Yulia Saf 
Zanzibar is a very special island, and if you are researching the best places to stay on the island, you are absolutely right! Zanzibar has very strong tides, and the ocean in front of sea-view rooms can literally disappear for hours!
I recently explored the beautiful island and absolutely fell in love with it!
In short, the North Coast with Nungwi and Kendwa are the best places to stay in Zanzibar for first-timers. They have a bit of everything: fabulous beaches and other activities.
Read this post to learn more about the 3 best areas to stay for tourists. I compared all the options available on the island and picked ONLY the top ones to make it easy for you.
I also sorted all the accommodations by price, so you can now go ahead and book your ideal place in a matter of minutes!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best hotels on the North Coast, the ultimate spot for your first stay in Zanzibar:
- Best luxury hotel – Riu Palace Zanzibar
- Best mid-range hotel – Babalola Bungalows
- Best budget accommodation – Chikachika Beach B&B
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- What you need to know before booking a hotel in Zanzibar
- Where to stay in Zanzibar
- 1. North Coast – best for first-timers
- 2. East Coast – home to the best beaches in Zanzibar
- 3. Stone Town – where to stay in Zanzibar for a local vibe
- BONUS: Special hotels in Zanzibar
- My experience staying at a hotel in Zanzibar
- Practical information about staying in Zanzibar
- FAQs about where to stay in Zanzibar
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
What you need to know before booking a hotel in Zanzibar
Do you already know when you are going to visit? If not, it’s important to consider the seasons, as Zanzibar has a rainy season, and you want to avoid that one. For inspiration, you can also see my personal 3-week itinerary in Tanzania.
- Hot season (January to March) – the most popular time to visit is during the hotter months of the year. I visited in January, and although we had a couple of cloudy days, the weather was pleasant, especially on the South Coast.
- The long rainy season (April and May) – while it’s likely to rain during this season, you might get lucky and have no rain during your vacation, perfect for spending it on the North Coast!
- Dry season (June to October) – it’s best to visit Zanzibar in these cool, dry months. I recommend the East Coast during this season.
- The short rainy season (November and December) – in November, it tends to rain every day, but just for a short while, so it’s best to stay on the Northern coast.
Zanzibar, Tanzania’s main island, has strong tides, and the ocean in front of your sea-view room might retreat to the coral reefs and disappear for hours!
NOTE: the best way to know when the tide is high/low is to check the Tide Forecast. It changes daily, so you can check the predictions for when you’re planning to visit.
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Take a peek at this Zanzibar map of the areas I’ll be covering!
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
1. North Coast – best for first-timers
The old name of the country was Tanganyika, and it changed to Tanzania when they merged with Zanzibar!
You’ll find Nungwi Beach and Kendwa along Zanzibar’s North Coast – the best spots to experience the essence of the island.
1.1. Nungwi
Nungwi Beach is the most popular tourist destination in Zanzibar for a variety of good reasons. The water temperature is pleasant year-round, the sunset views are out of this world, and there are many diverse restaurants serving delicious fusion dishes.
The nightlife here is quite lively, and there are plenty of beach bars in Nungwi where you can grab a drink.
If you’re not much of a party animal, you can spend your days in Nungwi swimming; you can swim anytime, regardless of the tide, and spend your evenings watching the sunset or relaxing in your hotel. The water is SO turquoise!
The Mnemba Island provides a great opportunity to explore the local marine life
From the northern tip of the island, you can hop to Mnemba Island, just 1km (less than 1 mile) off the shore. The island has fantastic diving and snorkeling spots and is home to green turtles!
Luxury (US$200 and up)
- Riu Palace Zanzibar – one of the best Zanzibar all-inclusive resorts. Situated on Nungwi Beach, the hotel promises barefoot luxury, with access to a private beach with watersports, a spa, and a dive center.
- Z Hotel – a truly luxurious beach hotel. If you’re still wondering where to stay in Nungwi, the hotel’s infinity pool and spa may convince you. Plus, there’s the famous Z Hotel rooftop bar – one of the best places on the island for drinks at sunset!
Mid-range (US$70 to US$200)
- Babalola Bungalows – provides everything you’ll need on your Nungwi stay! Want to relax in its outdoor swimming pool? Sure! Feeling a little more adventurous? Hop on a bike! Or, just have a drink at the bar!
