{"id":72948,"date":"2024-02-16T21:46:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T20:46:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/where-to-stay-in-zanzibar-tips-for-choosing-from-north-to-south\/"},"modified":"2026-10-10T00:11:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T22:11:52","slug":"where-to-stay-in-zanzibar-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-zanzibar-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to stay in Zanzibar: tips for choosing from north to south"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>To <strong>choose where to stay in Zanzibar<\/strong>, you need to start by asking yourself: What do you expect from your days at the beach? On <strong>the north coast<\/strong>, in Nungwi and Kendwa, you can swim almost any time of day, and there\u2019s more nightlife\u2014making it the easiest area for a first-time visit and for families. On <strong>the northeast coast<\/strong>, between Matemwe and Kiwengwa, you\u2019ll find a concentration of resorts and villages offering a wide range of amenities. The <strong>east and southeast coasts<\/strong>, from Michamvi to Jambiani via Paje, are quieter and more authentic, with small lodges and boutique hotels, but with very large tides. <strong>Stone Town<\/strong>, on the west coast, is the ideal base for one or two nights dedicated to history and culture.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that Zanzibar isn\u2019t very big: no matter where you stay, you can reach the main day trips, and many travelers choose to split their stay between the two coasts. In this guide, you\u2019ll find information on the different areas from an accommodation perspective, including types of lodging, price ranges, and tips for those traveling with children or as a couple.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d rather figure out what to see on the island first, start with our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/zanzibars-most-beautiful-area\/\">where to go and what to see in Zanzibar<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-breve\">\n<h2>In a nutshell: Where to Stay in Zanzibar<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>First trip, beaches always suitable for swimming<\/strong>: Kendwa or Nungwi<\/li>\n<li><strong>Families with children<\/strong>: Kendwa, Nungwi, or a resort in Kiwengwa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resorts and villages with full amenities<\/strong>: Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Matemwe<\/li>\n<li><strong>Couples and honeymoons<\/strong>: Michamvi, Matemwe, or a small lodge on the east coast<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kitesurfing and a youthful vibe<\/strong>: Paje<\/li>\n<li><strong>Peace and quiet and village life<\/strong>: Jambiani, Bwejuu<\/li>\n<li><strong>Culture and history<\/strong>: Stone Town, for one or two nights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Before You Choose: The Tides<\/h2>\n<p>The most important factor in choosing accommodations isn\u2019t the property\u2019s category, but the tide. Zanzibar is surrounded by shallow lagoons and a coral reef: twice a day, along certain coastlines, the sea recedes hundreds of meters.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>North (Nungwi, Kendwa)<\/strong>: The tides are barely noticeable, the seabed drops off quickly, and you can swim almost any time of day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Northeast (Matemwe, Kiwengwa)<\/strong>: pronounced tides; many resorts compensate with swimming pools and piers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>East and Southeast (Paje, Bwejuu, Jambiani)<\/strong>: very large tides. At low tide, the lagoon becomes a vast expanse of sand and pools to explore on foot, with women working in the seaweed farms; for swimming, you\u2019ll have to wait for high tide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Michamvi<\/strong>, on the Chwaka Bay side: more moderate tides and sunsets over the sea.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Those who want to swim at any time should head north; those willing to work around the tide schedule will find quieter beaches and a more authentic atmosphere on the east coast. Many, who set out with the idea of avoiding the tides, end up appreciating them: the lagoon, which changes by the hour, is one of the island\u2019s most beautiful sights.<\/p>\n<h2>Places to Stay<\/h2>\n<h3>North: Nungwi and Kendwa<\/h3>\n<p>This is the most popular area and the easiest choice for a first visit. The sea is suitable for swimming almost all day long, the sunsets are the most beautiful on the island, and many boat trips and diving excursions depart from here. <strong>Nungwi<\/strong>, on the northern tip, is Zanzibar\u2019s liveliest town, with restaurants, bars, and a bit of nightlife, but it remains a fishing village where dhows are still built by hand. <strong>Kendwa<\/strong>, a little further south, has a wide beach and a more relaxed atmosphere, livened up on some evenings by beach parties.