Where to stay in Zanzibar: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Zanzibar for the first time and want to combine a bit of history with plenty of beach time, the best base is Stone Town for the first one or two nights, followed by a move north to Nungwi or Kendwa, where the island's most organised tourist infrastructure is located. If your trip is purely for relaxation and you're not interested in the city, you can head straight to the north or the east coast without missing anything significant.

For a budget-friendly trip, the east coast around Paje offers excellent value for money, with small guesthouses and beachfront restaurants at reasonable prices. For couples seeking luxury and tranquillity, the Kendwa area towards Kilindi and Michamvi towards Pingwe boast some of the Indian Ocean's most beautiful boutique resorts, with quiet beaches and clear waters. Families with children usually prefer Nungwi, where the tide doesn't completely empty the beach, and there are many resorts with pools and organised activities.

In summary, if it's your first time there, stay two nights in Stone Town and then move north. If you're on a budget, go to Paje. If you want romance and seclusion, choose Kendwa or Michamvi. If you're travelling with children, Nungwi is the most practical option.

A few words about Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, with its main island, Unguja, being what most people mean when they simply say Zanzibar. For centuries, it was a hub for the trade of spices, ivory, and sadly, slaves, which explains why Stone Town has such a dense architectural mix of Arab, Indian, Persian, and African elements. In 1964, Zanzibar united with what was then Tanganyika to form modern-day Tanzania, though it has maintained partial autonomy to this day.

The centre of Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth a stroll through its narrow alleys, the old market, the Palace of Wonders, and the house where Freddie Mercury was born. Beyond the city, the island is famous for its spice plantations, which are still operational and offer organised tours, for Jozani Forest National Park with its rare red colobus monkeys, and for the fishing villages on the east coast where life still revolves around fishing and seaweed farming.

The climate is tropical year-round, with two rainy seasons: the long rains in April and May, and the short rains in November. The best months to travel are from June to October, with dry weather and cooler temperatures, as well as January and February, before the rains begin. Particular attention should be paid to the tide, which dramatically changes the appearance of the beach twice a day on the east and north coasts, something to consider when choosing your accommodation area.

Getting around the island is mainly by taxi or rented car, and many hotels arrange transfers to and from the airport. The condition of roads outside the main thoroughfares is not always ideal, which is why many choose a driver with a car instead of their own rental vehicle. Zanzibar is also a very popular base for combining with a safari in mainland Tanzania, as many trips to Serengeti or Ngorongoro conclude with a few days of relaxation on the island.

Stone Town: history and immediate access to the city

Stone Town is the historical heart of Zanzibar, with narrow streets, old mansions with carved doors, and colourful markets. It's ideal for those who want to experience the island's true character and have easy access to restaurants, museums, and the port for excursions. It doesn't have the typical white sandy beaches you might imagine for Zanzibar, so it's best suited for a short stay at the beginning or end of your trip.

The area's advantage is its authentic atmosphere and the many boutique hotels housed in old buildings, while its disadvantage is the heat and the hustle and bustle in the narrow streets, which can be tiring for those seeking absolute peace. It suits couples who love history, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to combine culture with shopping for spices and fabrics.

1. Tembo House Hotel

Located on Stone Town's beachfront, on Shangani Street, with ocean views and direct access to the city's attractions. It stands out for its rooftop pool and central location.

• Average cost: 80 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers who want to be in the city

2. Kholle House

A renovated mansion in Stone Town with a courtyard pool, close to the port and convenient if you're leaving early for a safari. Guests praise its architecture and service.

• Average cost: 90 to 150 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking character and history

3. Zanzibar Coffee House

Small boutique hotel in an old building with retro decor and a romantic rooftop for breakfast. It's located in the heart of Stone Town, near the old market.

• Average cost: 70 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a smaller budget

Nungwi: organised beaches in the north

Nungwi, at the northern tip of the island, is the most developed tourist area, with large resorts, numerous restaurants, and shops. Its main advantage is that the tide here does not completely empty the beach, which is rare for Zanzibar, so you can swim almost anytime. It suits families, groups of friends, and those who want full tourist infrastructure close by.

The area's advantages include its vibrancy, many sunset bars, and water sports activities. Its disadvantages are that it has lost some of its authenticity due to tourism and can be noisier at night compared to other coasts.

4. Turaco Nungwi Resort

Resort on Nungwi beach with extensive facilities, a pool, and organised evening activities. Suitable for families who want everything taken care of.

• Average cost: 130 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: families

5. Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort

Large all-inclusive resort with pools, gardens, and direct access to a beach that retains water even at low tide. Popular with families and couples.

• Average cost: 140 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

6. Smiles Beach Hotel

A smaller and more affordable hotel directly on Nungwi beach, with clean rooms and friendly service. A good choice for those who want a beach experience without the price tag of a large resort.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a moderate budget

Kendwa: tranquillity and sunsets

Slightly south of Nungwi, Kendwa boasts one of the island's most famous beaches, with white sand and waters that remain swimmable almost all the time. It's quieter than Nungwi but still has enough life for those who want some entertainment, with popular full moon parties on specific nights of the month.

The area's advantages are its stunning beach and luxurious resorts with private access to the sea. The disadvantage is that it's a bit further from attractions and restaurants outside the hotels, so you'll rely more on your accommodation's facilities.

7. Kilindi Zanzibar

Luxurious resort with private villas, personal butler service, and its own beach in Kendwa. Ideal for a wedding or anniversary.

