What are the top five hotels & lodges in zanzibar for 2026/27?
We highly recommend the following top five hotels & lodges for zanzibar. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check availability for you to your schedule.
1 Mnemba Lodge zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Arguably, along side destinations such as the North Island in the Seychelles, Mnemba Lodge holds the accolade of being one of the most expensive beach destinations in the world. It has hosted… More…

2 Baraza Resort & Spa zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
A sister property to the nearby Breezes Hotel, Baraza Resort & Spa is still fairly young and sits nicely in the top end market, appealing to both families and couples alike. Baraza… More…

3 Breezes Beach Club & Spa zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
As one of the first hotels on this stretch of Zanzibar, Breezes has long been the benchmark for other properties of this ilk. Today it can still firmly hold its head up… More…

4 Pongwe Beach Hotel zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Located right at the southern end of the white sand that runs from Matemwe to Chwake, Pongwe Beach Hotel has, we would argue, managed to claim itself the best chunk of beach… More…

5 The Palms zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
The sister property to both the Breezes and Baraza, The Palms was the first truly high end property on Zanzibar and, while it has had new competition over the years, it still… More…

What are the top ten recommended zanzibar hotels and lodges for 2026/27?
And please use our lodge ratings, price and activities filters to narrow your search into our zanzibar lodge reviews further or call us direct to discuss the best options for you:
Or call us anytime on USA +1-917-336-2937 with any queries you have or to have us a put a custom itinerary together for you.
Our full list of the best hotels & lodges for 2026/27 in zanzibar
Please use our lodge ratings, price and activities filters to narrow your search into our zanzibar lodge reviews further:
1 Mnemba Lodge zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Arguably, along side destinations such as the North Island in the Seychelles, Mnemba Lodge holds the accolade of being one of the most expensive beach destinations in the world. It has hosted… More…

2 Baraza Resort & Spa zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
A sister property to the nearby Breezes Hotel, Baraza Resort & Spa is still fairly young and sits nicely in the top end market, appealing to both families and couples alike. Baraza… More…

3 Breezes Beach Club & Spa zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
As one of the first hotels on this stretch of Zanzibar, Breezes has long been the benchmark for other properties of this ilk. Today it can still firmly hold its head up… More…

4 Pongwe Beach Hotel zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Located right at the southern end of the white sand that runs from Matemwe to Chwake, Pongwe Beach Hotel has, we would argue, managed to claim itself the best chunk of beach… More…

5 The Palms zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
The sister property to both the Breezes and Baraza, The Palms was the first truly high end property on Zanzibar and, while it has had new competition over the years, it still… More…

6 White Sands Villas zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
The stunning, luxury villas of White Sands sit on the picturesque coast of Zanzibar, offering a private and peaceful experience. Located on the south eastern side of the island, the concept at… More…

7 Fundu Lagoon zanzibar
Pemba Island
For those looking for total seclusion, a really high level of service and something a bit out of the ordinary for their beach break, then look no further! Set on the secluded… More…

8 Manta Resort zanzibar
Pemba Island
Located on the island of Pemba, Manta Resort is a remote and luxurious hotel, famed for its underwater room that allows guests to enjoy the marine life of the Indian Ocean from… More…

9 Pole Pole zanzibar
Mafia Island
Meaning “slowly” in Swahili, Pole Pole is the perfect retreat for those looking for exactly that…to enjoy the slow and relaxed pace of life! Surrounded by lush coconut palm trees, the seven… More…

10 Xanadu Villas and Retreat zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Xanadu Villas sits on the south-east coast of Zanzibar island, just 50 minutes from the UNESCO world heritage capital, Stone Town. Xanadu has six individually designed villas, private plunge pools, spacious dining… More…

11 Kilindi Beach Resort zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Now established as one of the top properties on Zanzibar, Kilindi Beach Resort really has raised the bar as to what can be expected from the top end of the market. Each of… More…

12 Boutique Hotel Matlai zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
A lovely little property on the south eastern coast of the island, Boutique Hotel Matlai manages to tick almost all of the boxes. The main feature here is the management and the… More…

13 Shooting Star Lodge zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
One of the original small, boutique hotels on the island, the Shooting Star Lodge has still managed to maintain a great ambience and laid back approach to beach life! Set up on… More…

14 Kasha Boutique Hotel zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Set right on the northern most point of Matemwe, Kasha Boutique Hotel has brought something slightly different to the beach hotels on the island. First of all, being located where it is… More…

15 Essque Zalu zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Set up on the northern most point on the island, Essque Zalu is a modern and chic addition to the island. Featuring service, food and accommodation of the highest standard, this hotel… More…

16 Konokono Beach Resort zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Konokono Beach Resort is definitely one of the best kept secrets of Zanzibar. With an expansive white sand beach and positioned in the midst of a tropical forest, Konokono offers seclusion in… More…

17 Zawadi zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Zawadi is the newest property of the Zanzibar Collection to make its mark on Zanzibar’s East coast. Compared to its sister properties, Zawadi is much more modern and sleek in terms of… More…

18 Qambani zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Qambani is an elegant and relatively new property offering seclusion on Zanzibar’s eastern coast in Michamvi. The property has only six spacious villas and with so much space (tropical gardens, a range… More…

19 Butiama Beach zanzibar
Mafia Island
Sat on the west coast of Mafia Island, Butiama Beach is a simple beach lodge with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. With 13 comfortable bungalows, all facing the sandy white… More…

20 Constance Aiyana zanzibar
Pemba Island
As there is not a huge selection of properties on Pemba Island, this is a fantastic new edition to the island! The Constance Aiyana features 30 villas which each look out to… More…

21 Emerson Spice zanzibar
Stone Town
Emerson Spice is a long favourite of the properties in Zanzibar. Located in the exciting and busy alleyways, this hotel is colourful, charming and retains a strong sense of place. Not only… More…

22 The Seyyida Hotel zanzibar
Stone Town
Located in the heart of the alleyways and on the edge of the Forodhani Marketplace, the Seyyida Hotel is one of our favourite properties in Stone Town. Once a merchant’s home, the… More…

23 Jafferji House zanzibar
Stone Town
Located centrally, aside from the hectic alleyways and close to the ocean, sits Jafferji House and Spa. It has nine boutique suites, each individually designed with African fabrics and colours. Its restaurant… More…

24 Milele Villas zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Milele Villas have two eco-friendly villas which sit on the secluded and private beach of Fukuchani. The villas are booked exclusively, so either Villa Lisa or Villa Tatu will be entirely yours… More…

25 The Z Hotel zanzibar
Zanzibar beaches
Located in the small fishing village of Nungwi, in the northern-most point of the island, the Z hotel has slowly carved a niche out for those looking for a great beach, good… More…

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