The Tanzanian island of Unguja is a part of the famous Zanzibar archipelago. Historically an old trade center, its turquoise waters are skirted with snow-white beaches and winding lanes. The tourism industry here is thriving, meaning there is never an end of activities to partake in. Take a walk in the historical stone town - a UNESCO world heritage site - or go windsurfing in Paje. This list of Airbnbs not only brings you the best of the sunshine and sand, but it also allows visitors to truly mesh with the locals and understand Tanzanian culture, without giving up on amenities they are used to in their hometown. So, keep reading to find out about the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Unguja, Tanzania.
1. Spacious cottage in a large garden (from USD 90)
Set in a lush garden, merely four minutes away from Paje Beach, this spacious cottage is the perfect introduction to both the natural and traditional beauty of Zanzibar. The 90sqm (968 sqft) two-bedroom cottage is furnished with exotic hardwood furniture with all modern amenities. A kitchen fitted with all modern electronics and amenities is present for those who would like to cook their meals. A private chef is available if needed, on a daily or long-term basis. There’s a large verandah fitted with a four-seater dining table so that guests can enjoy their meals in the company of palm trees and flower trees. Since Tanzania can get pretty warm, there is a shared pool available on the premises to cool off in. WiFi is available all over the property for free. Laundry facilities and cleaning services come free as well.
Stunning cottagePaje, Zanzibar Central/South Region, TanzaniaAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the two rooms are air-conditioned and a nice respite if it's a hot daythere are a/c installed now which is so greatgood location and beautiful cottage but wifi is very unstable so better to remind this and bookveranda is perfect to chill eat breakfast and enjoy the lovely gardenCleanliness:
sheets are sparkling cleanoverall a good clean placewe had a wonderful stay in this beautiful and clean spacepool is great place to cool down it is always cleanthe beds were extremely clean and comfortable with good quality mosquito nets in placeHost:
hosts want to make quests feel like homethe hosts were amazing and their hospitality and kindness is beyond any otherall taken care the hosts available and lovingthe hosts were so lovely and helpful in every wayklara and andrew were super friendly and welcoming and their kids were awesome hosts tooRead more reviewsLocation:
location is perfect beach and village very closebyexcellent location not at the beach but really short walk to the beach 5 minperfect location close to the beach and the little townandrew and klara's place is ideal to spend some relaxing time in zanzibarwe enjoyed everything in that lovely place in the middle of a garden
2. Private room in a beachside bungalow (from USD 39)
Live by the sea in this little cottage from where it is very easy to visit the Red Monkey Park or go on a swim with the dolphins. The cabin is a simple accommodation that’s outfitted with a double bed and mosquito net. The tropical decor of the interiors includes shelves and chairs to add to the simple comforts of the room. A private bathroom and shower come with the room and are located just a few steps away. It is outfitted with all modern amenities. Guests who have stayed at the property, all laud the staff and cleanliness of the property. The ample breakfast served at the restaurant in front of the lagoon is also a favorite of many. For those who like to stay connected to the world, there is free WiFi available on the premises.
Bahari Pizza BungalowJambiani, Zanzibar Central/South Region, TanzaniaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
awesome lounge chairs and tables with stunning views of the oceancomfortable rooms wonderful view from the restaurant/sun bed areait was great to take the (good) breakfast facing the sea every morningthe bahari restaurant is excelent and the breakfast is goodme and my friend rented a small bungalow with an external bathroomCleanliness:
the place is very clean and in orderthe rooms are very nicely built clean and quietthe bungalow is exactly as advertised: simple but comfortable and cleaneverything was perfect clean stefania and her team are amazingthe beach off the restaurant was very clean hardly any rocks and seaweedHost:
stefania is a great hoststefania and her staff were very nicethe staff is incrediby friendly and fun and make you feel at homethe staff is great and everyone is so friendlystefania is an amazing and helpful host and her staff is unobtrusive and efficientRead more reviewsLocation:
a unique stay in a corner of paradisethis place is just like paradiseand not to forget the fantastic location almost right on the beachamazing place paradise right on the beachthis is the most perfect place in zanzibar
3. Tropical cottage with a pool
This quaint cottage in the heart of a large tropical garden is just the place for a relaxing getaway, located a four-minute walk away from Paje beach. The tropical decor of the cottage itself includes a comfy double bed, chairs, and chaise loungers to stretch out in. There is also a kitchenette in the cottage with a refrigerator and stove along with cooking basics such as pots and pans. For those who like an outdoor barbeque, a bbq grill is also provided. There is free WiFi access all over the property and guests are also provided with free laundry services.