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Accommodations<\/strong>: You can find everything here, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, including many resorts popular with Italians. It is also one of the areas with the highest average prices during peak season.<br \/>\n<strong>Ideal for<\/strong>: first-time travelers, families, and anyone who wants to swim without worrying about the tides.<\/p>\n<h3>Northeast: Matemwe, Kiwengwa, and Pwani Mchangani<\/h3>\n<p>A long stretch of white-sand beaches where most of the island\u2019s large resorts and tourist villages are concentrated, often offering all-inclusive packages, entertainment, and swimming pools. Further north, <strong>Matemwe<\/strong> is quieter and less developed, with smaller accommodations and views of the Mnemba Atoll\u2014the island\u2019s best spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Accommodations<\/strong>: mid- to high-end resorts and vacation villages, as well as a few luxury lodges in Matemwe.<br \/>\n<strong>Ideal for<\/strong>: families, those looking for a resort with all the amenities, and snorkeling enthusiasts.<\/p>\n<h3>East: Michamvi, Pingwe, Bwejuu, and Dongwe<\/h3>\n<p>Endless beaches, palm trees, and very few people. The <strong>Michamvi<\/strong> Peninsula has the advantage of partially overlooking Chwaka Bay, where you can swim even at low tide and watch the sunset over the sea; in <strong>Pingwe<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find the famous restaurant built on a rock. <strong>Bwejuu<\/strong> and <strong>Dongwe<\/strong> are among the island\u2019s most scenic beaches, featuring small boutique hotels and lodges.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Accommodations<\/strong>: boutique hotels, small lodges, and a few charming resorts.<br \/>\n<strong>Ideal for<\/strong>: couples, honeymoons, and those seeking tranquility.<\/p>\n<h3>Southeast: Paje and Jambiani<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Paje<\/strong> is Zanzibar\u2019s kitesurfing capital: the shallow lagoon and steady winds for most of the year make it perfect for beginners, and the atmosphere is young and casual, with beach bars, kitesurfing schools, and dive centers. <strong>Jambiani<\/strong>, further south, is a cluster of villages stretching along about six kilometers of beach, where local life unfolds right before your eyes: we cover it in <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/jambiani-zanzibar-what-to-see\/\">our guide to Jambiani<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Accommodations<\/strong>: guesthouses, small hotels and lodges, and a few boutique resorts; prices are generally lower than in the north.<br \/>\n<strong>Ideal for<\/strong>: kitesurfers, young travelers, and those seeking authenticity and a slow pace of life.<\/p>\n<h3>South and Southwest: Kizimkazi and Menai Bay<\/h3>\n<p>The south is the least developed area from a tourism perspective, with only a few isolated accommodations. It serves as the starting point for dolphin-watching boat trips in Kizimkazi and dhow excursions in Menai Bay, but visitors typically make day trips here rather than using it as a base. The exception is those seeking a truly secluded lodge.<\/p>\n<h3>West: Stone Town<\/h3>\n<p>The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the historic heart of Zanzibar: narrow alleys, carved doors, spice markets, the sultans\u2019 palaces, the Slave Memorial, and the house where Freddie Mercury grew up. It\u2019s not a beach destination, but spending a night or two here\u2014upon arrival or before departure\u2014is the best way to experience the island\u2019s culture and visit the Forodhani evening market. All the places to visit are listed in our <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/tanzania-stone-town\/\">guide to Stone Town<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Accommodations<\/strong>: historic hotels in restored old mansions, boutique hotels with rooftop terraces, a few luxury hotels along the waterfront, and hostels for budget travelers.<br \/>\n<strong>Ideal for<\/strong>: those who want to combine the beach and culture, with arrivals and departures on evening or morning flights.<\/p>\n<h2>A Comparison of the Areas<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Area<\/th>\n<th>Tides<\/th>\n<th>Atmosphere<\/th>\n<th>Type of Accommodations<\/th>\n<th>For whom<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Nungwi, Kendwa<\/td>\n<td>Read<\/td>\n<td>Lively<\/td>\n<td>All categories, many villages<\/td>\n<td>First-time travelers, families<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani<\/td>\n<td>Featured<\/td>\n<td>Resorts<\/td>\n<td>All-inclusive resorts and villages<\/td>\n<td>Families, those who want all the amenities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Matemwe<\/td>\n<td>Marked<\/td>\n<td>Peaceful<\/td>\n<td>Charming lodges and resorts<\/td>\n<td>Couples, snorkeling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Michamvi, Bwejuu<\/td>\n<td>Wide (overlooking the bay)<\/td>\n<td>Quiet<\/td>\n<td>Boutique hotels and lodges<\/td>\n<td>Couples, Honeymoons<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Paje<\/td>\n<td>Very spacious<\/td>\n<td>Young, athletic<\/td>\n<td>Guesthouses, small hotels<\/td>\n<td>Kitesurfing, mid-range