Zanzibar holidays: How to choose the best hotel or resort
If you’re planning a Zanzibar holiday from South Africa, here’s how to choose the best hotel or resort for your trip, and what to know before you book.
2min read
Published 13 March 2026
Guest Blogger
If you’re planning a Zanzibar holiday from South Africa, here’s how to choose the best hotel or resort for your trip, and what to know before you book.
Zanzibar is one of those destinations that feels like a really easy choice for South Africans. It’s close by, affordable, and has plenty on offer from beaches to food tours. Because island holidays often involve a lot of downtime, your hotel choice can make or break the trip.
From laid-back beachfront resorts to lively all-inclusive stays and heritage hotels in Stone Town, the island has no shortage of options. The challenge is working out which one actually suits your travel style, budget, and expectations. Especially when many hotels look similar online.
In this blog
First, decide what kind of Zanzibar holiday you want
Before looking at hotel names or star ratings, it helps to be honest about what you want from the trip. Zanzibar is gorgeous wherever you go, but different people can have very different experiences, depending on where and how you stay.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to relax at a resort most days, or explore the island?
- Are you travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family?
- Do you want an all-inclusive setup, or something more flexible?
- Is nightlife and atmosphere important, or peace and quiet?
Once that’s clear, the hotel shortlist becomes much easier.
Beach resort or Stone Town hotel?
Most travellers split their time between the coast and Stone Town, but not everyone needs to. It’s possible to stay at a beachfront resort and do a day trip to Stone Town, or to visit towards the end of your stay for one night.
Beach resorts
If your idea of Zanzibar involves barefoot days, warm Indian Ocean water, and sunset drinks, a beachfront resort holiday is the obvious choice. These are found mainly along the north and east coasts, with different areas offering different vibes.
North coast resorts around Nungwi and Kendwa are known for swimmable beaches all day and a slightly livelier feel. The east coast is quieter, more scenic, and influenced by the tides, which means dramatic low-tide walks and calmer evenings.
Stone Town hotels
Stone Town works best for one or two nights at the start or end of your trip. Staying here gives you a feel for Zanzibar’s history, architecture, and culture, with easy access to markets, museums, and historic sites
Zanzibar
Tanzania
Expert tip
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim; dress modestly outside of beaches/resorts, especially in Stone Town, and ask permission before taking photos of locals.
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All-inclusive vs flexible stays – which is best?
This is one of the biggest decisions when booking Zanzibar holiday packages. The right decision ultimately comes down to your own preferences, but here are some pros and cons of each.
All-inclusive resorts
All-inclusive works well if you want predictable costs and minimal planning. Meals, drinks, and sometimes activities are covered, which is ideal for honeymooners, families, or travellers who want to switch off completely.
Resorts like LUX Marijani, Matemwe Attitude or RIU Palace are often chosen for this reason. They offer good value for South Africans, especially when bundled into flight-and-hotel packages. Knowing that everything is on-site and already paid for means you can relax without having to do any conversions, and you don’t have to pick the cheapest item on the menu either!
Non all-inclusive hotels
If you like trying local restaurants, booking excursions independently, or mixing beach time with exploring, a hotel without all inclusive options can offer more freedom. If you don’t drink alcohol or aren’t big eaters, you might find this to be a bargain.
You could choose fully self catered, or you might opt for breakfast only, but it does give you the ability to pick and choose what services you want to pay for. Just make sure you do some research beforehand into options for nearby food and drinks, transport, and so on so you don’t find yourself stuck at a hotel wondering where you can grab some coffee!
Choosing the right location on the island
Zanzibar is small, but where you stay matters. As with many islands, the climate and tides can vary quite a bit from place to place, so choosing the right option could be the difference between an okay holiday and a great holiday.
- Nungwi and Kendwa (north): Easy swimming, social atmosphere, good for first-time visitors.
- East coast: Quieter, scenic beaches, better for relaxed stays and couples.
- Central or south-east: More remote resorts, suited to travellers who want seclusion.
If swimming is a priority, especially for shorter stays, the north coast is often the safest bet. Alternatively, look for hotels with really good swimming facilities like multiple pools, or things like snorkelling excursions.
When is the best time to visit?
Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but timing affects both weather and price.
- Best time to visit: June to October for drier weather and comfortable temperatures.
- December to February: Hot and popular, especially over festive season.
- April and May: Heavier rains and higher humidity. Some travellers enjoy the lower prices, but beach conditions can be unpredictable.
Practical things to consider before booking
You’re probably already dreaming of sunscreen, swimming, and seafood. But before you hop on the plane, remember there are a few extra things to consider before booking:
- Tides: East coast beaches are tidal. This affects swimming times but creates beautiful scenery.
- Travel insurance: Essential, especially for activities like snorkelling or sailing.
- Flights: Most South Africans route via Johannesburg, with connections through regional hubs.
- Currency: US dollars are widely accepted, but small notes in the local currency are useful.
So, which Zanzibar hotel is best?
There’s no single best resort, only the one that fits your trip.
If you want ease and value, an all-inclusive beachfront resort makes sense. If you want culture and flexibility, pair a coastal stay with a night in Stone Town. And if you’re unsure, speaking to someone who knows the difference between these properties can save you time and disappointment.
Browse Zanzibar holiday deals or chat to a Flight Centre travel expert to tailor your Zanzibar holiday properly, from flights to resorts and everything in between. They can make sure everything is organised and that your trip is totally hassle-free, not to mention wallet-friendly!