To this day, the Zanzibar archipelago represents a true wonder, a unique place where one can spend one’s vacation under the banner of relaxation and unbridled fun.Contrary to what one might think, in fact, going to Zanzibar is the ideal choice for all types of travelers, since this tourist resort offers a number and variety of attractions that are really very interesting and open to anyone.
Perhaps for this reason, too, no unambiguous advice can be given about the best area in which to stay, because in reality wherever you go you can locate different types of accommodations, all of which include every comfort and every resource to make you feel truly comfortable, whether you go in search of adventure, hiking or safari, or for aquatic and sporting activities (for example, diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing) or relaxing (with preference, in this case, for villages including a spa room and resort).
Despite this, there are still small differences that it is fair to make and on which it may be useful and interesting to dwell, especially regarding the tidal phenomenon, which is perhaps the only thing that is really important in determining an effective and intelligent choice. In this case, it will therefore be necessary to make a small distinction between the coasts, preferring the one to the northwest to avoid (or at least limit as much as possible) this phenomenon.
Where to stay in Zanzibar: the best area
That being said, we would like to say that there is no absolute best area because every area of Zanzibar is rich in attractions and prospects for relaxation and entertainment, but some exceptions may make one area preferred over another depending on one’s preferences and needs.
We can say that in principle the entire northwest coast might be preferable, for those people who have never visited Zanzibar, prefer to have a new experience but at the same time more in the comfort zone and wish to immerse themselves in the mundane and tourist life of the area: in this case it will definitely be better to prefer the accommodations and hotels located in the Kendwa and Nungwi areas, which are definitely more mundane and more affordable for those who do not want to stray too far from their habits, including in terms of culture, gastronomy and cuisine.
The best area to immerse oneself in the local culture of the area is Paje, the beach located to the east: however, as we shall see, this is also an area in which one is often faced with the tidal phenomenon, which can be a limitation for some, and it is also for this reason that the area is not very crowded and is preferred by those who like to take a more solitary and quiet trip.
Where to stay in Zanzibar? Useful tips
The main advice one can give to those who want to visit Zanzibar, however, is not to be too intimidated or fooled by one’s own habits or preferences: in fact, this archipelago is so rich in opportunities and offers so many activities to do that one can honestly move from one part to another without precluding too many possibilities. Perhaps one starts out with the idea that one will not want to see the tidal phenomenon even once, only to be fascinated by all that this phenomenon is able to bestow instead, such as, for example, right in Paje, the sight of the local women harvesting the red seaweed much used in the cosmetic and food industries.
Be careful, however, because a clarification should be made: many people think the island is called Zanzibar but in fact Zanzibar is “only” the archipelago in which there are the islands so commonly called. The main island is called Unguja and is basically the one where all the attractions, hotels, and villages are concentrated (or most of them anyway) but Pemba and Mafia are two other small islands that are very interesting because they allow you to enter even more into the local culture. However, given the large concentration of hotels and accommodations on the main island, the other two are also more expensive and that is why it is generally preferable to stay in Unguja and visit the other two islets while having the larger island as a fixed point.
In addition, it is important to know that to enter here you need to have a visa (which also applies to Tanzania) and a valid passport, and that the best time (given a choice) is from June to February, in which there is the dry season followed by the small rainy season in which you can also have different experiences, such as the famous safaris in Tanzania.
Where to stay in Zanzibar with children
If you travel to this beautiful area with children, you should know that the best choice on hotels in which to stay is always on the main island, where you will still also have the opportunity to find a wide range of choices of villages in which there is also specific animation for the little ones.
Since the coast located to the east and its beaches are very quiet and private areas, where it is preferable to go if you are single, or if you are looking for a relaxing vacation even as a couple, those traveling with their children will still have to prefer Nungwi and Kendwa, on the northern coasts.
Zanzibar is also called “The Island of Spices” : this is due to the fact that there are many cultivated spices here and, in fact, there is also an excursion dedicated precisely to the discovery of spices, also done in a quite fun way (with riddles and games also to entertain the little ones). In addition, children will also greatly appreciate the boat excursions in search of dolphins, such as the one called Blue Safari that takes place in Menai Bay.
