Updated on 28th October 2024
We have decided to celebrate Happy Black History Month from the Motherland, recently travelling to East Africa: Kenya and Tanzania. As well as our clients celebrating their birthday in Kenya or our Intern Francis which we sent on his first Solo trip to Accra, Ghana. Spending the British Black History Month in the Motherland is a former tradition of ours, for some pre-winter sun, connect with locals, culture, great food and the occasion to reconnect spiritually as well.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Important Things to know before visiting Zanzibar - [Skip to details]
1. Budget Family-owned hotel in Stone town - [ Skip to details]
2. How to choose your room in a Guest house/ Flat share? - [ Skip to details]
3. Budget-friendly Double rooms in Villas in Paje - [ Skip to details]
4. Luxury beachfront PrivateVilla Resort - [ Skip to details]
*** BONUS *** - [ Skip to details]
Google Map of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Important Things to know before visiting Zanzibar
1) The airports in Zanzibar. There are three large islands in Zanzibar (Zanzibar Island, Pemba and Mafia Island), each island has its own airport so there are three airports in Zanzibar
Zanzibar's unique geography and infrastructure require careful planning for a smooth trip. The archipelago has three main islands (Zanzibar Island, Pemba, and Mafia Island), each with its own airport. Most international travellers arrive at ZNZ Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume Airport, but it's crucial to note that many popular beach resorts can be up to two hours away, with one-way transfers costing around $70.
2) Money, Currency exchange and ATM fees
Financial preparation is key when visiting Zanzibar. Bring cash rather than relying on cards or ATMs, as ATM withdrawals often dispense local shillings at unfavourable rates and incur additional fees. The limitations of local banking infrastructure make cash transactions the most practical and economical choice for most purchases.
3) It is cheaper to book tours when you get to Zanzibar than paying online
For the best value on activities and excursions, wait to book tours until after arrival rather than booking online or through resorts. Local tour guides typically offer significantly better rates than international booking platforms, allowing you to experience more of what Zanzibar has to offer while staying within budget.
4) Let me break down Zanzibar's seasons to help you choose the perfect time for your adventure.
January to March:
brings the island's hot season, when the sun puts on its most dazzling performance. This is when most travelers flock to Zanzibar's shores, and for good reason! During my January visit, even with occasional cloudy moments, the South Coast was absolutely magical. Think comfortable temperatures perfect for both beach lounging and exploring the historic Stone Town. The sea breeze keeps things pleasant, and the waters are crystal clear for snorkeling and diving.
Now, April and May :
might make you raise an eyebrow – it's the long rainy season. But here's a little secret: sometimes Mother Nature throws a delightful curveball, blessing visitors with unexpectedly dry spells. If you're a bargain hunter who doesn't mind taking a chance on the weather, this could be your sweet spot. The North Coast particularly shines during this period, with its protected beaches and stunning resorts offering amazing low-season deals.
For those who prefer playing it safe, June through October :
is your golden ticket. These months bring cool, dry weather that's absolutely perfect for exploring everything Zanzibar has to offer. The East Coast becomes a paradise during this time, with steady breezes making it ideal for kitesurfing and beach walks. The cooler temperatures mean you can comfortably wander through spice plantations and get lost in Stone Town's narrow alleyways without breaking a sweat.
November and December
bring what locals call the "short rains." But don't let that discourage you! These brief daily showers typically last just long enough for you to enjoy a refreshing cocktail under cover before the sun emerges again. The Northern coast is your best bet during these months, where the rain patterns are more predictable and the infrastructure is well-suited to handle the brief afternoon showers.
Remember, each season in Zanzibar offers its own unique charm and experiences. Whether you're seeking peak beach weather, better deals, or fewer crowds, there's a perfect time for your visit. The key is matching your travel style and preferences with what each season has to offer.
Want my personal recommendation? Target the shoulder seasons – either late October or early December.
Also read our 2-week itinerary in Zanzibar. You'll find fewer crowds, reasonable prices, and generally good weather, plus you'll get to experience the island's authentic rhythm of life without the peak-season hustle.
