Top Hotels in Zanzibar Archipelago Lodges
Top Things to do in Zanzibar Archipelago
10 Lodges in Zanzibar Archipelago: Best hotel deals for 2023
A group of islands and islets some 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast, the Zanzibar Archipelago is headlined by Unguja (often referred to simply as Zanzibar) and Pemba. Once a separate nation, Zanzibar has a long history of trade with the Arab world, dating back to at least the 11th century. The capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many interesting historic attractions. Zanzibar's bright white beaches and nearby coral reefs make it very popular with the sun and sea set.
Things to do in Zanzibar Archipelago
1. Matemwe Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow, coral-fringed lagoon on the quiet northeastern coast of Zanzibar Island, Matemwe Lodge’s blissful location and famously relaxed atmosphere make it the ideal place to unwind. Whether you take a break in a hammock or dive the depths of the Indian Ocean, Matemwe Lodge provides an unbeatable island escape.
Favorite Place in Tanzania
Reviewed By Josh CWe just spent two weeks in Tanzania and our four days at Matemwe were our favorite. The rooms were super clean, spacious, and with spectacular views. The meals were amazing (dinner on the beach, bbq buffet, superb fresh fish and fruit...). The snorkeling was perhaps the best I have experienced and swimming with a pod of 18 dolphins is something we will all remember forever. But what made the visit were the people. The staff was unbelievably attentive and kind. We were so sad to leave!
2. Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 305 reviews
Kilindi Zanzibar, comprising of a series of white-domed Pavilion guest rooms all set in 50 acres of lush tropical gardens, is a rarity in the world of luxury boutique hotels. Originally designed for Benny Andersson - one of the members of the 1970's pop group ABBA - Kilindi is a true blend of the very best of diverse cultures to be found in Tanzania and on its adjacent island of Zanzibar. Kilindi achieves the perfect marriage between Scandinavian minimalism and the dramatic architectural overtones of Middle Eastern heritage, whilst encouraging an open, 'back-to-nature' ambiance throughout. In each of the Pavilion suites, white wooden-slatted shutters embrace wide-arched glassless windows each affording spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. This same openness allows the gentle ocean breeze to waft throughout each of the rooms and carry with it the delightful soundtrack of Kilindi's colourful birdlife. Any stay at Kilindi will be a delight for the senses.
Wonderful Well-being Place
Reviewed By CaMaCuAmazing place in the middle of nature with beautiful views, excellent food and last but not least best people. Special thanks to Sigi who made our stay unforgettable, best guest ambassador on Zanzibar!
3. Gecko Nature Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Kervan Saray Beach Lodge is now the newly upgraded Gecko Nature Lodge a series of large airy bungalows. Started as simple accommodation for divers , the Gecko Nature Lodge has evolved into a comfortable lodge for scuba divers, birders, sea kayakers, adventurous souls, as well as yoga retreat and a place to relax and unwind. An upgraded bar, pool, restaurant and expanded deck, allow our guests to really relax. new secret hideaways with Hammocks and DayBeds have been created providing privacy and serenity for our guests. The Hotel is also home to SWAHILI DIVERS, Pemba’s first dive center. Offering NITROX, day and night dives, Teck Dives, side mount, twin back mount, stage tanks and other specialities. Gecko Nature Lodge is owner managed 100% of the time. The hotel offers many excursions both on water and on the island Sandbank tour, Kayaking the mangroves and picking delicious oysters, Sunset Cruises, Deep Sea fishing, Ngezi Forest Tour to name a few. On land we arrange visits to ruins and museum, spice farm tours, flying fox reserve Chake Chake Market tour Essential Oils distillery tours etc. We are the only providers of kayaks rentals on the island, let us plan a day for you
Super diving (tech if you want it) on a way out island. I'll return!
Reviewed By G4364JOadammMy sole motivation for visiting Swahili Divers was to get back into scuba after a 2.5 year covid pause. I’ve done a bunch to tech diving, and was very attracted to the NITROX fills this resort offers. Mike was very accommodating with my many questions and changing schedule, and ultimately I brought only the minimum gear I use for backmount. The diving is really good. I was surprised to see vast, intact coral reefs. Mike explained that these reefs were destroyed in the tsunami in 2005, but have regenerated. There is basically zero trash in the water, and no damage from boat anchors. As you would expect there was a lot of variability from day-to-day and site-to-site but the viz was always >25m. In common with many regions fishing has reduced the fish populations; there are a few places which teem with activity. Wall dives were a special feature—there are lots of them. One dive gave us lots of hang time with two Napoleon wrasses, the best I’ve seen. Of course there was plenty of macro. Currents ranged from calm to shifting, but Mike read these accurately and adjusted the dive profile to match. The dive boat followed our bubbles. After a couple of days I wanted to switch to sidemount. Mike had sidemount rigs to rent. So I enjoyed two long (60-75 min) nitrox dives with a surface interval before a late lunch, and thus had the afternoons free for other diversions. A civil engineer by profession, Mike blends his nitrox and maintains all of his equipment to high standards. There is a real commitment to safety. He is very pragmatic and resourceful, and has a well-equipped workshop. I opted to stay at the resort which offers great value and made it easy to dive, especially at night. The bungalows are simple concrete/cinder block construction, rustic and comfortable. Nothing fancy. The a/c units were new and kept things comfy at night. Staff were friendly and helpful. Given the remote location, I was delighted with the kitchen—there was a great selection of conventional, and vege/vegan options. Cecilia has trained the staff well—one evening we enjoyed sashimi, and dim sum on another. A simple bar completes the resort, and I usually had a passion fruit smoothie cocktail while watching the sun set over the ocean. Perfecto. After five days I was sorry to depart. Summary: Swahili Divers/Gecko is an unfussy place, which offers great diving and accommodation in a tough operating environment. Nitrox is always an advantage.
