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Trustpilot Rating : Five Stars

Reviews 132 • Excellent

Where to Stay

The Z Hotel

from $125 per person per night for 2026/27

A funky property for those looking for a bit of action

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 rooms and access to some evening action. As one of the main backpacker destinations there are plenty of bars to choose from. A good option for younger travelers on the whole.

Really nice rooms, good management and facilities, good area for those wanting a little nightlife

Can feel a little cramped, beach can be busy

About the location

Set right at the top of the island, it is possible to argue that the beach at Nungwi is in the top 3 on the island and still doesn’t fail to impress.

The northern coastline provides reliable swimming conditions and clear water for snorkelling among reef fish, rays and small coral formations, with boat trips toward nearby reefs offering encounters with turtles, dolphins and occasional reef sharks. Kayaking and paddle‑boarding are often possible in the gentle lagoon, while divers can access deeper coral walls where larger marine species sometimes appear. Sunset cruises from Nungwi frequently spot dolphins offshore, adding a romantic wildlife element.

However, some aspects may feel less polished: the energetic surroundings can be noisy at peak times, and the compact beachfront offers less seclusion than quieter stretches of the island.

hotel Layout

As one of second “round” of properties on the island, the thin nature of their plot has given the hotel the feel of being a little cramped.

This has meant that they has squashed quite a lot into a small area; with 3 restaurants, a pool and sun lounger area, although they have managed it well.

Do see our new The Z Hotel Picture Gallery further down this page.

The Z Hotel Accomodation

Using coconut wood in each room gives these pretty simple rooms a refined feel and, while not vast, they are of a good size with airconditioning and a balcony with sea views.

With a newly constructed beach frontage there are now a good range of rooms to choose from with a similarly good range of price points.

Do see Best Safaris & Holidays on this page.

How to book The Z Hotel

Please call us in the UK on the usual +44 1525 840 149 or email info@theafricaspecialists.com to check availability, best prices and what adventures you have in mind. We can plan and arrange it all for you and have been for over 20 years!

Our Rating :

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Where on the map is The Z Hotel?

The Z Hotel

The Z Hotel, Zanzibar Beaches map

The Z Hotel Highlights

Just some of the highlights of this hand-picked Zanzibar beaches hotel. Do call us direct for any other details or to help with planning and logistics.

Luxury Accommodation

30 rooms & suites

Diving and Snorkeling

spa, diving, snorkelling, game fishing & more

Swimming Pool

swimming pool included

Private Restaurant

private dining available

Air Conditioning

air conditioning available

All ages welcome

all ages welcome

Please go to either of our Tailormade Safari Trips pages to see a lot more safari trips, ideas and budgets.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find around The Z Hotel for 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you’ll be able to find the following wildlife around the The Z Hotel bearing in mind the quality of guiding, budgets, time of year and duration of stay all affect your chances of finding or seeing any of the following outstanding wildlife that dwell in this part of the Zanzibar beaches…

Don't miss our full Africa Wildlife Guide right here.

What are your best safari trips & itineraries to The Z Hotel’s Zanzibar beaches for 2026/27?

Some of our most-popular tailor-made trips for the Zanzibar beaches that could include a stay at The Z Hotel include...
Days10Days16

Duration

$3,500$7,000

Price Brackets (USD)

1 Great Safari, Great Beach

Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Visits : Nyerere National Park, Southern Tanzania, Stone Town, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Along with the first itinerary we feature in this section, this itinerary has long been a favourite with safari clients and, with properties like Pongwe Beach hotel, it is now possible to… More…

12 Nights

FROM $3,500pp/pn

Great Safari

2 Beach Selous and Zanzibar

Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Visits : Mainland Coast, Nyerere National Park, South of Dar, Southern Tanzania, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

A really well paced itinerary, this is a simple but really effective itinerary that gives a couple of days on the beach, on to safari and then to spend the remaining time… More…

14 Nights

FROM $5,500pp/pn

Lake manze camp 4 game drive 16 nyerere tanzania

3 Selous Ruaha & Zanzibar

Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Visits : Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Unbelievably it is actually possible to safari in both the Selous and Ruaha within this budget. For this amount of money, this itinerary offers exceptional value for money and, for those wanting… More…

15 Nights

FROM $4,500pp/pn

Lake Manze Camp lake views, Selous/Nyerere

4 Northern Honeymoon June to November

Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Visits : Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Stone Town, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

We have searched high and low for a well priced trip to the north of Tanzania in what must be the main season for honeymooners to Tanzania and we think we may… More…

