The best luxury places to stay in Zanzibar after a safari are &Beyond Mnemba Island for a private-island escape, Zuri Zanzibar or Kilindi for swimming beaches on the north-west coast, The Residence for private-pool villas in the south-west, and Park Hyatt for a few nights in Stone Town. Which is right depends mainly on the coast, because Zanzibar’s tides vary a lot from one side of the island to the other.
This guide compares our favourite resorts and explains how to choose. For complete itineraries, see our safari and beach holidays.
Last checked: September 2026.
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Choose your coast first
| Coast | Beaches and tides | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| North and north-west (Nungwi, Kendwa) | Swimming at most tides; sunsets over the sea | Swimmers, sunsets, lively feel |
| North-east (Matemwe, near Mnemba) | Big tides at times; close to the Mnemba reef | Diving and snorkelling |
| East (Paje, Bwejuu, Michamvi) | Wide white beaches; the sea goes far out at low tide | Kitesurfing, long walks, quiet |
| South-west (Kizimkazi) | Calmer, more secluded | Privacy, villas, dolphins |
| Stone Town | Historic town, not a beach | Culture, food, one or two nights |
Our shortlist
| Resort | Area | Style | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| &Beyond Mnemba Island | Private island off the north-east | About a dozen beach bandas, barefoot luxury | Complete privacy, reef snorkelling, turtles |
| Zuri Zanzibar | Kendwa, north-west | Contemporary bungalows and villas, spice garden | A swimming beach and sunsets |
| Kilindi Zanzibar | North-west | Private pavilions with plunge pools | Couples and honeymoons |
| The Residence Zanzibar | South-west | Villas with private pools | Space, privacy, families |
| Matemwe Lodge (Asilia) | North-east | Relaxed bungalows on a coral cliff | Diving, and a camp feel after safari |
| Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Stone Town | Waterfront hotel in a historic building | Culture at the start or end of the trip |
Mnemba or the main island?
If budget allows, &Beyond Mnemba Island is the most exclusive option: a private island with a small number of guests. The main-island resorts offer more choice of restaurants, spas and activities. We compare the two in Mnemba Island vs Zanzibar’s main-island resorts.
When to go
- June to October: dry, sunny and less humid. The best time for both safari and beach.
- December to February: hot and mostly dry, also a good time.
- March to May: the long rains, with heavy showers, especially in April and May. Some resorts close.
- November: short rains, usually brief showers.
How many nights?
Four nights is our usual recommendation after a 7 to 10 night safari: enough to rest without getting restless. See safari then beach: how many nights of each?
Getting there
Scheduled light-aircraft flights connect the Serengeti and Arusha with Zanzibar. See our guide to flying from the Serengeti to Zanzibar.
FAQs
Which side of Zanzibar is best?
For swimming at most tides, the north and north-west (Nungwi and Kendwa). For privacy, the south-west or Mnemba Island. The east coast has beautiful beaches but big tides.
Is Zanzibar good after a safari?
Yes. It is a short flight from the Serengeti or Arusha, and the combination of bush and beach is one of the most popular in Africa.
Is Zanzibar suitable for honeymoons?
Very. Mnemba, Kilindi and The Residence are favourites with honeymooners. See our honeymoon safaris.
Are there alternatives to Zanzibar?
Yes. Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago and the Seychelles are both excellent. See Mozambique vs Zanzibar vs Seychelles.
Plan your safari and beach trip
Tell us your dates and style, and we will suggest the right resort for your safari. See our safari and beach holidays or enquire below.
