“Truly prepossessing was our first view of Zanzibar. Earth, sea and sky all seemed
wrapped in a soft sensuous repose… The sea of purest sapphire… lay basking… under
a blaze of sunshine.” Richard Burton, British Explorer (1856)

Flanked by the ocean, Stone Town is steeped in history. It is a fascinating warren of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and huge, intricately carved wooden doors with their brass studs and heavy locks. Trading in the bazaars and markets is not for the faint-hearted as the excitement is overwhelming and the air is always full of the pungent perfumes of exotic spices. There are also fruit, vegetable, fish and meat markets, where visitors can easily lose themselves in discovering new styles of produce and ways to shop.

Access to Zanzibar is a simple flight from Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha or Dar es Salaam. So, adding on a few days of culture, diving or simple relaxation after a safari is very easy to arrange. We highly recommend a few nights in Stone Town, followed by time to relax on one of its idyllic beaches.

Stone Town

Emerson and Green Hotel is one of Zanzibar’s most famous hotels and boasts much of the original architecture from the 1840’s. Now completely restored with antique chests, rugs, old paintings and many local touches (no room telephone or TV here) it has become a ten-bedroomed bohemian retreat that enchants most visitors. The renowned roof terrace restaurant affords some of the finest views of Stone Town.

Emerson and Green Hotel

Mtoni Marine Centre is just five minutes north of Stone Town. With its extensive gardens, views over the bay and a vast beach, it makes an excellent base to relax or explore Stone Town and the rest of the island. There are 25 comfortable rooms available in several styles and three highly recommended restaurants to choose from. Dhow cruises and beach barbecues are also extremely popular.

Mbweni Ruins Hotel is ten minutes from Stone Town, privately managed and has only 13 stylish rooms. With lush botanical gardens, ruins that date back to Livingstone’s era and a swimming pool on the edge of the beach, it is a lovely tranquil environment to relax in. Also, traditional spicy foods and a variety of seafood delicacies are something to look forward to in the restaurant.

Tembo House Hotel is a splendid little 29-bedroomed hotel, right in the heart of Stone Town, just ten minutes from the airport. Overlooking a busy working beach, it captures perfectly the style, décor and flair of Zanzibar. There is a central courtyard, pool, bar and restaurants. The bedrooms are simple yet stylish in character.

Tembo House Hotel

Zanzibar Beach Resort is quite close to the airport and set into landscaped gardens overlooking the sea. The hotel caters well for small groups and has 70 spacious rooms, suites and family villas with whitewashed walls and makuti thatch roofs. There are also many water activities on offer as well as squash courts, a gym and a large pool.

Zanzibar Serena Inn is a first-class 51-bedroomed hotel offering excellent service and stylish facilities. Its location makes it ideal for short stays and exploration trips into Stone Town. Ten minutes from the airport, it overlooks the ocean and is a short walk away from the bustling harbour. The hotel boasts several fine restaurants, bars and a swimming pool with a view.

Zanzibar Serena Inn

Beyt Al Chai is located in the centre of Stone Town, around ten minutes from the airport. It is privately run and was once used as a tea house. With just six delightful rooms filled with silks and furnishings dating back to the days of the Sultan, the house is a tranquil retreat that overlooks the grassy Kelele Square filled with hibiscus and tamarind trees with the Indian Ocean beyond.

Gemma Dell’Est is a beautiful 5 star resort lying on the north-west coast an hour from the airport. Overlooking the pristine white beach of Nungwi, this is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy one of the many activities offered here. With nearly 138 stylish rooms and magnificent gardens, this is the largest resort on the island and caters extremely well to all visitors’ tastes.

Ocean Paradise is located within an area of unspoiled beauty, under swaying palms along a spectacular sandy beach. With 100 spacious air-conditioned bungalows designed in traditional thatch and timber, the resort feels very much influenced by Zanzibar touches. There are two excellent restaurants, bars, a night club and a host of water sports to choose from during your stay.

Mapenzi Beach Club is located on the east coast about one hour from the airport. The gardens are tropical and filled with palms and colourful bougainvillea trees. Its beach is secluded, unspoilt and extremely beautiful. With swimming pools, 87 bedrooms and every type of activity you can think of, it is a good first-class hotel with a personal service.

Matemwe Bungalows is situated on the east coast and built on a small coral cliff about an hour’s drive from the airport. With just 12 lovely bungalows, beautiful gardens and a fine beach, Matemwe is a great location if you want to relax and enjoy a little local life as there is an interesting fishing village close by. Diving is also available here.

Ras Nungwi is an hour and a quarter’s drive from the airport and one of the smartest resorts on the northern tip of Zanzibar. There are 32 rooms and its well-kept gardens and tranquil surroundings open out onto a spectacular beach. Apart from great rooms, there are all sorts of water activities on offer, including diving and big-game fishing.

Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort is set on the east coast about an hour from the airport. It is a friendly, cosmopolitan hotel with 89 bedrooms spread through lush tropical gardens overlooking a sandy beach. With many restaurants and a great variety of activities on offer, it is a recommended hotel.

Sultan Palace is a small exclusive retreat about an hour’s drive from the airport and is a member of Relais & Chateaux. It has just 15 very spacious cottages set out in an imaginative and stylish design. The food and service is of a high quality and the beach beautiful.