- Opera Hotel – allows you to relax next to coconut palms, tropical plants, and the white sand beach in Nungwi. You will enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant that serves delicious dishes!
Budget (up to US$70)
- Chikachika Beach B&B – an incredible B&B where you will enjoy the delicious continental breakfast served daily, the cozy garden, or the bar if you want to finish your day with some drinks!
- Makofi Guest House – the accommodation allows you to opt for a cheaper hostel experience in a mixed dorm room or a private one. The patio also gets busy at night if you want to meet other travelers!
1.2 Kendwa
Kendwa has a calmer vibe than Nungwi; the nightlife scene is not as bustling, and you can spend the evenings in a relaxing atmosphere.
One of the best things you can do at Kendwa is skydiving (one of the top things to do in Zanzibar), but if you’re not so adventurous, there’s also snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach volleyball.
I’d also recommend going on a dhow sailing trip, exploring one of the nearby islands, admiring the marine life, and, if you’re lucky, swimming with the dolphins!
A dhow is a wooden sailing vessel historically used for fishing and trade on the Indian Ocean.
Kendwa is only 15 min driving from Nungwi, so you get the best of both worlds!
Luxury (US$200 and up)
- Zuri Zanzibar – offers beachside bungalows in Kendwa for couples or families. When not on the beach, you can wander through the garden or hang out by the pool!
- Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa – this luxe hotel features 2 on-site restaurants, 2 bars, and an outdoor pool with a lovely sun terrace. During all times, guests can order room service or turn to the 24-hour front desk for anything else.
Mid-range (US$70 to US$200)
- Sansi Kendwa Beach Resort – a 4-star resort with an outdoor pool, a bar, a garden, and a terrace. Each of the hotel rooms has a private balcony, en suite bathroom, a TV, and a safety deposit box.
- Kendwa Rocks Hotel – the rooms at this 4-star hotel have either garden or sea views, but they’re also air-conditioned and protected by mosquito nets. Live music and entertainment are provided in the hotel on select evenings.
Budget (up to US$70)
- Kendwa Carletto Style – lovely B&B with a garden and an inner courtyard. During your stay here, you can lounge on the terrace, play darts, rent a car or a bike, and get access to free Wi-Fi and parking.
- Furaha B&B Kendwa – another B&B with a shared kitchen and on-site coffee shop. Guests can use the luggage storage option and the accommodation’s picnic area. For anything else, you can turn to the front desk, which is open 24/7.
2. East Coast – home to the best beaches in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s East Coast features what some people consider the best Zanzibar beaches, and it is the area I chose to stay in as well!
Typically less touristy than the North Coast, the East Coast has beautiful, idyllic beaches like Pingwe, Paje, and Jambiani.
These powdery white sand beaches have turquoise waters that come up to the palm trees along the shore during high tide. So, if you’re looking for places to stay in the area, I’ve found some great hotels along the East Coast for you to choose from.
I stayed somewhere between Paje and Jambiani – small fishing villages on the southeast coast. You can read more about my experience in the sections below.NOTE: remember that you can’t swim or go scuba diving at low tide but can still enjoy walks along the beach and activities like kite surfing.
2.1. Jambiani
Jambiani is a peaceful and serene place. It’s perfect for a relaxing vacation, the kind of vacation where all you want to do is swim and lounge on the beach.
While you’re here, I suggest you use the opportunity to try the fresh and delicious seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants. I recommend The Loop Beach Resort, a lovely place right on the beach serving great food.
If you’re up for a little adventure, venture out to the Kuza Cave (map), admire the limestone rock formations, and enjoy a swim in one of the cave’s freshwater pools.
Luxury (US$200 and up)
- Bamboo Zanzibar – an upscale hotel offering room service, airport transfer, and a 24-hour front desk. If private beaches are your thing, you’ll be happy to hear this hotel has one, as well as air-conditioned rooms, a bar, and 3 breakfast options.
- Villa Bluu – a beachfront villa with an outdoor pool, a garden, and a terrace with breathtaking sea views. Each of the guest rooms has a private bathroom with free toiletries, and guests can use the on-site parking or rent bikes free of charge.
Mid-range (US$90 to US$200)
- Nyumbani Residence – this is the hotel where I stayed, and I enjoyed my experience there! You can find my full, honest review with details below.
