Location and setting
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort occupies a beachfront site on the east coast in the Kiwengwa area, one of the longest unbroken stretches of beach on the island. The setting is quintessentially east-coast Zanzibar: a wide band of white sand backed by tropical gardens, with a fringing coral reef visible offshore at low tide and calm, warm shallows between beach and reef.
The Kiwengwa coast is sheltered enough for swimming through most of the day at high and mid-tide, and the beach here is notably wide, giving the resort a generous strip of sand directly in front of its facilities. The Indian Ocean horizon stretches unobstructed to the east, producing vivid sunrise views from the beachfront.
Facilities and grounds
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is a large property with multiple swimming pools distributed across its landscaped grounds. Tropical gardens provide shade and structure throughout the site, and the layout is designed so that most guest accommodation is within easy walking distance of both the beach and the main pool and dining areas.
Multiple restaurants and bars serve the all-inclusive buffet and à la carte options, and the resort typically offers a range of water sports rentals and excursion desks for guests wishing to snorkel, take dhow cruises, or visit offshore sites. A spa and fitness facilities are also available on site.
Who it suits
The resort's scale and facilities make it well suited to families, couples on a first Zanzibar visit, and groups who want a predictable, all-in holiday without the need for significant planning. The all-inclusive format keeps costs visible and contained, and the large grounds mean there is enough space that the property rarely feels overcrowded even when fully booked.
The Kiwengwa location is quieter than Nungwi in terms of village life and nightlife, which some guests prefer. Travellers seeking local restaurants, dive centres, or nightlife have the option of taking a short taxi ride to Nungwi or Pwani Mchangani.
Getting there
Zanzibar Airport is approximately 55 to 65 kilometres from Kiwengwa by road. Transfers take around 50 to 70 minutes and are typically arranged in advance. The road passes through Stone Town and continues northeast along the coast.
