Boutique Hotels in Zanzibar

A hand-picked and personally reviewed portfolio of beautiful boutique hotels, B&B's and houses to rent in Zanzibar, with an insider's travel guide to Zanzibar - all backed up by an award-winning online booking service and great special offers.

Zanzibar

Why go?

Everyone has heard of Zanzibar, but few know where it is. It could almost be fictitious, one of those mythical names that conjure up exotic spices, tropical fruit and magnificent Sultans.

Happily for us, it does exist, sitting just off the coast of Tanzania (Tanganyika) in east Africa. And so do the exotic spices and tropical fruit: bananas, pineapples, cloves, passion fruit, coconuts and palms are everywhere. The Sultans exist too - or they did until recently - trading these commodities, as well as slaves, with the Arab and Indian world. Which is how it came to be known as the spice islands.

Zanzibar consists of two larger islands - Unguja (the main one) and Pemba - as well as a dozen smaller ones. Further south is the archipelago of Mafia. All of them are ringed by dazzlingly white beaches, turquoise waters and colourful corals. Put on a mask and flippers and you have a ready-made aquatic safari - easily combined with a terrestrial safari by taking a short flight across the Indian Ocean to some of Africa’s best game parks. See our Tanzania safari guide .

The Zanzibari people are friendly and colourful, their pace is unashamedly African, their seafood is top notch. The climate is hot and bright for 10 months of the year, and only a couple of time zones away from Europe. And there are some idyllic places to stay.

Any Downsides?

It’s one of the poorest countries in the world, so don’t expect much infrastructure. Outside the capital, Stone Town, there’s little sightseeing. Its remoteness and high tourist levies make it quite expensive. It’s often humid, and distinctly wet in April and May. You'll need to take anti-malarial precautions. Gay travellers beware - gay sex is now illegal. As with all African countries, you may encounter creepy crawlies, stinging fish, stomach bugs and other troublesome creatures. And you should be aware of the implications of travelling in a Muslim country, albeit not a hardline one.
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What's where?

  • Jambiani & Southeast: Glistening palm-fringed beaches and a wonderfully mellow pace. Dolphin watch at Kizimkazi, see the monkeys at Jozani Forest or relax in a hammock Read More >>
  • Matemwe & North: Brilliant white sandy beaches, some of the best swimming, snorkelling and diving on the island. Mnemba Island is a mecca for snorkellers and divers Read More >>
  • Pemba Island: Largely unexplored and undeveloped with fine beaches, mangrove lined coastlines, coral gardens & nature reserves Read More >>
  • Stone Town & around: Bustling with life, colour and faded grandeur, Zanzibar's main town is worth a visit - see the Forodhani gardens, spice sights & the People's Palace Read More >>

Current Weather – Time

In Zanzibar:

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