Zanzibar Island
The Spice Island of Zanzibar lies off the coast of Tanzania, a short flight from Dar es Salaam. This island has a fascinating history - once the commercial center of East Africa, it was also the last place on earth to abolish slavery.
Ancient Islamic ruins and grand old merchant homes, with the Indian Ocean providing the backdrop – this beautiful little island offers far more than your average beach destination.
The sheer beauty of this island, from the architecture to the crystal blue waters, will sweep visitors off their feet. Zanzibar is an ideal spot to relax and unwind after all the excitement of a bush safari. It’s also perfect as a romantic honeymoon destination.
We recommend spending a day in historic Stone Town, followed by a stay on the lush and quiet northeast coast. We are familiar with all the best spots on the island, and have some recommendations for the kind of small, intimate, laidback places we love sending our guests to.
ACCOMMODATION ON ZANZIBAR
Matemwe Bungalows & Matemwe Retreat are located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar on one of the best beaches the island has to offer, adjacent to the well-known Mnemba Atoll around which some of most spectacular diving can be found.
Matemwe Bungalows is an intimate lodge with just twelve luxury suites, each with views over the Indian Ocean. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent seafood, along with two swimming pools and lush gardens make it the ultimate, exclusive beach location. Its remoteness will make you feel like you’re on your own private beach.
Matemwe Retreat takes all the intimacy of the Bungalows and turns it up a notch. It’s even more exclusive and private consisting of just three rooms beautifully situated and with their own private pool and staff. The perfect destination for honeymooners.
Both Matemwe Bungalows and Matemwe Retreat come highly recommended by Planet Africa. One of our favourite destinations.
Pongwe Beach Hotel is set in a stunning location on top of rocks that tower above a small bay. The whole place has a traditional Zanzibar feel to it: whitewashed walls and thatched roofs, a lush garden with palm trees, friendly staff as well as a swimming pool. All rooms have private bathrooms and ceiling fans. This is the best mid-range option in our opinion – very relaxed and intimate.
Shooting Star Lodge is a laid back, cozy lodge with a great atmosphere and a fantastic pool on a beautiful stretch of beach. The couple who run the place have made it their mission to ensure that every guest is well looked after - we are sure you will be very happy in their care. Another good mid-range places although prices are slightly higher.
Unguja Resort, on the southern tip of Zanzibar offers spacious private bungalows with an ocean view terrace, all beautifully decorated and set in lovely gardens where guests can expect to be visited by monkeys. There is a swimming pool and a great bar, and good facilities for the island’s superb diving. This is the perfect place to stay for international hotel standards of comfort after a long safari, although the beach is not the best on the island.
Fumba Beach Lodge is an awesome lodge located on the west coast of Zanzibar. The rooms are simply furnished yet stylish and the bar is cleverly designed in the traditional shape of a dhow boat. The location is idyllic and the staff very welcoming and attentive. The beach is picturesque and although not entirely ideal for swimming, the snorkeling trips to neighboring islands are fantastic.
ACCOMMODATION IN STONE TOWN (ZANZIBAR)
236 Hurumzi is a beautiful traditional Zanzibar style hotel located in the heart of Stone Town. The rooms are opulent – stained glass windows, wooden latticework, marbled bathtubs and oriental rugs recall the days of the Sultans. The view from the rooftop restaurant over the harbour is stunning. Staying at 236 Hurumzi will set the perfect pace for your holiday and be the ideal base for forays into Stone Town.
Beyt Al Chai is found in one of the best and most central locations of Stone Town, near the beach but also close to the town centre. The building is charming with its original and authentic architecture. All rooms are different and unique, but they all have one thing in common – attention to detail, comfort, and a touch of Zanzibari flair. This passion for detail, combined with the excellent cuisine, makes Beyt Al Chai a very special place to stay.
