Despite the fact that the tourist infrastructure of Zanzibar is poorly developed, and there are few entertainment facilities, every year there are more and more vacationers on the island. The main thing that attracts foreigners here is the boundless azure expanse of the Indian Ocean. Most resort hotels are concentrated on the north and east coasts.
But most prefer Zanzibar hotels without low tides, which are located in the northwestern part of the island in the resort villages of Nungwi and Kendwa. Near the best beaches, there are both fashionable large 5-star hotels with All inclusive service, and with a minimum set of amenities, including budget hostels.
Riu Palace Zanzibar – All Inclusive 5*
Located in the village of Kendwe, it occupies the first coastline next to other luxury hotels. The number of rooms is represented by low-rise villas, each of which has 4 rooms. Some villas are located directly on the beach, which allows you to enjoy magnificent sunsets and sunrises over the Indian Ocean.
The complex receives, accommodates and serves guests in an all-inclusive format. Catering is provided by several themed restaurants focused on different cuisines of the world. Visiting the hotel's restaurants is not only gastronomic discoveries and delicious dishes, but also culinary shows that are arranged here for guests. In the bars, you can pass the time with a cocktail or light snacks.
The private beach is sandy, equipped with sun loungers and parasols. For those who prefer to swim in fresh water, there is a large swimming pool. Own diving center expands the recreational opportunities for those who are fond of underwater adventures. There is a SPA center with a steam bath. A variety of leisure activities are provided by animation groups that arrange entertainment events, “live” performances.
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Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort 5*
It occupies its own territory on the ocean in the village of Nungwi. Snow-white two and three-story buildings contrast against the backdrop of Zanzibar palm trees and other picturesque vegetation. The beach has a sandy surface. Tourists are accommodated in spacious rooms with balconies with the service “full ration” or “all inclusive“. The windows overlook the ocean or the hotel park with a large infinity pool.
There are two restaurants on site that offer a variety of all-inclusive meals. “Spices” will appeal more to adherents of conservative views on cooking and traditional European food. The Samaki Restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes. The bars serve snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Leisure vacationers can diversify fishing, sports activities (volleyball, football), scuba diving. Its own SPA center allows tourists to visit the steam room, as well as undergo massage sessions and do facial practices using local traditional care products.
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Zuri Zanzibar 5 *
A resort location with a large park area and low-rise snow-white residential buildings under traditional makuti roofs. Located in Kendwa, it has its own sandy strip of beach, stretching for 300 meters. Vacationers note that this is one of the best places on the northern coast for swimming, as the ebbs and flows are almost not felt, the sea and the coast are clean, the descent is gentle and safe.
Guests are accommodated in tropical bungalows, each of which, in addition to the necessary amenities, has a terrace with garden furniture. The garden has seating areas, a yoga area and a large fresh water swimming pool. Around the pool on the boardwalk there are sun loungers and areas, throughout the day a bar with a variety of snacks and a grill bar is open for guests. There are also awnings with massage tables.
For catering, guests are offered three options: half board, board and all inclusive. The hotel's restaurants specialize in Middle Eastern and international cuisine. In the evenings, guests are invited to the beachfront restaurant for dinners with live music and dancing. Vacationers can diversify their vacation with diving, canoeing, snorkeling. For children there is a children‘s room and a playground. Spa treatments and masseur services are available.
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Nungwi Dreams by Mantis 5*
Located in the village of Nungwi on the coast of the Indian Ocean, it has a small private beach area. Nungwi Beach public beach is only 600 meters away. Snow-white warm sand, excellent equipment and the absence of algae are the hallmarks of this beach. Two-story residential buildings are made in a modern style with the correct geometry and conciseness. The total number of rooms is 28.
The interior decoration corresponds to the requirements of the time. There is everything you need for a comfortable stay, comfortable beds, bathrooms with bathtubs. Rooms on the second floor have balconies. Some bungalows have rooftop sun terraces. One of the villas is designed to accommodate a large company of up to 10 people, it has 4 bedrooms, a private pool and magnificent sea views from panoramic windows.
When placing vacationers, they can choose any format of food, including breakfast only. Several times a week, the restaurants organize themed dinners with entertainment. Bars offer a large selection of cocktails and refreshing drinks. On the territory there is a gym, an outdoor pool, if you wish, you can do active forms of entertainment – snorkeling, diving, fishing.
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Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa 5*
A large resort complex is located in Kendwa. One of the advantages is a wide strip of beach with snow-white fine sand and a gentle slope. You can swim here at any time, as the difference between low tides and high tides is almost not felt. The beach is clean, no debris and algae, fully equipped with sun loungers and straw umbrellas.
