Accommodation Guide 2026
Zanzibar Hotels — Best Places to Stay in 2026
From luxury beachfront resorts and atmospheric Stone Town boutiques to budget-friendly guesthouses and private villas, this guide covers every type of accommodation across every area of Zanzibar. Find the perfect place to stay for your travel style and budget.
Types of Accommodation in Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers a remarkably diverse range of accommodation, from barefoot-luxury eco-lodges on private beaches to centuries-old Stone Town mansions converted into boutique hotels. Understanding the main categories will help you choose the right property for your trip.
Luxury Resorts
World-class beachfront properties with private pools, spa facilities, fine dining restaurants and butler service. Found primarily in Nungwi, Kendwa and Matemwe. Expect to pay $200–$500+ per night.
Boutique Hotels
Characterful, individually designed properties with typically 10–30 rooms. Stone Town is home to some of the most atmospheric boutique hotels in East Africa, many housed in restored Arab mansions and merchant houses. $80–$200 per night.
Beach Lodges
Relaxed, mid-range properties directly on the sand. Perfect for travelers who want beachfront living without the five-star price tag. Common on the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu). $60–$150 per night.
Guesthouses
Locally owned, budget-friendly accommodation ranging from basic rooms to charming family-run establishments. The best way to experience Zanzibari hospitality. $20–$60 per night.
Private Villas
Standalone properties with private pools, gardens and often dedicated staff including a cook. Ideal for families, groups or honeymoon couples seeking total privacy. $300–$1,000+ per night.
Best Areas to Stay in Zanzibar
Where you stay in Zanzibar has a huge impact on your experience. Each area has a distinct character, different beach conditions and a unique range of hotels. Here are the six most popular areas for visitors:
Nungwi
Best for: Swimming, nightlife, luxury resorts
The northern tip of Zanzibar with the island’s best swimming beach — no tidal flats here. Home to major resorts like RIU, Zuri and Essque Zalu. The liveliest nightlife on the island with beachfront bars and restaurants. Ideal for couples and younger travelers.
Stone Town
Best for: Culture, history, food, boutique hotels
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Atmospheric boutique hotels in restored Arab mansions, rooftop restaurants with harbour views, the famous Forodhani Night Market and endless winding alleys to explore. The best base for history lovers and foodies.
Paje
Best for: Kitesurfing, budget options, turquoise lagoon
The east coast’s most popular beach destination, famous for its shallow turquoise lagoon at low tide and world-class kitesurfing conditions. A wide range of accommodation from budget guesthouses to stylish boutique hotels. The backpacker capital of Zanzibar.
Kendwa
Best for: Sunset views, relaxation, all-inclusive
Just south of Nungwi with a similarly beautiful beach and swimmable water at all tides. Slightly quieter and more romantic than its northern neighbour. Home to the famous Full Moon Party. Good range of mid-range to luxury accommodation.
Matemwe
Best for: Seclusion, Mnemba snorkeling, romance
A quiet northeast coast village with a handful of exclusive lodges and virtually no nightlife. The jumping-off point for snorkeling trips to Mnemba Atoll, one of the best marine sites in East Africa. Perfect for honeymoons and those seeking total peace.
Pemba Island
Best for: Diving, exclusivity, untouched nature
Zanzibar’s quieter sister island, accessible by a short flight or fast ferry. Home to some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean, including the Misali Island reef. Accommodation is limited and exclusive — mostly luxury eco-lodges in pristine settings.
Hotel Price Guide by Area
Nightly rates vary significantly by area and season. Peak season (June–October, December–January) commands a premium of 20–40% over shoulder and low season rates. The prices below are average peak-season rates per night for a double room.
| Area | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nungwi | $40–$80 | $100–$250 | $300–$600+ |
| Stone Town | $25–$60 | $80–$180 | $200–$400+ |
| Paje | $20–$50 | $60–$150 | $200–$400+ |
| Kendwa | $40–$70 | $90–$200 | $250–$500+ |
| Matemwe | $30–$60 | $80–$200 | $300–$700+ |
| Pemba Island | — | $100–$250 | $400–$1,000+ |
How to Choose the Right Hotel
The best hotel for you depends on your travel style. Here are our recommendations:
Honeymoon
Matemwe or Kendwa for intimate seclusion, or a luxury resort in Nungwi for a livelier atmosphere. Consider a split stay: 2 nights in Stone Town for culture, then 4–5 nights on the beach.
Family
Nungwi or Kendwa for safe, swimmable beaches at all tides. Look for resorts with kids’ clubs and family suites. Avoid Paje with young children — the tidal flats are dramatic but the water retreats far at low tide.
Budget
Paje or Jambiani on the east coast offer the widest range of affordable guesthouses and backpacker-friendly lodges. Stone Town has excellent budget boutique hotels too.
Luxury
Matemwe and Nungwi for the top-tier resorts, or Pemba Island for the ultimate exclusive experience. Consider a private villa for complete privacy and personalized service.
Book Through Us
Booking your hotel as part of a Zanzibar Holiday Deals package offers significantly better value than booking a hotel alone. Our packages bundle accommodation with airport transfers, guided tours, activities and 24/7 concierge support — often at a lower total cost than the hotel-only rate from booking platforms.
We have direct relationships with over 100 properties across Zanzibar and negotiate exclusive rates that are not available through third-party booking sites. Our team has personally inspected every hotel we recommend and can match you to the perfect property based on your specific needs.
Package prices start from $649 per person for 5 days including accommodation, transfers and activities. Tell us your dates and preferences and we will create a tailored itinerary with hotel options in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Zanzibar?
It depends on what you want from your holiday. Nungwi is best for swimming and nightlife. Stone Town is best for culture, history and food. Paje is best for kitesurfing and budget options. Matemwe is best for seclusion and romance. Kendwa is best for sunset views and relaxation. Pemba Island is best for diving and exclusivity.
Are Zanzibar hotels all-inclusive?
Some resorts offer all-inclusive options, particularly in Nungwi and Kendwa, but the majority of Zanzibar hotels operate on a bed-and-breakfast or half-board basis. All-inclusive is not as common as in the Caribbean. We offer all-inclusive package options — see our dedicated all-inclusive page for details.
How far in advance should I book a Zanzibar hotel?
For peak season (June–October, December–January), book at least 3–4 months in advance for the best selection. Popular boutique hotels in Stone Town and exclusive lodges in Matemwe sell out early. For shoulder season, 4–8 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. Booking through us gives you access to rooms held in allocation that may not show availability on public booking sites.
Find Your Perfect Zanzibar Hotel
Tell us your travel dates, preferred area and budget, and our Zanzibar specialists will recommend the best hotels and put together a package that offers unbeatable value.