• Average cost: 450 to 700 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a romantic trip

8. Zuri Zanzibar

Design resort with colourful bungalows, a large pool, and steps leading to Kendwa beach. Beloved for photos and relaxation.

• Average cost: 220 to 320 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

9. Kendwa Rocks Hotel

A simpler and more affordable accommodation directly on Kendwa beach, also known for its full moon parties. Suits younger travellers.

• Average cost: 60 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: young people and travellers on a smaller budget

Paje: budget option and water sports

Paje, on the east coast, is known for its strong winds, making it a hub for kite surfing and windsurfing. It has a more relaxed, youthful vibe, with many small guesthouses alongside larger resorts, and prices generally lower than in the north. It suits travellers on a limited budget and water sports enthusiasts.

The area's advantages are the variety of accommodation options and the many activities. The disadvantage is the strong tide, which completely empties the beach at certain times of the day, something you need to factor in before planning a swim or boat trip.

10. Zula Zanzibar

A quiet resort on Paje beach, with a friendly atmosphere and good service for families. It stands out for its garden and pool.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: families

11. Paje Beach Apartments & Hotel

A complex of rooms and apartments on Paje beach, next to a diving school. A good choice for those seeking independence and access to activities.

• Average cost: 70 to 120 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and small groups of friends

12. B4 Boutique

Boutique accommodation directly on Paje beach with a strong design character, a bar, and a popular restaurant. Suits younger couples looking for atmosphere.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Michamvi and Pingwe: luxurious retreats offshore

At the tip of the Michamvi peninsula, towards Pingwe village, are some of Zanzibar's most photographed resorts, many built on stilts over the sea. The area is more secluded, with fewer restaurants outside the hotels, but offers exceptional tranquillity and views.

The area's advantages are its unique aesthetics and privacy. The disadvantages are its distance from Stone Town and the airport, which means longer travel time, but it's worth it if your goal is complete disconnection.

13. Mnana Beach Bungalows

Small bungalows on Michamvi beach with a private atmosphere and excellent reviews for their peacefulness. Ideal for a stress-free holiday.

• Average cost: 140 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking seclusion

14. Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection

Luxurious resort in Michamvi with rooms built over the water, ideal for travellers wanting something spectacular. It features restaurants, a spa, and a large pool.

• Average cost: 300 to 450 € per night
• Ideal for: couples celebrating a special occasion

Practical travel information

Abeid Amani Karume Airport is located just outside Stone Town and serves direct flights from several European destinations, though an intermediate stop is usually required if you're starting from Greece, for example via Doha, Dubai, or Cairo. If you're combining your trip with a safari in mainland Tanzania, it's advisable to first look into travel options to the area before booking internal flights. From the airport to the north or east coast, the journey by taxi takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Within the island, the most common option is a taxi booked through your hotel or a car with a driver for one or more days, especially if you want to visit spice plantations, Jozani Park, or different beaches within the same trip. Renting a car without a driver is a less common choice due to driving on the left and the quality of some roads outside the main axes.

Regarding accommodation prices, the high season is from July to September and around holidays, when northern resorts command significantly higher prices. From January to March, excluding Easter, prices are lower, while during the rainy months of April and May, many accommodations close completely or offer substantial discounts. In Paje and smaller guesthouses, fluctuations are smaller compared to the luxury resorts in Kendwa.

It's also a good idea to check tidal times before booking accommodation on a specific beach, as the scenery changes significantly between high and low tide. If you're planning to visit a neighbouring country in the region after Zanzibar, it's worth looking at other African destinations with a similar climate and interest, as many travellers combine the island with a safari inland.

If you're looking for other exotic islands for your next trip, you can also check out our guide to the world's most exotic islands, where Zanzibar consistently ranks among the top recommendations. Geographically and tourism-wise, our guide to Mauritius is also very close by, another popular Indian Ocean destination with a similar holiday profile.

Finally, if your trip includes a layover, many choose to spend a few days in Abu Dhabi or Doha, as these are among the most common connection gateways to East Africa. Also, if you're interested in mainland Africa before or after Zanzibar, see our guide to Cape Town, a completely different but equally popular African destination.

Lastly, if you're seeking general tips to find cheaper flight tickets for long-haul journeys like this one, take a look at our complete guide to cheap flight travel, as prices for Zanzibar vary greatly depending on the booking season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area for a first visit to Zanzibar?

For a first-time visit, the best strategy is to stay one or two nights in Stone Town to see the historic city and then move north to Nungwi or Kendwa for the beach.

When is the best time to go to Zanzibar?

The months from June to October and from January to March are considered ideal, as they have less rainfall. April and May experience the heaviest rainfall, and many accommodations operate with reduced hours or close entirely.

How much does accommodation cost in Zanzibar?

Prices start from approximately 60 to 70 euros per night for simple accommodations in Paje or Stone Town and can go up to 700 euros per night for luxury resorts with private villas in Kendwa or Michamvi.

Which area is best suited for families with children?

Nungwi is considered the most practical choice for families, as its beach remains swimmable even at low tide, and there are many resorts with pools and organised activities.

Do I need to rent a car in Zanzibar?

It's not essential, as most visitors use taxis or book a car with a driver for specific excursions, which is more practical due to driving on the left and the quality of roads outside the main routes.

How far are the northern beaches from Stone Town?

The journey from Stone Town to Nungwi or Kendwa takes approximately one hour by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Is it worth combining Zanzibar with a safari in mainland Tanzania?

Yes, many travellers combine a few days of safari inland with relaxation on Zanzibar's beaches, as internal flights between the two destinations are relatively short, and the experiences are very different from each other.