Where to Stay in Zanzibar?
 

I am going on a honeymoon safari to the Northern Circuit of Tanzania in last week of May 2010, low season. We are then going to end our trip in Zanzibar for some nice rest and relaxation.

We are probably going to go with Good Earth Tours for the safari but unfortunately the TO isn't well versed in Zanzibar accommodations.

We want a peaceful, romantic place to stay but also want some fun. We are a young couple going on our honeymoon. We love good food, good drinks, and relaxing by the beach. We also love water sports! We are really debating between Breezes Beach Club, Z Hotel, or Ras Nungwi.

I heard Breezes is a beautiful, peaceful beach but very "resort-ish" . I heard Z is on a great beach, but can get loud at night. I also heard Ras Nungwi has a lot of activities, but you are with very many people at the hotel.

What are everyone's experiences of these? Would you recommend another place altogether?

Also, can we take a day trip to Stone Town or would you suggest I stay one night there? What is there to do in Stone Town?

THANKS so much! Any suggestions is greatly appreciated! :) :)

The Zanzibar Serena is the best place to stay with terrific Indian Ocean views.

I was there 2 months ago. !

My view is that all the hotels on Zanzibar are a compromise, one way or another. This is not to say that they are not good, simply that you need to choose the one that best fits your requirements. To me Breezes is too large and to popular to be right for a honeymoon, Z hotel I have never particularly liked – great rooms but a very very busy part of the island where you are surrounded by 18 year old backpackers, and so I would opt for Ras Nungwi which is about 30 rooms though in an isolated stretch of coast – great beach and not too large. Though as I say it is a personal call …

I'm with tanzaniatouroperator, of the three you mention, I'd choose Ras Nungwi with only 30 or 32 rooms... not large by any sense... a lovely hotel.

The Serena Inn, as Percy mentions, is in Stone Town unlike the beach properties you indicate.

Many like Pongwe Beach, best beach, remote and no others around, but only ceiling fans, no air conditioning and they tend to turn the generator off at midnight, so can be uncomfortable for sleeping.

Depending on your budget, not far from Pongwe, is Matemwe Bungalows, but here too no a/c, which on this tropical island - hot and humid - many seriously want. Matemwe Retreat, with air is very expensive.

There's Kilindi, new with the WOW factor, expensive, but no air, however their ceiling fans stay on thru the night. Barazza, also new might be too large, but lovely, expensive and with air.

Check out this site for listing of many properties on the island... might help.

www.encounterzanzibar.com/index.htm

I just assumed you would go to Stonetown where you have the hotel, beach and the town to explore.

But on a honeymoon, why would you need anyone around :)

Thank you for your insights!

The idea of an 18 year old backpacker really threw me off the idea of Z, thanks for that tip. I have read similar things on other forums.

Matemwe seem a bit our of my budget. So now I am considering Pongwe or Ras Nungwi. AC doesn't mater to me too much... I do like the relatively smaller sized hotels (but not too tiny). Would it be easy to take a day trip to Stone Town from these locations?

Any other locations/hotels in that price bracket you would all recommend?

Thanks in advance :)

I stayed at Breezes for 4 nites and loved it. It was in Feb/march and not at all crowded. There is a marvelous beach, w/ the usual chaise lounges etc...and also a pool area which is where I settled. The rooms were amazing and try to get one that faces the beach....we did and it was amazing every morning to rise at sunrise and walk out on the beach...alone....and just be!

In Stonetown we stayed 2 nites at the Serena and it is an excellent hotel. You can do a walking tour of the town and its quite fascinating. There are also day trips to Prison Island....to see the monster turtles...and you can snorkel etc.

Zanzibar was really a delightful surprise!!!

I would call this on price - Pongwe is a wonderful location - small, great beach, but simple and i would say the best value beach lodge on the island. Ras Nungwi does cost more and is also great but it is a different product from Pongwe. Whichever you choose you will love it !

I've stayed at Pongwe a couple of times. It's a lovely place on one of the most beautiful beaches on Zanzibar. One of their cottages is at the far end of the beach... no foot traffic past it and that one would be perfect for you. Pongwe books up well in advance, though, so start now if you want to stay there. They have a nice pool onsite, but no other activities. However, they can arrange anything you'd like to do... fishing, snorkeling, touring.

