The 5 Best Hostels in Zanzibar: 2024 Edition

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• Best Overall Hostel in Zanzibar – Your Zanzibar Place
• Best Hostel in Zanzibar for Solo Travelers – New Teddy’s On the Beach
• Best Cheap Hostel in Zanzibar – Lost and Found
• Best Party Hostel in Zanzibar – Drifters Backpackers
• Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Zanzibar – Jambiani Backpackers Hostel

So now you’re up to speed with what to expect from most of the hostels in Zanzibar as you backpack Tanzania. Now, let’s take a closer look at the best ones out there so you can make your choice.

1. Your Zanzibar Place – Best Overall Hostel in Zanzibar

• Dorm (mixed): From $26
• Private Room: From $60
• Address: Paje, Zanzibar, Tanzania

You’re coming to an island paradise, so why not go all in? Your Zanzibar Place gives the unique experience of living life on the beach complete with bungalows made of woven palm leaves. You’ll be transported to another world, feeling the sand under your feet and falling asleep with the sound of the waves in your ears.

The rooms at Your Zanzibar Place are individual makuti bandas (bungalows) under palm trees. Choose a private banda for two, three, or four. If you’re travelling solo, stay in the dorm banda with fellow travellers instead. You’ll be set with mosquito nets on the beds and a fan to keep cool in whichever room you choose. 

Hammocks and swings around Your Zanzibar Place add to the paradise vibes. Relax as you sway with the breeze between the palm trees. Ahhhhhh. This is the life. To top it all off, Your Zanzibar Place offers a yummy free breakfast to help you get energised for the day of adventure ahead.

Your Place has some great features that are hostel standards likedorms, washing machines, book exchange and a friendly communal vibe. However, it doesn’t have things like a shared kitchen. Instead, their restaurant can whip you up a meal or you can head out for some affordable local food.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Makuti Bandas (bungalows made of woven palm leaves)
• Free Wifi
• Bike Rental

The vibe of Your Zanzibar Place is awesome. It feels like you’re in a dream, but when you pinch yourself, you’ll know it’s real. This place will blow your assumption of hostels out of the water when you’re living it up at the beach!

Everything is here for you to have an awesome day or night. By day go swimming, snorkelling, or kite surfing. By night enjoy a drink with your new travel buddies at the bar.

If you want to venture a bit further than the hostel, the staff can help you plan trips around the area like Prison Island or deep-sea fishing. You can rent a bike from Your Zanzibar Place to get around easier and Paje also has great restaurants and bars in the area.

2. New Teddy’s On the Beach – Best Hostel in Zanzibar for Solo Travellers

• Dorm (mixed): From $19
• Address: Kikadini Lane, Jambiani, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Ahhh. You’ve made it. You’re here. It is truly paradise at New Teddy’s On the Beach. 

Breathe it in. You’re on holiday now! There are so many ways to relax and enjoy yourself at New Teddy’s. You can sunbathe on the white sandy beach, swing in the breeze in the shade of the palm trees or cool off in the gorgeous pool. You can also enjoy a drink at the bar, test your balance on the slackline then fall asleep while listening to the waves.

New Teddy’s has room options for every traveller. Dorms or private? They’ve got it covered. Private rooms can sleep anywhere between two and five people. Some privates include an ensuite bathroom which makes it even that much better.

I mean, sometimes it’s just really nice to have the toilet all to yourself, ya know what I’m saying? No matter what room set up you choose, you’ll be set with mosquito nets and a fan to help you have a pleasant night’s sleep. 

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Pool
• Free Wifi
• Bar/Restaurant

The beautiful swimming pool at New Teddy’s matches the azure blue of the Indian Ocean, both are breathtaking. When the tide is a bit too low on the beach, dive right into the pool without missing a beat. Whether you prefer the beach or the pool there’s somewhere to cool off.

The Bar at New Teddy’s is ready to whip you up a delicious plate any time of day. Sadly, there is no communal kitchen to make your own meal, but the free breakfast is a nice way to make up for it. That and the sick cocktails from the bar will make your night and you’ll be making friends and lovers in no time.  

The white sand beach is to die for at New Teddy’s and is located on the east coast of the island. If you’re looking to take a moment away from the beach, the fishing village of Jambiani is close by. Stroll around the area to experience some authentic local Zanzibar life. 

3. Lost and Found – Best Cheap Hostel in Zanzibar

• Dorm (mixed): From $6
• Private Room: From $34
• Address: Kenyatta Road, Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Lost and Found has some awesome things going on that make it a sick place to stay while you’re in Stone Town…

First, the location: You’re there! Right in it the centre of it all. Perfectly positioned to see everything and do everything there is to do in Zanzibar. Don’t want to walk it all? Just ask the hostel to rent a bike. Sound!

