Location and setting
Hotel Riu Jambo sits on the north coast of Zanzibar near Nungwi, facing the Zanzibar Channel on a stretch of beach where the water stays swimmable at most states of the tide. The north coast is one of the island's most reliably swimmable shorelines, with a seabed that drops away quickly from shore and consistent sea breezes that keep conditions comfortable even during the warmer months between December and February.
The property is part of the Spanish RIU Hotels group, which operates its sister resort Riu Palace Zanzibar on the same beach. The two hotels share beach access and certain facilities, giving guests a wider footprint than either property offers on its own.
Resort style and facilities
Riu Jambo is a large resort built around the classic all-inclusive model. Multiple swimming pools, bars, and restaurants are spread across the grounds, with entertainment programming running most evenings. The scale of the property means there is generally activity throughout the day without guests needing to leave the complex.
The beach itself sits directly in front of the resort. Water sports and excursion desks are typically available on site, giving families and couples straightforward access to snorkelling trips, dhow cruises, and visits to the sandbanks that emerge at low tide off the north tip of the island.
Who it suits
Riu Jambo is designed for travellers who want a self-contained, all-inclusive holiday with predictable costs and a broad range of amenities. Families with children are well catered for, and the scale of the resort means there is enough going on that guests need not venture out unless they choose to.
The proximity to Nungwi village, a short drive away, means that guests who want to experience local restaurants, dive centres, and the active street life of the north's main settlement can do so without difficulty.
Getting there
Zanzibar Airport is roughly 65 kilometres from the resort. Most guests arrive on pre-arranged transfers, which take between 60 and 90 minutes depending on road conditions. The drive north passes through Stone Town and continues along the west-coast road before cutting inland toward Nungwi.