4. Sele's Bungalows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
We are a small hotel small hotel situated on the North East Coast of Zanzibar, very close to Mnemba Island which is famous for stunning dive and snorkling. We have 8 rooms all en suite with hot water, air-condition and a balcony with a garden view. We also have a nice swimming pool to relax in when it is low tide. We serve delicous food with all the local spices infused in our dishes and a full bar with exoctic cocktails a must to try. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens where you can just relax and enjoy Zanzibar.
Great atmosphere
Reviewed By maciekt838I highly recommend Sele’s Bungalows to people who are looking for place to have some chill and fun at the gorgeous beach. Atmosphere of that place is great. Live music three or four times a week and great food and drinks everyday. Staff and management are very helpful and accommodating.
5. Driftwood Beach Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 76 reviews
Driftwood beach lodge is a recently renovated, 9 roomed lodge. Situated in Jambiani on the South East coast of Zanzibar. Our rooms all have bathrooms en suite, Zanzibari beds with mosquito nets and fans. We have a few air-con rooms now and are continuing with installations. In addition 2 new Garden/Sea-view bungalows have recently been built. Our open plan dining area and Pub and new swimming pool are close to the beach. Breakfast is included in our rate and Lunches and Dinners can be chosen from our restaurant menu. We have a TV lounge available and we have free Wifi. Jambiani is a favourite kite surfing destination, however local boat rides, fishing, diving and bicycle tours are available locally. On site managers provide a casual, comfortable, friendly environment for you to enjoy your Zanzibar holiday.
Lovely friendly spot on the beach
Reviewed By paullG5993RZMy taxi driver took me here among a few other places close by. There were a couple of cheaper places but I’m so glad I returned here for 3 nights, I was actually sad to leave. Very lovely management team and friendly staff who helped make my stay. Lots of comfy seating, a lovely pool, a deck and a picture perfect restaurant. Food good overall, I wish I had time to try more things. Could just about stream videos in my room which was a major bonus. Room really was cute, more than I needed. I’d say with food and drink I spent about £100 a day, no regrets, was a lovely stay. Thanks guys
6. Sarabi Zanzibar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Sarabi means mirage. Every day around 6pm the sun sets over the island. For one special moment, when the sun touches the sea, the sea turns into a mirage creating an unforgettable sight. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this amazing sunset with you.
Off the beaten path
Reviewed By StraitOhThis was my first time to this side of the island, Kizimkazi is almost at the bottom tip. Hence there are limited beaches, but Sarabi had a beach of about 300meters. A well layed out place with 22 rooms. When I arrived Mahmood the manager had given me an upgrade. Nice surprise. There were a couple maintenance issues in the room that were promptly taken care of. Room was spacious. Small plunge pool, in front was great. Swimming pool was fantastic, well maintained. Mahmood and his front staff accommodated a request I had for tea in the room . Running was good, I used the jungle road and beach. Fresh fish dinners on the beach with local beach boys. Taxis were plentiful, Mahmood took care of this. He was extremely helpful with me getting my PCR test to travel back to Nigeria. A quiet place, were plentiful to go out snorkeling. Sarabi has great potential, to be one of the best in that area. The restaurant menu needs some work, more creative dishes, some local fare and fresh seafood nightly. Most of the restaurant staff were great, although some had little English, so it helped to use my Swahili. I would recommend to anyone that doesn't require a heavy party atmosphere.