- Zanzistar Lodge – located on the southeast coast in the town of Jambiani. It’s full of bright colors and modern decor, but the true star of this hotel is the restaurant. The seafood dishes are to die for!
Budget (up to US$90)
- Amka House – an excellent find for a budget traveler. It’s right on the beach and has many spots for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty in Jambiani.
- New Teddy’s on the Beach – providing excellent value for money, this hostel has a pool, a bar, a tour desk, and even a currency exchange. You can choose a private room or a bed in a mixed dormitory.
2.2. Pingwe
Pingwe is located on the North of Jambiani, about 30 min away by car.
Pingwe is a great choice if you want to avoid the crowds, as it’s not as visited as some other Zanzibar beaches. But don’t worry – there are still plenty of spots where you can grab a drink and try the local seafood!
While staying in Pingwe, you HAVE TO visit The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar, which is actually a restaurant on a rock in the Indian Ocean! It’s a unique experience – don’t miss out!
When the tide is low, and you can’t go swimming on Pingwe Beach, I suggest you try kitesurfing. Even if you have no previous experience, this can be a fun way to spend your time.
Luxury (US$160 and up)
- Hekaya Zanzibar –a 4-star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, a tropical garden, and complimentary breakfast. You can commission the hotel’s airport shuttle, get a parking space free of charge, or rent a bike and explore the area.
- Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel Zanzibar – a bit further away from the main beach in Pingwe, this upscale hotel consists of 3 villas, a bar, and a restaurant with an infinity pool. Additionally, each of the private villas has a private plunge pool.
Mid-range (US$100 to US$160)
- Bitcoin Beach Hotel Zanzibar – this beachfront hotel offers room service, on-demand airport transfer, and a concierge service. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom. A daily continental breakfast is included in the price.
- The View of Zanzibar – an apartment right on the white sand beach with a balcony, an inner courtyard, a bedroom, a living area, and a fully equipped kitchen. Daily breakfast and housekeeping services are also provided.
Budget (up to US$100)
- Shanuo Beach Bungalows – each of the bungalows provides easy beach access and features a private bathroom. Communal spaces include a terrace, garden, and a bar, and there’s also an on-site bicycle rental service.
- Afriican Village Zanzibar – this is a bit lower-rated than my usual recommendation, but I think it deserves a chance. It’s right on Pingwe Beach, and the staff is friendly and always willing to provide advice.
2.3. Paje
Paje is located in between Pingwe and Jambiani (10-15 mins away by car depending on the traffic).
Formerly a small fishing village, Paje has transformed into a desirable destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It’s a great spot for scuba diving, but it’s an even better spot for kite surfing!
When you need rest from your sports-infused vacation, I recommend going on one of the sunset cruises departing from Paje and nearby beaches and relaxing from those long, active days at the beach.
If you find yourself in need of a change, take a day trip to one of the neighboring beaches – Bwejuu and Dongwe are definitely worth a visit!
Luxury (US$180 and up)
- Kisiwa on the Beach – set on Paje Beach and surrounded by palm trees, this hotel features spa facilities, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
- Paje Blu Boutique Hotel – guests at this boutique hotel can order room service, use the hot tub and the swimming pool, and enjoy the evening entertainment provided by the hotel.
Mid-range (US$70 to US$180)
- Villa Huruma – a beautiful villa steps from the beach in Paje, where guests can plunge into the private pool or lounge in the garden under the palm trees. Both continental and American breakfasts are served daily at this B&B.
- Aluna Paje – this 4-star hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a lovely garden. The guest rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and balconies with a pool view.
Budget (up to US$70)
- Villa Kiota – has a beautiful garden and restaurant. It’s great place for backpackers as there’s also a bicycle rental service, and you’ll be within walking distance of many restaurants!
- Ebb & Flow – offering rooms, apartments, and beds in mixed dormitories, this accommodation is perfect for all types of travelers. Free Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle service are some of the perks available to people staying here.
3. Stone Town – where to stay in Zanzibar for a local vibe
Stone Town feels like stepping into a time machine, with various old colonial buildings lining the narrow streets. It’s the best place to try local cuisine and learn about the island’s history!
Stop to admire the Old Fort and visit the Old Slave Market. Afterward, take the opportunity to blend in with locals on a traditional boat cruise.
Zanzibar is the birthplace of the rock legend Freddie Mercury. While in Stone Town, visit the Freddie Mercury Museum, situated in the singer’s childhood home!