budget<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Jambiani<\/td>\n<td>Very spacious<\/td>\n<td>Authentic<\/td>\n<td>Guesthouse, lodge<\/td>\n<td>Peace and quiet, local life<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Stone Town<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>Historic City<\/td>\n<td>Hotels in historic residences, boutique hotels<\/td>\n<td>1\u20132 nights of culture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>What Kind of Resort to Choose<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Italian resorts<\/strong>: mainly concentrated in the north and northeast, offering entertainment, Italian cuisine, Italian-speaking staff, and organized excursions. Ideal for first-time visitors and families, but less suitable for those who want to explore the island beyond the resort.<\/li>\n<li><strong>International resorts<\/strong>: large resorts with swimming pools, spas, and often all-inclusive packages, located on the north and northeast coasts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Boutique hotels and lodges<\/strong>: few rooms, local-style architecture, a refined atmosphere, and personalized service; common along the east coast and in Stone Town.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guesthouses and small hotels<\/strong>: the most economical option, often family-run, and very common in Paje, Jambiani, and Nungwi.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Private islands and exclusive lodges<\/strong>: on the Mnemba Atoll or nearby islets, for those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, with very high prices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How much does it cost to stay in Zanzibar<\/h2>\n<p>? Prices vary greatly depending on the season: they are highest in August and during the end-of-year holidays, and lowest in April and May, during the long rainy season, when some accommodations close. As a rough guide, for a double room per night:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Category<\/th>\n<th>Estimated price per night<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Guesthouses and hostels<\/td>\n<td>40\u2013100 USD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mid-range hotels and lodges<\/td>\n<td>100\u2013250 USD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>High-end resorts and boutique hotels<\/td>\n<td>250\u2013500 USD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Luxury and Private Islands<\/td>\n<td>over 500 USD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>In addition to these costs, there is a tourist tax charged by the accommodations and, to enter the archipelago, mandatory health insurance costing 44 USD per person\u2014the same coverage that will be required throughout Tanzania starting October 1, 2026. For a comprehensive estimate of the trip, including the safari, check out our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/tanzania-safari-prices\/\">the costs of a safari in Tanzania<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Where to Stay in Zanzibar with Children<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re traveling with children, it\u2019s best to choose an area where you can swim without having to worry about the tides: <strong>Kendwa<\/strong> and <strong>Nungwi<\/strong> are the most convenient options. Alternatively, a resort in <strong>Kiwengwa<\/strong> with a pool and a kids\u2019 club lets you relax even at low tide. The east coast, with its lagoons, is beautiful to explore\u2014even for children\u2014but requires more planning, and water shoes are essential.<\/p>\n<p>Among the experiences best suited for young children are the  <strong>Spice Tour<\/strong>, which tour guides often turn into a game of riddles and tastings, the giant tortoises of  <strong>Prison Island<\/strong>, the red colobus monkeys of the forest in  <strong>Jozani<\/strong>  and dhow trips in the  <strong>Menai Sound<\/strong>, with snorkeling and sandbars. For those who want to combine a beach vacation with a safari, our  <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/trips-to-tanzania\/safari-sea-extension-zanzibar\/private-trip-in-tanzania-and-zanzibar-with-family\/\">family package<\/a>  It&#8217;s designed to fit children&#8217;s schedules.<\/p>\n<h2>How many nights and how to plan them<\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ll need at least <strong>5\u20137 nights<\/strong> in Zanzibar, especially if your stay follows a safari. Here\u2019s a schedule that works well:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>1\u20132 nights in Stone Town<\/strong>, upon arrival or before departure;<\/li>\n<li><strong>4\u20136 nights at the beach<\/strong>, in the area of your choice based on your priorities;<\/li>\n<li>If you have more time, <strong>split your beach stay between two coastlines<\/strong>\u2014for example, a few nights in the north and a few nights in the east\u2014to experience two different atmospheres.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From the airport and from Stone Town, the beach areas are about an hour\u2019s drive away; Nungwi and Kendwa take a little longer. Traveling from one coast to the other usually takes an hour or an hour and a half.