Zanzibar
Zanzibar comprises of over fifty islands. The main island Unguja better known as Zanzibar, is just a twenty-minute flight from the mainland of Tanzania.
We think it is an enchanted island. The name conjures up romance, heat and tranquillity. Few countries can equal Zanzibar’s long fine white sandy beaches, blood red sunsets with warm aquamarine waters providing the setting for superb diving and snorkelling.
Its history is steeped in romance and mystique. Zanzibar is essentially a nineteenth century phenomenon with its slave and ivory trades and spice plantations. There is no place quite like it.
Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys leading to sultan’s palaces with intricate carved doors, steeped in mystique, culture and busy bazaars rich with trade and spice. During the 1800′s cloves were introduced, and to this day Zanzibar is still a major producer of this exotic spice.
Emerson’s, once a family home of a wealthy merchant now world famous is a great experience, especially the roof top restaurant.
Miles of white sand clear blue water, sea anemones floating about in warm currents and hundreds of tropical fish darting in and out of the coral. Not to mention a divers heaven.
Most of the beach hotels offer some form of water sport or other. Matemwe for example avoids motorised boats where possible and makes use of dhows as their dive boats. Ras Nungwi offer extensive programs again with emphasis on minimal impact.
The north and eastern coasts possess some of the most breathtaking beaches, including a private island called Mnemba. The location is stunning.
Lodges in Zanzibar
Formerly known as the Emerson & Green hotel, 235 Hurumzi is the second tallest building in Stone Town. Set amidst the minarets and church spires, the hotel was once the home of one of the richest men in the Swahili empire and has recently been renovated with original Zanzibari antiques. Enter the hotel through imposing Read More
Situated on Zanzibar’s east coast, right on the white sand beach, is the small boutique hotel of Anna of Zanzibar. The hotel is only about an hour’s drive from Stone Town, right between Jambiani and Raz Michamvi. Named after the traditional trading currency of olden times, the hotel offers 5 star luxury in a colonial Read More
The Baraza Resort lies on the south eastern coast of the island of Zanzibar, along the award winning Bwejuu beach, recently voted by Conde Nast as one of the top 30 island beaches in the world. This beautiful boutique Villa resort evokes the heritage of Zanzibar dating back to the era of the Sultans. Approximately Read More
Breezes is a very friendly 4* hotel, with attentive staff and an amazing array of restaurants. It is located on the Michamvi Peninsula on a fantastic stretch of powdery white sandy beach about an hour from Stone Town. Breezes is very popular with honeymooners as it offers the right combination of luxury, intimacy and choice. Read More
This small, upmarket hotel is situated just up the road from Breezes Resort. It has a fantastic beach location and offers excellent personal service in a peaceful and less crowded setting. There are just 9 large private villas offering guests stylish accommodation with African style architecture. Each villa is individually designed and has state of Read More
If you are looking for a reasonably priced hotel, offering great value for money but set within walking distance from Nungwi’s centre, then Flame Tree Cottages will probably fit the bill. This small property is situated along the turquoise coastline of the northern most tip of the exotic island of Zanzibar. Set in tropical gardens, Read More
Fumba Beach Lodge is situated in the south of Zanzibar, in the Menai Bay Conservation Area, which was set up in 1998. The project was designed to teach villagers the importance of protecting their natural heritage and show how Eco-tourism could survive without damaging the environment. It boasts over 40 acres of grounds protected by Read More
Situated in Matemwe, on the north east coast of Zanzibar, the Kasha Boutique hotel is set on a fabulous stretch of white sand beach. The hotel itself is built on a coral cliff with great views over the Mnemba Atoll reef. Consisting of just 11 Swahili style luxury sea view villas, each is named after Read More
Kilindi Resort is situated approximately 1 hours drive from Stonetown on the north-western tip of the exotic island of Zanzibar. The hotel offers views across the age-old dhow trading routes. The hotel is a uniquely styled luxury property set in 54 acres and built around a 25 metre swimming pool. The rooms are known as Read More
The Matemwe Bungalows are located on the north east coast of Zanzibar, close to Matemwe village. The whole lodge was completely upgraded in 2005 and is part of the Asilia Group. The property has twelve thatched cottages and four deluxe bungalows. Each room is large and has plenty of space with an en-suite bathroom, with Read More
Matemwe Retreat is located on an remarkable stretch of private land, just north of Matemwe’s main lodge opposite the Mnemba Atoll. This new “retreat” is constructed by local craftsmen, and where possible from local materials. Walls are of local stone and roofs are made of makuti (woven palm leaves). Most of the furniture is made Read More
Mbweni Ruins Hotel is on the sheltered West Coast, 6 kilometres from Stone Town and the Harbour. Set in luscious botanic gardens, gradually leading down from the ruins to the beach, the grounds are home and paradise to many species of butterflies and birds. Mangroves dot the sea, providing a habitat for jewelled fish and Read More
Situated on the north east coast of Zanzibar, the Mchange Beach Lodge is set on a powder white sand beach offering spectacular views of the white sand beaches and swaying coconut palms. There are 6 sea view lodge rooms and 2 garden suites. The sea view lodge rooms feature a hand crafted four poster bed, Read More
A small, intimate property of just 16 rooms, Pongwe Beach Lodge is set on one of the best beaches on Zanzibar, a little off the beaten track on the north eastern side of the island. The secluded beach is set between two coral outcrops and has a number of loungers and hammocks where guests can Read More
Set on the northern tip of Zanzibar, the Ras Nungwi hotel was refurbished and updated during 2006/7. Built from hand-cut fossilized coral limestone and other natural materials, the 19 lodge rooms and 35 chalets are clean and bright. The reef is nearby and at low tide it is possible to see plenty of marine life Read More
Shooting Star Lodge is a small relaxed family run hotel situated on the eastern coast of Zanzibar, set in a stunning location amid mature tropical gardens. It is a small hotel, with just 14 rooms set in traditional style bungalows which are all lime washed with makuti roofs. All rooms have high beamed ceilings and Read More
The Sultan Sands hotel is situated on the east coast of Zanzibar, approximately 1 hours drive from the International airport. It is set next to its sister hotel, the Blue Bay Beach Resort & Spa, on the beach at Kiwengwa amidst 25 acres of landscaped gardens that contain over 1000 palm trees. It is named Read More
Located in the busy heart of Stonetown, capital of the exotic island of Zanzibar, the Swahili House was originally a 19th century Indian Merchants house. Following this, it became home to one of the many Sultan families before becoming a hotel a number of years ago. Situated in the centre of the capital, the bustling Read More
Tembo House Hotel is a historic property, a mansion house set on the sea front in the heart of Stone Town. It is approximately 10 minutes from the airport and is surrounded by historic buildings. Although the hotel is set on a long stretch of beach, this is not really a beach property, just a Read More
Located on the south eastern coast of the tropical island of Zanzibar, The Palms offers its guests a relaxing beach holiday in a 5 star resort, set in tropical gardens leading to a white sand beach. There are just 6 spacious private villas, each of which has a separate living area and bedroom, en suite Read More
The Unguja Beach Lodge can be found on the southern tip of Zanzibar, which means it is able to capture some of the finest sunrise and sunset scenes on the Island. The waters around this area are known to be very popular with Dolphins, and therefore this is ideal choice for those visitors wanting to Read More
This hotel, opened early in 2009, is located on the northern tip of the island of Zanzibar. Designed as a chic, boutique property, it has 35 rooms set in lush, tropical gardens leading to the white sand beach. The standard of the hotel is very high, blending elegant, contemporary design with traditional Zanzibari features. Each Read More