7. Game Fish Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Game Fish Lodge is located one hour's drive from Stone Town towards the north-east peninsula of Zanzibar, along the scenic Nungwi Coast. The Lodge looks out onto a radiant expanse of shimmering Indian Ocean and down onto one of the finest and most unspoilt beaches. You are offered privacy, peace and tranquility while watching the Indian Ocean. The beach is fringed by a wide and thriving coral reef. The azure waters offer a paradise for both snorkeling, scuba diving and game fishing enthusiasts alike.Game Fish Lodge with its easygoing atmosphere will mellow you out in no time. It is a place to escape to and relax. The location of the Lodge allows you the seclusion of perfect tranquility yet close enough to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Nungwi Village. Beautiful sunrises are an everyday thrill for the early riser and moonlit nights, listening to the ocean, create an unforgettable experience There is also an infinity pool to cool off from the summer heat .RoomsAll the rooms have their own patio with a wonderful view of the ocean and surrounding coconut trees where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of Zanzibar. The rooms are all en-suite, fully tiled with hot and cold water. The rooms have standing fans and air conditioning. Mosquito nets ensure a peaceful night's sleep, with the sound of the ocean rounding off a relaxing day in paradise. Laundry services are available.
Really recommend
Reviewed By sarah0800Me and my husband had a great stay here. We booked last minute, were unsure what to expect having visited Zanzibar for the first time but were so pleasantly surprised. - the food is the best we had in our entire trip. We ate in a range of places but nothing compared to here. Dinner was so wonderful, we scraped our plates clean. The breakfast was perfect and already missed- mixture of savoury and sweet. - the hosts Lesley and Collins were amazing. Really genuinely sweet, so warm and friendly. They had remarkable stories that really genuinely inspired us and taught us - whilst the beach is not sandy, this still has the beautiful seafront view which is stunning in the mornings and the area isn’t far from the Sandy beach at all. You can take a taxi (reliable, cheap and located in front of the hotel) and spend the day in kendwa beach if you like swimming but you come back to and wake up in an area that is quieter and more peaceful and filled with great food/hosts. It is also closer to other sites like the sea turtle swimming site which was so fun!
8. Fumba Beach Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Nestled in the southwest of this exquisite island, Fumba Beach Lodge is situated only 30 minutes drive from Zanzibar's International airport in Stone Town. 26 whitewashed Zanzibari style en-suite bungalows with their own verandas are scattered along the beach ensuring private views of the ocean. Three naturally formed coves protect the beaches around the lodge and provide seclusion and tranquility. In the open air restaurant you can enjoy the exquisitely prepared fresh seafood along with a tantalizing array of international and local dishes. For day time excitement you can choose scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, Stone Town tours and lots more. Or just relax at the swimming pool or on the beach under the branches of the baobab and do nothing. With the personalized warm service of our Zanzibar staff and the tranquil atmosphere, Fumba Beach Lodge will fulfill all your dreams.
A real oasis
Reviewed By HughandBA real oasis - we loved it! We really valued the peace and quiet, beautiful surroundings and wildlife that come from being set in its own protected forest. It’s hard to find seclusion in Zanzibar but Fumba has this, as well as a lovely walking beach (good even at high tide) that allows exploration and some exercise. Our suite provided comfort and privacy. Meals were excellent, staff uniformly attentive and friendly, and Sharon, the manager provides first class advice and oversight. Great snorkelling by boat with Omar. Last but not least, sundowners on a platform half way up a baobab overhanging the beach just can't be beaten.
9. Matemwe Retreat, Asilia Africa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
The four elegant villas that make up the Retreat are set high in the palm trees with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. With its secluded location and dedicated private butler, the Retreat is considered one of the most exclusive choices of accommodation on Zanzibar Island. If you are looking for pure escapism, these villas – which combine the spirit of Zanzibar with the highest standards of comfort – were designed for you
Wonderful, thank you
Reviewed By alisonjane_11What a fabulous place to relax and do very little if you choose to. After touring and safari for 9 nights, we were ready to chill and what a wonderful place to do that. We did have plans to go around the island and visit places, however, we realised we didn't want more time in a car and less time in our beautiful villa. The space and views are just lovely. As our the grounds of the lodge which you walk through to the beach. Having a butler taking care of you is very special, so we felt very priviliged. Razel the hotel manager was brilliant checking in on us and making sure we were being well looked after. We stayed 6 nights and apart from walks along the beach and some activities we did very little but relax and enjoy. We enjoyed our reef walk and snorkle trip with Ibrahim, he pointed out fish we would never have seen. Swimming in the sea is limited to high tide (every 12 hours) but we swam in the sea at least once every day. This seems to be the case in most places in Zanzibar. The sand was like powder, so soft and the sea so blue, beautiful. If swimming in the sea is important to you, check the tide schedule and water heights, higher near the full moon. We had been concerned 6 nights would be too much as we are active people, but no, we could have stayed longer and we were sad to leave. Well done Razel your staff are a credit to you, we are already wondering when we can come back.
10. Villa Juliana
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Amazing!
Reviewed By S8308PMjennyeWe spent 6 nights here and it was a pleasure. The hotel is small, quiet and beautiful. It’s located right at the beach with a great pool and sunbathing area. We had breakfast and a couple of lunches here and the food is good but there are other restaurants as well on the beach. The staff is very friendly and serviceminded and we didn’t miss a thing except for shampoo and conditioner which we bought in a supermarket located 15 min away from the hotel. Really loved this place!
