Resort
Zanzibar
$150/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Ycona Luxury Resort
Zanzibar
$294/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
SeaShore beach hotel and bungalow
Zanzibar
$60/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Toa Hotel & Spa
Stone Town's boutique scene has plenty of options, but Toa earns its 4.7 with genuine spa quality and attentive service. You're paying mid-range for five-star polish. The rooftop views over the Indian Ocean are the real selling point. Skip it if you want a beach property. It's a city hotel, and that's the deal.
Address:Toa Hotel & Spa, PONGWE, Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel
Highest guest rating on this list, and it earns it. You don't get a star classification, but 310 guests gave it 4.8, which tells you more than a plaque on the wall. Boutique means small, personal, and properly looked after. Worth the $177 if you hate anonymous resort pools.
Address:Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel, Sesame Street, Jambiani, Tanzania
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Zanzibella Hotel & SPA
Five stars at $72 sounds like a catch, but 604 reviews at 4.7 is hard to argue with. The spa is the main draw. You're getting luxury-tier amenities at a price that undercuts most three-stars in Zanzibar Town. Best value on this list if the location works for you.
Address:Zanzibella Hotel & SPA, Kaskazini - Unguja, North B, Kiwengwa, Kumbo Urembo, Kiwengwa, Tanzania
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Z-LODGE Zanzibar
Twenty-one dollars a night with a 4.7 rating from 364 guests. That's the whole pitch. You won't get a beach villa, but you'll get a clean bed, reliable staff, and money left over for a dhow sailing trip off Nungwi. Budget travelers who aren't roughing it: this is your pick.
Address:Z-LODGE Zanzibar, Kumba urembo, Kiwengwa 73209, Tanzania
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Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa
Over 2,000 reviews at 4.6. That's not luck, that's a machine that works. Azam is a full-scale resort: pools, spa, beachfront, the lot. You get consistent service because this property has handled every type of guest imaginable. Not intimate. But if reliability matters more than character, it delivers.
Address:Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa, V667+H3, Malawi Rd, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Neighborhood:Saateni
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Sand Beach Boutique Hotel
Forty-two dollars, beachfront, 4.7 from 240 reviews. If you'd rather spend your budget at a beach bar than on the room, this is it. Don't expect resort facilities. But you're on the sand, the price is honest for Zanzibar's east coast, and the guests consistently leave happy.
Address:Sand Beach Boutique Hotel, Bwejuu, Dongwe 71113, Tanzania
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Evergreen Bungalows
Three-star bungalows on Zanzibar tend to punch above their classification. Evergreen's 4.6 from 315 reviews confirms that. You're sleeping in a proper bungalow, not a concrete box, and the price sits just above the budget floor at $44. Good base if you're here for the diving more than the pool.
Address:Evergreen Bungalows, Bwejuu Zanzibar, Bwejuu, Tanzania
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Kwanza Resort
The lowest guest score on this list at 4.5, but that's relative. Kwanza is a five-star property with 707 reviews, meaning every gap is well-documented. You're paying $150 for genuine resort infrastructure on the water. Check the most recent reviews for service consistency before booking. Still a solid pick, not a compromise.
Address:Kwanza Resort, HF57+86C, Kizimkazi Dimbani, Kizimkazi Mkunguni 72104, Tanzania
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Ycona Luxury Resort
The priciest option here by some distance. At $294 you're paying for exclusivity, and Ycona delivers it. Fewer rooms, more attentive staff, the kind of place where you feel like a guest rather than a booking number. If you're celebrating something and want it to feel genuinely special, this is the one.
Address:Ycona Luxury Resort, Marumbi, Zanzibar 2675, Tanzania
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SeaShore beach hotel and bungalow
Sixty dollars for a beach bungalow with a 4.6 rating and 179 solid reviews. It's three-star, so calibrate: rooms are simple, not plush. But you're on the beach, the price is fair for Zanzibar's south coast, and the bungalow format means you're not stacked in a tower block. Honest mid-budget choice.