Luxury (US$180 and up)
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar – has a pool, spa, restaurant, and fitness center on the beach. If you feel like heading out, the tour desk at Park Hyatt Zanzibar can arrange various trips and tours for you.
- Zanzibar Palace Hotel – boasts uniquely decorated rooms and an on-site restaurant! Guests at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel can get on-request spa services and daily complimentary breakfast. Plus, it’s a great base if you’re planning an African safari.
Mid-range (US$80 to US$180)
- Mangrove Lodge – is an eco-friendly spot for a great vacation within walking distance of the attractions of Stone Town! The Mangrove Lodge has a bar, a restaurant, and a lounge with lots of hammocks for having a private beach getaway.
- Zanzibar Coffee House – will make you feel like you traveled back in time. The spacious rooms all have antique details without sacrificing any modern comforts.
Budget (up to US$80)
- Jabar Lodge – is an excellent option for a traveler on a budget. Each room has its own balcony and air conditioning. There’s also a restaurant on-site, and during your stay, you can enjoy the terrace with one of the delicious dishes this B&B serves!
- Stone Town House – a hostel in the heart of Stone Town with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a concierge service. Better yet, it’s within walking distance of many of the attractions in Old Town.
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$250 |
| 🏨 Mid-range: | US$120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$50 |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Riu Palace Zanzibar |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | Babalola Bungalows |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Chikachika Beach B&B |
BONUS: Special hotels in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a unique destination all on its own, but if you want to make your stay a little more memorable, I singled out some of the most extraordinary hotels on the island.
Underwater hotel
If you want a truly unique Zanzibar experience, consider an underwater hotel. The Manta Resort offers off-shore accommodation, with the top floor being a lounge area. But when you head down a ladder, you can see the magic of the Indian Ocean through the bedroom windows!
A private island accommodation
Mnemba Island is a small island around 3 km (app. 2 miles) off the coast of Zanzibar and probably the most intimate place for a Tanzania stay. To experience the island magic, I recommend AndBeyond Mnemba Island! There are only 12 rooms on the island – all equally gorgeous!
Colonialism-style accommodation
Feel the history of Colonialism in style. Another unique hotel in Zanzibar is the Dhow Palace Hotel in the Old Town of Zanzibar City. This hotel is a converted historical building that was built in 1559, and the decor is in true Zanzibar style. There’s also a pool, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace.
My experience staying at a hotel in Zanzibar
When I visited Zanzibar, we stayed at Nyumbani Residence. This charming hotel has a pool and is 2 minutes away from the beach in Paje. I got to stay at this place when it was brand new – it had opened literally a couple of weeks before we checked in!
The owner of the hotel, Daniele, even woke up at 3:30 in the morning just to say goodbye to us when we left for the airport! And I promise you this wasn’t because he knew I was a blogger (he didn’t)!
Most of the time when I travel I go “incognito” because I don’t want any extra attention and I want to get a real experience – without anyone trying to impress us for free publicity!
Daniele got up to say goodbye purely in the name of hospitality. He and his wife were also extremely nice and welcoming during our whole stay.
So, Nyumbani is actually a residence, meaning we had the whole apartment (60 m²/645 ft²) to ourselves with a fully equipped kitchen and huge living room. I think they only have about 7 rooms, and they all face the pool!
Laundry service and food delivery, as well as airport transfers, can be arranged (I believe a one-way trip from the airport costs about US$50). They can also call you a taxi to take you to the nearest “town” Paje!
Otherwise, we found that there are tons of restaurants within a 5-minute walk (ask the owner for recommendations as they are Italian and they know the good places!)
If you’re addicted to Wi-Fi, I will tell you that the internet isn’t super fast (to be fair, it’s not fast anywhere on the island!). But there is a router right in your bungalow, so there is no need to go to the lobby!
I really enjoyed my time at Nyumbani, and I highly recommend this place if you want a tranquil and intimate stay.
Practical information about staying in Zanzibar
Now that you know about all the best areas and hotels in Zanzibar, let’s look at some practical information about staying on the island!
How to get to Zanzibar?
You can get to Zanzibar by ferry or plane from Dar es Salaam, on Africa’s East Coast.
By plane
Flights to Zanzibar run daily from Dar es Salaam and cost about US$100. If you’re coming from Arusha at the base of Kilimanjaro, you can also catch a flight to Dar es Salaam for about US$180 and then transfer to a flight to Zanzibar.