13 Nights

FROM $5,000pp/pn

TA0892~1

5 The Discerning Safari

Africa, Kenya

Visits : The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Kenya

This exciting trip, just short of two weeks, will start up in the Laikipia Plateau where a wealth of safari activities and culture awaits! The next stop is the Masai Mara, where… More…

13 Nights

FROM $6,000pp/pn

The Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Ol Malo Lodge

Don't miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the other best hotels in Zanzibar beaches for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels for Zanzibar beaches for 2026/27. 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.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$175$3,010

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

6 Nights

Mnemba Lodge

Zanzibar beaches

From $3,010 per person per night
See the lodge now
Mnemba Lodge

7 Nights

Baraza Resort & Spa

Zanzibar beaches

From $901 per person per night
See the resort now
Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar Beaches, Tanzania

6 Nights

Breezes Beach Club & Spa

Zanzibar beaches

From $352 per person per night
See the club now
Breezes Beach Club & Spa

6 Nights

Pongwe Beach Hotel

Zanzibar beaches

From $227 per person per night
See the hotel now
Pongwe Beach Hotel

6 Nights

The Palms

Zanzibar beaches

From $732 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Palms

6 Nights

White Sands Villas

Zanzibar beaches

From $1,505 per person per night
See the resort now
White Sand Villas, One bed villa aerial, Zanzibar, Tanzania

6 Nights

Xanadu Villas and Retreat

Zanzibar beaches

From $400 per person per night
See the retreat now
Xanadu Villas, Beachfront, Zanzibar, Tanzania

7 Nights

Kilindi Beach Resort

Zanzibar beaches

From $825 per person per night
See the resort now
Kilindi Beach Resort

7 Nights

Boutique Hotel Matlai

Zanzibar beaches

From $310 per person per night
See the hotel now
Boutique Hotel Matlai

6 Nights

Shooting Star Lodge

Zanzibar beaches

From $182 per person per night
See the lodge now
Shooting Star Lodge

6 Nights

Kasha Boutique Hotel

Zanzibar beaches

From $175 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kasha Boutique Hotel

6 Nights

Konokono Beach Resort

Zanzibar beaches

From $300 per person per night
See the resort now
Kono Kono - overwater villas

6 Nights

Essque Zalu

Zanzibar beaches

From $245 per person per night
See the hotel now
Essque Zalu

6 Nights

The Residence

Zanzibar beaches

From $514 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Residence

6 Nights

Milele Villas

Zanzibar beaches

From $195 per person per night
See the hotel now
Milele Villas

6 Nights

Qambani

Zanzibar beaches

From $412 per person per night
See the retreat now
Qambani

6 Nights

Zawadi

Zanzibar beaches

From $951 per person per night
See the resort now
Zawadi Hotel, The beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

When is the best time to stay at The Z Hotel in 2026/27?

Generally speaking, as the The Z Hotel is in Zanzibar beaches, we recommend booking stays here with us any time on the following timescales — depending on your preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then do call us any time to check your plans, costs and best options for a fantastic The Z Hotel stay in the 2026/27 season…

January good

February good

March mixed

April mixed

May mixed

June good

July best

August amazing

September great

October still good

November fair

December fair

Don’t miss our full When to Visit zanzibar guide on our main zanzibar page.

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

It is the people, the animals and the unique experiences that bring people back to Africa time and time again.”

Nick French, The Africa Specialists™

Nick French signature shot in Africa

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

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Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

Old Main Content

Nick/FiFi : This is the ‘old’ (imported) main content. Fi : This is what we’re copying up to the new hotel accordions.

Beach

Arguably the beach at Nungwi is in the top 3 on the island and still doesn’t fail to impress. With swimming from the beach possible both at low and high tide this definitely ticks the box…although, with a busy beach in season, it is not totally secluded.

Rooms

Using coconut wood in each and given them a refined feel and, while not vast, they are of a good size and each has a balcony with sea views. One big plus is that, if you can’t live without your comforts, they all have aircon and plasma tvs as standard.

Layout

As mentioned below, the layout is a little cramped due to the size of the plot. This has meant that they has squashed quite a lot into a small area…with 3 restaurants, a pool and sun lounger area, they have managed it well.

Features

As mentioned below, I think that the hotel feels a little cramped…but it is in part due to the fact that they have put in a good sized pool and a large dining space at the front. They offer an introduction to diving for free to all their guests. Being right in the centre of town allows guests to be able to wander down the beach for a drink or two if they want.

The Z Hotel