Address:SeaShore beach hotel and bungalow, Kiwengwa Kumbaurembo, Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Zanzibar.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toa Hotel & Spa | 4.7 | 484 | 5★ | $130/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel | 4.8 | 310 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $180/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Zanzibella Hotel & SPA | 4.7 | 604 | 5★ | $70/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Z-LODGE Zanzibar | 4.7 | 364 | 4★ | $20/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa | 4.6 | 2 182 | 5★ | $180/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Sand Beach Boutique Hotel | 4.7 | 240 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $40/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Evergreen Bungalows | 4.6 | 315 | 3★ | $40/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Kwanza Resort | 4.5 | 707 | 5★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Ycona Luxury Resort | 4.6 | 257 | 5★ | $140/night | Book → | |
| 10 | SeaShore beach hotel and bungalow | 4.6 | 179 | 3★ | $60/night | Book → | |
| 11 | Zanzibar Tropical Sunset | 4.7 | 85 | 3★ | $40/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Sea Cliff Resort & Spa | 4.5 | 1 728 | 5★ | $190/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Madinat Al Bahr | 4.5 | 1 183 | 5★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Horizon Kendwa | 4.7 | 72 | 3★ | $60/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Mpole Bungalows | 4.5 | 90 | 3★ | $10/night | Book → | |
| 16 | mawingu lodge zanzibar | 4.6 | 38 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $40/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Moayana Liora Zanzibar | 5.0 | 14 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → | |
| 18 | Eden Paradise Zanzibar | 4.5 | 40 | 3★ | $20/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Kokopelli Zanzibar Bungalows | 4.3 | 24 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $40/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Royal Cliff Zanzibar | 4.4 | 161 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Zanzibar
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Stone Town: What to See and What to Skip
The House of Wonders and the Old Fort on Mizingani Road are the landmarks everyone sees, and they are worth it. But the real Stone Town is in the lanes off Cathedral Street and Hurumzi Street. Walk for 90 minutes without a map and get genuinely lost. The architecture and the daily life are the attraction.
Skip the curio shops on Gizenga Street near the waterfront. The same items at half the price are available at the Central Market on Creek Road. Forodhani Gardens Night Market on the waterfront is the best cheap dinner option but arrive before 7pm for the freshest seafood.
Choosing the Right Beach Base
The east coast beaches between Paje and Michamvi are the most photographed, but they dry out badly at low tide and become rocky mudflats. Check a tide chart before booking. Nungwi in the northwest stays swimmable all day due to the natural tidal pool. Kendwa, 3km from Nungwi, has the best sunset beach bar scene.
If you want total seclusion, look at Pongwe on the northeast coast, 45 minutes from Stone Town. There are only a few boutique properties here and the cove rarely has more than 20 people on it. The snorkelling directly off the beach is excellent.
Getting Around Zanzibar Without a Car
Dala-dala minibuses from Darajani bus station in Stone Town cover every major destination on the island for 1,000-3,000 TZS ($0.40-1.20). They are slow and crowded but they work. For a group of 3 or more, a shared taxi from Stone Town to Nungwi at $30-40 is better value.
Bicycles and scooters are available to rent at all beach towns for $10-15 per day. Scooters need a license in theory but enforcement is minimal. The road from Stone Town to Nungwi is fully paved. Roads to Paje and the southeast are mostly good but have rough sections.
Zanzibar Spice Tours: Worth Doing or Not?
The standard 3-hour spice tour from Stone Town is genuinely interesting once. You visit a working plantation, see vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg growing, and the guide is usually knowledgeable. Costs around $15-20 per person. The problem is every hotel offers it and quality varies widely.
Book through your hotel rather than with touts at the port. The Kidichi Spice Farm and Mangapwani are both reliable. Skip the cultural village performance bolted onto some tours as an afterthought. It adds an hour and feels staged.
Diving and Snorkelling Guide
One Ocean dive centre in Nungwi is the most established operator. Two-tank dives to Mnemba Atoll cost $80-100. The atoll has dolphins, turtles, and strong coral in good visibility. Book a minimum of 2 days in advance in peak season. The Giant Tortoise sanctuary at Prison Island is a popular snorkel trip and costs $20-30 including the entry fee.
