Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Top Places & Hotels
Zanzibar is one of the most popular island destinations in Africa, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. The white sand beaches, turquoise water, palm trees, and the mix of cultures give the island a really special feel that’s hard to describe until you experience it yourself.
What many people don’t realise, though, is how different the areas are. Some beaches are perfect for swimming all day, others are better for kitesurfing, and some places are much quieter than others. That’s why choosing where to stay actually makes a big difference.
I’ve been to Zanzibar more than once, and on my first trip, I spent two weeks on the island and stayed in four different places. I can really recommend doing that if you have the time, because each area feels completely different and you get to experience much more.
That’s why in this blog post, I’ve put together the best places to stay in Zanzibar, along with hotel recommendations for each to help you have the most unforgettable stay!
TIP: While you can rent a car in Zanzibar (I’d only recommend this if you’re a confident driver), we hired a private driver every time we moved between places. It’s the most convenient option, though a bit more expensive, and also much more reliable than the local dala dala buses.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
1. Nungwi
Nungwi was the first base we stayed in Zanzibar, and it was the perfect place to arrive, switch off, and ease into island life.
Located in the north of the island, this area is known for having some of the best beaches in Zanzibar. The biggest advantage here is that you can swim in the ocean all day, as the tides don’t affect the water as much as in other parts of the island.
The vibe is lively but still laid-back. There are plenty of restaurants, beach bars, and hotels, so you’ll have everything you need without it feeling overwhelming.
It’s also worth knowing that there are small differences within Nungwi. Nungwi West is a bit more lively with more going on, especially around sunset, while Nungwi East is quieter and more focused on relaxing stays and resorts.
Overall, it’s a super easy and well-rounded place to stay, especially if it’s your first time in Zanzibar.
Top 3 Hotels in Nungwi
Oasis Blu Beach Resort
Oasis Blu Beach Resort is a beautiful adults-only resort right on the beach in East Nungwi. With only 17 rooms, each with a private pool and stunning views of the turquoise ocean, it feels very calm and exclusive.
The infinity pool and beachfront restaurant make it easy to spend the day without leaving the resort. Rooms are modern, bright, and comfortable, with terraces perfect for watching sunrise or sunset.
It’s also a great base for snorkeling or exploring Nungwi, but it’s just as perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the peaceful oceanfront setting.
Kai Zanzibar Hotel & Spa
Kai Zanzibar Hotel & Spa is a stylish boutique stay, just a short walk from the beach. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something a bit more design-focused, with a mix of modern comfort and local touches throughout the property.
The hotel is set in a lush garden setting and offers 12 spacious rooms and villas, many with terraces or private pools. There’s also a pool area, a spa, and a restaurant serving a mix of local and international dishes.
It’s close enough to Nungwi Beach to explore the area easily, but still feels calm and slightly tucked away, which makes it a nice balance overall.
Maisha Nungwi
Maisha Nungwi is a small boutique hotel that feels very personal and connected to the local community.
It’s located in a quieter part of Nungwi, just a short walk from the beach, so you get a nice balance between calm surroundings and easy access to everything.
The hotel is set in a lush garden with two pools, a restaurant, and even a small beach club nearby. The around 20 rooms are spacious and designed with local touches like wooden furniture and colorful artwork.
2. Kendwa
Kendwa is just south of Nungwi and feels a bit calmer and more upscale.
The beaches here are wide, beautiful, and perfect for swimming any time of day since the tides hardly affect the water. It’s an ideal spot if you want to relax, unwind, and enjoy long days on the sand without worrying about timing your swim.
The vibe is peaceful and slightly more exclusive than Nungwi, with beautiful resorts and a few beach bars. Sunsets here are stunning, and it’s a perfect place to just sit back and watch the sky change colors over the ocean.
There are fewer budget options and less nightlife than in Nungwi, so it’s more about relaxing than partying.
Top 3 Hotels in Kendwa
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa is a luxury beachfront resort located directly on Kendwa Beach, one of the best beaches where you can swim all day.
The resort is quite spacious with around 70 rooms, suites, and villas spread across a tropical garden setting. Rooms are large and designed with a mix of African and Arab influences, and if you want something extra special, there are villas with private pools.
