🌴 Best Hotels to Stay in Zanzibar in 2025: Where to Stay for a Perfect Beach Holiday & Start Your Tanzania Safari with Travel Wise Safari
- travelwisesafari
- Nov 22
- 6 min read
When you think of Zanzibar, a picture-perfect paradise comes to mind—white powdery beaches, turquoise waters, luxurious boutique hotels, palm trees swaying in the warm Indian Ocean breeze, and exotic spices filling the air. But what makes Zanzibar even more incredible is that it’s not just a beach destination—it’s the perfect starting point for an unforgettable Tanzania safari with Travel Wise Safari.
Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a luxury beach escape, a family holiday, or you're heading to Tanzania for a thrilling wildlife adventure, choosing the right hotel in Zanzibar is essential. This comprehensive guide lists the best hotels and resorts in Zanzibar in 2025, recommended according to budget, location, style, amenities, and how ideal they are for guests booking a safari from Zanzibar with Travel Wise Safari.
⭐ Why Stay in Zanzibar Before or After Your Tanzania Safari?
Zanzibar has become one of the most popular add-on destinations for travelers choosing a Tanzania safari—and for good reason:
✔ Perfect gateway to Serengeti & Ngorongoro
With multiple daily flights from Zanzibar to Arusha and Serengeti airstrips, Travel Wise Safari offers seamless fly-in and fly-out safaris from Zanzibar, saving you time and enhancing comfort.
✔ Ideal relaxation after a safari
After days of thrilling game drives, nothing beats unwinding in Zanzibar’s peaceful turquoise waters.
✔ Endless hotel options
From all-inclusive luxury to budget boutique gems, Zanzibar offers something for every traveler.
✔ Stunning beaches everywhere
Zanzibar’s coastline is dotted with postcard-perfect beaches—Nungwi, Paje, Kendwa, Matemwe, Pingwe, and more.
🏖 Best Areas to Stay in Zanzibar for Safari Travelers
Before choosing your hotel, it’s helpful to understand Zanzibar’s prime regions. Each area has its own vibe—some perfect for relaxation, others ideal for nightlife or kitesurfing.
🌅 1. Nungwi & Kendwa – Best for Luxury, Nightlife, Sunset Views
Located on the northern tip of the island, famous for:
Calm beaches (little tide shift)
Best swimming conditions
Beautiful sunsets
Vibrant nightlife
Great for travelers doing a short 2–4 day safari from Zanzibar.
🧘 2. Paje & Jambiani – Best for Activities, Kitesurfing & Young Travelers
Perfect for:
Water sports
Affordable boutique hotels
Trendy cafés & beach bars
Great if you're doing a budget or mid-range safari from Zanzibar.
🌴 3. Matemwe – Best for Serenity & Luxury
Quiet, private, and ideal for honeymooners or luxury clients going on a Serengeti fly-in safari.
🍽 4. Stone Town – Best for Short Stays & Transit Before Safari Flights
Perfect for:
Culture
Food
Shopping
Sunset dhow cruises
Excellent choice for travelers catching early-morning safari flights.
🏆 Best Hotels & Resorts in Zanzibar in 2025 (Expert Recommendations)
Organized by region and suitability for Travel Wise Safari guests.
🌅 Best Luxury Hotels in Zanzibar (5-Star & Ultra-Luxury)
🥇 1. Zuri Zanzibar – Kendwa/Nungwi
Perfect For: Luxury travelers starting a fly-in safari with Travel Wise Safari
Price Range: $500 – $1,200 per night
Category: Eco-luxury resort
Zuri Zanzibar is consistently ranked among the best hotels in Africa. With its award-winning design, breathtaking beachfront, sustainable practices, and unrivaled sunsets, it's a dream for honeymooners and premium travelers.
Why It’s Perfect for Safari Clients:
Only 1 hour from Zanzibar airport – perfect before a morning safari flight
Luxury bungalows & villas ideal for pre-safari rest
Private beach with no tide issues
Ideal add-on to Travel Wise Safari’s luxury Serengeti fly-in packages
🥈 2. The Residence Zanzibar – Kizimkazi
Perfect For: Couples, honeymooners, familiesPrice: $400 – $900/nightCategory: Pool-villa resort
This iconic property features secluded villas with private pools, lush forest surroundings, and world-class dining.
Why It Works for Safari Travelers:
Full privacy before or after safari
Gorgeous villas perfect to unwind after Serengeti game drives
Close to dolphin tours & sunset cruises
🥉 3. Melia Zanzibar – Kiwengwa
Perfect For: All-inclusive luxury seekersPrice: $350 – $800/nightCategory: 5-star all-inclusive resort
With its beautiful beach and famous Jetty Restaurant extending into the ocean, Melia is a top choice for families and couples.
Ideal for:
Travelers wanting to combine safari + all-inclusive beach holiday
Guests flying into Tanzania with kids
⭐ 4. Park Hyatt Zanzibar – Stone Town
Perfect For: Overnight stays before early safari flights
Price: $350 – $600/night
Category: 5-star heritage hotel
Ideal for travelers who want both comfort and culture.