Next, the bed set-up says mixed dorms, but the reality is that each bed is nestled in its own little budget-friendly pod. So you’re not gonna feel like you’re sleeping out in the open, the pod-like beds have privacy curtains completing your space. While you’re blocking out the rest of the world in your semi-private nook, rest assured your stuff is secure in your own locker nearby. 

Another major feature at Lost and Found is the AC. Yes, that’s right: Air Conditioning. All rooms have it, so you’ll be able to chill out while you unwind after a fabulous day exploring everything Zanzibar has to offer. 

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Bike Hire
• Free Wifi
• Book Exchange

Nothing says “friendly” more than a foosball table. It’s such a great icebreaker – let’s get real, it practically calls out “play me!”. As a spectator, you just have to get up and close to see who’s winning. You know you want to get in on the action and call “I play the winner!” 

The friendly, communal feel is thriving at Lost and Found. With things like the book exchange and bike rental, you know this is the place that is perfect for backpackers just like you.

So, explore this historic town on two wheels and get into a good read on the balcony overlooking this beautiful city. It’s just around the corner from Freddy Mercury’s house too, so if it’s good enough for that legend then it’s good enough for us!

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4. Drifters Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Zanzibar

• Dorm (mixed): From $9
• Private Room: From $30
• Address: Saba Road 69, Paje, Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Drifters Backpackers is a traveller’s dream, in fact, it’s one of the best hostels in the world! It’s located right on the beach for absolute paradise vibes and it’s even gotrates that you can’t complain about at all.

It’s a hostel with everything I love about hostels including the communal kitchen and large communal chill-out areas. You can cook up a feed with friends or just hang out to help you recover from the killer night before. But Drifters is even more than just that!

The vibe. The feel. The experience. Drifters is the place you want to be when you’re in Zanzibar. It’s the place to relax, have fun, and meet new people in stunning surroundings. It’s a hostel run by travellers for travellers and its location is unbeatable.

Choose from dorms facing the beach or private rooms that are cosy and intimate with their own balconies. All come with linens, towels, bedside lamps, fans and mosquito nets to help you have a tranquil sleep alongside the sound of the rolling waves.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Pool
• Book Exchange
• Bike Rentals

By day or by night, chill out poolside under the shade of the palm trees or top up your tan up on the sandy beach. Drifters also organise their own tours and beachfront yoga, or do you want something more adventurous? No problem, they’ll get you all hooked up with anything from snorkelling to kite surfing at the nearby watersport centres.

In the evenings, Drifters is STILL where it’s at! The hostel cooks up low-cost family dinners so everyone can gather around and get to know each other over some great grub. Later onhead to the on-site bar for a drink or a friendly round or two of drinking games. The party is always happening at Drifters – good thing they offer free Lavazza coffee in the mornings!

5. Jambiani Backpackers Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Zanzibar

• Dorm (mixed): From $13
• Private Room: From $50
• Address: Kusini, Unguja South Region, Jambiani, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Are you on a quest to traverse the globe while working? Jambiani Backpackers Hostel can help you with that. One of the best Zanzibar hostels for digital nomads, this Zanzibar hostel offers a breezy rooftop terrace – an ideal place to work from.

If you’ve really got this digital nomadding down, you can make the most of being near the beautiful beach (just across the road). Plus, there’s a swimming pool too if you need an instant refresh and the free wifi is strong and reliable. Very few hostels hold it down like Jambiani Backpackers Hostel for those of us who work on the road.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free Wifi
• Swimming Pool
• Laundry Facilities

Jambiani Backpackers Hostel has air conditioning, which isn’t that common. So, if you need a good night’s sleep in the comfort of a chilled-off room to show up for work, then you’re in luck. Jambiani Backpackers Hostel is a place to stay if you want to indulge in the cultural side of the island.

The bed options here are top-class at affordable rates. No need to bunk it up in the private rooms at Jambiani Backpackers Hostel and the dorms have pod-style single beds. Mosquito nets on each bed stop the pesky bugs from disturbing your beauty sleep too. 

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Nothing jumping out at you yet? Hostels are never perfect but don’t settle, maybe one of my extra Zanzibar hostels will tickle your fancy? Read on, reader!

6. Shoki Shoki Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $16
• Private Room: From $39
• Address: Soko Muhogo street, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Looking for a traditional hostel in Zanzibar? Look no further– You’ve found it! Shoki Shoki Hostel offers all the things I love about hostels… Various room options at affordable rates, communal spaces to meet fellow travellers, and shared facilities so you can do your thing. 