I actually climbed Kilimanjaro, and I talk about my experience here!
There are also plenty of international flights that land in Zanzibar. I arrived by Oman Air, and there was a transfer to Muscat Airport. Check the best rates from your city here.
By ferry
Various companies have ferries leaving from Dar es Salaam, and a one-way ticket costs between US$35 to US$100. Some ferries are faster than others, but the tickets are cheaper if you take an older, slower boat. With most companies, you can book online.
Where should I stay in Zanzibar for a honeymoon?
Any of the luxury hotels I’ve mentioned before would be perfect for a honeymoon!
The Konokono Beach Resort is a beach hideaway perfect for a romantic getaway. There are private pools and poolside and beach bars. You can also relax under the palm trees on the beach and watch the sunset.
For a more intimate honeymoon, rent one of the private villas at The Residence Zanzibar. You can get your own ocean-side villa with a private pool. Wake up every morning to sunrise over the Indian Ocean and go to sleep to the sound of the waves!
Where NOT to stay in Zanzibar
You may have noticed I haven’t included any hotels in the west of Zanzibar, except for Stone Town.
The West Coast is more remote than the rest of Zanzibar, and the beaches can’t compete with those on the North/East Coast.
The South Coast of Zanzibar is the most populated part of the island and a great place to understand more about the culture and take some exciting tours.
But if you dream of a beach vacation, staying on the South Coast is not the greatest idea, as the height difference between high and low tide is more noticeable there.
If you really want to see the South Coast, I recommend booking the Nest Style Beach Hotel or Eden Rock for your stay on this side of the island!
TIP: while you’re here, head to Pingwe and hit one of the most unique beach bars, The Rock. You have to wade out into the water to reach the bar, which is literally on a rock in the Indian Ocean!
FAQs about where to stay in Zanzibar
☀️ What is the weather in Zanzibar?
The weather in Zanzibar is hot almost year-round (temperatures around 38°C/100°F and around 29°C/84°F in the cooler months). There are 2 rainy seasons, March to May and mid-October to early December.
🏖️ What is the best beach in Zanzibar?
In my personal opinion, Nungwi and the surrounding beaches are the most picture-perfect. During high tide, the beaches along the southeast coast are amazing, too! But, during low tide, the water is so far from the beach, so you’ll have to walk quite a lot to reach it!
👨👩👧 Where should I stay with my family?
The North Coast, specifically Kendwa, is the best place to stay in Zanzibar for a family vacation! The family will have a great time on Kendwa Beach and enjoy a variety of fun water sports. For your family stay, I recommend the Zuri Zanzibar Hotel.
💑 What is the best hotel for honeymooners?
Many hotels in Zanzibar are perfect for honeymooners, but one of the best, in my opinion, is Konokono Beach Resort!
🌊 What part of Zanzibar has the best beaches?
The East Coast has the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar! If you want to stay there, I recommend Nyumbani Residence and Amka House! I’m sure you will love both options!
📅 What is the best time of year to visit Zanzibar?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June and October, i.e., during the dry season. During this period, the temperatures hover at about 25°C/77°F, and there’s very little rain, so you’ll surely have a pleasant stay!
💃 Where is the best place to stay in Zanzibar for singles?
Zanzibar is a safe destination for solo travelers, and you can stay almost anywhere on the island. However, I would book accommodation on the North Coast, near the beach. The Z Hotel and Zanzibar Queen Hotel are 2 great options for singles.
🤿 Where to stay in Zanzibar for diving?
Your best bet is going between June and October and staying on the North Coast. Or, go between November and March and stay on the South Coast.
Conclusion
You’ve successfully reached the end of this article on where to stay in Zanzibar. I covered the 3 most important areas and handpicked the best hotels in each.
I’ve also made sure to include my personal experience and first-hand tips, so you’re now more than ready to visit Zanzibar!
To make things a little bit easier, let me tell you my top 2 choices:
- Riu Palace Zanzibar – a luxurious hotel with private beach access and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
- Babalola Bungalows – the hotel has a lovely on-site restaurant and provides free bikes.
Whatever you decide, don’t forget to secure your spot as Zanzibar is a popular destination! Leave your questions in the comment section and I’ll get back to you!