We would like to share with your various accommodation options for your next stay in Zanzibar:
1. Budget Family-owned hotel in Stone town city centre, to have access to all amenities within close reach: Local cafes, restaurants, accessibility to nearby ATMs, and taxis to move around the island, suppliers for local excursions. Typical budget £130/ $150 USD for a week in a single room with en-suite bathroom, inclusive of breakfast.
2. Budget Single room, in a newly reconverted Guest house, single room with shared bathroom/ toilets in Stone town city centre. Typical budget £130/ $150 USD for 8 days, inclusive of breakfast. Simple and practical better comfort that a Youth Hostel. Proximity to nearby amenities, excursions, safe neighbourhood.
3. Budget-friendly Premium or Medium range Flat share, Double room with en-suite bathroom, very spacious and always sold out! This is a gem with a daily budget of $25 with modern decoration and shared living room, kitchen and washing machine. Proximity to nearby amenities in Stone town city centre, excursions, safe neighbourhood. If you want a more homely stay at budget friendly price.
4. Budget-friendly Double rooms in Villas in Paje or Bungalows / private beachfront villas in Michamwi. We will be reviewing different ranges of them, from pricing to comfort level, and onsite services that makes your stay a different & unforgettable experience!
5. Luxury beachfront PrivateVilla Resort, if you are in the mood for a honeymoon-style holiday, why not? There are many on the Coastline of Zanzibar in between, Nungwi, Bejwuu, and Paje and to choose from at different price ranges and with amazing facilities like infinity pools, onsite Spice farm, and night-time cinema.
Are you ready to catch your next flight to Zanzibar, If yes we got you! Book your next cheap flight on Expedia now!
Or request a Flight & Hotel package
1. Budget family-owned hotel or mid-range hotel
As I wanted to vary my future experience, I’ve also booked a single ensuite room in a family run hotel in Stone town. I did appreciated the colourfulness of the room wall and the fact that it was equipped with natural organic skincare and body wash products in the bathroom.
A mid range hotel will offer additional amenities such as:
Private suite, you can have a friendly staff which will store your fresh bottles of water during your stay to help be attentive to your needs whenever needed.
· Friendly staff.
· Paying laundry services
A dedicated hotel restaurant where:
· Complimentary breakfast is being served
· On demand meals can be cooked for you should you wish
· Recommend you or call a local taxi partner for you should you ask reception when needed
· Security guard at night to ensure your safety
Benefits:
· Additional paying services
· Night guard security
· Friendly staff
Inconvenience:
· Location may not be right by a beach, but in the city centre, you will need to take a taxi to access the most prised beaches on the island.
Ready to explore Zanzibar for your next solo or friends & family cultural & leisure Trip to Southern Tanzania? Find out the best hotels for your stay now below.
Stonetown City center :
Spice Hotel, Stonetown - Our favourite Classy and best friendly staff
Upendo House, Stonetown - Cool roofop with Bar and pool best view in Stonetown
South of Zanzibar with Beach access :
Bamboo Zanzibar, Jambiani - Stunning views on the beach, Rooftop lounge and
Paje White House, Paje
On the Luxury resort side 5 to 6 stars ranking
Le Mersenne , Beach Resort Pingwe - Legendary for its Deck similar to The Maldives resort property, perfect for drone video shots and ultra luxurious rooms.
Safira Blu - Nungwi- Great Pools, sundecks , Pool party animation and get a celebrity clikeustomer services
Tulia Zanzibar - Pongwe, Most Luxury beach resort experience and Best food
Lux Marijani - Pwa Mchangani - Best Beach in Zanzibar
Jua Retreat Zanzibar - Michamwi - Outdoor retreat Vibes and very unique
Hotel Emerald Palm, Stonetown, Zanzibar island, Tanzania
Pricing range: Less than 130 USD- 150 USD / £125 - £140 for 7/8 nights
Spice Hotel, Ensuite Single Room, Stone town, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
Out of season in April May price are lower less than £200/ $230 for 8 days, in high season in December January price go up to £600/ 700 USD a week for a single or double room ensuite
Need inspiration to explore more of Best activities in Zanzibar ahead of your next trip? Why not check what your Zanzibar destination Guide and plan according to your budget and your preferences? We got you!
