Zanzibar Town Hotel Guide. Hotels in Stone Town, Zanzibar Town, Tanzania

Top reasons to visit Stone Town

• Historic Architecture: Explore the stunning blend of Swahili, Arab, and European influences in the unique buildings and winding alleys of Stone Town.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture through traditional performances, markets, and culinary delights.
• Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy pristine beaches nearby, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
• Adventure Activities: Engage in a variety of outdoor adventures, from thrilling water sports to guided tours.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from an array of welcoming lodgings, from charming bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels.

Find great hotels in and around Stone Town

Discover the charm of Stone Town, Zanzibar, where a variety of accommodation options await to suit every traveller's needs. From welcoming bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels, guests can find the perfect base for their beach, family, or business-themed holidays. Enjoy convenient amenities such as accessible parking and a range of choices that promise a memorable stay in this historical coastal gem.

• Tembo House Hotel: A family-friendly 4-star establishment nestled in the heart of Stone Town, Tembo House Hotel is perfect for adventurous travellers seeking a blend of business and leisure. This hotel boasts a range of business amenities, including a Business Centre, Meeting Rooms, and Conference Space, making it ideal for corporate visitors. Adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of recreational activities available nearby, such as snorkelling, swimming, parasailing, fishing, and boat tours. For families, the hotel offers a delightful children’s playground, foosball table, children's pool, arcade game room, and various games, ensuring a fun-filled stay for younger guests.
• Paradise Beach Resort: Located 25.7km from Stone Town, Paradise Beach Resort is a delightful 3-star retreat that caters to both families and business travellers. The resort provides essential business services while ensuring a family-friendly environment. Children can enjoy a range of amenities including a ping pong table, a pool specifically for kids, babysitting services (for a fee), games, and a complimentary children's club. With its relaxing atmosphere and thoughtful facilities, this resort makes for a perfect family getaway.
• Sipano Beach Lodge Kiwengwa: Situated 29.0km from Stone Town, Sipano Beach Lodge Kiwengwa is a charming 3-star lodge that offers direct access to the beautiful beach. This property is a haven for business travellers looking to unwind by the sea while still benefiting from essential business services. The beachside location provides guests with a serene environment to relax and enjoy the stunning coastal views, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a blend of work and leisure.

Where to stay near Stone Town

Stone Town offers a captivating blend of history and culture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic African experience. Wander through its winding alleys, where the vibrant atmosphere is enriched by local traditions and friendly locals. Nearby, you can enjoy pristine beaches and outdoor adventures that cater to both families and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re after romantic sunsets or a secluded retreat, Stone Town and its surroundings promise an unforgettable holiday.

• Zanzibar Town: As the heart of Zanzibar, Zanzibar Town offers a vibrant blend of history and culture. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the highlight with its winding alleys, ancient architecture, and bustling public markets. Visitors are drawn to the stunning beaches and outdoor activities, making it perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. The city’s resorts provide a comfortable base to explore local landmarks, including the iconic Old Fort and the serene Forodhani Gardens. With a steady stream of visitors year-round, it's an ideal destination for a delightful beach and cultural experience.
• Ng'ambo: Just 805m from Stone Town, Ng'ambo is a charming village that invites visitors to experience local life. Known for its beautiful beaches and lush urban parks, Ng'ambo is an excellent spot for outdoor activities and family-friendly adventures. The village maintains a more laid-back atmosphere compared to its bustling neighbour, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to relax in a picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant local community, and the proximity to Stone Town allows for easy exploration of historical sites and cultural experiences.
• Mwembeshauri: Located 1.1km from Stone Town, Mwembeshauri is a tranquil village renowned for its stunning beaches. This idyllic spot is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape while remaining close to the rich history of Stone Town. While Mwembeshauri might be smaller in scale, it offers lovely coastal views and an authentic taste of local life. It’s an excellent base for beach lovers looking to unwind, while the vibrant culture and attractions of Zanzibar Town are just a short distance away.

Things to do in and around Stone Town

Stone Town offers a delightful blend of beach relaxation and outdoor adventures, perfect for family vacations. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as theatre performances, water sports, and exploring local restaurants. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by adventure-themed tours and exciting adventure sports, ensuring a memorable stay in Zanzibar. Experience the rich culture and stunning landscapes while indulging in the unique culinary delights the area has to offer.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant Darajani Market in Stone Town, a bustling public market offering local produce and crafts, perfect for unique gifts. Don't miss the Zanzibar Night Market, where you can enjoy street food and a lively atmosphere, making it a delightful shopping experience in the heart of the city.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Sea Cliff Golf Course, located 14.5km from Stone Town, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning ocean views. After your game, unwind at the clubhouse with refreshing drinks while soaking in the outdoor ambience.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Kite Centre Zanzibar, located 40.2km from Stone Town. Engage in activities like kite surfing and stand-up paddleboarding while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. It's an exhilarating way to explore the beautiful waters of Zanzibar.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife at the Rooftop Lounge for stunning sunset views and refreshing cocktails. For a lively atmosphere, head to Mercury’s Restaurant for local cuisine and live music, or enjoy the laid-back vibe at the Old Fort where you can mingle and dance under the stars.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Stone Town

To save money during your visit to Stone Town, consider travelling in the low season, specifically from April to May and November, when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Staying on a Saturday can also save you money compared to Thursday. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price to uncover budget-friendly stays. Additionally, look into package deals that combine flights and activities to maximise savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Stone Town are April to May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Stone Town is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Stone Town is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Stone Town is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel stay in Stone Town with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Stone Town

Stone Town is perfect for beach and outdoor family vacations, offering a rich array of attractions. Visitors can explore historic sites, urban parks, and forts that showcase the area's vibrant culture. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences or family-friendly activities, Stone Town provides a diverse selection of points of interest that will enhance your holiday in this captivating destination.

• Slave Market: A poignant historic site, the Slave Market in Stone Town offers a deep insight into the region's past. Visitors can explore the remnants of this significant location, which evokes a strong cultural vibe and highlights the importance of Zanzibar's history in the slave trade.
• Forodhani Gardens: This vibrant urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning views of the ocean, Forodhani Gardens comes alive in the evenings with food stalls and local entertainment, creating a lively city atmosphere that showcases the local culture.
• Old Fort: Steeped in history, the Old Fort is a striking landmark that dates back to the 17th century. This cultural gem offers visitors a glimpse into Zanzibar’s rich heritage, featuring exhibitions, performances, and a unique architectural style that captivates all who visit.

Best time to go to Stone Town

The best time to visit Stone Town is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	82.6°F (28.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	78.1°F (25.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
September	77.9°F (25.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
December	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Stone Town

Flying into Stone Town, Zanzibar, is convenient with two major airports nearby. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is located 6.4km from Stone Town, with excellent hotel options such as the 5-star Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel, just 1.6km away, offering free airport transportation and a 24-hour shuttle on request. Park Hyatt Zanzibar and Zanzibar Serena Hotel, both 8.0km from the airport, provide paid shuttle services. Alternatively, Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is 78.9km away, with hotels like the Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, 11.3km from the airport, offering shuttle services for a fee.