Where to Stay in Zanzibar

Stone Town is the beating heart of Zanzibar. You can walk from Forodhani Gardens to the House of Wonders in under five minutes, passing carved wooden doors and spice merchants on every block. Kenyatta Road runs along the seafront and connects the Old Fort to the Shangani quarter, where the best guesthouses hide in converted merchant houses. Prices sit mid-range. Expect noise at night near Forodhani market. The old slave market at St. Joseph's Cathedral sits two blocks off Cathedral Street. No beach nearby, but the dhow harbor is atmospheric at sunrise and worth a twenty-minute walk at dusk.

Best for

First-timershistory loverssolo travelersculture seekers

Walk times

Forodhani Night Market 5 min
Old Fort 2 min
House of Wonders 4 min

Skip if: You came for beach access or need quiet nights

Local tip: Book on Hurumzi Street for rooftop views over the harbor. The top floor of Emerson on Hurumzi is the highest point in the old town.

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$67per night

Nungwi

White sand, clear water, the island's liveliest beach scene

Mid-range $80-$350/night

Nungwi sits at the northern tip, about 55km from Stone Town by road. The beach is wide, powder-white, and swimmable at all tides because it faces west into calm lagoon water. The main strip runs from Nungwi village past the fishing dhow harbor toward Kendwa Road. Bars cluster near the harbor end. Mama Mia's and Langi Langi are two minutes from most guesthouses. The Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond is a five-minute walk east along the beach. Prices jump in July, August, and December. Book three weeks out minimum for those months or you will pay a premium.

Best for

Beach loverscouplesgroupswater sports enthusiasts

Walk times

Nungwi Beach main strip 2 min
Mnarani Turtle Conservation Pond 5 min
Nungwi village center 8 min

Skip if: You want peace and quiet, or your budget is under $80 per night

Local tip: The east-facing beach near the old lighthouse is calmer and far less crowded than the main tourist strip. Best for sunrise swimming.

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$90per night

Paje

Kitesurfing capital, budget-friendly, east coast laid-back

Budget $40-$150/night

Paje sits on the east coast, about 57km from Stone Town. The beach stretches north toward Bwejuu and south toward Jambiani. At low tide the lagoon drops to 20cm for 500 meters out, making swimming impossible for a few hours twice a day. At high tide the water fills in and the surf picks up. Three kitesurfing schools operate within 300 meters of each other on the main beach road. Most budget guesthouses sit on or just off that road. A meal at the local joints near the main junction costs $3 to $6. The vibe is younger and more relaxed than Nungwi.

Best for

Kitesurfersbackpackersbudget travelersdigital nomads

Walk times

Paje Beach 2 min
Kitesurfing schools 5 min
Jambiani village 25 min

Skip if: You want nightlife, luxury pools, or consistent swimming depth all day

Local tip: During low tide, walk 500 meters north toward Bwejuu where the sandbar widens enough to set up a chair and watch dhows sail past.

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$45per night

Matemwe

Quiet, upscale, and the best base for Mnemba Atoll snorkeling

Mid-range $120-$400/night

Matemwe is on the northeast coast, less than an hour from Stone Town. The reef runs along the coastline here, and you can snorkel directly off the beach at high tide. Mnemba Atoll, the island's best dive site, is a 15-minute boat ride from the Matemwe shoreline. The village itself is small. One main road runs through, lined with local shops and a fish market open from 5am. Most resorts run all-inclusive or half-board. The north end near the lighthouse has almost no other tourists and direct reef access. Prices are the highest on the island outside of private island resorts.

Best for

Coupleshoneymoonerssnorkelersdiversanyone wanting quiet luxury

Walk times

Matemwe Beach reef entry point 1 min
Matemwe village fish market 10 min
Mnemba Atoll boat departure 15 min

Skip if: You want nightlife, a social scene, or anything under $120 per night

Local tip: Stay on the north end near the lighthouse for direct reef access. The south end is busier and the reef sits further offshore.

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Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.

$134per night