Zanzibar Accommodation
At Summer Vacation Tours and Safaris, we help you find accommodation that fits your travel style, budget, preferred location and plans for the island.
Where You Stay Makes a Difference
Zanzibar may look small on a map, but once you are here, you will discover that getting from one part of the island to another can take longer than you might expect.
Some travellers assume that because Zanzibar is a relatively small island, they can stay almost anywhere and still reach beaches, restaurants and excursions quickly. In reality, your choice of location can make a significant difference to how you experience your holiday.
For example, travelling from Nungwi in the north to Paje on the southeast coast for a kitesurfing experience can take around two hours by road. An airport transfer to a hotel in Pwani Mchangani may take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while reaching a hotel in Stone Town from the airport can take less than 20 minutes. These are estimates, and actual travel times depend on your exact location, traffic and road conditions.
Distance is only part of the picture. Different parts of Zanzibar offer different experiences. A beautiful beachfront hotel in Michamvi, for instance, may be ideal if you want a quieter coastal stay, but it may not be the most convenient choice if you want to walk to a wide selection of restaurants or have easy access to activities elsewhere on the island.
That does not make one location better than another. It means the right choice depends on what you want from your holiday.
This is where our local knowledge can help. We take the time to understand what you want to do in Zanzibar, your preferred travel style, your group size and ages, your budget, and any other requirements that matter to you. We then help you narrow down the accommodation options and consider how each location fits with your plans.
The aim is not to find one universally best place to stay. It is to find the place that makes the most sense for your Zanzibar holiday.
Does It Cost More to Book Through Summer Vacation Tours?
No. We do not charge you an extra fee for arranging your accommodation.
Summer Vacation Tours works with hotels, villas, lodges, guesthouses and other accommodation providers. When you book through us, we do not add a service fee or increase the accommodation price to earn our commission.
Instead, we receive a commission directly from the accommodation provider.
This means you can benefit from our help choosing where to stay, comparing suitable properties and communicating with accommodation providers, without paying us an additional accommodation booking fee.
How Our Accommodation Service Works
- No extra service fee: We do not charge you separately for arranging your accommodation.
- No added markup: We do not increase the accommodation price to add our own margin.
- Partner commissions: Our commission is paid by the accommodation provider.
- Local planning support: We help you consider the location, property, budget and how your accommodation fits with your Zanzibar plans.
The accommodation rate and booking conditions will depend on the property, your travel dates, room type and availability. We will confirm the price and relevant terms before you decide to book.
You get local help choosing and arranging your stay, while our commission comes from the accommodation provider, not an additional fee charged to you.
Book Your Stay, Decide Later
You do not have to book excursions with us to use our accommodation service. You may simply want us to help you find and arrange a suitable place to stay. Once you arrive in Zanzibar, you can decide how you want to spend your time and book activities if and when you feel like it.
Whether you are planning a full Zanzibar holiday with us or just looking for accommodation, we can help you make a more informed choice about where to stay.
Types of Zanzibar Accommodation
We can help you explore different types of accommodation across Zanzibar, from simple guesthouses to private villas and luxury resorts.
Whatever your budget or preferred style, we can help you explore the available options. The final choice depends on your dates, requirements and property availability.
Hotels and Resorts
Choose from hotels and resorts offering different levels of comfort, facilities, dining and beach access.
Depending on your preferences, we can help you look at beachfront properties, family resorts, boutique hotels, all inclusive stays and smaller properties with a more personal atmosphere.
Private Villas
A villa may suit families, groups of friends or travellers who want more privacy and shared space.
Depending on the property, villas may offer multiple bedrooms, private living areas, a kitchen, a pool or other facilities. We help you check what is actually included and whether the property suits your group.
Lodges and Boutique Stays
For travellers who prefer a smaller property or a quieter setting, Zanzibar has lodges and boutique accommodation in several coastal areas.
These can be worth considering for privacy, a more intimate setting or a location away from resort areas.
Guesthouses and Budget Stays
If you would rather spend more of your budget on experiences, a guesthouse or simpler hotel may be a practical choice.
We can help you explore options that fit your budget while considering location, comfort, facilities and how you plan to get around.
Where Should You Stay in Zanzibar?
Choosing the right area is one of the most important parts of planning your accommodation. The island’s different locations offer different beach conditions, atmospheres, facilities and access to activities.
Here is a practical starting point.
