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ZanzibarVisit
A traveller relaxing on a sunbed beneath a thatched palm umbrella on a quiet Zanzibar beach.

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

Choosing the right area matters more than the hotel — here is how Zanzibar's main bases compare for beaches, vibe, and value.

On Zanzibar, where you stay shapes your whole trip. The north coast (Nungwi and Kendwa) has deep water at all tides and the liveliest scene; the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe, Kiwengwa) is quieter, more tidal, and better for kitesurfing and diving; and Stone Town is the place to base yourself for history and culture rather than the beach.

These area guides explain what each base is like, who it suits, and the kind of accommodation you will find — from backpacker bungalows to barefoot-luxury resorts — so you can pick the right corner of the island before you book a specific hotel.

A traveller relaxing on a sunbed beneath a thatched palm umbrella on a quiet Zanzibar beach.

Zanzibar All-Inclusive Resorts

What all-inclusive means in Zanzibar, which areas have the most resorts, and whether the format suits your trip.

Palm trees and thatched umbrellas on the white sand of Paje Beach beside the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Beachfront Hotels in Zanzibar

What beachfront really means around Zanzibar's tidal shores, and which coasts offer the best swimmable beaches all day.

A local Zanzibari woman in a colourful kanga gathering a fishing net on a sunlit tidal beach.

Game Fish Lodge Zanzibar

Relaxed smaller lodge in the Nungwi area oriented toward beach stays, fishing, and water activities on Zanzibar's active north coast.

A traveller relaxing on a sunbed beneath a thatched palm umbrella on a quiet Zanzibar beach.

Where to Stay in Kendwa

North Zanzibar's relaxed resort beach — deep water at all tides, reliable sunsets, Full Moon parties, and calmer than neighbouring Nungwi.

Aerial view of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar with turquoise water, white sand, catamarans and a palm-lined shore.

Luxury Resorts in Zanzibar

Barefoot-luxury lodges, private villas, and high-end retreats across Zanzibar and Pemba — what to expect and where to look.

Two Maasai men in red shuka robes walking along a white-sand Zanzibar beach with wooden dhow boats offshore.

Where to Stay in Matemwe

Northeast Zanzibar's tranquil escape — barefoot-luxury lodges, boutique bungalows, and the best shore-based access to Mnemba Atoll diving.

Two Maasai men in red shuka robes walking along a white-sand Zanzibar beach with wooden dhow boats offshore.

Melia Zanzibar

A large resort on a private peninsula near Kiwengwa on the east coast, with gardens, multiple pools, and broad family and couples appeal.

Palm trees and thatched umbrellas on the white sand of Paje Beach beside the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Next Paradise Boutique Resort

Small, relaxed boutique resort on Zanzibar's northeast coast at Pwani Mchangani, with garden bungalows and an unhurried, intimate atmosphere.

Aerial view of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar with turquoise water, white sand, catamarans and a palm-lined shore.

Where to Stay in Nungwi

Zanzibar's liveliest resort strip — deep water at all tides, a full range of budgets, and a genuine fishing village at its core.

Palm trees and thatched umbrellas on the white sand of Paje Beach beside the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Where to Stay in Paje

East coast kite-surfing hub with a young, social vibe — backpacker guesthouses to solid midrange bungalows, and tidal flats at low water.

The weathered stone ramparts of the Old Fort in Stone Town, Zanzibar, under a blue sky.

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

A seafront luxury hotel in Stone Town combining a restored historic building with a contemporary wing on the Forodhani waterfront.

Aerial view of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar with turquoise water, white sand, catamarans and a palm-lined shore.

Hotel Riu Jambo Zanzibar

Large all-inclusive resort on Zanzibar's north coast near Nungwi, known for family-friendly facilities and the classic RIU resort experience.

A traveller relaxing on a sunbed beneath a thatched palm umbrella on a quiet Zanzibar beach.

Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar

An adults-only all-inclusive resort on Zanzibar's north coast, with the large-scale facilities and 24-hour food and drinks typical of the Riu brand.

Two Maasai men in red shuka robes walking along a white-sand Zanzibar beach with wooden dhow boats offshore.

Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort

Large all-inclusive east-coast resort at Nungwi and Kiwengwa, set in tropical gardens with multiple pools and broad facilities for families and groups.

The weathered stone ramparts of the Old Fort in Stone Town, Zanzibar, under a blue sky.

Where to Stay in Stone Town

Historic boutique hotels inside coral-stone merchant houses — the island's cultural heart, best used as an arrival or departure base.

A traveller relaxing on a sunbed beneath a thatched palm umbrella on a quiet Zanzibar beach.

The Mora Zanzibar

Contemporary east-coast resort at Pwani Mchangani offering modern design, multiple pools, and all-inclusive options on a sheltered Indian Ocean beach.

Palm trees and thatched umbrellas on the white sand of Paje Beach beside the turquoise Indian Ocean.

The Palms Zanzibar

Exclusive southeast-coast boutique with a handful of private villas near Bwejuu, built around intimate service and high-end seclusion by the Indian Ocean.

Palm trees and thatched umbrellas on the white sand of Paje Beach beside the turquoise Indian Ocean.

The Residence Zanzibar

A secluded luxury villa resort on Zanzibar's quiet south coast near Kizimkazi, with large private villas, pool gardens, and genuine seclusion.

Two Maasai men in red shuka robes walking along a white-sand Zanzibar beach with wooden dhow boats offshore.

Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort

Adults-only boutique resort at Pongwe on the northeast coast, known for a sheltered cove, an overwater dining deck, and a quietly upscale atmosphere.

Aerial view of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar with turquoise water, white sand, catamarans and a palm-lined shore.

Z Hotel Zanzibar

Stylish boutique beach hotel in Nungwi village, walkable to dive centres, bars, and the best of the north coast's lively beachfront scene.

Aerial view of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar with turquoise water, white sand, catamarans and a palm-lined shore.

Zuri Zanzibar

A design-conscious, eco-aware resort on Zanzibar's northwest coast near Kendwa, with garden bungalows and a deep-water beach.