Jafferji House is a characterful guesthouse in the middle of Stone Town’s UNESCO-listed old quarter, and it is the pick for travellers who want to wake up among carved doors, narrow lanes and the call to prayer. It is a four-class property with a small number of suites, each with its own personality: the Signature Suite has a four-poster canopy bed, the Superior Suite sleeps three, and individually themed rooms carry names that nod to the island’s history and its most famous native son. The rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, a safe, a flat-screen television, a kettle, tea and coffee, bathrobes, free bottled water and free wifi. A full breakfast is served daily at no charge, and the Alchemy Rooftop restaurant and terrace give you somewhere for sunset drinks and dinner over the rooftops of the old town. There is a garden, and a spa offers facials, body scrubs, wraps, manicures and couples treatment rooms. There is no pool, and the guesthouse is built around stairs, so it suits mobile travellers. The multilingual staff can organise spice tours, Prison Island trips, dhow cruises and transfers.
Location and getting around
The guesthouse stands on Gizenga Street, so almost everything you want to see in Stone Town is within a few minutes on foot. Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort and Shangani Beach are about two minutes away, Christ Church Cathedral three, and the former Slave Market about seven. The House of Wonders, the Freddie Mercury Museum and the old door carvings are a short stroll, and Maru Maru Terrace and Livingstone Beach are among the closest places to eat.
The airport is about twenty-four minutes by car, and a twenty-four-hour shuttle can be arranged for a fee, so tell the guesthouse your arrival details before you travel.
The rooms
With so few rooms, each is different. The Signature Suite is compact but romantic with its four-poster, while the Superior Suite is larger and suits three guests. The themed rooms are fun for photographers and history lovers. Light sleepers should ask about soundproofing and street noise, since Stone Town is lively during the day and in the evening. Mosquito nets are provided, and rooms are cooled by air conditioning.
Things to do
Walk the lanes at dawn before the heat, visit the markets and the Old Fort, and take a sunset dhow cruise from the harbour. Spice tours and a trip to Prison Island leave from nearby, and the east coast and Jozani Forest are within a half-day trip. The rooftop is a pleasant spot to watch the town wind down.
Who it suits and what to know: Jafferji House suits couples, history lovers, photographers and independent travellers who want to stay inside the old town. It is a stairs-only property with uneven walkways nearby, and parking is not available, so it is best for people with light luggage. Cards are the usual payment method, so check what is accepted. Check-in is afternoon and arrivals after four in the afternoon should be arranged in advance. Cribs are not available. Book ahead for the dry months of June to October and December to February.
Why stay here
- ✓Two minutes to Forodhani Gardens and the Old Fort
- ✓Individually themed suites
- ✓Free full breakfast
- ✓Alchemy Rooftop restaurant and terrace
- ✓Spa with couples treatment rooms
- ✓Air conditioning and mosquito nets
- ✓Free wifi
- ✓24-hour airport shuttle for a fee
Good questions
Where is Jafferji House?+
It is on Gizenga Street in the heart of Stone Town. Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort and Shangani Beach are about two minutes away on foot.
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, a full breakfast is served daily at no charge. The Alchemy Rooftop is available for other meals and drinks.
Does it have a pool?+
No, there is no pool. The guesthouse has a rooftop, a garden and a spa, and the beach and harbour are a short walk away.
