Great location in Jambiani - the main hotel is a 1 min walk to the beach and for the daytimes the Beach Bar area has loads of space, sun loungers etc. Our room had its own front door leading directly onto the street (via a small private garden) which was nice, as we felt a little more connected to the village than staying in a m resort style place. The room was nice and comfortable and all the staff were super hospitable and kind. Daily breakfast was excellent with fresh fruit, juice and choice of eggs. The atmosphere is very laid back - sometimes more like a nice hostel than a hotel, which suited us well.

Stayed in August 2025

The location, the staff and the beach

Stayed in August 2025

Le calme la situation la gentillesse du personnel

Stayed in August 2025

From start to finish, we were warmly welcomed and well treated. The staff are very friendly and attentive. The room is beautiful, rustic, always clean, nicely decorated, and equipped with all the amenities for a perfect stay. The breakfast is very good and complete, with high quality. The hotel has a bar just in front of the beach (a 3-minute walk) where we could leave our belongings and enjoy a wonderful afternoon. The food is great and the drinks are also very good. For dinner, we ate at the hotel and it was excellent — very fresh fish, all perfectly cooked. On the first night, we had the chance to enjoy a movie night, and we loved the concept. The hotel offers several excursions, and we did two of them: snorkeling on a traditional boat near Jambiani, which we absolutely loved — we even got to sail a bit on this beautiful boat! We also did a boat trip to a sandbank from Kizimkazi, where we enjoyed an amazing barbecue prepared by locals. Both excursions were spectacular, and we definitely recommend doing them. In summary, we loved the experience, the tranquility, and the beauty of Jambiani. Staying at this hotel was a wonderful experience. We highly recommend staying at Zanzistar.

Stayed in July 2025

serving real brewed coffee instead of instant at breakfast would make the mornings even better!

What really sets this place apart is the incredibly kind and attentive staff — everyone we met was warm, helpful, and genuinely caring. The manager was especially thoughtful and engaged, making sure everything ran smoothly and that guests felt truly looked after. The hotel also has a fantastic beachside bar and restaurant just a short stroll away — perfect for enjoying a meal or drink with a view of the ocean and your feet in the sand. The food was absolutely delicious — the tuna tartare, in particular, was unforgettable!

Stayed in July 2025

The only thing that I can mention is the comfort of the beds. The mattresses are very hard, but this seemed to be the same on almost every place we stayed at Zanzibar.

A hidden gem in Jambiani Beach. For us, the decision on where to spend our 4 days in Jambiani was between three different hotels. I am so glad we decided to stay at Zanzistar Lodge. This was also by far the cheapest out of the three options. The value for money can´t be beaten. We especially enjoyed the outside hammocks, the beach, the breakfast, the staff, the drinks and the cozy banana garden. Peter, one of the two managers, personally showed us every room. The luggage was taken care of by the staff and we even were invited to a welcome drink as we arrived. The beach bar has excellent food, great drinks and a perfect beach vibe. The beach was our favorite of all the beaches on the island. We went to Matemwe, Nungwi, Kendwa and Kizimkazi, but Jambiani was by far our favorite. The numerous colors of green and blue in the ocean is just spectacular. Thank you to all the staff that went out of their way to make us feel at home and took care of all of our needs. Take good care of them, as it is the people that make places like Zanzistar Lodge worth every penny. For us, we personally enjoy the small boutique hotels over the big resorts. The hospitality here was nothing else than outstanding. We hope to be back sometime in the near future.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing, everything was great!

Everything! This was the best hotel from our 3 week trip! The staff was so friendly, always smiling and willing to help. It was so easy to arrange activities and transfers with the manager Peter. We had a great time! We really wish we could stay more nights here. The main area is very chill and quiet, there is a small pool but it's really nice to get refreshed. There are a few sofa's, sunbeds, tables and a bar. Also some books and cardgames. It's really nicely decorated and the colors are amazing! Our room was perfect (we had the Nyota room, with entrance at the side of the street): VERY clean, bathroom had warm water with good pressure, there was a hair dryer and the toiletries smelled really good, everyday our water for brushing teeth was filled up. the beds were good, there is an airco and fan, mosquito net, night lamp, there is a lot of space to put away or hang up your clothes, it was a very cosy room, also really nicely decorated, there is a little private garden in front of the room entrance with some space to sit down, clothing lines, also a water bassin to clean your feet from the sand before you enter the room, Just less than a minute walking from the hotel (beach is across the street), there is a very very good beachbar, which belongs to Zanzistar: Very relaxing vibe, good music, great food, juices, cocktails and many more, happy hour, sunbeds, sofa's, personal belongings are safe when you go the water, there is a wonderful beach (especially at high tide), you can even go see the sunrise in the ocean (of you want to wake up early 😉) We want to give a special thanks to George who works there, who was very kind to us and let us have a great time (and good drinks) there! 😊 Thank you Zanzistar! 🌟🙏

Stayed in July 2025

Overall, the place was warm, inviting and tucked away but close enough to the very beautiful beach. Bonus was the beach bar!