If you are a certified diver, Chumbe Island Coral Park in the south is one of the most pristine reef systems in East Africa. Access is tightly restricted to preserve the coral, so day visits require advance booking and cost around $100 per person including guide.
Zanzibar on a Budget
Stay in Nungwi village rather than on the beachfront. Flamingo Guest House and similar options cost $55-85 per night and are a 5-minute walk from the beach. Eat at local restaurants behind the main strip for $3-6 per meal. Fresh grilled fish, rice, and coconut beans are standard and excellent.
The dala-dala bus everywhere costs under $1. Prison Island from Stone Town costs $20-30 all in. Skip the 4x4 spice tour add-ons. Cook your own food at budget guesthouses when possible. A week in Zanzibar at $60-80 per day including accommodation, food, and one or two excursions is very achievable.
Zanzibar's best hotel regions
Zanzibar breaks into clear zones. Stone Town is history and atmosphere. Nungwi in the north has the best beach for year-round swimming. Paje on the east coast is the kitesurfing capital. The south and interior are quieter and cheaper.
Stone Town 2 vetted hotels UNESCO-listed old city with carved doors and Arabic architecture
UNESCO-listed old city with carved doors and Arabic architecture
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed into roughly 2 square kilometers. The lanes between Hurumzi Street, Cathedral Street, and the waterfront contain some of East Africa's most atmospheric accommodation. Emerson Spice and 236 Hurumzi are the standout boutique properties.
The area has almost no swimmable beach. Forodhani Gardens Night Market on the seafront is the best cheap food in town. Most visitors use Stone Town as a 2-night base before moving to a beach area.
Browse all Stone Town hotels → Nungwi 3 vetted hotels Best year-round beach for swimming
Best year-round beach for swimming
Nungwi sits at the northern tip of Zanzibar and has the best beach for year-round swimming because of the natural tidal pool. Flamingo Guest House and Mnarani Beach Cottages anchor the budget and mid-range options, while Kilindi Zanzibar is one of the island's finest luxury properties.
Nungwi village behind the beach has cheap local food and a real community feel. The beach bars at Kendwa, 3km south, are the best place on the island for a sunset.
Browse all Nungwi hotels → Paje and East Coast 2 vetted hotels Kitesurfing capital with long white-sand beaches
Kitesurfing capital with long white-sand beaches
Paje is the hub for kitesurfing on Zanzibar's flat-water east coast. The beach is spectacular but dries at low tide. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas in Paje is a solid mid-range pick. Ras Michamvi Beach Resort further south at Michamvi offers a more secluded option.
The east coast sunrise views are dramatic. Book beach accommodation that faces east for the best morning light. Check tide times carefully before booking if swimming is important to you.
Browse all Paje and East Coast hotels → South and Kizimkazi 2 vetted hotels Secluded luxury and dolphin watching
Secluded luxury and dolphin watching
Kizimkazi in the south is the base for dolphin-watching boat trips. The Residence Zanzibar, one of the island's top luxury resorts, sits here. It is 45 minutes from Stone Town but feels genuinely remote. The southern coast is quieter than north and east Zanzibar.
Zuri Zanzibar in Kendwa rounds out the luxury options in this zone. The south is best for couples wanting to avoid large resort crowds. Not ideal as a first base for independent travellers who want to explore the island easily.
Browse all South and Kizimkazi hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
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Indian Ocean Beach
White sand, turquoise water, and the smell of cloves on the breeze. Nungwi's natural tidal pool is the best swimming beach on the island. Paje is the place for kitesurfing with flat water and consistent wind from June to September.
Swahili Culture and History
Stone Town's UNESCO-listed medina has carved doors, Arab merchant houses, and centuries of trade history. The Old Fort dates to 1698. The Slave Market site near the Anglican Cathedral is sobering and important. Two full days in Stone Town is not too much.