Tropical cottagePaje, Zanzibar Central/South Region, TanzaniaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
also maybe a couple of good knifes for the kitchen in the cottagegreat cozy and quiet home in pajeCleanliness:
a beautiful place a clean house and pool two minutes from the beachHost:
same goes for their lovely kids and helpful staffklara is an amazing person and hostklara and her husband are indeed super hostsreally lovely host replies quickly and is very welcomingandrew and klara are kind and friendly hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the beach and was great to use the poolit is cosy rather than luxurious but in terms of value and location it was perfectit’s close to the village and the beach and being able to use the pool is perfectwe had a relaxing stay and were only a few minutes walk from the beach
4. Private guesthouse with breakfast
Part of the well-known Pishi Restaurant, this completely private accommodation is less than a minute’s walk away from Kibidija Beach in Jambiani. The simple, quaint room is furnished with a double bed as well as a single bed, complete with mosquito nets and bedside tables. The bathroom is outfitted with a western-style W.C, a basin, and a shower with both hot and cold water. There is also a front porch that’s complete with tropical chairs, and a table facing the green garden. The house also comes with a back balcony to relax in. Since the room is part of a restaurant, guests can lounge in the restaurant area and they are also treated to a great breakfast.
Pishi Guesthouse- Big breakfastJambiani, Zanzibar Central/South Region, TanzaniaAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room is nothing special but it was tidy and featured a working fan and mosquito netsimple room which was perfect for our purposehuge unbelievable and amazing breakfastwe had a great stay in hassan's roomthe room is basic but the beds are comfortableCleanliness:
it's simple but clean and comfortableif you want they clean the room during your staythe room was clean and the bed was comfythe place is simple and basic but the bed was very comfortable and everything was very cleansimple but very clean roomwas nice so far and i got what i expectedHost:
hassan is an amazing hostall the staff were so friendly and helpfulexcellent breakfast and really nice staffthe breakfast waitress was great and very happy and friendlysuper welcoming hosts and delicious breakfastRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for easy blending with localssmall but original place close to beach good value for moneythis place is in a good spot close to the beach (30 seconds walk to the beach)we were looking for something reasonably priced and in a central location and it fit the bill perfectlyreally good location between the beach and a typical part of jambiani village
5. Spacious beachfront room
This Airbnb offers a spacious room right on the white sands of Jambiani Beach, with unobstructed views of the sunrise every morning. The room has a beautiful, vintage, queen-sized wooden bed with fresh linens. The bed has a mosquito net fitted to it. The house features a large verandah, a large living room, and a kitchen, all of which are open to the guests living at the property. There are two bathrooms in the house, which have hot water at all times. A washing machine is available on the property and it can be used at any time.
Marashi.house -Beach front room with Side Sea ViewJambiani, Zanzibar Central/South Region, TanzaniaSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
every day we started with a beautiful breakfast with fresh fruits coffee and homemade breakfastthe breakfast was delicious the house is fabulous with original furniturekamen is an amazing cook and they offer to cook you breakfast for a small extra costbeautiful beach house with a huge living room and open kitcheni highly recommend adding the breakfast it looks deliciousCleanliness:
the shared bathroom is clean and has a shower with warm watertheir house is very clean and stylish and has an exeptional ambiencefantastic location thoughtful homely touches and very cleanHost:
the host family is friendlythe hosts are outstandingly kind approachable and sympatheticthanks to the wonderful hostskamen & miglena are the best hoststhey are responsive and helpful to all questions and requestsRead more reviewsLocation:
i would definitely book this location again when i'm in zanzibar againbeautiful place on the water great locationthe location is amazing and the the entire experience exceeded our expectationsbeautiful house that is super close to the ocean when its high tide and has a nice neighborhooda great place to stay
6. Simple room with kitchen
Located right next to the beach, find your zen as the sound of the Indian ocean lulls you to sleep in this cozy Airbnb. The front porch has tribal art on the walls and a lot of plants to keep you connected with nature. It is also fitted with tropical couches, loungers, and tables to allow you to relax. The room itself includes a queen bed with a mosquito net, a floor fan, and a table with lamps. The windows also have nets to keep the deadly insects away. There is also a kitchen available with everything stocked to help you prepare your own meals. The living arrangements also come with a free Swahili breakfast every morning.
Room in cute villagehouse - Queen bed & Private WCAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room was very well equipped (mosquito net wifiit can be very warm at night but a fan is provided in casethe shower has nice pressure and warm water the room has a fan and a mosquito netthere are deckchairs and parasols in the garden a kitchen and a very pleasant outdoor "living room"the breakfast was awesome we got full and strong for the dayCleanliness:
the room and the bathroom were always very clean and well maintainedbedroom and wc are very clean and ideal for twoHost:
awesome place with a really nice hosthost is very welcoming and very helpfulhelpful host who is also a kitesurfing instructor and rents gearhe was very helpfulthe best is the host who makes the stay really coolRead more reviewsLocation:
great place 3 min walk from beach2 minute walk to the beach hearty breakfast good vibemuntadhiru's place is very nice and comfortablebest place i’ve stayed in zanzibar so farthis place is a miracle
7. Serene oceanview banda
If the beach life calls out to you, stay in Bahari View Beach Bandas located on a white, sandy beach, right next to the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean. The beach banda has two floors. The ground floor holds a double bed, while the top floor has a single bed with fresh linens and mosquito nets. The rooms include electric sockets, bedside lamps, and filtered drinking water. There are also hanging baskets that can be used to keep whatever is needed. The best part is the hammocks right in front of the banda where guests can lounge all day in the sun. The lodge facilities are open to all staying at the Banda, which includes free WiFi access, a swimming pool, and spa services. Breakfast is included in the price and guests have access to the beach bar too.
