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green and brown mountains near body of water under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

Best Hotels in Zanzibar & Tanzania: 5 Addresses Worth Booking

July in Tanzania and Zanzibar is dry season.

The moment when the savanna reveals its wildlife, the Indian Ocean is at its calmest, and certain addresses are worth experiencing rather than simply visiting.

Here is what Séquence is looking at this month.

Ultra-Luxury - Gold Zanzibar, Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar
For those who want the sea without sacrificing intimacy. Only 76 rooms on Kendwa Beach — one of the few beaches in Zanzibar unaffected by tides, meaning you can swim at any time of day. Afro-Arab contemporary architecture, Healing Earth spa, and African sunsets from the terrace.
Best for : a premium beach stay after a safari, or a standalone escape.

Luxury - Bawe Island, Île de Bawe, Zanzibar
An entire island for 70 villas. 15 minutes from Stone Town by speedboat, Bawe Island embodies the "island within the island" concept — total seclusion, butler service, 4 restaurants including one beneath an ancient baobab tree on the beach. Private pool in every villa. The level above.
Best for : those who want Zanzibar without the crowds.

silhouette of man and woman holding fishing rod standing on dock during sunset

Luxury - Saadani Safari Lodge, Saadani National Park, Tanzania
The only lodge inside the only national park in Tanzania that borders the ocean. Game drives in the morning, snorkelling in the afternoon. 15 minutes by private Cessna from Zanzibar — no long transfers, no complex logistics. Only 14 suites, infinity pool overlooking the sea, 100% solar powered.
Best for : a safari and beach combination without compromising on comfort or time.

Boutique - The Island Pongwe, Adults Only, Pongwe, Zanzibar
6 bungalows. No air conditioning, no television, no screens — by design. The Island Pongwe is a total disconnection experience in Pongwe Bay, 45 minutes from Stone Town. The tides create two entirely different worlds : at low tide, you walk on the sand ; at high tide, you take a canoe. Gourmet restaurant open to outside guests. The perfect choice for a romantic break or after-safari retreat.
Best for : a couple who genuinely wants to disconnect.

Premium - Tembo Kiwengwa Resort, Kiwengwa, Zanzibar
A well-positioned resort on Zanzibar's east coast, directly on the Indian Ocean. More space, more facilities — a solid option for families or small groups looking to combine comfort with direct beach access. A reliable first choice for those discovering Zanzibar for the first time.
Best for : a first trip to Zanzibar with family or a group of friends.


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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do you need a visa for Zanzibar?
    Yes — both French and Moroccan passport holders need a Tanzania e-Visa, which also covers Zanzibar (they're part of the same country). Since January 2025, visa on arrival has been suspended — it must be arranged online in advance, around $50.

  • Do you need a yellow fever vaccine for Tanzania?
    Only if arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. It's not required for travelers coming directly from France or Morocco, but check current guidance closer to departure.

  • What's the best time of year to visit Zanzibar?
    The dry seasons (June–October and December–February) offer the most reliable weather; the long rains fall April–May.


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