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. Both Matemwe Bungalows and Matemwe Retreat come highly recommended by Planet Africa. One of our favourite destinations.
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.
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.
Breezes Beach Hotel is a tastefully decorated hotel & spa on an idyllic beach. A wide variety of activities - from diving, sailing and yoga, to tennis and movies – amongst other things – you and your children will have plenty of entertainment at this seaside Zanzibari resort. The full service Frangipani Spa offers a wide variety of beauty and health treatments for those wanting to indulge. The personalized service, excellent cuisine, and warm hospitality make Breezes a true pleasure for urbanites looking to spend a holiday completely at ease.
The Sunshine Hotel - The Sunshine Hotel is an intimate 15 room beach hotel, located in Matemwe on the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Carefully created by professional designers, this hotel has a uniquely relaxing ambience. Set right on an unspoiled stretch of white sandy beach, lined with palm trees and washed by warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, it's a perfect gateway from every-day life. You can relax on the balconies or verandas, cool down with a refreshing drink at the swimming pool facing the Ocean and chill out on comfortable traditional benches in the lounge area of our bar/restaurant.
Anna of Zanzibar - Anna of Zanzibar is a very exclusive boutique hotel on the beautiful eastern coast of Zanzibar. You will stay in one of only four villas with elegant colonial style décor and sweeping views over the Indian Ocean. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, wireless internet connection, mini bar, and wine cooler – so you will never be without your creature comforts. The garden pool and beach are very conducive to long lazy days, so enjoy!
Z Hotel - Z Hotel is a chic, boutique hotel situated in a secluded plot on the corner of an idyllic beach in Nungwi, located on the northern tip of Zanzibar. Set in a lush, tropical garden with direct access to the white powder beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the Z hotel has been finished to a high specification by an international team of architects and interior designers: each room has floor to ceiling glass doors leading onto a balcony which looks out across the Ocean. All rooms feature LCD TVs, DSTV cable television, WiFi and Philippe Starck furniture. If you want to be in a bustling area with ample opportunities for swimming in the sea, then the Z Hotel is a good option for you.
ACCOMMODATION IN STONE TOWN (ZANZIBAR)
Kisiwa House is centrally located on a quiet street amidst the hustle and bustle of the ancient village of Stone Town. With only 11 rooms, Kisiwa offers an intimate feel and the décor is very tasteful. The staff are friendly and more than willing to help answer your many questions about Stone Town. Complete with courtyard and rooftop restaurant, you are guaranteed an authentic welcome to Zanzibar.
The Swahili House has 5 floors built around a beautiful court yard – an ideal spot to enjoy a quiet moment away from busy Stone Town life. All the rooms are restored and decorated in traditional Swahili style. The Swahili House would definitely not be the same without the rooftop terrace, which houses a bar, restaurant and a very relaxing Jacuzzi overlooking the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a cocktail, lunch or dinner while indulging in stunning views of Stone Town and the Swahili Coastal area.
Zanzibar Coffee House - The Zanzibar Coffee House Hotel offers a touch of magic and romance in an authentic Arabic house deep in the heart of Stone Town. Transformed into a stylish hotel with harmonious interiors, antiques and rich fabrics, it is one of the oldest buildings in Zanzibar, built in 1885. Guests begin each day with the aroma of fresh coffee on the roof top at breakfast and can relax in the early evening gazing across the minarets as the sun goes down. There’s a feeling of timelessness at the Zanzibar Coffee House Hotel that conjures up another world. The Zanzibar Coffee House is one of the most reasonably priced lodges that Planet Africa books.
