In this article, we have collected all the best hotels in Zanzibar for families with children or two. We got an overview of really good hotel complexes of 4 and 5 stars, where we recommend going to rest first. All selected establishments with their own beach have positive reviews from tourists and high ratings.
When planning your holiday in Tanzania, we recommend using the following factors:
- beach resort for recreation;
- variety of food, is there a children's menu;
- service service;
- infrastructure for entertainment and attractions;
- remoteness of the hotel complex from the sea;
- is there a doctor, what are the conditions for admission;
- animation for adults and children on site, babysitting services.
One of the islands of Tanzania - Zanzibar - is rightfully considered a heavenly place on earth. Its territory is covered with coconut palms, and its white coasts are washed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
The exotic destination is chosen for the opportunity to enjoy the pristine nature and freshly caught seafood away from the bustle of the city. Coral Island is also attractive for divers and fishing enthusiasts.
When to vacation in Zanzibar?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is period from October to Aprilwhen dry weather prevails and the water in the ocean warms up to 27 degrees. The rainy season lasts from the second half of April to May. During the summer months, there is not much rainfall, but the climate is not comfortable enough.
The nature of the island has its own characteristics: frequent ebbs and flows can greatly ruin the vacation (not everyone will like swimming in the knee-deep sea). In order not to face this problem, we recommend considering two northern regions: Nungwi and Kendwu.
Best hotels in Zanzibar
Nungwi Resort
Nungwi is one of the most popular fishing villages around which a large number of hotel complexes are built. Local beaches are characterized by little or no ebb and flow, perfect entry into the water and fine white sand. However, when resting with small children, you should take into account the presence of sea urchins, which can be found near the coast.
The restaurants on the Nungwi Coast always offer the freshest seafood. Because the region is very popular with holidaymakers; many complexes here operate on an all-inclusive basis.
Based on the reviews of tourists left on the sites Tophotels, Tripadvisor and Booking, we have compiled a list of places that can be considered for recreation in this region.
Riu Palace Zanzibar (ex. Hideway)
One of the best 5 star hotels in Zanzibar with high ratings: on Booking.com 9.2 points out of 10 were assigned, Tophotels - 4.7 out of 5, on Tripadvisor - 4.5 out of five.
There are:
- swimming pools for children and adults;
- Turkish sauna;
- Spa;
- tennis court.
Little guests are entertained by animators.
Vacationers with kids should keep in mind that the hotel building is built on a rock, and you need to go down to the sea by one of three stairs.
Meals are all inclusive. Rio has 3 restaurants (one with sea views), 2 bars and a lounge. Once a week, an African dinner with performances and a live music dinner on the terrace are organized ashore.
- Review rating: [9.2] out of [10].
- Beach: [private beach, first line].
- Where is located: [51 km. from Abeid Amani Karum Airport].
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Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
Royal takes its rightful place among hotels in Zanzibar (all inclusive). In terms of the quality of food and service, it is not inferior to Riu, but was built several years earlier. On sites Tophotels and Tripadvisor the Royal complex has good ratings (4.83 and 4.5); on Booking the complex was rated slightly lower (8.1 points).
Infrastructure is represented by:
- three outdoor swimming pools (including children's and panoramic);
- jacuzzi;
- gym and table tennis.
Among the advantages, vacationers note a large and well-groomed area, dinners with live music (twice a week).
A club is organized for young guests from 2 to 12 years old.
Additionally, you can eat in four restaurants; drinks are served in five bars.
- Review rating: [8.1] out of [10].
- Beach: [own white sand beach].
- Where is: [54 km. from Abeid Amani Karum Airport].
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Diamonds La Gemma Dell'est
The hotel with its own beach belongs to the VIP segment, so the cost of staying in it will be higher than in the two previous ones.
The territory of the complex is arranged in a cascade: from top to bottom are the reception, villas with a restaurant, then the main rooms. At the bottom of the sea is a seawater pool. The tracks are made in such a way that the rise from level to level is not physically felt.