You should stay in Stone Town for one night, rather than running back and forth from the beach areas for a tour. For instance, if you have an early morning departure, I'd definitely recommend you stay in Stone Town the night before. If you have an afternoon departure, then you could stay in Stone Town either your first night on the island or your last. Stone Town is a fascinating place and you should not miss the opportunity to learn about Zanzibar's history and Swahili culture. You might also enjoy a spice farm tour. I've used Ocean Tours Zanzibar for each of my four trips there. My fantastic guide in Stone Town was Masoud Salim; see if you can get him.

Heidi at Pongwe arranged for their driver to take us for the day to Stonetown ($100 I think). He basicly gave us an island tour and then dropped us in town for a few hours while we shopped then we met and gave him our bags and then we went to lunch and arranged a time for pick up. Totally accomadating, and for us, much better than staying overnight in town which we did in 2008.

We LOVED Pongwe. 16 rooms that all face the ocean with a sea breeze. We were there in Feb 2008 and Feb 2009 and would return in a heartbeat. They have kayaks and bikes to borrow, and also books and board games. And the food is fresh and fabulous!

Did you check out The Palms? It shares some amenities with Breezes, but it's much more exclusive. I was there in August of 2008, and it is the most luxurious beach hotel I've been to (you can't really call it a resort with only 6 or so cottages) with fabulous personalized service. It was a great ending to our safari, and every bit as special as the camps we stayed in. Back then, it was running about $1K per night for 2 people, but that was completely inclusive. So it's a splash-out, but worth it. But you're not near Stonetown, and you are pretty secluded, but those are ideal situations for a honeymoon and some R&R after a strenuous safari.

Let's not put Breezes and definitely not The Palms (they're sister hotels... and the latter's rate has increased since '08) in the same category as Pongwe. If as OP indicates Matemwe Bungalows would be too expensive, then these two and Ras Nungwi are way out of budget.

Hello all! I actually booked Ras Nungwi but after reading Lonely Planet and other forums, people suggest Matemew as the most beautiful beach. I am so torn! Is it worth the extra money to book at Matemwe or just stay at Ras Nungwi?

I think the beach at Nungwi is Far FAR nicer than the beach at Matemwe. The Nungwi beach is far "warmer" colour wise than that at Matemwe. Matemwe is also a busy beach with the locals

What agents are specialists in Zanzibar, especially offbeat, atypical things beyond resorts/beaches?

I would think Good Earth would routinely partner with someone for Zanzibar, just like they partner with a Kenyan operator and one in Uganda for gorillas.

For atypical, have you looked at Chumbe Island? www.chumbeisland.com/ It is off the coast of zanzibar(short boat ride)-a private eco island with working biologists on the island. There are about 6 huts and I believe they restrict the number of visitors at any time to 14. We loved it-very Gilligan's Island though, so don't expect luxury. But wow is it beautiful.

nj

I'll throw my two cents worth...

Ras Nungwi. 300USD/per/person per night in a superior deluxe chalet based on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Drinks including water NOT included. The bathrooms are dated. But rooms are clean. The beach is very nice but at high tide is non existent. At low tide, the water is far out but not as far as in the south. But beach is private. Pool good. Has dive centre on site. Quiet at night.

Z Hotel in Nungwi. I didn't even consider this as its where all the back packers are. The beach is not private so you will have hawkers coming up to you. Rooms are very modern and nice. No dive centre. Good if you like to party i guess.

Breezes. Big resort. But nice in terms of resorts. Cheaper than many other accomodation. Beach is nice at high tide. At low tide there is no swimming in ocean. Sea weed in water. All inclusive. Good cheaper choice but lotsa people.

On the expensive side are Kilindi (1300/night) in the north which is all inclusive with awesome food, good beach, and original accomodation. In the south is Baraza (1200/night) which is owned by breezes. All inclusive with very nice beach and awesome food.

Matemwe Bungalows in also on a nice beach across from Mnemba island. mid range prices. no dive centre on site. Matemwe retreat is really nice. expensive and private. very quiet.