There’s a huge pool, multiple restaurants, including a beachfront à la carte option, and a spa for relaxing treatments.
Kilindi Zanzibar
Kilindi Zanzibar is one of the most unique and luxurious stays on the island, located on a quiet stretch of beach near Kendwa.
The resort is spread across a large tropical garden and feels very private, with only 15 white-domed pavilion villas.
Each villa comes with its own plunge pool, open-air design, and incredible views of the Indian Ocean. The whole concept is very “back to nature”, with open spaces, ocean breeze instead of closed rooms, and lots of privacy throughout.
There’s also an infinity pool, a spa, and different dining spots, including beach dinners and private meals in your villa.
Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar sits directly on Kendwa Beach and combines modern design with local materials.
Accommodation ranges from bungalows and suites to villas, many with private terraces and plenty of privacy. Everything feels very spacious, with natural materials, soft colors, and open layouts that blend nicely with the surroundings.
The property also features several restaurants and bars, a large infinity pool, a spa, and even its own spice garden, where you can learn more about local spices and how they’re used in Zanzibar.
3. Matemwe
Matemwe is a quieter, more remote area on the northeast coast, and we stayed here to do our scuba diving certificate.
There’s a PADI diving school right in the village, and it’s also really close to Mnemba Island, which is perfect for snorkeling and diving trips.
The beaches are long, calm, and far less crowded than those in the north, making them a great place to switch off fully. It’s a peaceful and laid-back place, with a few small guesthouses and boutique resorts rather than big hotels.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for slow days on the sand, clear water, and a bit of adventure under the sea.
Check out: Bucket List Experience: Scuba Diving in Zanzibar
Top 3 Hotels in Matemwe
Clove Island Essence & Spa
Clove Island Essence & Spa is a small resort right on the beach, perfect if you want peace and a touch of luxury without big crowds.
It offers two private villas with jacuzzis and 28 luxurious apartments, all designed in traditional Swahili style with a touch of European modernity. Many have terraces or direct access to the sand, so the ocean is always just a few steps away.
On-site, there’s a beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and local dishes, two pools, and a spa offering massages and treatments for total relaxation.
Boutique Villa Unaweza
Boutique Villa Unaweza is a small, stylish hideaway right by the beach, with 10 beautifully designed rooms that make the most of the ocean breeze, natural light, and relaxed island atmosphere.
Rooms are modern, bright, and comfortable, with light wood, soft colors, and thoughtful touches like outdoor seating areas or balconies. Many rooms have sea views, so you’re never far from the beautiful water and long beach just outside.
There’s a pool for cooling off during the day, a beachfront restaurant with fresh food and drinks, and plenty of spots to relax with a book or a cocktail.
Zanziblue Boutique Villas
Zanziblue Boutique Villas is a beautiful boutique hotel right on the beach. Accommodation ranges from villa spaces with living/dining areas and private dip pools, to sea‑view king or queen rooms and family attic rooms.
One of the standout features here is the Mzee Husa restaurant, where the menu fuses Nordic techniques with Swahili flavours, using locally sourced ingredients and produce from the resort’s own gardens.
There’s also a swimming pool, a spa, and plenty of shaded areas for relaxing, plus easy access to water activities.
4. Michamvi
Michamvi is one of Zanzibar’s most stunning spots, located on a quiet peninsula between the east and north coasts.
The area is perfect if you want to fully relax, with boutique hotels, calm beaches, and a really laid-back atmosphere.
Many places here focus on wellness, yoga, or just enjoying the slower pace of island life. Depending on where you stay, you can catch both sunrise and sunset over the water — it’s magical.
It’s a smaller, more secluded area, so you won’t find big crowds or lots of nightlife, which makes it ideal if you want privacy and tranquility.
Top 3 Hotels in Michamvi
Michamvi Spirit Lodge
Michamvi Spirit Lodge is a nature-focused lodge just a short walk from the beach, set in an idyllic location. It offers a mix of bungalows and rooms, built with natural materials and open layouts.
Rooms are airy and bright, many with terraces or garden views, creating a calm, barefoot-friendly atmosphere. Moreover, it features a restaurant and bar, a pool, and shaded areas for relaxing.