On the territory there is a large outdoor pool, the water in which is illuminated at night, creating a special, romantic atmosphere. Guests are accommodated in low-rise bungalows. There are luxury accommodation options – Suite with a large terrace and a villa with a private pool. Vacationers can choose not only the category of the room, but also the environment in which their vacation will take place.
Some rooms are decorated in authentic Arabic, Italian or African style. This place has everything that makes up the perfect vacation for the discerning tourist who prefers 5-star accommodation and all-inclusive service. Dining options include 2 restaurants serving international cuisine with a'la carte and buffet options.
For vacationers, the services of the SPA center are available, there is a gym with modern cardio and weight machines, a children's club for young guests from 3 to 12 years old.
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Hotel La Gemma dell'Est 5 *
Luxury and a decent level of service attract here those who are used to relaxing in the best hotels and enjoying all the benefits that a resort vacation gives. Located in the village of Nungwi, surrounded by a tropical garden with waterfalls, alleys for walking. This is one of the best all inclusive destinations in the northwest of Zanzibar and the largest hotel on the coast.
The interior of the rooms meets the requirements of even the most sophisticated tourists. Luxurious sleeping quarters, large panoramic windows with a magnificent view of the ocean or garden, bathrooms with quality fixtures and showers. On the territory there is a large pool, shaped like a wave, sunbathing areas, and the beach is equipped with a pier with thatched awnings, where you can spend the sunset with a glass of African white wine.
The buffet is served in the restaurant and on the outdoor terrace. A variety of dishes will please even the most demanding gourmets. The cuisine is focused on the preferences of Europeans, but also has an authentic menu, which includes dishes from freshly caught fish and seafood.
As entertainment and leisure activities for vacationers, animation programs and culinary master classes, beach volleyball, diving and surfing are offered. There is a wellness center with an extensive range of relaxing treatments.
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Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar 4*
Traditional bungalows are located in a picturesque area on the first coastline, surrounded by tropical trees and plants. A distinctive feature is the growing baobabs, which gave the name to the resort.
Thatched-roof houses are designed to accommodate 2-3 people, but there are also more spacious studio options for a large company. The complex is located in Nungwi, located on a small rocky ledge, slightly rising above the beach.
Meals are provided by The Beach Gallery restaurant with a poolside bar. The restaurant chefs specialize in seafood dishes. In the evenings, cooking shows are organized here. Vacationers can choose the format of food “breakfast only” or “All inclusive“.
The SPA center “Mvua African Rain SPA” offers an extensive range of treatments based on the healing properties of natural products and plants of the island. For the entertainment of vacationers, water walks, excursions, diving lessons are provided.
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DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Zanzibar – Nungwi 4*
It is one of the inexpensive hotels in Nungwi with decent living conditions, but with more pronounced ebbs and flows than in the hotels described above. Because of this, at low tide, you can meet sea urchins on the sandy beach, and at high tide, you can only go down the stairs into the water. The beach area with sun loungers and umbrellas is limited by a concrete wall that protects the resting place from marine debris.
Guests are accommodated in two and three-story bungalows with traditional thatched roofs. About 100 rooms are provided for accommodation of 2-3 people. The houses are surrounded by a tropical garden, which has an outdoor pool, sunbathing areas, bars, a volleyball court and a place for children to play.
The food zone is represented by the Ngalawa restaurant, where a breakfast buffet is served in the morning, and entertainment events and themed dinners are organized in the evening. Another gastronomic location located next to the pool is the Fisherman Bar and Grill. Here you can taste authentic dishes of the local national cuisine. As entertainment, guests are offered diving, snorkeling, sightseeing trips. There is a SPA-center.
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Mnarani Beach Cottages 4*
Located outside the village of Nungwi on the northern coast of the island. Location for many tourists becomes decisive when choosing a vacation spot. On the one hand, it is located on the first coastline next to a sparsely populated beach, where obsessive merchants rarely wander. On the other hand, from here in just 20 minutes you can walk to all the objects of the resort infrastructure: restaurants, shopping malls with souvenirs and spices.
The territory of the complex is densely crowded with traditional resort cottages. The maximum height is 4 floors, there are no elevators. Natural wood and fabrics are used in the design of the rooms, some rooms are decorated in the national style. Above the first floor, each room has a balcony overlooking the ocean or tropical garden.
In the mornings, guests are offered a breakfast buffet, lunches and dinners are ordered from the menu. The cuisine specializes in international dishes and seafood dishes. At the pool bar you can enjoy drinks and snacks, pass the time or spend an evening with friends. The on-site tropical garden features an outdoor pool, massage hut, sunbathing areas. Guests can rent bicycles and water sports equipment.
