Hotel Riu Jambo is the easy all-inclusive choice on Zanzibar’s north coast, and the best of our picks for families. It stands right on Nungwi Beach, where the sea is good for swimming at most tides and the sun sets over the water, and it runs on a 24-hour all-inclusive basis covering meals, drinks, snacks, activities and entertainment. There are four outdoor pools, a children’s pool and a swim-up bar, plus several specialty restaurants including Italian, Asian and gourmet options, and a restaurant and bar built out over the sea. The RIU Land kids club runs daily activities in two age groups, from 4 to 7 and from 8 to 12, while adults can use the spa and wellness centre, the gym and RIU Fit classes, and try water sports. Evening entertainment is a big part of the stay. Rooms range from doubles with side or full sea views to superior doubles and family rooms. It sits next to its sister resort, the adults-only Riu Palace Zanzibar.
Location and getting around: the resort is on Nungwi Beach at the northern tip of the island, about an hour and a half by road from the airport and from Stone Town. Nungwi village, its beach bars and the dhow yards are within walking distance along the sand, and boats for Mnemba Atoll and sunset sails leave from the beach nearby.
Rooms: Double rooms come with a side sea view or a full sea view, Superior Doubles add space, and Family Rooms are designed for parents with children. Sea-view rooms are worth requesting for the sunsets.
Who it suits: families who want everything taken care of, with a kids club, pools and food on tap, and couples or groups who prefer an all-inclusive holiday with entertainment. It is less suited to travellers who want a small, quiet hotel.
Good to know: check-in is from 15:00 and check-out at noon. Because everything is included, budget for excursions such as the Mnemba trip and Stone Town day trips rather than meals. Use reef-safe sunscreen and drink plenty of water in the midday heat.
Why stay here
- ✓24-hour all-inclusive
- ✓Four outdoor pools
- ✓Children’s pool and swim-up bar
- ✓RIU Land kids club
- ✓Specialty restaurants
- ✓Over-the-sea restaurant and bar
- ✓Spa and wellness centre
- ✓Nightly entertainment
Good questions
Is Hotel Riu Jambo all-inclusive?+
Yes, it is 24-hour all-inclusive, covering meals, drinks, snacks, activities and entertainment. Excursions are extra.
Does Riu Jambo have a kids club?+
Yes, RIU Land runs daily activities for children aged 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. There is also a children’s pool.
Where is Hotel Riu Jambo?+
It is on Nungwi Beach at the northern tip of Zanzibar, about an hour and a half by road from the airport. Nungwi village is within walking distance.