One of the quirkiest things about Michamvi Spirit Lodge is that it’s very cat-friendly, with many cats wandering and lounging all over the property.
Check out: 8 Reasons to Stay at Michamvi Spirit Lodge
Zawadi Hotel
Zawadi Hotel is a small, luxurious boutique hideaway perched above a pristine beach cove, with only 12 private villas and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
The villas are spacious with large terraces, private plunge pools, and big windows that let the sea breeze and light in. Inside, you’ll find comfortable seating areas, oversized beds, walk‑in showers, and freestanding bathtubs.
The on-site restaurant serves a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes. Plus, there’s an infinity pool overlooking the water and a spa offering a range of treatments inspired by local traditions and natural ingredients.
Michamvi Sunset Bay
Michamvi Sunset Bay is a small, owner‑managed resort with only 20 rooms, making it a calm and peaceful base.
All rooms – ten on the ground floor with garden access and ten upstairs with private balconies – are bright, airy, and decorated to reflect the true spirit of Zanzibar, with king‑size beds, mosquito nets, air‑conditioning, and sea views from every room.
The hotel features two restaurants, one for breakfast and lunch right by the beach, and one for dinner, plus a swimming pool and a small spa.
5. Paje
Paje is on the East Coast and feels completely different from the north. It’s more laid-back and slightly boho, with kitesurfers, digital nomads, and travelers looking for a mix of beach time and activity.
The shallow lagoon makes it perfect for kitesurfing and other water sports, though swimming isn’t always possible because of the tides. The beach is long and great for walks, and there are plenty of small cafés, bars, and boutique hotels along the shore.
It’s a great place to stay if you want some action, meet other travelers, and enjoy the island without the crowds of the north.
Paje is also close to MAALUM Cave, which is fun to explore if you want a little adventure away from the beach.
Check out:
7 of The Best Restaurants in Paje, Zanzibar
MAALUM, Paje – All You Need to Know For Your Visit
Top 3 Hotels in Paje
LUJO Zanzibar Resort
LUJO Zanzibar Resort is a beachfront resort about 4 km from Kuza Cave and close to the kite‑surfing centre and seaweed farms.
It features around 16 rooms, including bungalows with garden views, deluxe garden bungalows, and options for triples and quads, all with thatched roofs, soft linens, and plenty of natural light.
The on-site restaurant serves a mix of local and international dishes made with fresh ingredients, plus a beach bar for drinks after a day by the water. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and easy access to the beach.
Casa Ananda Boutique Hotel
Casa Ananda Boutique Hotel is a small, adults-only boutique hotel with only 6 rooms and right near the beach in Paje. Rooms are air‑conditioned, comfortable, and modern, with free Wi‑Fi, a terrace with pool views, tea and coffee facilities, and private bathrooms.
Each day starts with a free buffet breakfast, and there’s an on‑site à‑la‑carte restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, and halal options.
The property also has an outdoor swimming pool, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, and easy access to the sand nearby.
Kisiwa on the Beach
Kisiwa on the Beach is a beachfront retreat with 22 beautifully crafted villas nestled among tropical gardens and white sands, offering a barefoot luxury experience right by the ocean.
Accommodation includes different villa categories – from beachfront villas with pools to garden‑view options set a bit further back – all with private verandas, spacious bathrooms, and handcrafted wooden furniture.
The property features a restaurant and bar with ocean views, a spa with treatment rooms, a gym, and plenty of space to relax by the pool or on the sand.
6. Jambiani
Jambiani is further south along the east coast and quieter than Paje. It’s a great place if you want to slow down, enjoy long walks on the beach, and get a feel for local life.
The area is dotted with charming boutique stays rather than big resorts, and you’ll often see fishing boats and seaweed farms along the shore. The beaches are wide, calm, and perfect for relaxing, reading, or simply soaking up the sun.
Even though it’s quiet, there are still some small cafés and local restaurants where you can try fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
Jambiani is also a good base if you want to explore the southeast coast or nearby islands for day trips.
