
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 January 02, 2025.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
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!
Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar Urban/West Region, Tanzania
5.34 km (3.4 mi) from Changuu IslandTop guest reviews
Host:
hosts were very friendly and welcomingthe hosts were great and very accommodatingnazir is a very kind and patient hostbig thanks for the friendly hospitality we receivedincredible hosts very kind and openLocation:
the location was greatcosy apartment in a perfect location of stone towngreat location once you remember which little street it's located ongreat location and very friendly receptionit was an awesome place to hangout right in the middle of the cityCleanliness:
the room is very clean and comfortablethe room is basic but clean and safethe room is clean with a comfortable bedthe apartment is very cleanthe room was clean and comfortable enoughRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
also it had a fan which for me was great since i get hot at nightsthe room was very comfortable with it's own bathroom and shower
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
3. Simple rooftop space overlooking Stone Town (from USD 45)
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!
Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar Urban/West Region, Tanzania
5.44 km (3.4 mi) from Changuu IslandAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
very nice host can recommend :-)very helpful hostshe was kind and helpfularsheen was a great hostashreen was a very good host quick to reply to all our questionsLocation:
the location was greatcentrally located short walk to all main attractions of stonetowngreat location nice rooftop terraceexcellent location everything in stone town is a short walk awayclose to great places to eatCleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortableit was so clean and tidynice clean private spacethe place was clean orderly and stylishit is in very good condition and kept tidy and cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
loved it my only suggestion for improvement is to put in wifihot 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 cityarsheen's place was amazing the room is very large with lots of space to put everythingthe place is spacious with a big bed and beautiful rooftop to relax
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.
Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar Urban/West, Tanzania
5.19 km (3.3 mi) from Changuu IslandSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts are responsive helpful and just lovely peopleire is a great host very welcomingthe hosts are very friendly and showed us the way around townthe hosts have been great and accommodatingsuper responsive hosts tooLocation:
the location is perfectcharming house in a convenient location close to forodhanicharming apartment in central stone towngreat place at great location in stone townthe location of this charming spot is perfectCleanliness:
it was clean and comfortableit was spotlessly clean and well equippedit's very clean warm and beautifully decoratedthe flat is very spacious well equipped and cleanthe apartment itself was gorgeous and very clean - the pictures do not do the place justiceRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
great big room with high ceilings and little balconythe apartment itself is just beautiful with the furnishings breezes you have everything you needthe traditional zanzibar beds are both lovely to look at and sleep inthis apartment is a great space; open relaxed with a very welcoming ambiencethe apartment is beautiful (the photos definitely don't do it justice) & feels extremely safe (as does zanzibar generally)
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
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!
Makunduchi, Zanzibar Central/South, Tanzania
54.9 km (34.2 mi) from Changuu IslandAccommodates: 11
Top guest reviews
Host:
if you desire privacy you need to tell the host clearlyeminem was a great hosteminem is an amazing host making everyone feel super welcome and at homethe host is not just a host: eminem is your best friend in zanzibareminem and his assistant aziz were great hosts to my friends and iLocation:
the house is cozy and nicely located quite close to the beach of makunduchieasy to enjoy a quite holiday very close to the beachthis place is situated only 3 minutes walk from a marvelous beachwe highly recommend his place on your trip through zanzibarRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
perfect for families or couples awesome outdoor space with a hammock tanning beds and chill spotvery friendly helpful and the house is amazing the nearby hotel offers bicycles events and even has a pool
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.
Kidoti, Zanzibar North, Tanzania
39.41 km (24.5 mi) from Changuu IslandSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Host:
mwamba was a great hostthe staff is very friendlyshe was so helpfulreally lovely hosts and staff made us feel very welcomemwamba is really a great host very authenticLocation:
this is a delightful locationthe location is fantastic as wella quiet retreat not near town to be clearit was the perfect stay this place is like paradiseit's a very nice and not crowded place which is not far away from kendwa or nungwiCleanliness:
our room was simple but clean upon arrivalroom was spacious and cleanthe bathrooms were clean as well but very very simplethe hut is basic but big and cleanaccommodation is basic but cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
there is wifi if you need to take care of thingsall the food is freshly prepared and cooked in the open air kitchen and is absolutely deliciousthe crepe and fruit breakfast was a great start to the daythe rooms and grounds are incredibly well maintained and the chef makes incredible food
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!
Matemwe Zanzibar, North East Zanzibar, Tanzania
32.7 km (20.4 mi) from Changuu IslandSuperhost
Accommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff was friendly and attentivetim and joyce were wonderful hosts during our staytim is a very caring host - we felt very much at homethe staff is super friendly fun and caringthe staff were also very friendly and always available to helpLocation:
really nice location and a lovely family good rooms and nice fooda lovely place to relaxyou'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 zanzibarCleanliness:
everything is very cleanthe place is beautiful tastefully decorated in a unique way and spotlessthey are spacious and very clean with mosquito nets providedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
comfy rooms and well equipped although no air con but a good fanvarious items from their wonderful library made their way to beach chairs bedside tables and hammocksthe room was just perfect with a side door immediately outside 10 steps from the beachour room was much much more spacious than anticipated which was great
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.
Matemwe, Zanzibar North, Tanzania
33.12 km (20.6 mi) from Changuu IslandSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
finally the staff are amazingtim and joyce are excellent hostsstaff is excellent and prepares delicious mealstim and joyce are wonderful hosts and the rest of the staff are welcoming helpful and courteousjoyce and tim are very nice and kind people and make you feel at homeLocation:
location was perfect overlooking the beautiful beachutupoa is also located on a quiet beach with beautiful powder white sand and clear watersthe location is lovely decorated and the sourrounding is breathtakingthe space is a fantastic and beautiful location to beholdas so many of the other reviews indicate on this page tim and joyce's place is remarkable and unforgettableCleanliness:
everyhing was clean and with lovely detailscomfortable beds spacious bathroom and every day cleaned by lovely stuffand the rooms are wonderful - spacious beautifully decorated clean and invitingRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we loved the community conversations over tasty breakfast and scrumptious dinner with other guests and our hostswe stayed in the tower and the living room is nice
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.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
2.39 km (1.5 mi) from Changuu IslandAccommodates: 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.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data