2. How to choose your room in a Guest house/ Flat share?
1. Go do some research on websites like booking, com, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Hotels.com, Vrbo.com
2. Filter by your destination main city(ies) depending if you are doing a road trip, backpacking or moving staying in one location
3. Look at the past guest reviews and filter by your traveller profile (solo, family, couple, groups of friends)
4. If you are a female solo traveller pay attention to local, proximity to taxis, ATMs nearby, proximity to the beach or attractions, local supermarkets, restaurants, safety or noise at night, access to nightlife and how can you come back safely.
5. Feel free to connect with your guests and ask questions via the platform DM/ messaging systems or via WhatsApp a few days prior to your arrival. That will help you in your final selection.
6. Make your selection and Book online
7. Closer to your arrival date add the host on your what’s app and communicate to find your way around the accommodation, or tell them about your arrival date and time for a smooth check-in experience. I don’t hesitate to ask for early check-in if I had an early flight to avoid roaming around and carry tiredness with heavy luggage, refresh, have a shower and get a restful nap. If not possible, ask to drop your belongings to the luggage/ storage room instead.
Benefits:
· Access to the local network for food spots, taxis to hire,
· Recommendations on best tours to do and places to visit locally. Cheaper accommodation type
Inconvenience:
· Shared Kitchen if you want to cook during your holidays
· Shared bathroom depending on your room type, you need to think about how long you can handle it if you’re a woman or if you rather favour your privacy depending on cultural affinity.
· You could have some noisy neighbours at night, or lack of sleep due to the guesthouse hosting pets.
· It won’t have the medium luxury feel of a resort or dedicated Breakfast facility. You will probably have to have breakfast in a nearby partner café or restaurant, so include more time in the morning to get ready before getting on with your day.
Pricing range : Less than 25 USD- 30USD / £30 - £35 per night in Central Stone town, Zanzibar island
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Ready to explore Zanzibar for your next solo or friends & family cultural & leisure Trip to Southern Tanzania? Find out the best hotels for your stay now below.
Stonetown City center :
Spice Hotel, Stonetown - Our favourite Classy and best friendly staff
Upendo House, Stonetown - Cool roofop with Bar and pool best view in Stonetown
South of Zanzibar with Beach access :
Bamboo Zanzibar, Jambiani - Stunning views on the beach, Rooftop lounge and
Paje White House, Paje
On the Luxury resort side 5 to 6 stars ranking
Le Mersenne , Beach Resort Pingwe - Legendary for its Deck similar to The Maldives resort property, perfect for drone video shots and ultra luxurious rooms.
Safira Blu - Nungwi- Great Pools, sundecks , Pool party animation and get a celebrity clikeustomer services
Tulia Zanzibar - Pongwe, Most Luxury beach resort experience and Best food
Lux Marijani - Pwa Mchangani - Best Beach in Zanzibar
Jua Retreat Zanzibar - Michamwi - Outdoor retreat Vibes and very unique
Spice Nest Apartment, modern Flat share, Stone town, Zanzibar – Double bedroom for rental
Price range from 25 USD a night available on booking.com
Digital Nomad Cave, modern Flat share, medium range Stone town, Zanzibar – Ensuite Double bedroom for rental
We would recommend transiting in Stonetown 1/2 day on your arrival, as it's very close to the airport for transfer. and 1/2 days at the end of your stay. the UNESCO Heritage city , and its old narrow street is great to visit , but can feel too hot and bustly at time.
It's giving a bit of Marrakech vibes sometimes with all the street shop vying for your attention.
They are some haven more peaceful landmarks to discover during a day tour, as the past of the island was market by various invasion European , Indian & Arabic which has forged the make up of it cuisine, language, people and culture.
If you are after a modern Swahili Flat, with ensuite and shared bathroom, then this very central
flat is the ideal stop for your short stopover while discovering the old city.
Price range from 25 USD /35 USD a night depending on season available on booking.com
Need inspiration to explore more of Best activities in Zanzibar ahead of your next trip? Why not check what your Zanzibar destination Guide and plan according to your budget and your preferences? We got you!
3. Budget-friendly Double rooms in Villas in Paje
If you love Paje and the feeling of waking up with sand at your feet, you'll love the feeling of safety, with security guards at night and a kind German shepherd to make you safe during the day. Just the bright sight of the pool waters will be enough to refresh you when the heat strikes!