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Smiles Beach Hotel 4*
Located next to the famous Nungwi Beach. The number of rooms is represented by several one-, two- and three-storey cottages, the number of rooms is 16. They can comfortably accommodate from 2 to 4 people. Superior rooms have balconies with ocean views. There are several cafes near the beach where you can order drinks and snacks.
Guests are catering to the Ocean Front Restaurant, surrounded by palm trees and blooming tropical plants. The restaurant's cuisine is focused on the preparation of national and international dishes.
On site there is a swimming pool with a sunbathing area and a bar with an outdoor terrace. Wellness and relaxation services are available for a fee. You can also rent bicycles to explore the area or go snorkelling.
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From Hotel 4 *
Located next to Nungwi Beach near the center of the resort village. Guests are accommodated in stylish white buildings with wooden balconies and beautiful views of the ocean or tropical garden. The rooms are spacious, available in categories from “standard” to “executive suite”. Those who prefer secluded living can rent a separate cottage with a bedroom, a living room and a rooftop terrace.
Surrounded by tropical plants, guests can swim in the pool, order a cocktail at the bar or relax in the skilled hands of a massage therapist. Saruche Restaurant serves a continental breakfast. During the day and in the evening, you can order dishes from the menu, in which most of the positions are represented by national delicacies, seafood dishes and traditional European dishes.
The beach is conducive to a relaxing holiday or active entertainment. Diving equipment can be rented. As entertainment, vacationers are also offered sightseeing trips to Koh Chang, Stone Town and the Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary.
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Kendwa Rocks Hotel 3*
This is a relatively inexpensive vacation on the Indian Ocean in the resort village of Kendwa. Cottages are suitable for couples, as well as for large companies or families with children. Most rooms have balconies where you can relax and enjoy the view of the tropical garden. On-site facilities include a shared lounge, an outdoor pool and a Mermaid Bar with an extensive selection of spirits and soft drinks.
Vacationers can choose the format of meals – board or half board. In the morning, the restaurant serves a continental breakfast, and in the evening they arrange culinary performances accompanied by live music. For entertainment, guests can enjoy boat trips, canoeing, diving and snorkelling for a fee.
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Makofi Guest House
Unpretentious tourists can relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean with the necessary amenities at a guest house near Nungwi Beach and the Spanish Dancer Divers diving center. Vacationers are offered small, cozy rooms with beds, showers and wooden furniture.
Choosing this option for accommodation, you should not count on the highest service and a variety of services, but everything you need for a great stay on the coast is here. The traditional thatched-roof houses built of wood are surrounded by a lot of greenery. The beach is only 100 meters away, it is covered with white sand, equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and has all the active entertainment.
On the beach, you can pass the time in one of the bars or sit in cafes and restaurants 200-300 meters from the sunbathing area. The guest house offers guests a continental breakfast of hearty dishes – the best start to the day in the resort. Unlike most luxury hotels, pets are allowed here.
Langi Langi Beach Bungalows
Popular among tourists, an inexpensive complex in the north of the island of Zanzibar is located right on the beach in the village of Nungwi. The number of rooms is represented by two-story buildings with standard rooms, where there is a bed, a bathroom and a balcony with a sofa for relaxing, and suites decorated in the national style. The most preferred are accommodation options in the garden in a separate bungalow or in a common building with a separate room.
There are more budget offers that are located above the restaurant and above the reception. There is a bar and a restaurant on site. Most tourists note that the cuisine is varied, the portions are sufficient to get enough. Service and a buffet are not provided, vacationers pour themselves juices, tea, coffee, and the staff delivers dishes.
The bar offers a selection of soft and alcoholic drinks. In the evening, the restaurant serves a la carte, the institution has a closed hall and an open veranda directly above the sea. The cook is ready to cook fish and seafood bought by tourists on the grill. The beach is sandy with a gentle entrance. There are sunbeds and umbrellas. On the way back, next to the restaurant, you can go into the shower and rinse off the salt water.
On a hot day, you can also swim in the pool inside the garden. There is a sunbathing area next to it. The peculiarity of the complex is its own petting zoo with miniature pygmy antelopes, rabbits, birds and even monkeys.
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Badolina Bungalows
Located in the resort village of Nungwi. One-storey thatched bungalows with small terraces at the entrance are located in the depths of a tropical garden, surrounded by fragrant flowering plants. Beach 60 meters. The room fund has the necessary amenities without frills, there is a bed, a bathroom, air conditioning in all rooms. Rooms are designed for 2-3 people, there are accommodation options in shared rooms with six beds.
It has its own restaurant with outdoor dining area and bar. A continental breakfast is served in the mornings, and vegetarian meals are provided. Near the hotel there are massage parlors, SPA, bicycle rental, within walking distance of the turtle nursery Turtles Mnarani. For those who love marine activities, the East Africa Diving Center is just a few steps away.