| Area | What It Offers | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | History, culture, markets, restaurants and access to town based experiences | A town stay rather than a traditional beach resort. Useful for cultural visits and some arrival or departure plans. |
| Nungwi | A lively northern beach area with hotels, restaurants, activities and access to boat trips | Can be busy in popular periods. Check the property's exact location and how easily you can reach the beach and nearby facilities. |
| Kendwa | Beach resorts, swimming, sunsets and a relaxed but social atmosphere | Compare beachfront access, property facilities and distance from restaurants or activities. |
| Matemwe | A quieter northeast coast setting, with access to marine activities around Mnemba | The beach is affected by tides. Check the location and boat departure arrangements for planned activities. |
| Kiwengwa | A range of beach hotels and larger resorts | Check beach conditions, the hotel's exact location and how far you will be from activities outside the resort. |
| Paje | A lively southeast coast area known for kitesurfing, cafés and beach life | Strong tidal changes affect the beach and swimming experience. |
| Jambiani | A more relaxed coastal setting with guesthouses, boutique stays and village life | Tides, the exact beach location and distance to restaurants or activities matter. |
| Bwejuu | A quieter southeast coast option with a mix of smaller properties and beach stays | Consider transport needs and the distance to restaurants and attractions. |
| Michamvi and Pingwe | Quieter coastal stays, boutique properties, scenic settings and sunset experiences in some locations | Properties can be spread out. Check dining options, transport and the exact beach setting. |
| Kizimkazi | A quieter southern location with access to southern attractions and marine activities | It is farther from many northern and northeast coast attractions, so plan transfers and excursions carefully. |
| Pwani Mchangani | Travellers looking for a relaxed beachfront stay, couples and families who want to spend time at their resort and enjoy Zanzibar’s northeast coast. | It is a relatively quiet coastal area, with fewer options within walking distance than busier areas such as Nungwi. The beach and swimming conditions are affected by the tides. |
| Fumba | A southwest location with a quieter setting and access to experiences around Menai Bay | Check the property's location and the road time to attractions elsewhere on the island. |
We Match Your Accommodation to Your Excursions
A hotel may look ideal on its own, but if you plan to visit several attractions, the location can affect how much time you spend on the road and how easily your activities fit into the day.
Before recommending accommodation, we can consider the excursions you want to do and how practical they are from each possible base.
For example:
- If Stone Town, markets and cultural experiences are a priority, staying in or near Stone Town may make some activities easier to arrange.
- If you want to spend much of your holiday swimming, relaxing at the beach and enjoying the northern coast, accommodation around Nungwi or Kendwa may fit your plans.
- If you are interested in kitesurfing or the southeast coast, Paje or nearby areas may be worth exploring.
- If you want to visit Mnemba’s surrounding marine area, we can consider accommodation and transfer arrangements around the relevant departure point.
- If you plan to visit attractions in both the north and south, we can discuss whether one base or a split stay makes more sense.
We also consider the timing of activities. Some excursions depend on tides, sea conditions or fixed boat departures. Staying in a convenient location can make these arrangements easier.
The goal is to help you choose accommodation that works with the holiday you want, rather than treating your hotel and activities as separate decisions.
Zanzibar Accommodation Prices
Accommodation prices in Zanzibar vary considerably. A simple guesthouse, a private villa and a luxury beachfront resort can have very different rates, even when they are in the same area.
The price you receive will depend on the property, your travel dates, room type, number of guests, length of stay and meal plan.
Other details can also affect the total cost, including whether the rate includes taxes or other charges, whether children share a room with adults, and whether you need extra beds or multiple rooms.
Rather than relying on a general price that may not apply to your dates, we help you explore options within your budget and request rates for your actual stay.
What Our Accommodation Service Includes
What Our Accommodation Service Includes
Our role is to help you make an informed accommodation choice and coordinate the booking process.
Understanding Your Requirements
We begin with your travel dates, budget, group size, preferred location and travel style. We also ask about the experiences you want to enjoy in Zanzibar.
Shortlisting Suitable Properties
We help identify accommodation options that match your requirements, subject to availability and the information provided by the properties.
Considering the Location
We look at how the accommodation fits your itinerary, including travel times to excursions, access to restaurants and facilities, and whether the location suits the kind of holiday you want.
Communicating With Accommodation Providers
We can communicate with hotels, villas, lodges and guesthouses to enquire about availability, room options, rates and relevant booking details.
Comparing the Details
We help you look beyond the headline room rate. This can include meal plans, room occupancy, facilities, location, applicable charges and what is or is not included.
Coordinating Your Stay
If you need airport transfers, transport between hotels or excursions during your stay, we can help arrange those services as well.
Why Arrange Your Accommodation Through Us?
Local Zanzibar Knowledge
Accommodation That Fit
Support Beyond Booking
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay in Zanzibar?
It depends on the kind of holiday you want. Stone Town suits travellers interested in environment surrounded by history and culture. Nungwi and Kendwa offer a different northern beach experience, while Paje and Jambiani have a distinct southeast coast setting. Other areas, such as Matemwe, Michamvi and Kizimkazi, may suit travellers looking for different surroundings. We can help you compare locations based on your plans, budget and travel style.
Can you help me choose the best area to stay in Zanzibar?
Yes. Tell us what you want to do, your preferred atmosphere, budget and travel dates. We can help you consider which areas may fit your plans and how the location affects excursions and transport.
What types of accommodation can you arrange?
We can help you explore hotels, resorts, private villas, lodges, boutique properties and guesthouses, subject to availability.
Can you arrange family friendly accommodation?
Yes. Tell us the ages of the children, number of adults, room requirements and facilities that matter to your family. We can help you enquire about suitable options and confirm details with the property.
Can you arrange accommodation for couples or a honeymoon?
Yes. We can help you explore properties suited to the type of stay you have in mind, whether that means a private villa, a quiet boutique hotel or a beachfront resort.
How much does accommodation in Zanzibar cost per night?
There is no single rate for Zanzibar accommodation. Prices vary by property, dates, room type, occupancy, meal plan and season. Contact us with your dates and budget so we can enquire about suitable options.
Can you arrange airport transfers with my accommodation?
Yes. We can help arrange transport between the airport and your accommodation. We can also arrange ferry port transfers and transport between hotels.
Let's Find the Right Accommodation For You
Contact
WhatsApp/Call:
+255 777 335 672
Email:
info@summervacationtours.com
Office Location:
Mombasa SOS, ZANZIBAR