Nakupenda Villa's is owned by a French & Tanzanian couple, it has multiple rooms with en-suite bathrooms of about 20-30 m2 size.
Located at the hear of Paje, behind the Mwani Centre, the Seaweed Harvesting farm and Skincare expert.
Read More about our article on the Mwani Centre, the Seaweed Harvesting farm and Skincare expert.
Double Room's price depending on season £25- £40 / $30 to $45 per night, depending if you take a double room with shared bathroom or ensuite.
or Budget-friendly Double rooms in Airbnb House in Paje
Nikola's House is comfy and very clean, the maid comes every day at 9.30 am to tidy up. You will have access to a shareable bathroom and kitchen to store some of your water bottle, juice and food if you're doing a long stay.
It's a favourite for digital nomads, as you can work in the garden, there are fans and electric plugs to keep you refreshed and motivated when the heat strikes. We met a couple of Digital nomads who were there for 2 months and cooking every day.
If not most local and touristy restaurants are 5-6 mn walk from the house. So it's great for variety and accessibility! Remember to give a try to the local Swahili cuisine.
Paje famous beach is accesible by bajijiji the local Tuk Tuk for only 5,000 TZS a ride.
Nikola's house has 3 double rooms for rent via Airbnb, Located at the hear of Paje, behind the Medixpress hospital, price depending on the season £19- £30 / $25 to $35 per night, depending if you take a double room with shared bathroom or ensuite. Book your stay now!
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4. Bungalows / private beachfront villas in Michamwi
Located in Pingwe, a few steps from Michamvi Pingwe Beach, Bitcoin Beach Hotel Zanzibar provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Bitcoin hotel, bungalows & private villas, Michamwi, price depending on season £85- £125 / $90 to $150 per night, depending if you take a double room in a bungalow or a private villas
Are you ready to catch your next flight to Zanzibar, If yes we got you! Book your next cheap flight on Expedia now!
Or request a Flight & Hotel package
5. Luxury Beachfront resort, on North Eastern Zanzibar Coast shore
Safira Blu, Nungwi, price depending on season £700- £960 / $800 to $1,000 a night,
Address: Kissnakani, Nungwi, East Zanzibar, Tanzania
Best to contact the hotel reception to see what event types will be available in 2024. At launch time , they used to have Friday Ladies Pool's party, Sunday brunches. Look no further some glimpse below. Join the party!
Download the Activities detail pdf below
Need inspiration to explore more of Best activities in Zanzibar ahead of your next trip? Why not check what your Zanzibar destination Guide and plan according to your budget and your preferences? We got you!
Let Melanin Travels Magic take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment. Reach out today to start your adventure!
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Let's Plan your private trip to Zanzibar
Want a customised trip to Zanzibar with our expert recommendations? You will get one-on-one help, tour guides, a full itinerary plan, hotel and flight bookings, a personal driver and more. Fill out the form and share some details on your tentative dates, number of travelelrs and more and We will reach out to you within 48 hours.
Are you inspired? You can also read our previous blog posts about Zanzibar & Tanzania mainland:
Where to work remotely in Zanzibar anytime in 2024 - Updated
A Zanzibar Culinary Adventure: Why You Should Experience: Kidichi Swahili Cooking Class
Why you should learn about the superfood Seaweed harvesting while in Zanzibar
Why You Need Shades of Melanin as Your Must-Have sun-safe Travel Companion this Winter:
Top 15 things to do in Zanzibar in 2023
Best places for wellness, yoga and meditation in Zanzibar 2023
Discover the Top 10 best beaches in Zanzibar in 2023
5 different types of accommodation for your stay in Tanzania in 2023
Client testimonials which we have helped planning their trips to Zanzibar & Mainland Tanzania
Ayoka, Joanna and Friend & Family group trip to Zanzibar & Tanzanian Safari, October- November 2022, Travel planner service
"Good communication with Christina in Zanzibar for 3 weeks crazy prices I recommend we loved our stay"
Giselle and Family, London, UK, group trip to Zanzibar & Tanzanian Safari (Day trip to Migumi), February 2023, Travel planner service
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