Just pick the type of room you want to be in and *boom* you’re set up. Yes, the rooms and beds are priced slightly differently but you decide if you want to pay a few more bucks for a chilled room… Or if you can handle the heat and save your money for your next adventure in Zanzibar. 

If you’re looking for a bit more pep in your adventure, stop at the tour desk and they’ll get you hooked up. Whether you’re after a spice tour, safari blue, or even a day trip to Stone Town. If you’re interested in seeing the island on your own, Shoki SHoki Hostel will get you a vehicle rental so you can travel freely.

7. Greens Nungwi

• Dorm (mixed): From $19
• Private Room: From $21
• Address: Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Located in Nungwi, Greens Nungwi is at the furthest northern tip of Zanzibar. This amazing spot draws visitors from all over the world. Even though this is a major tourist spot, you’ll feel at home in this family-run hostel. Being surrounded by beautiful green nature, you’ll be hard-pressed to feel anything other than relaxed and laid back.

When you’re staying in the banda huts you’ll feel like you’re in another world. It’s the ideal space for two people to stay. In either double or single beds, you’ll be comfortable with a fan and mosquito nets to help keep the pesky bugs away as you sleep. 

Although there is no communal kitchen to make your own meals, the onsite Cafe Kipepeo makes delicious local food. They’re more than happy to keep your belly full and energised for your next adventure in Zanzibar. Greens Nungwi is close to everything to do and see in Nungwi, but just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists.  

8. Kameleon Blue

• Dorm (mixed): From $22
• Private Room: From $88
• Address: Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, Tanzania

What’s better than spending your time on a beautiful beach in Zanzibar? Doing it with all of your besties! Kameleon Blue has many different room setups including dorm rooms. If you’re travelling as a large group, you can rent out the entire dorm – this way you don’t have to break up the band! 

Kameleon Blue is a great place for you and your best buddies to take a vacation. Located right on the beach, just roll out of bed and step right onto the white sandy beach with its crystal clear blue waters. Absolute paradise!

9. Stone Town House

• Dorm (mixed): From $20
• Private Room: From $55
• Address: 534 Baghani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Stone Town House is a great home base when you’re visiting Zanzibar City. Located in the historic neighbourhood of Stone Town (hence the name), it’s close to everything to see and do around here. It’s also just steps from the water – the best of both worlds – stroll along the water or wander the narrow historic streets. 

At Stone Town House you’re steps from all the great restaurants and food stalls in the night market. The aromas of their delicious foods will call to you from the streets, making it impossible for you to resist.

With all of the enticing food nearby, you won’t even mind that Stone Town House doesn’t have a communal kitchen. At such affordable rates, you’ll have a bit more cash in your pocket so you can taste everything Zanzibar has to offer.

10. Mount Zion Lodge

• Private Room: From $32
• Address: Sunset Beach Track, Michamvi, Tanzania

Nestled in the beautiful green plants of the forest, you’ll be transported to another world, this is what a holiday should always feel like. Small sandy paths bring you from hut to hut and even to enjoy free breakfast in the morning. With pancakes, smoothies, fruit and coffee or tea, you’re getting pampered first thing in the morning.

You know the beach isn’t too far off when you can feel the sand between your toes before you’ve left the hostel grounds. A short walk brings you to the water’s edge and the wondrous mangrove forest. Wanna relax instead, sway with the breeze on a hammock in the garden or enjoy the stars at the fireside in the evenings. Can it get more magical than this?! Nah fam!  

Keeping with the hostel feels Mount Zion Lodge offers dorms and private rooms. Laundry facilities give you the luxury of getting your stuff all nice and clean for your next trip. The book exchange is an insight that some serious travellers have enjoyed this paradise already so leave a book and keep the positive karma rolling. 

They also provide free breakfast and towels which is a bonus. Private rooms are also ensuite, so there’s no waiting your turn to use the facilities. When you gotta go, you can just go. Ya know? 

11. zLife Hostel

The location is perfect to see all of Stone Town, it’s within walking distance of all the sites. If you’re looking to get around a bit faster than your feet, rent one of the bikes from the hostel to see it all. If you’ve gotta get somewhere faster or further, zLife will help you get a car for hire.

When deciding how to fill your belly, the choice is yours, you can cook your own meal in the shared kitchen… Or grab something nearby – being in the middle of town means you’re only steps from the best places to eat, drink, and be merry. Better yet, join in on one of the Swahili cooking classes offered at zLife. 