Honeymoon and Romance
Zanzibar is East Africa's go-to honeymoon destination. Dhow sunset cruises from Stone Town cost $30-50 per couple. The Residence Zanzibar and Emerson Spice are the most romantic properties on the island. Book the Tower Top Restaurant at 236 Hurumzi for a memorable dinner.
Swahili Seafood
Forodhani Night Market on the Stone Town waterfront is the best casual seafood in the region. Grilled octopus, lobster, and Zanzibar pizza for under $10. The better restaurants are in Stone Town rather than beach resorts. Book Emerson Spice's rooftop dinner a day in advance.
Family Island Escape
Nungwi's calm tidal pool is ideal for children. Prison Island has giant tortoises that kids love. Jozani Forest has red colobus monkeys and is a reliable 2-hour excursion. Most mid-range beach resorts cater well to families with shallow water areas.
Affordable Beach Holiday
Zanzibar is genuinely affordable if you stay in village guesthouses rather than beachfront resorts. $55-85 per night gets you a clean room in Nungwi village. Dala-dala buses cover the island for under $1. Local fish restaurants cost $4-8 per meal.
We reviewed hotels across Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Pongwe, and the southeast coast to find where staying is genuinely worth it. Location relative to beaches that do not dry at low tide, consistency, and real value all counted.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Zanzibar
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Long Dry Season
June to October is the main dry season. The Indian Ocean is calm, the wind is steady for kitesurfing, and visibility for diving is at its best. European summer peak (July-August) pushes prices up and the best hotels book out. Shoulder months June and September-October offer good conditions at better prices.
Hot Season
December to February is hot, humid, and popular with European visitors. The water is warmest, snorkelling visibility is excellent, and New Year's week is the most expensive time on the island. Book accommodation 8-10 weeks ahead for December. Short rains in November can disrupt this window.
Long Rains
April to May brings the long masika rains. Heavy daily downpours, rough seas, and many beach resorts close or operate skeleton staff. Some boutique hotels in Stone Town stay open but at reduced capacity. Not recommended unless you specifically want the cheapest rates and are prepared for rain.
Short Rains
November brings the short vuli rains. Shorter and less severe than April-May. The weather is warm but unpredictable. Hotels discount 20-30%. For budget travellers who can handle some rain and do not mind fewer other tourists, this is a decent window.
Booking Tips for Zanzibar
Smart booking strategies for Zanzibar.
Check the tide times before booking your beach
Most of Zanzibar's east coast beaches dry out badly at low tide and become rocky mudflats. Nungwi's natural tidal pool stays swimmable all day. If you book on the east coast, check tide times for your dates and make sure you are happy with the swimming window.
Book boutique Stone Town hotels months ahead
Emerson Spice, 236 Hurumzi, and Zanzibar Coffee House each have 8-12 rooms. In July-August and December, they book out 4-6 weeks in advance. These are not properties you find last minute. Check directly with the hotel for the best rate.
Negotiate transfer prices before getting in the car
Airport and ferry terminal touts will quote $60-80 for transfers that should cost $25-40. Agree on a price in writing or via your hotel before the journey. Your hotel can usually arrange a reliable driver at fair rates. Avoid accepting rides from people who approach you unsolicited.
Dress codes in Stone Town matter
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Covering shoulders and knees in Stone Town is expected and respectful. Do not walk to or from the beach in swimwear through the town. Pack a light sarong or linen shirt. Hotels have no dress code on their premises, but the town does in practice.
USD is widely accepted, but carry small bills
Most tourist accommodation and restaurants quote prices in USD and prefer them over TZS. ATMs in Stone Town dispense both. Large USD bills ($50 and $100) are sometimes refused due to counterfeit concerns. Bring $20 bills or smaller and carry a mix of USD and TZS for local markets and dala-dalas.
Book Mnemba Atoll dives in advance
One Ocean and Dive Zanzibar in Nungwi run excellent trips to Mnemba Atoll at $80-100 for two tanks. In peak season, slots fill 2-3 days ahead. If you are a serious diver, book dive days at the same time you book your accommodation to avoid missing out.
