Luxury Hotels in Zanzibar

For a certain kind of traveler, the very name Zanzibar conjures the scent of cloves and salt air. This Indian Ocean archipelago is a place of profound history and startlingly beautiful beaches. The main event is Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site of coral stone buildings and labyrinthine alleys where you can visit the former slave market or sip coffee at the Forodhani Gardens night market. Beyond the historic heart, the island's east coast, like Paje or Nungwi, offers long stretches of white sand and some of the best kite-surfing in Africa.

Most visitors fly directly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, just south of Stone Town. For a first-time visit, basing yourself in Stone Town puts history and restaurants on your doorstep, while the northern beaches around Nungwi are ideal for families and couples seeking calm seas and full-service resorts. The south and east coasts attract a more adventurous, often younger crowd drawn to the wind sports and rustic beach bungalows. Getting around requires a mix of short flights, taxis, or the local *dala-dala* buses.

On HOTEVI, you'll find over 220 places to stay across the islands. The range is vast, from simple guesthouses in Stone Town and backpacker hostels in Jambiani to elegant boutique hotels carved into old merchant houses and sprawling luxury resorts with private villas on the sand. Your choice really defines your Zanzibar experience.