It all depends on what your price range is and what you want. For me, nice beach, really good food, nice bathrooms (i am picky), and diving were important. Money didn't matter that much so we decided between Kilindi and Baraza. Ras Nungwi ocean suite was our third choice. Hope this helps

Nice variety of options.

bookmarking for next summer...

Nice summary from Doctor John

Definately the best are the new Kilindi, and the older Palms / Baraza / Ocean suite at Ras nungwi / Matewme bungalows

next tier (price wise) down are the likes of Ras nungwi / Matemwe / Breezes

then Shooting star / Echo Beach / Pongwe

To answer atravelynn; any Tanzania specialist should be able to advise on these hotels - as it is easy enough to send a consultant to Znz to see every hotel in about 3 days

One thing I forgot to mention,

Some of the resorts are not open during april and may because of the rains.

And you have to book EARLY!!! Many of the resorts are fully booked months in advance! You can contact many of the resorts yourself and they can let you know what the availability is. I got prompt replies from all of the Breezes properties (Breezes, Baraza, and Palms), as well as Kilindi, Ras Nungwi and Mnemba island lodge. You can even book directly with them and have your safari operator arrange flight to Zanzibar and transport.

doc

I wouldn't put Echo Beach in the same tier as Pongwe and Shooting Star. I had Authentic Tanzania check them out for me last year and their rack rates are $300 - $350 in high season and $250 - $300 in low season. Pongwe's rates are $130 - $190 for two people (varies by the time of year.)

yes agreed, but it is a pain to have lots of different tiers ! and they are similar style hotels
But you are right - Pongwe is $220 per room high season vs Echo Beach at $375 per room high season

I noticed that no one mentioned the Kempinski in Zanzibar. Is this not a recommended resort? It looked nice from the website but I would love to get further opinions.

If not recommended, which other hotel would you recommend for luxury, good food and nice beaches? Preferably under $300 per night. (Also, we'll be spending two nights seperately in Stone Town and I'd love to get recommendations for that as well.)

Thanks TanzTourOp!

personally i dislike the Kempinski intensely - large and impersonal and with an almost non existent beach. if your budget is per room then you can not go far wrong with Pongwe / Echo Beach, if it is per person then personally i would opt for Ras nungwi but Ras nungwi / Matemwe / Breezes are all about this price, each with their own pro's and cons

For stone town, again i would avoid the big Serena and head instead towards Zanzibar Palace / Beyt al Chai / Al Johari – loads of character but slightly run down !

I am looking forward to our Zanzibar stop after our safari.

We will be staying at the Serena inn in Stone Town. Yes, it is big, but it is also in a good location, waterfront, and not as run down as many other hotels.

After, we will be spending several days at Kilindi. Wanted to try a place where not many people have stayed. Close to good diving in the North. Quiet and Romantic with not many people there! Joanne, the reservation officer, says there is tonnes of availability during are stay in March. I hope it stays that way!!

Will report after our trip...

doc

Beit al Chai is right across the street from the Serena Inn, only 6 rooms and absolutely charming; same owner at Blue Bay Resort on the East coast. Zanzibar Palace, a bit further inside the town, also gets excellent reviews.

doctorjohn - I would be interested to hear what you think about Kilindi - which as you say is pretty empty. We have sent about 15 English couples there so far with great feedback

tanzaniatouroperator,

I would be happy to post a review after my trip. I will post it here and on tripadvisor.

doc

Kilindi - haven't been yet, but it sure has that WOW factor, even w/o a/c on the island, but great ceiling fans. And, having be built by the same guy who did Shompole in Kenya, yeh WOW!

docjohn - yes, a report after you've been will be appreciated.

We were at Gemma del Est about two years ago and took a boat ride past the Kilindi construction site. I did not like the beach over there.

Gemma has a much better beach location and appears to be cheaper with A/C, etc.

I do not think any of the resort beaches are totally private. Gemma had several guards patrolling our beach area but anyone could walk and swim there.

Any personal experiences with Barazza??

Has anyone stayed at Mizingani in Stone Town? It looks as nice as Serena, has a pool and is half the price?
Also any comments on Matemwe Beach Village? It has diving centre and seems laid back and tastefully done up.
We are thinking Anne of Zanzibar 2 nights, Matemwe 3 nights and Stone Town 2 nights.
Please comment!