Where to stay in Zanzibar : In recent years, many Tanzania safari tour visitors preferred travel safari destinations have been the two main Zanzibar islands in Tanzania, Pemba and Unguja. Why do these enchanted islands always entice visitors to return? What sets them apart from other beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles? Zanzibar and Pemba can be really special safari destinations in Zanzibar safaris. These enchanted islands are sure to captivate you whether you’re going alone, with a partner, or with the whole family.
Why choose Zanzibar for safari
All of these destinations in the Indian Ocean are rich in culture, beaches, and blue waters; however, the local way of life in Zanzibar is more rustic around the edges. Donkeys navigate busy narrow streets, old cars honk their horns, and schoolchildren in traditional dress cross the street, weaving in and out of cars. At first, it can feel a little hectic, but you’ll soon be drawn in by its charm.
Zanzibar has a multiple connections from the UK and Europe typically via a major airline hub, Zanzibar boasts its own international airport. My normal route is via Doha on Qatar Airways, but there are other excellent options via hubs in Kenya, Oman, Ethiopia, or Dubai, for example. There is only a small domestic airport on Pemba, the nearby island. Most tourists travel just thirty minutes to get there from Zanzibar or sixty minutes to get there from Dar es Salaam on the mainland. Pemba is served by a several airlines.
If you’re travelling on safari with us, you can take a plane from one of the national parks’ landing strips, like the Serengeti, to both islands. To add to the feeling of adventure, these typically begin as beautiful flights in a 12-seater Cessna. Even though there is typically an aircraft change in Arusha for the majority of these “bush flights,” they can still save days of additional travel. You can go on a safari in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon since we’ll always arrange the greatest connections.
Stone Town
Stone Town, the largest town close to the airport in Zanzibar, is a historical melting pot of Swahili, Arabian, Persian, and Indian cultures. It is a maze of winding alleyways lined with oddball markets and boutiques. Stone Town is all hustle and activity, a complete contrast to the scenery on the continent and the wide African wilderness. Rugged shacks and humming marketplaces coexist with faded colonial buildings in what feels like a step back in time. Without spending the night—or at least a day trip—in Stone Town, a journey to Zanzibar isn’t complete.
Where in Stone Town can I stay? I adore Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi, two properties that perfectly capture the essence of Stone Town. Both have a distinct mood and personality, while one is a sultan’s palace from the eighteenth century. They are multi-story buildings with an interior courtyard and traditional furniture, just like Moroccan riads. With their delectable five-course tasting menu, Emerson Spice is a pleasure for everyone who loves seafood. With more traditional food, traditional cushioned seats, and locally produced music, Emerson on Hurumzi is, in my opinion, a superior option for families. Both are in a prime location and are distinct from other places you might stay in Zanzibar. Here, a romantic rooftop supper and cocktail at sunset turn into a treasured highlight of each vacation to Zanzibar.
Nungwi Beach
Logistically, it should take about 1.5 hours to go from Stone Town or the airport to whichever Zanzibar beach region you choose. Between settlements in Zanzibar, there are slow-moving roads with potholes, speed bumps, and even local fowl to negotiate. On the northern extremity of the island, you’ll discover the well-known resorts of Nungwi and Kendwa, working your way around the coast clockwise. Given that they have some of Zanzibar’s best white sand beaches and vibrant turquoise oceans, it seems sense that these locations are well-liked. This beach is steep, so unlike other places where the water is too shallow once the tide goes out, you may swim here all day. This makes the place quite vibrant and buzzy all the time.
If you’re looking for a busier region with beach bars and hotels scattered around the breathtaking shore, Nungwi and Kendwa are ideal. The lovely Zuri Zanzibar, a serene haven with 56 well-spaced bungalows nestled in gorgeous tropical gardens and a dreamy infinity pool, is my favourite spot to stay in northern Zanzibar. Zuri means “beautiful” in Swahili, and this resort certainly lives up to that name! Families can enjoy its lovely connected bungalows. A little boutique hotel called Z Hotel is located further up the shore. It is much less expensive than Zuri but nevertheless has all the features you need.
Northeast Coast
Large stretches of beach are present here, and both locals and tourists coexist in small groups. If you’d like, you may typically engage in a game of cricket or beach football at dusk. This is the coast to come if you want a quiet, barefoot getaway with minimal nightlife. Located at the summit of Matemwe, the newly established Mora Zanzibar is a reliable choice for a traditional five-star all-inclusive resort. With multiple pools and dining options, it’s a larger resort similar to those found in the Caribbean or other Indian Ocean regions. Mnemba Island, which offers the best snorkelling in Zanzibar and frequent visits from wild dolphins, is only a short boat ride from the resort.
South Coast
You will eventually get to Michamvi after continuing southeast of Zanzibar and crossing through the Jozani forest. Here, the serene Qambani Villas—a stunning former house with roomy dimensions transformed into seven roomy villas—are my favourite. It’s perfect if you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones and have complete peace and quiet. This is not too far from Zanzibar’s well-known Rock Restaurant, an iconic establishment set on a small island off the coast. Definitely worth a visit.
Paje and Jambiani, two attractive places, are located in the far south. This is a popular spot for kite surfers because of the increased wind. My favourite of the lot is Kisiwa on the Beach in Paje. This is a tiny resort with an excellent pool area and 22 roomy villas. The village of Paje is only a 5-minute stroll away, and it is filled with eateries, markets, and small businesses. The adjacent Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa is also ideal if your budget allows it. Given that it is a Relais and Chateaux property, the pricing is correspondingly high!
Pemba
I would definitely recommend that you give Pemba, Zanzibar’s little brother, some thought if you’re thinking about visiting. The majority of people are unaware of Pemba, but I have a special place in my heart for this stunning but frequently disregarded island. After a quick (30-minute) flight from Zanzibar, the destination is obviously more tranquil. Green, rolling hills and lush soil can be found inland, while the turquoise seas of the shore are frequently all yours.
