Destinations

Five Unmissable Luxury Hotels on Zanzibar

Zanzibar: The Perfect Luxury Escape

With its white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and spice perfumed beach resorts, Zanzibar has become synonymous with the idea of a once-in-a-lifetime romantic beach escape.

Accommodation on the Tanzanian island runs the gamut from backpacker hostels to budget-friendly B&Bs to five star luxury resorts,

While there are options for all walks of life, today we're highlighting five of the most luxurious properties the Tanzanian beach escape has to offer.

Tulia Zanzibar, Pongwe

The very definition of a tropical island retreat, green and verdant Tulia is the perfect escape for those wanting privacy while they explore the white sand beach of Pongwe.

Guests at this all-inclusive resort can expect to get away from the hustle and bustle in their own luxury villa, complete with a Jacuzzi from which to soak it all in and a hammock to relax in after a day spent exploring.

While many resorts on Zanzibar offer all-inclusive options, Tulia Zanzibar's differs in that its alcohol selection is not limited to local beers and wines. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of drinks and dishes - ensuring you're spoiled for choice whether you stay for one night or one week.

For families, Tulia is a special option. The resort is the only one on Zanzibar with water slides, and its beachside location means you'll have access to all of the water sports that you'd expect to find on an island paradise.

Despite all of these amazing details, our team's favourite element of their time visiting Tulia? The wonderfully warm and welcoming staff!

Tulia prides itself on a high level of personal care, and guests are made to feel like honoured friends rather than being 'just another guest'. It's a welcome addition to the already stellar accommodations.

Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Stone Town

Located at the heart of historic Stone Town, the Park Hyatt Zanzibar blends Zanzibar's unique fusion of cultures with modern luxury.

The perfect base from which to launch your exploration of the city's labyrinthine alleys and bustling marketplaces, the Park Hyatt is also a beachfront property - the perfect middle ground between the city's two biggest attractions.

While designed in a distinctly Zanzibari style that keeps you firmly rooted in the culture you're exploring, rooms boast all of the modern conveniences such as air conditioning, TVs, and bath tubs. The hotel itself has a beauty and massage centre, fully equipped gym, on site shopping, and more.

For those wanting to experience Stone Town without surrendering luxury, the Park Hyatt is the perfect choice.

Star of the East, Nungwi

For many visitors to Zanzibar, the iconic beaches of Nungwi are the first thing that comes to mind.

The very picture of island paradise, Nungwi's long stretches of pristine white sand dissolve deliciously into the turquoise waters that seem to stay warm year round.

While many luxury properties adorn this band of sand like jewels, the Star of the East shines brightest.

Attached to the famous (and luxurious in its own right) Diamonds La Gemma Hotel, the Star of the East is the property's exclusive luxury retreat.

Guests enjoy 24/7 butler service in their private villas, each of which comes with sunny terraces and private pools.

An island of calm in the hustle and bustle of the popular Nungwi region, the Star of the East offers privacy with access to the very best that the island has to offer. Guests are free to use the facilities of the nearby Diamonds La Gemma Hotel and then retreat back to the Star of the East.

A real highlight of the resort is its open air gym and spa. What better way to work on your fitness than out under the dazzling blue skies with the ocean breeze to cool you off?

White Sand Luxury Villas, Paje

Southeastern Zanzibar isn't quite as popular as the often crowded beaches of the northeast, but Paje Beach draws a lot of its charm from this very fact.

If your dreams of Zanzibar paint a picture of an isolated beach, starry nights, and the gentle rattle & rustle of palms rather than loud music and laughing children, White Sand Luxury Villas on Paje Beach might be what you're looking for.

Rather than being just another beach side resort, White Sand seamlessly blends the luxury experience in with the idea of being on the beach. Each of the resort's sunny and breezy private villas has an outdoor shower and bath tub, perfect for washing away the salt and sand beneath starry skies.

Far away from the touristic Nungwe and Pongwe regions of the island, White Sand compensates for its isolation by giving its guests access to bicycles for exploring the nearby beaches.

There is also an extensive spa and beauty facility at the resort - including sauna, Turkish baths, massage, beauty services, yoga sessions, and a fully equipped gym.

For those looking to let their hair down, the resort boasts all of the usual water sports as well as three bars: a cruisy beach bar, a classy lounge, and a rooftop bar perfect for sundowners.

