The first decision in Zanzibar is not which hotel but which part of the island. Stone Town and the beaches feel like different trips, and most first-time visitors are happiest splitting their stay: a couple of nights in town to explore, then several nights on the coast to swim, snorkel and rest. Here are the two areas that work best for a first visit, with our picks in each.
Stone Town: for history, food and easy day trips
Staying in the old town puts you within walking distance of the Old Fort, the Old Slave Market, the Freddie Mercury Museum and the Forodhani Gardens night market, and most tours, including Prison Island, the spice farms and Safari Blue, pick up free from Stone Town hotels. The best address is Shangani, the seafront quarter at the western tip of town. Park Hyatt Zanzibar is the splurge: 67 rooms and suites on the beach, a seafront pool, a spa and The Dining Room over the dhow harbour. Next door, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers old-world character in two restored historic buildings, with 51 rooms, a palm-fringed pool and Friday Swahili Nights. For a central stay at a moderate price, Turaco Spice Tree, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel on Shangani Street, has 58 boutique rooms and a rooftop restaurant with sea views.
Nungwi and Kendwa: for sunsets and swimming
The northern tip of the island faces west, so the sun sets over the sea, and the water here stays swimmable at most tides, unlike much of the east coast. Boats for Mnemba Atoll and sunset dhow sails leave from these beaches. Turaco Nungwi Resort, another Tribute Portfolio hotel, is our good-value pick for couples and adults, with a sandy beach, a pool with a swim-up bar and a seafood grill by the sand; note that guests must be 18 or over. For families, Hotel Riu Jambo on Nungwi Beach is a 24-hour all-inclusive resort with four pools, a children’s pool, the RIU Land kids club and plenty of entertainment.
The east and south-east coasts
Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi have long white beaches, kitesurfing and a laid-back village feel, and are close to Jozani Forest. The sea retreats far at low tide, which makes swimming tide-dependent, so check tide times. They suit return visitors and kitesurfers.
Matching base to trip
For luxury and the old town on your doorstep, Park Hyatt Zanzibar. For heritage character with a pool, the Zanzibar Serena. For a central stay at a fair price, Turaco Spice Tree. For couples on the sunset coast, Turaco Nungwi Resort. For families who want everything included, Hotel Riu Jambo.
Practical tips
Book early for late December to February and for July and August. Transfers between Stone Town and the north coast take about an hour and a half, so plan your move for the middle of the day and avoid backtracking. Many beach hotels arrange excursions, but pickups from the coast to Stone Town tours often cost extra, which is one more reason to do the town sights while you are staying there.