Vacationers note the well-groomed and beautiful landscape of the territory. The Diamonds building is removed from the infrastructure of Nungwi.
Within the complex there are two restaurants, two bars, a pizzeria and a cafe.
An evening show program is offered for entertainment.
- Review rating: [8.5] out of [10].
- Beach: [private white sand beach].
- Where is located: [53 km. from the airport].
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Essque zalu zanzibar
A small five-star hotel with 49 rooms (40 - double suites located in cottages, and 9 - six-bedded in villas). Quiet location. Infrastructure includes:
- open pool;
- SPA-center;
- gym.
Vacationers are welcomed by 3 restaurants and 1 bar. A kids club is organized for young guests.
The beach is outside the hotel territory.
- Review rating: [8.1] out of [10].
- Beach: [coast with a small cliff and pier, 90 meters to the sea].
- Where is: [55 km. from the airport].
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Tours to the hotel
Klindi Zanzibar by Elewana
The hotel is located away from the rest, on the ocean. Includes 15 spacious rooms with an area of 200-225 sq. m with their own pools. Four rooms are equipped with verandas for receiving guests.
Infrastructure:
- communal panoramic pool;
- landscaped gardens;
- waterfall by the bar;
- SPA-center;
- cinema.
There are few reviews on travel sites about Klindi and Essque Zalu. They are not very popular because in terms of cost, they correspond to the complexes of Rio Palace and Royal, but in terms of infrastructure, entertainment and service it is simpler. These hotels are fairly good hotels in Zanzibar, which we recommend for lovers of a secluded pastime.
- Review rating: [8.6] out of [10].
- Beach: [private beach on the first line].
- Where is: [50 km. from the airport].
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In addition to five-star hotels in Nungwi, you can consider fours, which in terms of quality of food and service are close to an above average level. This will save you a significant amount.
Good 4 star Nungwi hotels
Double Tree by Hilton Resort Zanzibar
The four star hotel has a small area with one swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Within walking distance there are cafes and a local market.
The owners of the hotel often arrange promotions, in connection with which you can book a room in the Double Tree at a low price.
Families with small children should pay attention to the fact that the sunbeds are located on a hill, and the descent to the water is carried out by stairs.
- Review rating: [8.4] out of [10].
- Beach: [first line].
- Where is: [54 km. from the airport].
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Tours to the hotel
Z Hotel
One of the best hotels in Zanzibar according to tourist reviews (among four stars). On sites Tophotels and Tripadvisor he scored high scores: 5 (on two reviews), 4.5 and 9.1.
The small hotel on the beach is for adults only. Among the advantages, vacationers note a natural stone pool overlooking the ocean, a beautiful and green area, breakfasts by the sea, an ideal coastline, as well as shops, pharmacies and a market within walking distance.
There is a beach club nearby.
- Review rating: [8.9] out of [10].
- Beach: [first line].
- Where is: [54 km. from the airport].
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Tours to the hotel
Sandies Baobab Beach
New bungalow type complex with pool and restaurant overlooking the sea. Visitors celebrate the variety of dishes served, the friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness and the family atmosphere. Animators work throughout the day.
Quiet and cozy atmosphere, as well as an ideal sandy beach with a gentle slope into the water, are suitable for families with preschool children.
- Review rating: [9.1] out of [10].
- Beach: [own sandy beach].
- Where is: [55 km. from the airport].
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Tours to the hotel
If your vacation budget is very limited, we advise you to consider 3 star cheap hotels in Zanzibar:
- Amaan Beach Bungalows;
- Langi Langi Beach Bungalows.
Both are located on the coast and have gorgeous beaches. However, the quality of food and service is much lower here. The hotels are suitable for unpretentious travelers, or for those who plan to stay for a few days.
The second most popular region where it is better to relax in Zanzibar is Kendwa.
