Hakuna Matata in Zanzibar
Zanzibar seems to be a hot spot everyone is talking about and rightfully so! Hakuna Matata is Swahili for "no worries" made famous by Lion King. With beautiful white sand beaches, warm waters of the Indian Ocean, a laid back African vibe, and fresh drinks served in coconuts - "Hakuna matata" the perfect saying. You can come straight here or start with a life changing safari before you come to relax.
This archipelago is made up of many small islands but the 2 main islands are Pemba and Unguja (which is usually the island referred to when people reference Zanizbar). The total population is just under 2 million as it is bustling with vendors, bodas (motorcycles), and other informal businesses that has a mix of Africa, Arab, and Caribbean cultures. Of course the tourists come in by the boat loads - literally - mostly by ferries from the mainland (although there is an airport too).
Located in the Southern Hemisphere, the November, December, and January months are HOT! Deliciously hot if you want to lay by the pool all day and do little, but possibly too hot if you want to take a tour of Stone Town with temps as high as 32 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit) and 70% humidity. June to October are much more comfortable, dry months with temperatures around 21-25 Celsius (70-77 Fahrenheit) but then of course the prices go up.
The most touristy beaches on Zanzibar are Nungwi and Kendwa where you'll find the all-inclusive, chain hotels mixed in with some beautiful luxury resorts and a sprinkling of boutiques. Let's call it the "Cancun of Zanzibar". Then there is the "Tulum of Zanzibar" on the southeast side of the island near Paje and Jambiani beach that has the boutique hotels and hakuna matata vibes, a little more raw but same amount of distance from the ports. These resorts are more boutique and natural - "less straight lines" as my mom would say! Then you have the raw version in Pemba, the real African island living, and less Muzungus (white people). All have their benefits of course but it's what you're looking for when you reach.
There is no shortage of activities, especially if you are obsessed with the ocean. Jambiani beach has world renowned kite surfing and has low tides where you could walk out a kilometer finding sandbars and sea urchins along the way. Pemba is a hidden gem, far less popular but has the best scuba diving. Nungwi is the most popular among tourists and known for magical sunsets, socializing, and snorkeling in the calm waters.
Here is my list of the hotels I would personally stay at between $110-$1000/night. The hotels I find are appreciate the most have a mix of nature and modern, represents the culture, value oriented, have some availability to wellness and has tasty food that is chef inspired. I hope you find something you love!
ZURI ZANZIBAR (Kendwa)
If you're going for 5*, I would recommend this thoughtful, locally sourced, architecturally designed gem. It's my kind of place because of its delicate balance of the natural beauty and the modern comforts. This hotel also offers wellness activities and it's beach sits in a lagoon so you won't have the low tides like you will in other areas of the island. Each bungalow has its own privacy and its garden is magical, the kind of garden I personally would dream up sitting in the middle of winter when I lived in Minne"snow"ta. It's perfect for couples, weddings, health conscious travelers, and people who appreciate greenery. The prices range from $460-$1100 / night.
ZEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL (Jambiani Beach)
This was one of my favorite hotels. It wasn't as photogenic as some of the other hotels and it's not located on the beach BUT every detail was thought out. The more I was there, the more I just wanted to be there. There are little nooks for reading or drawing, the rooms have outdoor showers, there was a structure built for sunsets or hanging out, and the pool!! That in itself was well designed from a laying area, benches throughout the pool, beds that came out over the water, or shaded areas during the intense sunny days. It's perfect for solo travelers, adding on to another part of the trip, or a girls trip. The English couple who owns it were very present and delightful. Off season, you can find it as cheap as $120/night, on season up to $250/night.
THE NEST (Jambiani Beach)
The Nest is a beautifully designed hotel with all my favorite things - a pool that isn't rectangular, beautiful stone bathtubs, the jungle themed bathrooms, and the wood constructed tree houses that are a perfect blend of modern design with a mix of natural elements. It has access to the ocean front and all the comforts of hakuna matata vibes. Great for honeymoons, babymoons, kite surfers, or some good 'ole r&r. I highly recommend this place to stay for around $300-450/night. If it's beyond the budget, you can always just have a pool day here for $40 which includes food and drinks.
BE ZANZIBAR (Jambiani Beach)
This photogenic show stopper is great for the travelers who love top notch design. It has that tropical feel mixed with some Arab design which creates a luxurious feel. It's on the ocean but it has a secluded location. It has bikes you can take out on the water, a beautiful full length infinity pool, and amazing seafood dishes. I got lucky because I was one of the first visitors so I got a deal but depending on season, it ranges from $150-$350/ night. Great for kite surfers, an add on to another part of the island, or families.
The owner and developers of this property are generous and want all to enjoy so even if you don't stay here, stop by for a drink and a scenic view for free! They just believe all are welcome. :)
AIYANA BEACH RESORT (Pemba Island)
The Aiyana Beach Resort has panoramic views, an open air feel with large rooms, and a must see bathroom with outdoor showers. Besides all of the art being tastefully designed, the art also represents fertility so perfect for those honeymooners! It's located on the northwest side which makes it very secluded and is great for scuba diving if you enjoy the sport. This is a great place for romance, scuba diving, and all around R&R. It's about 2 hours from the port so I would stay at least 3 nights to really feel settled. Depending on season and room size, prices range from $450 - $700/night.
SUNSHINE MARINE LODGE (Muyuni Beach)
For our scuba diver lovers! This is the place. It even offers scuba classes in 1 of the 3 pools. After an underwater adventure, you can come back to this tropical paradise. It's a great value as it has a serene space, a yoga center, 3 pools, natural designs, and a great menu in their restaurant. It's perfect for the active travelers, the luxury budget travelers, and the social travelers. The prices range from $115 - $330 depending on season.
I hope this is inspiration to book your travel! I'm also a travel agent so if you have any questions or you'd like me to book a hotel at no cost to you - I can get you possible upgrades throughout the world!
Hakuna Matata!
-Amanda O-
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