The best accommodations Zanzibar Archipelago

A new kind of hotel has just opened in Jambiani in 2023. Just a handful of rooms, accommodating 2 or 3 people (a family, for example), nestled in an intimate house with a small swimming pool and a convivial breakfast lounge. The view from the Balinese beds on the top-floor terrace is fantastic, with vegetation and the ocean in the background. We love the well-appointed rooms, the charming bathrooms, the impeccable service and the exclusivity of this address.

It's the place to be in Bwejuu! Le Tiki is a charming new beach hotel with several room categories, from the simplest garden-view room (air-conditioned nonetheless) to the sea-view suite, family rooms and self-catering apartments. What they all have in common: plenty of space, omnipresent wood and local, but well-made, furniture. Le Tiki is renowned for its swimming pool with an elegant pool bar under coconut palms, and its restaurant and bar, which come alive on festive evenings.

This new budget-friendly address in Jambiani has just three rooms, and an upstairs bar-restaurant serving good Swahili cuisine (open to non-guests), which we also recommend. An almost front-line address on the beach, at this price it's fantastic, all the more so as the rooms, sober and airy, are equipped with ceiling fans, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Two are furnished with a double bed, while a second is reserved for families, with a double bed and a bunk bed.

This youth hostel, set on the sand under coconut palms, offers only bandas, traditional buildings with woven straw walls and makuti roofs: 100% natural, ventilated by the sea breeze. There's a choice of dormitory beds (non-overlapping, with mosquito netting and fairly widely spaced), double rooms with shared bathrooms, or triples and quadruples with private bathrooms. Quality breakfast. We love the earthly paradise atmosphere here, with hammocks suspended between coconut palms facing the sea.

An address in the heart of Pajé, remarkable for the quality of its services and very low prices. You can opt for spacious, solid rooms with terraces, some ventilated (double or triple with shared bathroom), but most air-conditioned (doubles with shared bathroom, bungalows en suite and families with private bathroom). Best of all, this hostel boasts a large swimming pool surrounded by a garden, and an outdoor restaurant.

Many flights to and from Europe depart and arrive in Zanzibar during the night. After this long journey, it's best to book a room close to the airport. The Golden Tulip is a charming address close to the new airport. Spacious, luxurious, air-conditioned rooms, a refreshing swimming pool and all the services of a luxury hotel: restaurant, free airport shuttle and even a spa to unwind with a massage.

This new hotel by Egyptian hotel group Sunrise Resort features luxury villas, each with its own private pool or whirlpool, some facing the sea. All are sublime, ultra-spacious and combine shades of beige and white with tropical wood and contemporary furnishings featuring natural materials. The restaurants match the resort's high standards: African, international and Japanese cuisine... The spa is splendid, with hammam, sauna, massage and more. Organizes flagship excursions (dolphins, etc.).

This address for backpackers has opened just back from the beach, a prime spot, especially at this price level. The most modest rooms are rustic bandas made of woven straw laid on the sand, naturally ventilated by a makuti roof, with terrace and private bathroom. At this price, it's miraculous! For a few dollars more, you can also choose a hard-built room, but the ventilation is not as good. Excellent breakfast included, great welcome from Haji. The decor and food are impeccable, and cats watch over the place.

A lovely new address for budget travelers, where nothing is missing: bright Swahili rooms with exposed beams, ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms, a small swimming pool set in a tropical garden, a central location in Paje, a delicious and royal breakfast... and above all, very affordable prices. We appreciate the well-made beds and the impeccable cleanliness of the place, the clean but well-finished lines of the whole, and Rosi's warm, professional welcome.

Managed by Carlo Mistrangioli, this magnificent dhow, preferably sheltered in the southern islets.

For just a handful of dollars more, Liquid Life stands out from other budget addresses. Set back from the beach in the heart of Paje, this hostel has the merit of having sculpted a superb designer swimming pool in its coconut tree-lined garden and built small square white houses as well as a beautifully decorated ecodome. No decorative frills for the basic rooms and dormitories, but functional, impeccably clean spaces. Some are ventilated, others air-conditioned... Trendy Yeoyum restaurant, yoga center.

Lala Lodge is a charming, friendly and affordable address, a rarity in Pemba. What's more, it's close to Mkoani (convenient by boat to/from Zanzibar). Set on the beach with its restaurant on stilts, the setting is wild and pretty. A warm welcome from Dennis, who is always on hand to organize your stay and advise you. Excellent restaurant with an upstairs terrace overlooking the sunset. On the program: walks, visits to the village and interesting excursions such as Missali Island (snorkeling), flying fox observation...

One of the best new mid-priced plans in Nungwi: brand new bungalows of 20 to 30^m2, impeccable, simply equipped with beds with mosquito nets and no big frills, but with air-conditioning, fan, bathroom and private terrace with an outdoor sofa. Its little plus: a beautiful swimming pool in the middle of a luxuriant garden, and a copious sweet and sour breakfast. The whole place is well located not far from the main road of Nungwi, the beach on the west side, and the center of the village. The restaurant is honest and serves good food.

This low-cost guest house has opened just a few steps from the beach and the centre. It is pleasant and friendly, with designer swings in a beautiful garden, a bar and a communal kitchen decorated with stylish drawings and graphics. The rooms, with coloured linen, have rudimentary but hot water and private bathrooms, and a small terrace, at this price it is luxury! In the evening, fire in the boma and lively bar. Incredible breakfast, and delicious meals based on fish and seafood, another strong point of the place.

This small hotel in the center of Nungwi is a good option in its price range. The rooms are recent, sober and spacious, with Zanzibarite beds and air-conditioning. The new suites are sumptuous, with magnificent Arab-Swahili bathrooms. All have private balconies. We love its position close to the beach and its beautiful pool with a magnificent dhow in the middle. How original! A small garden and rooftop restaurant complete the setting.

A bright, modern yet simple new address for budget travelers, centrally located on Bwejuu beach, right on the front line. Pia and Amish give guests a warm welcome, and the rooms are charming, with ceiling fans and mosquito netting. Some superior upstairs suites enjoy spectacular views and have a covered terrace with a bed. The food in the restaurant is delicious and fresh, and just as good as the breakfast. Self-service bikes, masks, kayaks and water shoes.

This old Swahili mansion offers mid-priced en-suite rooms. Its strengths: a rooftop terrace overlooking the town with a 360° view, air-conditioned and ventilated rooms with antique Zanzibari beds, impeccably clean. Weak points: groups with their guides constantly climbing up to see the view from the restaurant, making the small plunge pool not at all intimate; the elevator is always busy; the beds are not fitted with mattress protectors; the restaurant is too expensive for the quality of the food.

Time runs smoothly at Omar, one of Zanzibar's best chess players. For those who want to take their time, on the water, the place is really good, close to Fuji Beach. Suggested tours: visit of the spices, circuit in the forest of Jozani, and encounter with dolphins. Friendly welcome.