11 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals in Zanzibar, Tanzania - Updated 2024

airbnb zanzibar
Brenda
Brenda 
Updated
| 5 min read

Just off the coast of Tanzania lies Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous peninsula sitting among some of the best coral reefs in Africa. Renowned for its lush beaches and historic capital, Zanzibar is a prime destination for exotic beach holidays or adventures off the beaten path. In its capital of Zanzibar Town lies Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a centrepiece of Swahili history. Bustling markets and well-preserved landmarks lie in wait here, along with lots of friendly natives, convenience and amenities. It doesn’t stop there, though: beyond its cultural centre, lie numerous sandy beaches, sapphire seas and thriving forests, in which a unique diversity of flora and fauna await. Local villages also lay dispersed about the island, and with the right arrangements, you could even participate in voluntourism!

Ready for an escape to this wonderful island? Then book one of the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Zanzibar, Tanzania for a memorable stay.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

Sink into Stone Town

1. Cultural cosy near Stone Town’s sights

For an inexpensive yet immersive stay in Stone Town, the Kiponda Cultural Apartment guarantees you the best deal. In this accommodation, vibrant yet cosy Airbnb rooms adorned with intricate detail affirm a good night’s sleep in this destination. On a lazy day in, lounge in the hammock for a nap or a rest. If you’re looking for a bite to eat in town, a great cafe is just a stone’s throw away!

Stayed at this property?
Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar Urban/West Region, Tanzania
5.34 km (3.4 mi) from Changuu Island
44 reviews  
Private room in apartment 1 Bed 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
also it had a fan which for me was great since i get hot at nights
the room was very comfortable with it's own bathroom and shower
Cleanliness:
the room is very clean and comfortable
the room is basic but clean and safe
the room is clean with a comfortable bed
the apartment is very clean
the room was clean and comfortable enough
Host:
hosts were very friendly and welcoming
the hosts were great and very accommodating
nazir is a very kind and patient host
big thanks for the friendly hospitality we received
incredible hosts very kind and open
Location:
the location was great
cosy apartment in a perfect location of stone town
great location once you remember which little street it's located on
great location and very friendly reception
it was an awesome place to hangout right in the middle of the city
Read more reviews

2. Floating house off Forodhani Gardens (from 35 USD)

The bustling Stone Town and Zanzibar’s splashing blue seas – get the best of both worlds in this unique Airbnb vacation rental! Live on the high seas with this simple, rustic houseboat, aptly named ‘Dreamer’s Island’. With Stone Town just a free boat ride away, comfort, convenience and adventure await in your stay here. Hold on to your honey as you snuggle in a private romantic bedroom, and head down to the communal space for breakfast, a drink, or some socialising. Stay in the shade on a sunny day, or soak up the sun on the open-air deck!

Dreamer's Island

Address: off the coast of Forodhani Gardens, Zanzibar Town, Tanzania (see map)

Price: from 35 USD

Number of Guests: 2

Stayed at this property?

3. Simple rooftop space overlooking Stone Town (from USD 37)

Want to feel like you’re on the top of the world? Satisfy your wanderlust with this panoramic rooftop Airbnb vacation rental! Indoors, you’ll find a living space with a huge bed, plus your usual amenities such as a kitchen and toilet. The balcony is where you’ll want to spend most of your time in – with a dining area, a sitting lounge and a carpeted reading corner concealed by high walls, your utmost privacy is assured in this space. For a scenic view, look out over the walls for a bird’s-eye vista of the town’s rooftops!

Stayed at this property?
Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar Urban/West Region, Tanzania
5.44 km (3.4 mi) from Changuu Island
225 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved it my only suggestion for improvement is to put in wifi
hot water and air conditioning were very much appreciated (even though the shower leaked a lot)
the apartment is on the 3rd (or maybe 4th) floor with a beautiful view of the city
arsheen's place was amazing the room is very large with lots of space to put everything
the place is spacious with a big bed and beautiful rooftop to relax
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortable
it was so clean and tidy
nice clean private space
the place was clean orderly and stylish
it is in very good condition and kept tidy and clean
Host:
very nice host can recommend :-)
very helpful host
she was kind and helpful
arsheen was a great host
ashreen was a very good host quick to reply to all our questions
Location:
the location was great
centrally located short walk to all main attractions of stonetown
great location nice rooftop terrace
excellent location everything in stone town is a short walk away
close to great places to eat
Read more reviews

4. Attractive apartment in urban Stone Town (from USD 75)

To get an insight on what life in Stone Town may be like for a local, stay among tradition in this urban Airbnb apartment! Lined with wooden furniture and vibrant, bright decor, this home is a lively stay to match this bustling capital. Congregate in the spacious, detail-lined living space, or enjoy some fresh air on the tranquil, semi-hidden balcony. By night, snuggle up to someone in the king bed, or have a solitary slumber in one of two single beds.