Kendwa Resort
The village of Kendwa with the beach of the same name is located a couple of kilometers from Nungwi. The resort is considered to be calmer and more expensive. Wealthy tourists often come here to play golf, taste freshly caught lobsters and just relax on the beach surrounded by palm trees.
There are few large complexes in the region. Mostly small bungalows and guest houses are offered. All inclusive meals are common, but the menu is not as varied as in Nungwi.
Having studied the ratings on travel sites, we recommend several hotels, different in cost and, accordingly, in terms of accommodation and meals.
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa 5 *
One of the best hotels in Zanzibar with its own beach (all inclusive). The number of rooms is represented by beach suites, private luxury villas, deluxe and superior rooms.
Infrastructure includes:
- garden;
- business center;
- tour agency;
- souvenir shop;
- pool with jacuzzi;
- fitness center and spa;
There are several restaurants and bars on site. Among the positive aspects, tourists mention a varied and delicious food: the menu changes every day, free fresh juices are served for breakfast. Service is at a high level.
In the evenings, there are African-themed show programs.
Within walking distance there is a minimarket and fruit sales.
Young guests are taught in the kids' club.
- Review rating: [8.3] out of [10].
- Beach: [sandy beach].
- Where is located: [52 km. from the airport].
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Palumbo Kendwa 4 *
It has two buildings: one - on the coast, the second (main) - inside the African village; it is located 500 meters from the coast. For those who settled in the main building, a transfer to the beach is organized.
Among the disadvantages, vacationers mention the meager menu. Gastronomic gourmets will have to look for establishments to diversify the range of dishes.
According to tourists' reviews, dinners are organized only on the beach, which should be taken into account when staying in the main building.
Overall, Palumbo Kendwa can be considered for a stay, but only at a bargain price.
- Review rating: [7.9] out of [10].
- Beach: [5 minutes walk to the coast].
- Where is located: [51 km. from the airport].
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Tours to the hotel
Sunset Kendwa Bungalows 3 *
Despite the fact that the hotel has only three (in some sources - two) stars, it is very popular: in 1.5-2 months. rooms are already booked (for high season).
The bungalows are located on the seaside and are separated from it by a palm grove.
Meals - breakfasts (modest). There is a restaurant and bar.
The budget option is suitable for unpretentious travelers who want to relax on the ocean shore for a small amount.
- Review rating: [7.9] out of [10].
- Beach: [5 minutes walk to the coast].
- Where is located: [51 km. from the airport].
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Tours to the hotel
Vacation tips from seasoned tourists
- For those who decide to fly to Zanzibar during the coronavirus period, it is worth knowing - they do not require a PCR test for Covid-19 upon arrival.
- A visa can be issued upon arrival at the airport (the airport is small, you certainly won't get lost here). The cost of registration is $ 50 per tourist. Payment is made in cash without change or by bank transfer with Visa and MasterCard. Here you will have to fill out a migration card and a visa application form. Everything will take about 20 minutes.
- We advise you to change money at the airport. Banks and hotels are holding the most disadvantageous course. We do not recommend changing money on the street - there are many scammers.
- Important! Dollars on the island are accepted not older than 2009!
- You shouldn't take the Euro, here they are equal to the dollar. That is, 1 $ = 1 €, it is not profitable for Russians.
- In restaurants, fruit shops, souvenir shops, cafes - it is profitable to pay with local currency (shillings).
- SIM cards of local operators can be more easily purchased upon arrival at the airport. The cost of a SIM card with a regular tariff is about $ 22 for 10 MB of Internet.
Zanzibar was opened by tourists not so long ago. People come here to see with their own eyes the exoticism of an unfamiliar country, as well as relax on the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean. Despite the relative youth in the field of tourism, the resorts of Nungwi and Kendwa have already gained popularity. The service sector is rapidly developing here and hotels of various levels are being built. This direction can be safely considered even for a trip with small children.
* Cover photo by Humphrey Muleba
* Hotel photos provided by Booking.com service
