Local hotels in Zanzibar

Stone Town, Zanzibar $$

Emerson on Hurumzi

Rooftop Swahili dinners with live Taarab music, overlooking Stone Town minarets and dhows.

Kiponda, Zanzibar $$

Emerson Spice Hotel

Live traditional Taarab music in the courtyard and multi-course Swahili seafood dinners on the rooftop terrace.

Jambiani, Zanzibar $$$

Be Zanzibar

Pottery workshops with village artisans and sailing trips aboard traditional wooden dhows.

Kizimkazi Dimbani, Zanzibar $$$

Kizikula

Produce harvested from on-site permaculture beds and recipes shaped by Zanzibari culinary traditions.

Shangani, Zanzibar From $350

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Set directly on Stone Town beach, embracing Swahili culture through regional spice-infused cuisine and views of traditional wooden dhows.

Baghani, Zanzibar $$

Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel

Set on narrow Gizenga Street, steps from Forodhani Gardens and the seafront.

Dongwe, Zanzibar $$$$

Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat Zanzibar

Swahili-Arabic architectural motifs, reclaimed fishing boat wood, and seafood seasoned with indigenous island spices.

Kendwa, Zanzibar From $800

Zuri Zanzibar

The two-acre organic spice garden supplies ingredients for Swahili cooking masterclasses.