Stayed at this property?
Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar Urban/West, Tanzania
5.19 km (3.3 mi) from Changuu Island
373 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 3 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great big room with high ceilings and little balcony
the apartment itself is just beautiful with the furnishings breezes you have everything you need
the traditional zanzibar beds are both lovely to look at and sleep in
this apartment is a great space; open relaxed with a very welcoming ambience
the apartment is beautiful (the photos definitely don't do it justice) & feels extremely safe (as does zanzibar generally)
Cleanliness:
it was clean and comfortable
it was spotlessly clean and well equipped
it's very clean warm and beautifully decorated
the flat is very spacious well equipped and clean
the apartment itself was gorgeous and very clean - the pictures do not do the place justice
Host:
the hosts are responsive helpful and just lovely people
ire is a great host very welcoming
the hosts are very friendly and showed us the way around town
the hosts have been great and accommodating
super responsive hosts too
Location:
the location is perfect
charming house in a convenient location close to forodhani
charming apartment in central stone town
great place at great location in stone town
the location of this charming spot is perfect
Read more reviews

5. Seafront home just a hop, skip & jump from Stone Town (from 300 USD)

Located a 15-minute drive beyond Stone Town, this beachfront Airbnb home is perfect for a group of travellers or a family without infants. Not only is it just by a stretch of Zanzibar’s famed sandy beaches, it’s also just a 5-minute drive from Zanzibar International Airport; making it perfect for trips to the wonders of mainland Tanzania! Even when you’re not up for a day out, this vacation rental has more than enough spaces to keep you entertained – lounge in the lavishly decorated living room, or head up for more peace and quiet in the golden lounge upstairs. For food, prepare a home-cooked meal in this simple kitchen before serving it fresh on the panoramic balcony.

Zanzibar Beach House

Address: Mbweni, on the border of Chukwani, Zanzibar Town, Tanzania (see map)

Price: from 300 USD

Number of Guests: 6

Stayed at this property?

Bunk by the beach

6. Secluded serenity at Makunduchi

Stay in a more local area with the Makunduchi White House. A secluded house with no direct neighbours and minimal noise, this Airbnb listing is a private paradise for your stay. Within this vacation rental, you’ll find up to four bedrooms for a good night’s sleep, along with a spacious side yard and front porch for a nice conversation or some outdoor activities. For a day out, take a five-minute walk down to the beach for a dip in Zanzibar’s clear blue waters, or volunteer in the village nearby with a local non-governmental organisation. Local tours can even be arranged by your host, who runs a tourist business!

Stayed at this property?
Makunduchi, Zanzibar Central/South, Tanzania
54.9 km (34.2 mi) from Changuu Island
22 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire residential home 10 Beds 11 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 11

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
perfect for families or couples awesome outdoor space with a hammock tanning beds and chill spot
very friendly helpful and the house is amazing the nearby hotel offers bicycles events and even has a pool
Host:
if you desire privacy you need to tell the host clearly
eminem was a great host
eminem is an amazing host making everyone feel super welcome and at home
the host is not just a host: eminem is your best friend in zanzibar
eminem and his assistant aziz were great hosts to my friends and i
Location:
the house is cozy and nicely located quite close to the beach of makunduchi
easy to enjoy a quite holiday very close to the beach
this place is situated only 3 minutes walk from a marvelous beach
we highly recommend his place on your trip through zanzibar
Read more reviews

7. Holiday homestay in Kidoti

Have an idyllic local stay on Zanzibar with this seafront stay! With up to four bedrooms, this Airbnb home provides an experience like that of a homestay – not only will you get to try local dishes for your meals here, you’ll be able to take a dip in the waters and witness local lifestyles in action during the low tide. On a lazy day, soak up some sun on the cots by the fire pit, or simply rest in your ambient bedroom.

Stayed at this property?
Kidoti, Zanzibar North, Tanzania
39.41 km (24.5 mi) from Changuu Island
169 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire bungalow 3 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is wifi if you need to take care of things
all the food is freshly prepared and cooked in the open air kitchen and is absolutely delicious
the crepe and fruit breakfast was a great start to the day
the rooms and grounds are incredibly well maintained and the chef makes incredible food
Cleanliness:
our room was simple but clean upon arrival
room was spacious and clean
the bathrooms were clean as well but very very simple
the hut is basic but big and clean
accommodation is basic but clean
Host:
mwamba was a great host
the staff is very friendly
she was so helpful
really lovely hosts and staff made us feel very welcome
mwamba is really a great host very authentic
Location:
this is a delightful location
the location is fantastic as well
a quiet retreat not near town to be clear
it was the perfect stay this place is like paradise
it's a very nice and not crowded place which is not far away from kendwa or nungwi
Read more reviews

8. Artful utopia in Utupoa (from USD 130)

For a hospitable honeymoon, this warm-hued Airbnb bedroom awaits. Step into this simple yet welcoming space, where you can get a good night’s rest upon a canopied bed, lounge on a daybed for a good read, or doll yourself up at the dressing table. The beach is right at your doorstep; but if you’re up for some time indoors, your hosts will graciously welcome you to the many plush spaces in their main house, and even invite you to meals with them!