Safari Connection:
10 minutes from Zanzibar Airport
Best option for guests taking early morning flights to Serengeti/Arusha
Combine with Travel Wise Safari’s Stone Town + Safari packages
🌴 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Zanzibar (Comfortable & Stylish)
⭐ 5. Kendwa Rocks – Kendwa
Price: $120 – $350
Ideal For: Couples, young travelers, groups
Beautiful beach, great atmosphere, and excellent value.
Why It's Great for Safari Travelers:
Close to top beaches
Perfect for young travelers doing a 3–4 day Tanzania safari
Affordable but premium feel
⭐ 6. Mahali Zanzibar – Paje
Price: $120 – $250
Category: Beachfront boutique hotel
One of the best-rated mid-range hotels on the island.
Best For:
Travelers who prefer boutique experiences
Safari guests combining wildlife + kitesurfing
⭐ 7. Zanzibar Queen Hotel – Matemwe
Price: $100 – $220
Perfect For: Quiet escapes before safari
Set in a quiet part of Zanzibar, ideal for travelers wanting a peaceful stay.
⭐ 8. Mvuvi Lodge – Kiwengwa
Price: $80 – $180Charming, small, and warm—great for couples and solo travelers.
💸 Best Budget Hotels in Zanzibar (Affordable & Excellent)
⭐ 9. New Teddy’s on the Beach – Paje
Price: $30 – $80Backpackers’ favorite with amazing social vibes.
Ideal For:
Young travelers combining a budget safari and Zanzibar beach
⭐ 10. Jambiani Villas – Jambiani
Price: $40 – $100Beautiful, clean, and directly beachfront.
⭐ 11. Lost & Found Hostel – Stone Town
Price: $15 – $45Perfect for quick overnight stays before safari flights.
🏝 Best Boutique Hotels & Romantic Escapes
12. Upendo Beach Zanzibar – Pingwe
Perfect For: HoneymoonersFamous for modern villas overlooking the iconic The Rock Restaurant.
13. Tulia Zanzibar – Pongwe
Famous for luxury water slides and private cabins.
14. Matemwe Lodge – Matemwe
Private, intimate, and perfect for relaxing before your safari adventure.
🏨 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Zanzibar
👨👩👧 15. Riu Palace Zanzibar (Adults + Kids 12+) – Nungwi
Amazing beach, great food, and entertainment.
👨👩👧 16. Neptune Pwani Beach Resort – Kiwengwa
One of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
👨👩👧 17. Bluebay Beach Resort – Kiwengwa
Huge swimming pools and family-friendly rooms.
Best Hotels by Zanzibar Beaches
🔵 Best Hotels in Nungwi
Zuri Zanzibar
Kendwa Rocks
Riu Palace
Nungwi Dreams
🟢 Best Hotels in Kendwa
Gold Zanzibar
Kendwa Rocks
Zuri Zanzibar
🔴 Best Hotels in Paje
Mahali Zanzibar
New Teddy’s
The Nest
🟡 Best Hotels in Stone Town
Park Hyatt
Tembo Hotel
Maru Maru
🟣 Best Hotels in Matemwe
Zanzibar Queen
Matemwe Lodge
Kasha Boutique Hotel
✈️ Best Hotels for Safari Travelers Departing from Zanzibar
If you're planning a fly-in safari to Serengeti or Ngorongoro with Travel Wise Safari, these hotels offer the best combination of comfort, distance, and convenience:
⭐ Best for Early Morning Flights
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Tembo Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel
⭐ Best for Luxury Safari Clients
Zuri Zanzibar
The Residence
Tulia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar
⭐ Best for Budget Safari Clients
Mahali Zanzibar
Jambiani Villas
Kendwa Rocks
New Teddy’s
🦁 Why Travel Wise Safari Is the Best Safari Operator for Zanzibar Travelers
If you're staying in Zanzibar, Travel Wise Safari is the perfect safari partner.
Here's why:
✔ Direct fly-in safari options
Fly from Zanzibar straight into Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire—no long road transfers.
✔ Flexible 2–7 day safari itineraries
Perfect for travelers who want to combine beach + safari.
✔ Expert guides
Local, highly trained, and loved by guests worldwide.
✔ 4x4 luxury safari jeeps
Comfortable, fully equipped, and ideal for photography.
✔ Affordable and premium options available
Whether you're staying at a budget hotel in Paje or a luxury villa in Kendwa, there is a safari package for you.
🛫 Top Safari Packages from Zanzibar (2025)
Perfect for guests staying short-term.
Best value safari from Zanzibar.
Most popular safari booked by Zanzibar travelers.
Ideal for honeymooners staying at high-end Zanzibar resorts.
📣 Want to Add a Safari to Your Zanzibar Holiday?
Travel Wise Safari makes it easy, safe, and incredibly memorable.
👉 Start your Tanzania safari from Zanzibar today
👉 Contact Travel Wise Safari for custom packages
👉 Fly directly from Zanzibar to the heart of the Serengeti
Your dream vacation starts here.
🌟 Final Thoughts: The Perfect Place to Stay in Zanzibar + Your Safari Start Point
Whether you're dreaming of a beachfront villa, a luxury private pool suite, a romantic boutique hideaway, or a vibrant beach bungalow, Zanzibar offers it all.
Pair your Zanzibar stay with a Tanzania safari from Zanzibar with Travel Wise Safari, and you’ll experience the best of both worlds—the wild beauty of Africa and the calm, turquoise shores of paradise.