Best Places to Stay in Zanzibar for a 5-Day Trip

Places to Stay in Zanzibar for Your 5-Day Trip

Zanzibar is a beautiful island near the coast of Tanzania. It is famous for its white sandy beaches, clear blue sea, warm weather, and rich culture. The island has friendly people, fresh seafood, and a calm and relaxing atmosphere. If you are planning a 5-day trip, choosing the right place to stay is very important. The right area will help you enjoy your time without traveling too much from one place to another.

Top Areas to Stay in Zanzibar

Each area in Zanzibar offers something different. Some places are good for history and culture, while others are perfect for beaches and relaxation. Below are the best areas to stay during your 5 day trip.

1. Stone Town

Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City. It is the cultural and historical heart of the island. It is a great place to stay for your first one or two nights.

The town has small narrow streets, old buildings, and beautiful wooden doors. You can visit the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and local markets. In the evening, you can go to Forodhani Gardens and try local street food like Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, and fresh juice. Stone Town is close to the airport and ferry port, so it is very convenient when you arrive or leave.

Accommodation in Stone Town

·         Luxury hotels with sea views and rooftop restaurants

·         Boutique hotels inside historic buildings

·         Mid-range hotels close to the main attractions

·         Budget guesthouses in quiet streets

2. North Coast (Nungwi and Kendwa)

The north coast is one of the best beach areas in Zanzibar. Nungwi and Kendwa are very popular because the beaches are clean, white, and beautiful. One big advantage of the north coast is that the sea stays close to the beach most of the day. This means you can swim anytime. In some other areas, the tide goes far out during the day.

Nungwi is more lively, with many restaurants, beach bars, and small shops. Kendwa is quieter and more peaceful, but still very beautiful. Both places are great for watching the sunset.

Accommodation in North Coast

·         Luxury beachfront resorts with pools and spas

·         Large all-inclusive resorts

·         Modern boutique hotels

·         Mid-range beach hotels

·         Budget guesthouses and simple beach lodges

Recommended beach hotels:

·GOLD ZANZIBAR BEACH HOUSE & SPA – A luxury beachfront resort with big rooms and spa services.

·Nungwi Dreams by Mantis – A modern hotel with good food and a rooftop pool.

·Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort – A large resort with swimming pools and all-inclusive options.

·Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar – A big resort with many restaurants and activities.

·The Z Hotel – A stylish hotel right on Nungwi Beach, good for couples.

·Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel – A fun and lively hotel, great for groups and social travelers.

3. East and Southeast Coast

The east and southeast coast are perfect if you want peace and quiet. Beaches like Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi, and Pwani Mchangani are long, wide, and less crowded. This side of the island is very calm and natural. It is also popular for kitesurfing because of the strong winds. The sunrises here are beautiful.

During low tide, the ocean goes far from the beach. This is nice for walking and seeing sea life, but swimming is better during high tide.

Accommodation in East and Southeast Coast

·         Luxury private villas with pools

·         All-inclusive beach resorts

·         Boutique eco-lodges

·         Mid-range beachfront hotels

·         Affordable beach bungalows

Recommended places to stay:

·Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Private villas with pools, perfect for honeymooners.

·TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar – A comfortable resort with swimming pools and all-inclusive packages.

4. Matemwe and Quiet Boutique Beaches

Matemwe is a quiet area in the northeast of Zanzibar. It is less crowded than Nungwi and very peaceful. The beach is clean and calm. Matemwe is also close to Mnemba Island, which is famous for snorkeling and diving. You can take a boat trip to see colorful fish and coral reefs.

Accommodation in Matemwe

·         Small luxury boutique hotels

·         All-inclusive resorts

·         Beachfront lodges

·         Romantic hotels for couples

Recommended places to stay:

·         The Mora Zanzibar – A luxury all-inclusive resort with beautiful views and modern rooms.

·         Infinity Beach Boutique Hotel & SPA – A stylish hotel with spa services and ocean views.

·         Matemwe Attitude – A relaxed beachfront hotel with friendly service.

How to Plan Your 5 Nights

Day 1: Arrival and Stone Town
After arriving, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, walk around the old streets of Stone Town to explore the narrow alleys, historic buildings, and colorful markets. Visit sites like the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and spice shops. In the evening, head to Forodhani Gardens to taste local street food like Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, and fresh juice while enjoying the sunset by the sea.

Day 2–3: North Coast (Nungwi or Kendwa)
Travel to the north coast and check in to your beach hotel or resort. Spend these two days swimming in the clear turquoise water, sunbathing on the white sand, or relaxing by your hotel pool. Take a sunset dhow cruise for an unforgettable view of the ocean. Try fresh seafood and local dishes at beachside restaurants. You can also explore Nungwi village, visit small shops, or enjoy fun activities like snorkeling, diving, or a visit to local turtle farms.

Day 4: East Coast or Matemwe
Move to a quieter area like Paje, Jambiani, or Matemwe for a more peaceful beach experience. Spend the day relaxing on the wide sandy beaches, snorkeling in shallow waters, or walking along the shore during low tide. For adventure lovers, try kitesurfing in Paje or take a boat trip from Matemwe to Mnemba Island to see coral reefs and colorful fish. Enjoy the calm surroundings and take time to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Day 5: Last Beach Day and Departure
Spend your final day enjoying your hotel or resort amenities. Swim in the ocean, relax by the pool, or take a last walk on the beach. You can also visit local craft shops to buy souvenirs, spices, or handmade products to take home. Later, pack up and transfer to the airport for your flight home, leaving Zanzibar with unforgettable memories.

Tips for Your Stay

·         Book early, especially during high season (June to October and December to February).

·         Check the tide times if you stay on the east coast.

·         Dress modestly in towns because Zanzibar is mostly Muslim.

·         Carry small cash in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings.

·         Travel between Stone Town and beach areas can take about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Zanzibar is a wonderful place with beautiful beaches and rich culture. For a 5-day trip, it is a good idea to stay in Stone Town first and then move to a beach area. This way, you can enjoy both history and relaxation.

Whether you choose a luxury resort like The Mora Zanzibar or a small boutique hotel like The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, Zanzibar has something for everyone. With good planning, your 5 days on the island will be relaxing and unforgettable.