Bahari View Beach Banda
8. Traditional beach cottage
For those looking to kick back on the white beaches on the east coast of Zanzibar, this detached bungalow provides both safety and solitude just meters from the beach. The house comes with a large verandah and its own bathroom. The bedroom has a double bed, clean linens, a mosquito net, and a fan. Windows and doors are additionally outfitted with mosquito nets. The plot is completely fenced with its own guard guaranteeing security. The plot offers a lot of parking space as well. The house is used exclusively by the guests, making it a beautiful space to rent out for a Tanzanian holiday.
Minazini - Swahili HouseMichamvi Kae, Zanzibar Central/South Region, TanzaniaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
inside we had everything that is necessary for comfortable stayas already mentioned breakfast were deliciousthe little veranda with a table and lounge sofa is awesome for a relaxed afternoon in the shadethe room is spacious and has everything you need: towels a mosquito net and fanlast but not least the breakfast was the highlight of the day it was perfectCleanliness:
the house is clean the bed is comfortablevery nice bungalow clean and comfortablethe bay is very beautiful clean and quietvery close to the beach everything is clean and nicely organizedHost:
friendly and helpful owner and staffthe hosts are amazing people who made us feel like homehe loves his "job" as a hostexcellent stay with great hoststhe hosts are super friendly and willing to help and to give advice for local sightseeingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and value for moneyshort distance to the amazing beach (2 min walk)the location and the house itself is perfectlove the location just a short little path to the beachthe location is great just next to the beach
9. Cozy rooms in a quaint bush house
Located in the heart of Paje, this quaint ‘bush house’ decorated with tropical furniture is a home away from home. The house consists of four large bedrooms, two of which are utilized by the hosts and their children, while the other two are rented out, allowing guests a true glimpse into Tanzanian daily life. The house has a kitchen, a common living room, and a lush garden. The garden is fitted with a big picnic table, lounge chairs, and lots of potted plants to create a truly relaxing space. The house is also just three minutes away from the main street where all the markets and restaurants are lined up.
Paje cozy roomsAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
unfortunately the wifi didn't work but we loved the concept with solar energythe room was perfect and we even had our private bathroom would definitely recommend that place in pajeCleanliness:
her place is clean the room is really big and about a 10minute walk to shops and restaurantsabout the house :-> it is very clean-> we had the shower and toilet in our roomi was welcomed into sylvia's home which is completely perfectly cleanHost:
silvia is a fantastic hostsilvia was very helpful with everything i had questions aboutsilvia is a great host really recommend this placeabout silvia :she is very kind and gave us good advicesilvia is first of all an amazing hostRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved the placement outside the tourist area and enjoyed all the street food close bymy sister and i loved staying at silvias place
10. Lovely rooms in paradise
This exotic white beach house looks out to the waters of the Indian Ocean, while the back portion of it looks out to a quaint little tropical garden. The bedroom is furnished with a traditional four-post bed that’s fitted with a mosquito net to keep out the pesky insects. The beautiful blue and white bathrooms have been built to European standards. The house is run on solar electricity, so there’s hot water for showers at any given moment. The verandah is a beautiful place to look out at the azure blue ocean and sunbathe on the lounger. There’s also a place between the house and the public beach that’s outfitted with sunbeds.
Lovley rooms in paradise - Step InJambiani, Zanzibar Central/South, TanzaniaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the guest room is a part of a beautiful sea view restaurantall was great only was problem with wi-fi sometimeswifi was slow or nonexistent due to these friends taking up the broadbandduring low tide you have the beauty of the tidal pools and extended beachfrontthe breakfast was really nice (coffee tea lot of fruits eggs toastCleanliness:
spacious clean rooms equipped with fans hot waterher apartments/restaurants are literally right on the beach and the rooms v clean and spaciousHost:
great host great placestaff is sweet and helpfulramazan was a great hostsabine as an awesome hosther restaurant and staff is amazing as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and great breakfaststep in has a good location nice taras and decent breakfastperfect location and very friendly peoplesabine's is a great little find on this stretch and the location is really goodthe food is cheap in this accommodation and the location very good
The stuff of dreams
The beautiful island of Unguja is a heavenly vacation destination that’s the stuff of dreams. Enjoy your time on the stunning white sands of the beaches or stroll the streets and learn about the Swahili culture. With our list above, you don’t have to worry about finding a wonderful place to stay.
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