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!