Have the time of your life,
Yulia
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
Hi Yulia,
What a great post!
We’re planning on visiting Zanzibar in August and I’m struggling to pick between the north or south east coast. This is our first time on the island. Is there a reason you recommend the east coast at that time of the year?
Hey Tracy,
Thank you for your kind words, you’re gonna have a great time in Zanzibar!
There are two reasons why we recommend the east coast: one is that it has more beautiful beaches but it’s not as crowded as the North coast, and the second are the tides, while the are more extensive they offer for a range of great activities apart from swimming, such as kite surfing, long walks on the beach etc. But if you don’t want to deal with big water level changes because of the tides then we definitely recommend the North Coast 🙂
My honeymoon is 16 june and i heading to zanzibar, we want nice villa by the beach half board, but i got confused which is better in june east coast or nungwi in the north??
Hey Nancy,
First of all congratulations on your marriage! Zanzibar is a great location for your honeymoon, if you’re going in June I recommend staying on the North Coast.
I hope you have a wonderful time!
ANY OPINIONS ON SAFIRABLU IS THAT A NICE AREA LOOKING TO BOOK?
HI Yulia! Great post! Very helpful!
We are planning to visit Zanzibar on February and we want to avoid the touristic areas. What would you suggest? Paje is ok?
Additionally, what would you suggest for transportation inside the island? Should we book a local tour guide and a car? We will be 3 women.
Thanks!
Hello Eleni,
I think Paje is perfect for your girls trip if you are looking for something more relaxed with less tourists around. Tsunami Village is right on the beach and it will be a relaxing vibe.
Definitely book a tour guide if you want to do something fun and explore the inlands of Zanzibar, they drive like crazy and you will be in good hands with somebody who knows the area and the roads. Stone town is a must see in Zanzibar and I really enjoyed the experience when I was there, local foods and fruits to explore and just to have a true Zanzibar experience.
You can book your tours directly through the hotels/resorts and they will collect and drop you off. Check out this post to help you find the best things to do in Zanzibar.
Hello Yulia – super helpful post. I note you recommend the North beaches and state that the East beaches may not be idyllic in low tide. I am planning to go to Zanzibar between 6-14 January 2023. I do not know what the tide is like during that season, so should I plan to stay around the North coast or East coast? Thanks.
Hi Sabah,
happy the post was useful for you!
I’ve visiting in more or less the same time and I remember the tides were quite strong where we were on the East Side. As usual, your best bet if you want to avoid it will be the North part of the island! 🙂
This blog post was super helpful! Stayed at a few places you recommended including kholle house in stonetown, shanuo beach bungalows in pingwe and makofi guest house in nungwi. Really appreciated the breakdown of luxury, mid and budget for accommodations!
Happy to help Erin, enjoy your vacation! 🙂
Hi Yulia! I love your blog/information!!! We plan on being in Zanzibar June 7-11th (4 nights). We are thinking of staying in Stone town our first night since its close to the airport and our other 3 nights in nungwi area. I was wondering what best way to get around the island. Should we rent our own car or hire a driver? We have traveled around the world and usually drive ourselves so we can see as much as possible. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you!
Tina
Hi Tina!
I guess it is up to your personal preference at this point – you can do both.
If you are planning to have a chill stay in Nungwi and not move around much then I guess it makes more sense to get a taxi from Stone Town to Nungwi so that you do not pay for the 3 days uselessly
Hi Yulia
Really enjoyed reading your blog. Im Hopi g to go to Zanzibar this October with my family to celebrate my husbands birthday. I’ve provisionally booked The Balandin Zanzibar Hotel. Just Hoping there will be enough for my teenagers to do? Thanks for any info.
Hey there! The hotel seem super nice, I think you did the right choice! No worries, even if they will be bored in the hotel (for some reason), there are tons of tours and activities they can do in that area, kitesurfing lessons just one of them
Hi
What is the best way to travel and get around Zanzibar, especially for a woman travelling alone?
Hello Wendy, Zanzibar is one of the safest African destinations, not to worry! The best way to get around Zanzibar is probably getting a taxi. However, if you’re staying in Stone Town you can walk around the city center as the town is small. Here are a few things to do during your stay at Zanzibar.
