Zanzibar

Accommodation

Whether you choose to stay amid the hustle and bustle of Stone Town or escape to your private island paradise, you'll discover that Zanzibar has holiday accommodation to suit most budgets and tastes.

Dhow at Mnembe Island Lodge, Zanzibar
© CC Africa Mnemba Island Lodge's Dhow

An Island Paradise

Le Relais de la Reine, Madagascar

Shooting Star Inn

On the north-east coast of Zanzibar overlooking the fine white sands and coconut palms of Kiwengwa Beach, Shooting Star Inn is a relaxed family-run hotel which is highly regarded for both its accommodation and food.

Chez Maggie, Madagascar

Matemwe Retreat

Matemwe lies perched on a coral rock, surrounded by the best beaches and right opposite the Mnemba Atoll, which offers spectacular diving and snorkelling. The friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, lush tropical gardens, fine white sand, intimate swimming pools, massages, and magnificent food (fresh seafood is a speciality) make Matemwe the ultimate tropical paradise on the intriguing island of Zanzibar.

Vakona Forest Lodge, Madagascar

Unguja Resort

Unguja Resort is an upmarket hotel in Kizimkazi on the southern tip of Zanzibar. There are ten spacious private bungalows, and from your ocean view terrace you can watch the local fishermen sailing the Indian Ocean. All bungalows are beautifully decorated in Zanzibar style and offer full ensuite facilities. The restaurant serves excellent cuisine and the chef makes use of many local Zanzibar ingredients such as fresh seafood and exotic spices.

Residence Camelia, Madagascar

Pongwe Beach Hotel

Pongwe Beach Hotel offers the perfect paradise island experience. The bay's clear blue waters, protected by the reef one kilometre from the shore, are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The hotel's beautiful gardens surround sixteen beachfront Zanzibari cottages. Each cottage has an ensuite bathroom, with Moroccan style walk-in shower, and its own private terrace where guests may enjoy the sunrise and a leisurely breakfast.

Palissandre Hotel and Spa, Madagascar

Ras Nungwi

The Ras Nungwi Hotel is situated in a natural paradise on the northern-most peninsula of Zanzibar Island, overlooking an expanse of iridescent Indian Ocean. Lush gardens drop down onto one of the finest and most unspoilt beaches on the island, which in turn is fringed by wide and thriving coral reefs offering exciting areas to dive and snorkel. These ecologically sensitive reefs are home to flourishing populations of dolphin, turtles and countless marine species.

Palissandre Hotel and Spa, Madagascar

Robinson's Place

Robinson's Place is located 2km north of the village of Bwejuu, on Zanzibar's beautiful and untouched east coast, where you'll find several guest houses set in lush gardens just off the pristine beach. Close Encounters staff have some great personal experiences that we would be happy to share with you, and feel that Robinson's Place offers a unique experience. Robinson's Place provides simple, yet very tasteful accommodation, delicious traditional Zanzibari food and an atmosphere so relaxed and friendly you will not want to leave.

Vanila Hotel, Madagascar

Mnemba Island Lodge

Staying at Mnemba Island Lodge, situated on an exclusive island just 3 miles off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar, one experiences the finest service, gourmet catering and island activities. Guests are assigned a personal butler to cater to their requirements throughout their holiday, and enjoy a fabulous range of island activities, including snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and scuba diving in the gloriously clear waters of the surrounding Indian Ocean.

Stone Town

Setam Lodge, Madagascar

Africa House

Once a royal residence, The Africa House is tastefully furnished throughout with Persian carpets, antiques, original photographs and paintings by local artists. Fifteen elegantly furnished de luxe rooms, all with en suite bathroom, offer breathtaking views across the rooftops of old Stone Town or the alluring Indian Ocean. Each room is equipped with  air conditioning unit, satellite television, mini fridge, room service and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Palissandre Hotel and Spa, Madagascar

236 Hurumzi, Stone Town

236 Hurumzi is the second tallest building in Stone Town, Zanzibar. The hotel has been completely restored to its former glory. It's an exquisite romantic retreat, full of character, with all rooms equipped with large stone bathtubs for bubble bath pleasures. The sultan-sized rooms on the first and second floor have 20 foot ceilings, carved doors and original stucco decor. All guest rooms have large Zanzibari beds complete with netting.

Palissandre Hotel and Spa, Madagascar

The Dhow Palace

The Dhow Palace, with its Arabian archways, authentic Zanzibari antiques and ornate ornaments, was originally an Omani mansion dating back to the 1870s. A beautiful hand-carved door studded with brass knobs welcomes you into the modest reception area. A central courtyard with a water fountain, makuti-thatch chairs and palm fronds provides a deliciously cool haven in the heat of the day. The atmosphere inside this hotel is tranquil and relaxed, a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the Stone Town streets.

With holiday accommodation to suit most budgets and tastes, Zanzibar offers a diverse collection of luxurious hotels. For assistance with your selection of accommodation in Zambia please email us or call on 0844 415 0155.

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