Hotels in Zanzibar, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
Which part of Zanzibar is best for beaches?
Nungwi in the north is the top pick. The beach stays wet at low tide because of the natural tidal pool, which most of Zanzibar's east coast cannot match. Paje is the best for the east if you want flat water and consistent wind for kitesurfing. Skip Matemwe and Kiwengwa if you want to swim at low tide.
How much do Zanzibar hotels cost per night?
Budget guesthouses in Nungwi village and Stone Town start at $45-70. Mid-range beach cottages and boutique hotels run $130-249. Luxury resorts like The Residence Zanzibar and Zuri in Kendwa charge $280-550. Rates spike in July-August and December-January by 30-50%.
Is Stone Town worth staying in for a few nights?
Yes, at least two nights. The historic quarter around Hurumzi Street and Tharia Street is genuinely unlike anywhere else in East Africa. Walk the lanes at sunset, eat at the Forodhani Gardens Night Market, and book a rooftop dinner at Emerson Spice. But Stone Town has almost no swimmable beach, so combine it with a beach base.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October is the dry season and the best all-round window. The Indian Ocean is calm, temperatures are 24-28C, and crowds are manageable outside the European school holiday peak in July-August. Avoid the long rains in April to May and the short rains in November.
How do I get from Stone Town to Nungwi?
Dala-dala shared minibus from Darajani bus station in Stone Town runs to Nungwi and costs 2,000 TZS (under $1). Takes 45-60 minutes. Taxis cost $30-40 and take 35 minutes. Most hotels in Nungwi offer transfers for $20-30 per vehicle. Do not pay more than $40 for a taxi.
Is Zanzibar safe for solo travellers?
Mostly yes. Stone Town requires normal street awareness, especially at night around Kelele Square and Malawi Road. Beach areas like Nungwi and Paje are relaxed. Women travelling alone report occasional unwanted attention around Stone Town at night. Walk in pairs after dark if possible and stay on lit streets.
What is the tipping culture in Zanzibar hotels?
Service staff in Zanzibar rely heavily on tips. $2-5 per day for housekeeping is standard. Restaurant tipping of 10% is expected in tourist areas even though it is not always included. Guides expect $10-20 per day. Carry small USD or TZS notes as tips in larger denominations are rarely broken correctly.
Which Zanzibar beach is best for snorkelling?
Mnemba Atoll, reached by boat from Nungwi or Matemwe, is the best snorkelling in the archipelago. Trips cost $40-70 per person. Prison Island from Stone Town is good for beginners with calm, clear water. Chumbe Island Coral Park in the south is exceptional but requires advance booking and costs around $100 per person.
Should I book Zanzibar hotels in advance?
Yes, for July-August and December-January. The top boutique hotels in Stone Town like Emerson Spice, 236 Hurumzi, and Zanzibar Coffee House have only 8-12 rooms each and book out 4-6 weeks ahead in peak season. Beach resorts in Nungwi fill fast in high season. Outside peak, 2-3 weeks is usually fine.
Is Paje better than Nungwi?
Paje wins for kitesurfing and a younger, more relaxed vibe. Nungwi wins for swimming at low tide and sunsets. Paje's beach is long and white but dries dramatically at low tide, which limits swimming windows to about 4-5 hours per day. Nungwi's natural tidal pool solves that problem.
What is the dress code in Stone Town hotels?
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees when walking through Stone Town and the main markets. Hotels have no dress code on their premises, but walking from your hotel to the beach in swimwear is considered disrespectful. Pack a light sarong or cover-up. This is cultural common sense, not a legal requirement.
Are all-inclusive resorts in Zanzibar worth it?
Only if you plan to stay mostly at the resort. All-inclusive packages at Kendwa and Paje resorts run $200-350 per person per night. The food is often mediocre. Better to go half-board and eat out for dinner. Zanzibar's local seafood restaurants are excellent and far better value than resort buffets.
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