Hey, I am traveling with my bf and want to have a fun yet relaxing vacation. We are staying for 6 day and was looking at both Nungwi or Kendwa. I was wondering what you would recommend if we are interested in
-beach-swimming/tanning/water activities
-nightlife
-hikes, caves
-touristic events (STONE TOWN IS A MUST REGARDLESS)
If you could help advise that would be amazing.
Hi Sarah,
Both areas are actually quite similar, have great nightlife and are very close to each other (4km apart) so you can easily explore both no matter which you choose. Nungwi has better snorkeling and a wider beach so if you are intending on spending a lot of time in the water it might be a good choice for you. If you are looking for a little more privacy, Kendwa has smaller coves and generally fewer people.
Whichever you choose I’m sure you’ll have a great trip!
Thank you for the advise ! And a nice blog!))
Thanks for the nice words! 🙂
Thank you, Yulia for this incredible article. It surely will guide us in planning our next visit! We will be staying for 10 days visiting Nungwi, Matemwe, and Stone town spice tour.
If I have an opportunity to move to ZanziBar, I will be now with a ticket in my hands. It is awesome place to visit. When I was there, I was like in paradise: ocean, seafood and a lot of amazing sunsets. By the way, I rested at Clove Island and was soooooo satisfied. I swear you, you will not regret it if you come there ona day.
Thanks for your comment, Yevhenii!
I met many expats there, am sure you will like it if you decide to relocate! 🙂
This is so useful- THANK YOU Yulia! 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Good article… thanks for all that. We’re going to Zanzibar in April, still not sure which side of the island we’re going to go for. I’m just wondering about the tides in Paje, is it true the water can be gone very far away for large portions of the day?
Hello,
It’s true that the tide varies a lot, it’s a wonderful experience both ways!
I wouldn’t say it’s gone for large portion of the day, though, over the course of 12 hours it basically increases gradually until the high tide and then it starts lowering again.
Dear Yulia, great article since we are packing for our Zanzi trip on Sunday 19th 🙂 I’m more concerned about transportation prices, since most of the available info refers to prices from Stone Town to Nungwi/Kendwa area or similar.
We are staying at Azao Resort on the top little penninsula between Pongwe and Uroa (East Coast) and resort seem to be little isolated for some evening exploring the island.
Any tip in that regard would be great!
Thanks in advance!
Una
Hi,
The beaches on the East Coast are simply marvelous! I don’t think you’ll have any problems exploring close to the resort and if you want to go further away, a taxi would be the safest bet! It will be a bit pricier but also the fastest.
I hope you’ll have the most wonderful time on your trip!
Hey. Thanks a lot for this post! I’m arriving in Zanzibar in January. Can’t wait!:) I will be staying in Makunduchi. The place itself is fantastic but I’m hungry for seeing new spots and doing a lot of different things. Your article inspires me!:)
Thank you!
Zanzibar is a great choice for January, I hope you’ll have lots of fun and discover some amazing places!
I appreciate the information on this web page. I gained a lot of knowledge about where to stay on the island, thanks Yulia:) keep sharing this kind of articles 🙂
Thank you, I’m glad to hear this! I’m trying my best to keep my articles as informative as possible 🙂
Oh Yulia! You have done such an amazing job with that article. Couldn’t believe I got all that information in one blog post. You are super amazing!!
Thank you, Sally! I’m happy I could help you, have fun on your trip!
I have read lots and lots of articles on this subject and yours really stand s out thank you.
yes, thanks so much! thats because we always hand pick the beat hotels in the area that have amazing reviews and also sort it by price, i also think it is pretty convenient, happy it was useful to you! 🙂
PS we are going to publich an article about Things to do in Zanzibar soon, check it out here – https://misstourist.com/category/africa/tanzania/zanzibar/
Tanzania is an awesome place to explore but I think Goa is a destination where you can enjoy everything that you had at Tanzania. India is awaiting for you.
Nice Article, thanks so much! I have made up my mind about where to stay on the island, it was very confusing before, thank you!
You are welcome! Here are all my posts about Zanzibar in case you want to read more about things to do there – https://misstourist.com/category/africa/tanzania/zanzibar/
Please note, the country was Tanganyika, no Z like in your article.
After the Zanzibar revolution in 1964 when hundreds of Arabs were massacred and the Omani Sultan was chased from the island, Zanzibar was incorporated into Tanganyika, which then became Tanzania.
Thanks.
Caroline
Hi, Caroline! Thank you for your comment, I have updated the post with the right information! 🙂