Stayed at this property?
Matemwe Zanzibar, North East Zanzibar, Tanzania
32.7 km (20.4 mi) from Changuu Island
40 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfy rooms and well equipped although no air con but a good fan
various items from their wonderful library made their way to beach chairs bedside tables and hammocks
the room was just perfect with a side door immediately outside 10 steps from the beach
our room was much much more spacious than anticipated which was great
Cleanliness:
everything is very clean
the place is beautiful tastefully decorated in a unique way and spotless
they are spacious and very clean with mosquito nets provided
Host:
the staff was friendly and attentive
tim and joyce were wonderful hosts during our stay
tim is a very caring host - we felt very much at home
the staff is super friendly fun and caring
the staff were also very friendly and always available to help
Location:
really nice location and a lovely family good rooms and nice food
a lovely place to relax
you'll find a new source of inspiration at every corner of the building (books paintings photographs)
this really is a special place and we can't wait to return on our next trip to zanzibar
Read more reviews

9. Blissful beach tower before Matemwe Beach (from USD 160)

From the same hosts as the previous listing comes another beachfront Airbnb vacation rental, this time a romantic honeymoon space! Reminiscent of Rapunzel, this beach tower provides a comfy space for two to cosy up in. Prepare breakfast at the first-floor bar before a day out, or ascend to the second floor for some books with the sea breeze. To catch forty winks, head out to your personal hammock on the beach, or step up to the vibrant bedroom on the third floor.

Just like the previous Airbnb listing, your hosts will graciously allow you into the main house, where you can relax among plush spaces or join your hosts for a meal.

Stayed at this property?
Matemwe, Zanzibar North, Tanzania
33.12 km (20.6 mi) from Changuu Island
85 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Private room in lighthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved the community conversations over tasty breakfast and scrumptious dinner with other guests and our hosts
we stayed in the tower and the living room is nice
Cleanliness:
everyhing was clean and with lovely details
comfortable beds spacious bathroom and every day cleaned by lovely stuff
and the rooms are wonderful - spacious beautifully decorated clean and inviting
Host:
finally the staff are amazing
tim and joyce are excellent hosts
staff is excellent and prepares delicious meals
tim and joyce are wonderful hosts and the rest of the staff are welcoming helpful and courteous
joyce and tim are very nice and kind people and make you feel at home
Location:
location was perfect overlooking the beautiful beach
utupoa is also located on a quiet beach with beautiful powder white sand and clear waters
the location is lovely decorated and the sourrounding is breathtaking
the space is a fantastic and beautiful location to behold
as so many of the other reviews indicate on this page tim and joyce's place is remarkable and unforgettable
Read more reviews

The ultimate luxury experience

10. Pleasant villa on a private island

Live luxuriously in this Airbnb villa for rent in Zanzibar. Sitting on a private island a few kilometres off Stone Town’s coast, you can expect tradition, colour and beachside serenity here. Bask in an atmosphere quiet and away from it all – soak up the sun by the plunge pool, take a dip in the plunge pool on a sweltering day, or head out to the beach for some fun in the sun! By night, two bedrooms await – while the larger one is simple yet spacious, the smaller one is quaint, canopied and cosy.

Stayed at this property?
Zanzibar, Tanzania
2.39 km (1.5 mi) from Changuu Island
Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Zesty Zanzibar

A good part of Zanzibar may be tucked away from technology and other modern comforts, but relish this opportunity to detach yourself from the stress of daily life and go back to the basics. Besides exploring a different side of history in Stone Town or basking on a beach, Zanzibar may even prove a humbling experience – you’ll get to experience a simpler way of life, and learn to treasure the everyday privileges you take for granted.

So zip up your bags, plan your trip and grab your passports – the beauty of Zanzibar awaits you! And of course, don’t forget to clinch the best deals for your stay here with these Airbnb vacation rentals!

If you’re looking for more accommodation options, check out the best luxury villas in Zanzibar.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Brenda is a vibrant individual passionate about (way too) many things. An explorer, artist and optimist at heart, she is in love with the world and the beauty it has to offer. Her travels thus far...Read more

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