<\/p>\n<h2>Pemba and Mafia: Alternatives for Those Seeking Secluded Islands<\/h2>\n<p>Zanzibar is an archipelago: the main island\u2014the one everyone calls Zanzibar\u2014is actually called <strong>Unguja<\/strong>, and that\u2019s where almost all the accommodations are concentrated. The second island in the archipelago is <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/destinations\/tanzania-islands\/pemba-island\/\">Pemba<\/a>, a green, hilly island with almost no tourism, featuring just a few isolated lodges and some of the most beautiful underwater scenery in the Indian Ocean. Further south, outside the archipelago,<a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/destinations\/tanzania-islands\/mafia-island\/\">the island of Mafia<\/a> is famous for diving and whale sharks. Accommodations are scarce on both islands, and transportation is less frequent, so costs are higher: they\u2019re a good choice for those who\u2019ve already visited Zanzibar or are looking for a truly secluded getaway.<\/p>\n<h2>Practical Tips<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Book well in advance<\/strong> for August and the end-of-year holidays: the best accommodations fill up many months in advance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Half-board or all-inclusive?<\/strong> In remote areas, such as the east coast or Matemwe, half-board or all-inclusive options are convenient because there are few restaurants nearby; in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and Stone Town, it\u2019s better to leave a few dinners open.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check the beachfront location<\/strong>: even within the same area, the distance from the sea and the stretch of beach can make a big difference at low tide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best time<\/strong> to<strong>visit<\/strong>: The best months are June through October and December through February; April and May are the rainiest. A month-by-month breakdown is available in the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/best-time-to-visit-zanzibar\/\">the best time to visit Zanzibar<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Documents<\/strong>: You\u2019ll need a passport, a visa for Tanzania, and mandatory travel insurance; everything is explained in the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/tanzania-and-zanzibar-visa\/\">visas and entry requirements<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary>What\u2019s the best area to stay in Zanzibar?<\/summary>\n<p>For first-time visitors and families, the north\u2014including Kendwa and Nungwi\u2014where the sea is suitable for swimming almost any time of day. For tranquility and an authentic atmosphere, the east and southeast coasts, from Michamvi to Jambiani. For resorts with all the amenities, the northeast coast around Kiwengwa.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Is it better to stay in the north or south of Zanzibar?<\/summary>\n<p>The north is better for a beach vacation and relaxation, because the tides aren\u2019t very noticeable there. The southeast, with Paje and Jambiani, is quieter and more affordable, but the tides are much more pronounced: to go swimming, you\u2019ll need to check the high tide schedule.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Is it worth staying in Stone Town?<\/summary>\n<p> Yes, for a night or two, upon arrival or before departure. Stone Town isn&#8217;t a beach town, but it&#8217;s the best way to experience the island&#8217;s history and culture.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Where to stay in Zanzibar with kids?<\/summary>\n<p> Kendwa and Nungwi, where you can swim regardless of the tides, or a resort with a pool and kids&#8217; club in Kiwengwa.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<p> Choosing the right accommodation is easier when you know the island. <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Tell us who you&#8217;re traveling with and what kind of vacation you imagine<\/a> : we&#8217;ll suggest the most suitable area and type of accommodation, to include after the safari. To see how parks and the sea combine, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/trips-to-tanzania\/safari-sea-extension-zanzibar\/\">safaris with accommodation in Zanzibar<\/a> .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To choose where to stay in Zanzibar, you need to start by asking yourself: What do you expect from your days at the beach? On the north coast, in Nungwi and Kendwa, you can swim almost any time of day, and there\u2019s more nightlife\u2014making it the easiest area for a first-time visit and for families. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":60689,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[381],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zanzibar"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72948"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76035,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72948\/revisions\/76035"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60689"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}