The room options at zLife is a huge selling point. Wanna stay in a dorm to keep your travel costs to a minimum? Sure. Do you want to stay in a female-only setup? Not a problem, they offer female and mixed-gender dorms. Going the private route? Great, you’ll be set up and some even have a private bathroom, balcony, and AC. Tbh, you’ll forget you’re in a hostel in one of these rooms!

12. Kipepeo Backpackers, Nungwi, Zanzibar

The rates at Kipepeo will definitely help you keep to your travel budget. The private rooms are balanced with shared spaces like the bathrooms to keep the prices at affordable levels. They may expect payment in cash, so just check beforehand (it’s better to know before you go, right?). 

Sometimes it’s the people that really make the place and this is true at Kipepeo. Yes, you could come to Zanzibar prepped with the typical tourist to-do list, but you’ll have a better time asking Kipepeo staff for recommendations. They know all the best places to go as well as the hidden gems that are not overrun by all the visitors each year.

The difference between using your guidebook and asking the people who actually live there is invaluable. Hands-down, you’ll have the most incredible time going with their local advice. Once you’ve got your recommended list of places to visit, getting there should be a breeze.

Ask the hostel to rent a bike for the day. This way, you’ll have the ability to get around easily without the need to rent a car or use public transport.

13. Bwejuu Beach Palm Villa

If you’re rolling with a smaller crew, check out the private rooms. Some boast private bathrooms and even self-catering facilities. Making your own meals is a great way to keep to your travel budget, so is splitting the cost of a private room. If you feel like splurging though, go for an eclectic dining experience at The Rock, a restaurant on a “tidal island”.

No matter who you’re travelling with (even if by yourself) Bwejuu Beach Palm Villa you’re in heaven. If you’re looking for your next group adventure, stop by the tour desk to see what they recommend. The location on the east coast of Zanzibar can’t be beaten.

14. Amira’s Roomz

Amira’s Room is the perfect place if you need to get to the airport in a hurry. Located literally down the road from the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the hostel will airport transfer for a small charge. Just let them know ahead of time and they’ll get you there. 

Amira’s has the rates and room options like a hostel, but it doesn’t really have the communal vibe due to mostly catering to travellers in transit. Skipping the shared kitchen, there’s a restaurant where you can order something to eat instead or visit the night market. And a quick heads-up: Payment is expected in cash when you arrive, which shouldn’t be an issue because you’ll know before you go. 

Amira’s has super affordable dorm rooms and ensuite private rooms if you’re travelling by yourself or in pairs. Let’s get real, having your own, private bathroom is key especially if you’re coming in late or leaving early from a long ass flight! Also, some of the double rooms have air conditioning, so if you sleep better in a chilled-off room, definitely check out that option.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Zanzibar

Zanzibar is loose! But even if it wasn’t, you’d want good hostel insurance – it’s just the smart thing to do.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here’s what people usually ask about Zanzibar hostels.

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

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Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

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Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

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Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

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Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

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Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

How much do hostels in Zanzibar cost?

Hostel rates for dorms are about $20 but you can find some as low as even $8. For private rooms, you can find them as low as $30 a night and as high as $80 (even more).

What are the best hostels in Zanzibar for couples?

Right by the beach, Drifters Backpackers is the perfect spot for couples who want to have a fun relaxing spot to stay in! Surrounded by palm trees and shade, this is the perfect joint for romancing your boo.

What is the best hostel in Zanzibar near the airport?

You can’t get much closer to the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport than Amira’s Roomz. It’s only 2 minutes from the airport and with rides to and from for a small fee you can’t go wrong. Just be sure to let them know ahead of time and they’ll make sure you get there.

There you have it, the Best Hostels in Zanzibar. It’s easy to see that the island has heaps of places to stay to suit every visitor. The best part is that you don’t need to break the bank to explore this paradise island. 

Zanzibar is pretty big so it’s important to decide where you want to stay. It’s got beautiful beaches and some of the best kite surfing around on the West Coast, plus scuba diving, you’ll love it here! A short drive from the East Coast to Paje means you’re just minutes to even more places to eat, drink, and be merry. 

If you’re still on the fence about where to stay, I get it, there’s been a lot. I think Your Zanzibar Place gets it all done with rates that can’t be beat. It is over the East Coast side though so if you want town vibes, this might not be the one. 

If you’re here to get amongst the town, Lost and Found is an epic hostel and my pick for cheap accommodation. The vibes are high here and there’s heaps to do, not least of all use the free wifi to plan your next move.

Regardless of which one on the list you choose, you’re headed on the trip of your dreams. Zanzibar is a tropical paradise with deep sea fishing, an epic night market, palm trees everywhere you look… I’m selling myself!

Have I missed anything? Have you been and have something to add? Hit me up in the comments, I love to chat!

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