&Beyond Mnemba Island, Mnemba

The &Beyond name has become synonymous with luxury, and it's unsurprising that the luxury label has put together something truly remarkable for their Zanzibar property.

Designed for those wanting a true castaway experience, &Beyond's Mnemba Island property holds just twenty guests and markets itself as the perfect place for those wanting the experience of holidaying on their own private island.

It's barefoot luxury: the simple pleasure of feeling the sand between your toes combined with the decadence of private beachside bandas, candlelit walkways, and personalised service the likes of which you won't find elsewhere.

The island's private house reef and on-site PADI Dive Centre make it a perfect escape for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, while romantics have the option of private beach dinners, romantic walks, and much more.

It's a Maldives experience with a distinctly Zanzibari twist.

Gorillas, Golden Monkeys and the Big Five

If you are planning for your African trip, there is no better option than cross-country itinerary. Our clients Eric and Michael chose to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the classic safari in Tanzania. Eric kindly shared with us his amazing photo works and we are truly admiring his talent. 

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Things to do at Lake Naivasha

The Calving Season Safari

Our clients Bradley, Risa, Alejandro, and Giovanna decided to go for a safari during the calving season. They had a six day safari with a night in Arusha in order to explore Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara National Park. In their itinerary, our travelers combined lodges with luxury tented camps. It is the best way to be close to wild nature, but still enjoy a comfortable stay.

But of course, the main point of the trip was to see the most famous African animals, and they were lucky enough to spot all of the Big 5, including a rhino in Ngorongoro Crater.

They also saw four cheetahs, as well as a lot of zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and antelopes. Our guide Musa shared some pictures from their trip!

Tanzania is one of the best destinations for a safari and every  trip of our customers prove it!

Kichanga Lodge - Romantic Zanzibari Escape

A romantic Zanzibari escape, picturesque beach, tasty food, stylish bungalows – all is waiting for you in Kichanga Lodge. Kichanga is a little bit wild but it has such  good style and taste.

Once you enter the lodge – you’re greeted by an atmosphere of complete relaxation. We are sure that the first secret to its amazing atmosphere is hidden in the staff working in Kichanga. We were treated to amazing hospitality while  staying with Kichanga and felt absolutely  at home. The people are so warm hearted and sincerely happy to welcome you and do everything possible to make you feel special and comfortable. They have a personal touch with every each client.

We had a chance to meet the owner of the lodge personally. Nigel Firman is a British- Italian guy who has spent 12 years of his life on Zanzibar. He came to South- Eastern part of the island to open Kichanga while it was completely wild land without roads, fresh water,or electricity. Years of experience have made this place like a slice of paradise.

Another very important thing to note is that Nigel and the management of Kichanga have a charity project for the local community. The idea of the project is to help local people to learn how to swim. It’s not all about business at Kichanga, it’s also about taking  good care of people.

The property’s 23 bungalows & villas are perfect for those who love nature and appreciate privacy. Kichanga Lodge enjoys a prime location surrounded by tropical gardens, a picturesque white beach, and the crystal clear Indian Ocean.

Guests will find the bungalows to be very spacious and comfortable, with a private hammock on the veranda where you can stay and admire the sunset over the ocean. Inside of  each bungalow there is  natural air conditioning – the absence of windows allows the ocean’s breath to refresh the air and cool you off.

Additionally,every room has nice beach amenities such as a beach bag and towels. Kichanga is a great place to clear your mind and to forget about the whole world.

Great Big Five Safari!

What an amazing safari experience!

Our clients, David & Jessica were so lucky to see lots of groups of predators starting from Tarangire, all the way through Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

They spotted twelve cheetahs during their safari, as well as a number of leopards and even a prides of lions who had just finished hunting. Isn’t that great?

They were also lucky enough to see rhinos up close in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Even our driver Edwin was impressed and took lots of pictures! You never can predict what exactly you will see on safari, but in Tanzania it is never boring!

Kubu Kubu Tented Camp in Serengeti NP

Kubu Kubu Tented Camp in Serengeti NP

Kubu Kubu Tented Camp in Serengeti NP

Lesia & Julia from the team visit Prison Island, Zanzibar

Safari Photos from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti

Safari Part Three: Ngorongoro Conservation Area