Top 3 Hotels in Jambiani
Kupaga Villas Boutique Hotel
Kupaga Villas Boutique Hotel is a small, adults‑only hotel right on the beach. The property has 11 rooms, each bright and comfortable with air‑conditioning, free Wi‑Fi, private bathrooms and terraces or balconies overlooking the pool or garden.
The on‑site restaurant serves fresh food throughout the day with a focus on responsibly caught seafood, fruits and vegetables, plus vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options. There’s also a bar where daily happy hour cocktails are a highlight.
Outside, you’ll find an outdoor swimming pool, sun loungers and easy beach access, plus extras like yoga mats, board games, and plenty of shaded spots to unwind.
Be Zanzibar Boutique Hotel
Be Zanzibar Boutique Hotel is a stylish, beachfront boutique hotel on one of the best parts of Jambiani’s coast. The hotel has 19 rooms and suites, some with private plunge pools, and others with terraces or balconies overlooking the sea, garden, or main pool.
On‑site, you’ll find the Casa Coco restaurant, where plant‑based dishes, fresh seafood and Mediterranean‑inspired food are served with beach views.
There’s also an infinity pool overlooking over the sand and an integrated spa and wellness area offering massages and treatments using local techniques.
Passion Boutique Hotel
Passion Boutique Hotel is a small, adults-only hotel with just 8 rooms, ideal if you’re looking for a quiet and personal stay.
Accommodation ranges from Budget Double Rooms to Superior and Deluxe options, many with balconies or terraces and sea or garden views. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, safes, and private bathrooms.
There’s a restaurant right on the beach serving a mix of local Zanzibari dishes and international options, plus an outdoor pool where you can relax in between.
7. Stone Town
The old part of Zanzibar City, called Stone Town, is completely different from the beach areas and a really cool place to experience another side of Zanzibar.
I’d recommend staying here for at least 1–2 nights, either at the beginning or end of your trip, like we did. It’s the cultural heart of the island with narrow streets, old buildings, and a really unique atmosphere.
Instead of beach days, you’ll spend your time admiring the carved wooden doors and exploring historic sites like the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and the Sultan’s Palace. There are also some great restaurants and rooftop spots, especially around sunset.
It’s a bit more chaotic and busy compared to the beach, but that’s part of the experience.
Check out: 14 Best Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Top 3 Hotels in Stone Town
The Neela Boutique Hotel
The Neela Boutique Hotel is a design-focused boutique stay in the heart of Stone Town, set in a beautifully restored historic building that blends local architecture with clean, modern design.
The hotel offers a range of 14 Deluxe and Superior rooms, all designed with lots of light, soft tones, and thoughtful details that mix contemporary style with Zanzibari influences.
On-site, you’ll find the Breadfruit Restaurant & Café, an open-air spot serving coastal cuisine, as well as the Views Rooftop Bar & Lounge, where you can enjoy drinks while looking out over the city.
Bellissimo Boutique Hotel
Bellissimo Boutique Hotel is a small boutique hotel just a few steps from the House of Wonders, the Forodhani Gardens, and the Old Fort.
The 11 rooms are air-conditioned and comfortable, with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, private bathrooms, and in some cases balconies or terraces. The design mixes modern comfort with classic Stone Town elements like wooden details and high ceilings.
There’s also the rooftop Bahari Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks both the winding streets of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean, which makes it a really nice place for breakfast, lunch, and drinks at golden hour.
Kisiwa House
Kisiwa House is a boutique heritage hotel with 9 rooms and suites set in a restored historic building.
The rooms offer high ceilings, air‑conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, and comfortable bathrooms, creating a peaceful base after exploring the town.
The hotel also has an on‑site restaurant where breakfast and meals can be enjoyed, and there’s a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over Stone Town’s rooftops and the Indian Ocean.
Map of The Best Places to Stay in Zanzibar
Check out:
14 Unmissable Places to See in Zanzibar, Tanzania
14 Best Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
A Complete Guide to Visiting Jozani Forest
7 of The Best Restaurants in Paje, Zanzibar
8 Reasons to Stay at Michamvi Spirit Lodge
Bucket List Experience: Scuba Diving in Zanzibar
MAALUM, Paje – All You Need to Know For Your Visit
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