Where to sleep in Zanzibar: which coast to choose
The location of the coast is important because it is considered decisive in some respects. If you know the characteristics of each coast, in fact, you have the opportunity to choose in the right way because nothing is left to chance and you can receive very positive feedback.
The North Coast of Zanzibar is the one least affected by the tidal phenomenon, it is very lively, and for this reason also very crowded due to the presence of a certain level of nightlife and social life. The northeastern coast offers luxury solutions, such as respectable but obviously not very cheap hotels and resorts.Here it is also possible to snorkel in the coral reef.
The opposite area, that of the south coast, is intermediate: it is affected but not too much by the tidal phenomenon, but it is also rich in opportunities to have other experiences, other than the most well-known activities, and also here there is a lot of interesting clubs in which to have fun.
The east coast offers really beautiful beaches, which also have a very natural look because this is the area most affected by the tidal phenomenon: it is not always easy to swim, and you have to walk far enough to get into the water and snorkel. However, the place where the tidal phenomenon is much more pronounced is the southeastern coast: here it is also very rich in beautiful beaches and very efficient resorts.
In the west, however, there are fewer accommodations, but on the other hand there is the capital Stone Town, which is worth at least a visit (and which we will discuss shortly).
See also the Tanzania price guide.
Zanzibar north, sleeping in Nungwi or Kendwa
Nungwi and Kendwa are the best-known beaches in the northern area and in particular because they are very crowded and lively places, with the lowest number and frequency of tides in the entire archipelago: in addition, the most interesting excursions depart from these villages.
Specifically, we can say that Nungwi is the beach that between the two is located at the northernmost tip, and it allows for many activities including diving and water activities: nightlife is also very enjoyable here, however, there are not a lot of high-level discos because it is an area that focuses mainly on quantity (in fact, it is an area that really suits everyone).
Kendwa is a quiet village with a beautiful beach where the tidal phenomenon is mostly absent but on the other hand there is a lot of wind in July and August.
Also deserving of some attention is the island of Pemba, located further north, where there are small fishing villages, wild and still unspoiled beaches and truly breathtaking views.
In both Nundgwi and Kendwa there are many resorts, for all budgets, and also five-star resorts where you can really find your own peace and harmony, at quite high prices, however: some of these resorts are Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort (where you can also choose full treatment), Sandi Baobab beach, Double Tree by Hilton, with prices as high as $500 per day. Less expensive hotels are Heaven´s door, Sunset Kendwa, Beach baby Lodge, and the Makofi Guesthouse (also known for its BBQ evening and giant hamburgers), with prices hovering around $100 per night.
Zanzibar southeast sleep in Paje by the sea
If you want to go to a quiet beach and you are not afraid of the tidal phenomenon, you should definitely consider Paje: this beach is really crazy, because it still has the flavor of the exotic and unspoiled, but it also offers many facilities for those who want to have a more sporty adventure. In fact, this village is a favorite for those who do water sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing, because there is a very interesting concentration of wind for most of the year; in addition, those who want to experience the thrill of discovering the beauty of the coral reefs certainly cannot miss one of the many appointments in the dedicated diving centers.
Hotels in Stone town, a UNESCO heritage site
Stone Town is the old part of the city, to this day known as a rich place where you can stock up on culture and history, since right here, over the centuries, different populations of various languages and ethnicities have settled here, contributing to make Zanzibar a truly rich and diverse archipelago. You can breathe it in as you stroll through the streets of the center but not only: just about everywhere you can see traces of the many populations that have lived here, in architecture, art, food, beliefs and much more.
It goes without saying that those who want to have a chance to experience these features cannot fail to consider traveling to Stone Town and taking a hotel in this place, which is considered a UNESCO heritage site and which, by the way, was also the birthplace of Queen’s very famous and still beloved frontman Freddie Mercury.
Among the hotels we can recommend are, for example, some luxurious hotels such as Zanzibar Palace Hotel, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Zanzi Resort, in which you can find all kinds of amenities from customized sites in various styles, SPAs, restaurants with a wide selection of wines, buffet breakfast, swimming pool, fitness center, and massage; then there are medium-sized hotels, such as Kisiwa House and Antonio Garden Hotel, which offer intermediate solutions but still all of great quality; and finally cheaper solutions, such as the Bottoms Up Hostel which offers both mixed and private rooms, and shared kitchen.
