Hot-foot it to Zuri Zanzibar for a boutique Indian Ocean getaway, where Swahili culture meets pearlescent sands and decadent guestrooms, five-star facilities and warm, friendly service.
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
It spreads out over 13 acres in the north of this Tanzanian island, poised on the milky-white sands of Kendwa Beach, nestled between tropical trees and shrubs.
In fact, Zuri Zanzibar was dreamt up as a sustainable beach hotel surrounded by gorgeous, exotic gardens, interspersed with buildings that respect the environment, earning the property an EarthCheck Sustainable Design Gold Award. Eco-friendly credentials include providing freshwater via Zuri wells and treatment plant; reusing water for irrigation; opting for UV lamps to reduce chemical levels in the infinity pool; and the instalment of Evening Breeze air-conditioning, which uses 75% less energy than traditional systems.
What’s more, Zuri Zanzibar is engaged with local projects through the Zuri Giving initiative, so much of the décor and products you see here have come from programmes to help the community. It all makes for an authentic, culturally rich backdrop that exudes a real sense of place, yet guests are equally treated to luxuries including spacious Bungalows, Suites or Villas tucked amidst the gardens in standalone buildings, adding to their sense of privacy. Picture hammocks strung up on the terrace, outdoor showers, beds sheathed with mosquito nets and elegant bathrooms with twin sinks.
To top it all off, Zuri Zanzibar ensures that every palate is catered for with three excellent restaurants offering a wealth of global cuisines, and there are plenty of drinking dens here too. Visitors can work it all off by heading out on a diving or snorkelling excursion to Mnemba Atoll Marine Park or Tumbatu Island, enjoying some watersports or volleyball (courtesy of the hotel’s WIMBA centre), or venturing further afield on a sunset dhow cruise, among many other interesting activities. That said, there’s nothing better than reclining by the pool or on the beach with a good book, contemplating the colours of this exotic wonderland.
Room Options
There are 56 exquisitely designed guestrooms at Zuri Zanzibar, comprising a mix of Bungalows, Suites and Villas that are propped above the bush on stilts. From the outside, the accommodation seems modest with thatched roofs and teak frames, but enter your Zuri abode and you’ll be greeted with seriously modish stylings and thoughtful, local touches too. The bead curtains have been handmade by women from local cooperative, CHAKO, while toiletries come courtesy of Seaweed Co., whose products are organically made by female seaweed farmers. You’ll also find plenty of colours in the form of vibrant murals and plump sofas, stylishly offsetting the wooden finishes such as carved doorframes, while outdoor spaces are festooned with hammocks, showers or bathtubs, and even Jacuzzis or infinity pools in the top categories. Mod-cons come in the form of tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and clever Evening Breeze air-conditioning.
Bungalow
The Zuri Bungalows each offer partial views of either the garden or ocean, with floorplans of 66sq m spanning a king or twin bedroom, spacious deck, and bathroom with separate tub and shower. Some can interconnect if seeking more space and bedrooms, others also come with Jacuzzis.
Suite
These 132sq m suites sport a separate living room and bedroom (king or twin), Jacuzzi, expansive terrace, bathroom with separate tub and shower, and partial Indian Ocean views. Some suites are located on the beachfront, and you can include a sofa bed. Guests also enjoy exclusive access to a private beach and the Dhow Bar.
Villa
The villas are available with two or three bedrooms, starting at 317sq m but reaching up to 500sq m in the Luxury Oceanfront Villa. They are utterly sumptuous with Jacuzzis, private gardens, kitchens, large living rooms, sound systems, king-size and twin beds, en suites with separate bathtubs and showers, and stunning décor throughout. Some are set on the oceanfront, with one of the villas boasting its own private beach, infinity pool and entertainment room. Guests also enjoy exclusive access...Facilities/Amenities
Zuri Zanzibar’s beachfront position lends it well to watersports, so it comes as no surprise that there’s actually a dive centre onsite where you can book yourself in for a snorkelling or diving excursion to nearby Mnemba Atoll Marine Park or Tumbatu Island. There’s more watersport equipment to borrow, such as stand-up paddle boards, as well as on-land activities like volleyball and petanque. Discover the hotel’s surrounds on a sunset Dhow boat ride, go fishing with the locals, explore mangrove trees and seaweed farms, head to the turtle centre in Nungwi, try your hand at Zanzibari cookery with a chef-led class, or seek out Red Columbus Monkeys in Jozani Forest National Park. Then there’s always the opportunity for al fresco yoga with views of the sunrise and sunset, and of course visits to the tranquil Maua Spa.
Restaurants & Bars
Dhow Bar
This exclusive bar is available for guests of the top-end suites and villas, perched on the beach with an irresistible range of drinks.
Upendo Restaurant and Peponi Bar
With a distinctive Zanzibari look and views over the rest of the resort, Upendo serves as Zuri’s main restaurant while the adjacent Peponi Bar is in charge of mixing up mouth-watering drinks. There are live cooking stations, an outdoor terrace, and cuisine combining both global and local flavours.
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Maisha
This breezy al fresco haunt is set by the hotel swimming pool overlooking the glistening ocean, with a flower-laced pergola providing shade over the terrace. As well as African and Indian Ocean fare, you can also look forward to European and Middle Eastern delights here at Maisha.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Beach Restaurant and Bar
Surrender to the slow pace of life here at Zuri Zanzibar and relish light bites and small plates at this beachfront bar and eatery, found on the sands of Kendwa with arresting ocean views. Why not indulge your sweet tooth with a sugarcane cocktail, fruity concoction or healthy smoothie?
- Lunch
- Dinner
Activities & Entertainment
Zuri Zanzibar’s beachfront position lends it well to watersports, so it comes as no surprise that there’s actually a dive centre onsite where you can book yourself in for a snorkelling or diving excursion to nearby Mnemba Atoll Marine Park or Tumbatu Island. There’s more watersport equipment to borrow, such as stand-up paddle boards, as well as on-land activities like volleyball and petanque. Discover the hotel’s surrounds on a sunset Dhow boat ride, go fishing with the locals, explore mangrove trees and seaweed farms, head to the turtle centre in Nungwi, try your hand at Zanzibari cookery with a chef-led class, or seek out Red Columbus Monkeys in Jozani Forest National Park. Then there’s always the opportunity for al fresco yoga with views of the sunrise and sunset, and of course visits to the tranquil Maua Spa.
Zanzibar travel information
- Time zone: +3 GMT
- Flight time: 13 hours
- Recommended airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air France, British Airways
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling, US Dollar, Euro
- Tipping guideline: Depends on the service
- Health considerations: There is a risk of dengue. There is a risk of Zika virus. There is a high risk of malaria in Zanzibar. There is a low potential for exposure to yellow fever and there is a certificate requirement. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Zanzibar City
- Population: 1,303,569
- National languages: Swahili, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type G, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You need a visa for Zanzibar if you have a British passport - apply online
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Zanzibar experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
New Year's Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Year's Day: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Denise
Travel Specialist
Zanzibar travel guides
Want some more help planning your holiday to Zanzibar? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.
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New Year's Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Year's Day: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
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