Stayed in June 2025

Only note is that it’s hard to find staff. At check in I had to go searching for someone to check in and then after check in I also went to find the beach bar area and came back to ask someone but no one was there.

Room was super comfy, AC worked well. Breakfast great and good location

Stayed in June 2025

The wifi was spotty

Amazing staff, 2 minute walk to the beach, delicious breakfasts

Stayed in June 2025

I’m struggling to find anything to write but maybe make the front of the hotel where the massai sit look a bit more appealing as it’s the first thing you see when you arrive .

Just returned from 2 weeks at the Zanzistar and it was fantastic. All the staff work so hard every day and are very welcoming. They made us feel so at home. The rooms are spacious with a ceiling fan and air conditioning. The beds are big and had a mosquito net too. The hotel was very clean. The hotel is just a short stroll to the stunning beach and the beach bar where you can spend your day just chilling and listening to the ocean.

Stayed in June 2025

I really enjoyed my time in Jambiani. The lodge is adorable and very laid back, which was perfect for me. As a solo traveler, I particularly appreciated the beach bar, which allowed me to leave me stuff while I went in the water, went for walks on the beach. Value for money is great as well - the staff was very friendly, they organized transfers, the food was great, etc. I hope I’ll be back soon!

Stayed in April 2025

If I really would had to think of something then it would be that the mattress of the bed was a bit to hard for my liking.

Wonderful service! Both the staff at Zanzistar as the accommodation itself was so nice that we immediately felt at home. Housekeeping took care of our room twice a day (at least), the food was always fresh and delicious and the premises are every bit as cosy and comfy as shown in the pictures. Thank you for making our stay so memorable dear people from Zanzistar lodge!!!!

Stayed in March 2025

Very good location, few steps (maybe 50 m or even less) from the beach, with their own restaurant ( very nice and cosy) on the beach, where you can leave your things and go to the sea. The food is good, for breakfast a lot of different things. The outdoor space is decorated in very nice tropic style with a pool and lot of palm trees and with nice artistic details. The rooms are big and also very nice with a lot of natural light, great bed and very clean. The staff and the owner are very professional and helpful. I had a really terrible sea sickness one day and the owner responded immediately with some medicine and offered to take me to the doctor if I needed. Luckily the medicine helped. Also some restaurants and small stores just few steps from the lodge and you can go for a walk even in the evening. The village is quiet. Locals are very friendly and I felt totally safe despite the fact that I travelled solo. I would warmly recommend this beautiful place to everyone!

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing

I can’t describe how impressed I have been with this place. Each and every staff member have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable and happy. Food is delicious, staff are attentive and friendly, accommodation is clean and comfortable. I was even upgraded to the beautiful beach house as it was available during my stay. They didn’t have to do this and it was truly very kind. I will be back! Special thanks to Simon and Peter

Stayed in February 2025

The breakfast could be better (more than only one option)

Everything (location, staff, decoration, atmosphere)

Stayed in February 2025

My room didn’t have its hammock because it was being washed. The ceiling fam wasn’t positioned directly above the bed but there was a portable fan that helped

It was lovely and quiet. A short walk to the beach. The hotel owns a bar on the beach that was perfect to relax in and served amazing fresh smoothies A great breakfast, and very polite and helpful staff

Stayed in December 2024

We enjoyed every moment in Zanzistar ☀️ all employees were so nice, helpful and supportive. We loved the area, people, food ... Simply everything. Peter helped us with tours, mainly organized by Kacho and his team. Kacho is great guide, highly recommended. If you wish to spend your vacation with locals and not many tourists, Jambiani is great place to go and enjoy the atmosphere of real Zanzibar ❤️ we THANK everyone in Zanzistar who made our holiday unforgotable!

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing

We spent here 4 nights in the family bungalow. The rooms are big and the beds are extremely comfortable. Shower has hot water with amazing water pressure. Very thing was super clean. The staff is extremely nice and helpful. The restaurant and beach bar have really good food. We would definitely come came back and recommend this place for a large group/ family

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing

Beautiful boutique lodge. The managers are so helpful to organise anything you need. The staff create a home from home atmosphere. I feel totally safe and comfortable

Stayed in October 2024

N/A

Our stay was perfect and I can’t wait to return. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, the rooms were comfortable, the food was delicious, and the location was great. The atmosphere was very chill, and the lounge areas were as appealing as the beautiful beach.

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing

Special shout out to Simon and Ellie for making our stay that much better. We got upgraded to the Lagoon room and it was a magical view right on the beach. I had the best fruit juice in my life there as well. Would 100% recommend

Stayed in October 2024

Not enough beach-side loungers that got the sun.

A really efficiently run yet relaxing and welcoming lodge in a great location. Nothing was too much trouble and the rooms were very comfortable. Best breakfast so far (and even catered for a gluten free diet).

Stayed in September 2024

Beds were maybe a little firm but still got a really good nights sleep

Beautiful detail and authentic feel to the property. Good quality food cooked in an open view kitchen. Excellent and friendly local staff throughout. Simon in particular had absolutely delightful energy and presence about him. Manager Peter was always around and on hand to help with anything. Lovely stay in a beautiful location just off Jambiani Beach.

Stayed in September 2024