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Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar

About Melia Zanzibar

The Melia Zanzibar (formerly the Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski) is one of the island's largest resort complexes, ...

... owned by the international Spanish-owned hotel group. Located on Zanzibar’s east coast, 4km north of Kiwengwa, it has an extensive beach front with a private jetty, and a separate private beach 1km to the south of the main hotel complex. This large resort offers an extensive range of facilities and services for leisure travellers and business visitors.

The Melia Zanzibar is a very large and busy resort hotel. Arriving out of the bush environment of east coast Zanzibar, it comes as a shock, especially in comparison with most other hotels along this coast. However, if you're looking for a fun, well-run machine with lots of facilities, this could well be a good choice.

Our view

The Melia Zanzibar is a very large and busy resort hotel. Arriving out of the bush environment of east coast Zanzibar, it comes as a shock, especially in comparison with most other hotels along this coast. However, if you're looking for a fun, well-run machine with lots of facilities, this could well be a good choice.

Richard Trillo

Richard Trillo

Zanzibar expert

Accommodation

124 Rooms

Children

Good for all ages.

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Kayaking

Kayaking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Melia Zanzibar: Our full report

The Melia Zanzibar (formerly the Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski) is one of the island's largest resort complexes, ...

... owned by the international Spanish-owned hotel group. Located on Zanzibar’s east coast, 4km north of Kiwengwa, it has an extensive beach front with a private jetty, and a separate private beach 1km to the south of the main hotel complex. This large resort offers an extensive range of facilities and services for leisure travellers and business visitors.

Arriving at the Melia's strictly controlled entrance gate, you drive up to the first-floor level for the hotel's main lobby, reception, art gallery and library, all overlooking the manicured gardens, with the beach beyond. It's all marble-tiled floors and statement water features. There's a shoeshine machine, jewellery and crafts shops. You get the picture.

Downstairs, there's the Spice Market restaurant and an excursion programme desk run by one of Expert Africa's main excursion and transfer partners on Zanzibar, Fisherman Tours.

The Melia Zanzibar has 124 rooms in total – 110 standard rooms, 7 villas and 7 pavilions, all with satellite TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes, and digital safes. All the rooms have jacuzzis and there's an outside shower in every room except the pavilions.

There is Wi-fi access throughout the resort and you'll find printouts of the daily Melia News, a Melia group newspaper collating world news for guests, in all the public areas.

There are multiple restaurants at Melia Zanzibar: the main restaurant, Spice Market, which offers a variety of different food, buffet-style and has entertainment in the evening; Aqua, which serves a set menu from 7-10pm; the Pool Bar; the Jetty Restaurant and Bar, which requires a reservation and is open from 7-10am and from 5pm-1am (there's a DJ here from 9.30pm on Wed and Sun); The Level, which is a lunch venue for premium guests only (others can eat there for an extra charge, as an alternative to the pool bar); and the beach restaurant at Gabi Beach, which serves Italian-inspired cuisine and has a regular Monday evening barbecue, where all guests eat as the Spice Market is closed.

The hotel also has a business centre, and three conference rooms.

Melia Zanzibar has a variety of activities on offer. Overlooking the beach is the Amphitheatre, where yoga and exercise classes take place. You will also find a Kids' Club, a 60-metre outdoor leisure pool, tennis and basketball courts and table tennis. For snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, boat cruises and volleyball, head to the Beach Club at Gabi Beach.

Noisy golf carts move you between the hotel and its private beach, Gabi Beach, to the south of Shooting Star Lodge. This is a private beach with a restauranmt and bar-disco. The Surfs Up kite surf centre here rents boards and kayaks, and offers instruction. The hammocks are free, as are the cabanas - first come, first served.

For relaxation, there’s the Anantara Spa. Managed and operated exclusively by professional Thai therapists, it has six private treatment rooms, two private outdoor massage pavilions and a 23-metre outdoor lap pool. There is also a beauty salon, gym and sauna, with treatments offered by Thai masseuses. Products in use are Elemis (UK) and Africology (South Africa). Use of the sauna is restricted to over-16s and use of the gym to over-18s.

For diving, the Melia has a branch of the One Ocean PADI diving operation based at the Blue Bay Resort. You'll be booked and measured up here for your diving kit, then driven to Blue Bay to set off, usually to Mnemba Atoll.

Geographics

Location
East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Directions
It's a half-hour flight from Dar to Zanzibar, and then it's a further one hour by road to the Melia.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome at Melia.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions.
Special activities & services
The hotel has a kids’ club (0-4 only accompanied by their parents, 4-12 alone), a large pool and a variety of activities to keep children entertained.
Equipment
All the equipment you'd expect at a large, international resort hotel is available here.

Communications

Power supply notes
Generator backup.
Communications
There is free Wi-fi throughout and reasonable Airtel signal.
TV & radio
All rooms come with phones and DSTV.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
Small bottles of drinking water are supplied free of charge.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Melia Zanzibar has a branch clinic of Global hospital, staffed by Italian and Tanzanian nursing staff.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The hotel is accessed through high, guarded gates and is secured by a 24-hour security team who patrol the property.
Fire safety
Every building has fire extinguishers, and fire-training by an outside contractor takes place every month.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is available for an extra charge.
Money
There are safes in each of the rooms.
Accepted payment on location
Cash in Tanzanian Shillings, Euros, US dollars or UK pounds is accepted for payment. Credit cards (Amex, Visa, MasterCard) are also taken, with a 10% surcharge for cash withdrawals and no change for hotel payments.

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Melia Zanzibar's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Melia Zanzibar.


Excursions from Melia Zanzibar

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Melia Zanzibar. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Jambiani Village Tour

Jambiani Village Tour

Half-day - mornings

Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.

More about Village Tour
100% (1 reviews)
Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest Tour

Half-day or combine with other tours

For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.

More about Jozani Forest
70% (6 reviews)

Other lodges in East Coast Zanzibar

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


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Tulia Zanzibar

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When to go to East Coast Zanzibar

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Melia Zanzibar in East Coast Zanzibar


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zanzibar in January

As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.

New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.

  • Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
  • High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
  • Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
  • Quieter and better value later in the month.
  • Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Zanzibar in February

The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.

At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.

  • Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
  • Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
  • Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
  • North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
  • ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Zanzibar in March

March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.

Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.

  • Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
  • Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
  • Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
  • The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Zanzibar in April

April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.

Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.

  • Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
  • Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
  • Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
  • Low prices and few other tourists.
  • Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Zanzibar in May

The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.

Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.

  • Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
  • Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
  • Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Zanzibar in June

June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.

The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
  • Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
  • Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
  • Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Zanzibar in July

July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.

The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.

  • Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
  • Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
  • Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
  • Great beach weather result in high prices.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Zanzibar in August

August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.

High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.

  • Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
  • Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
  • High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
  • With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zanzibar in September

September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.

September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.

  • Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
  • Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
  • Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
  • Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Zanzibar in October

October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.

With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.

  • End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
  • Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
  • Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
  • High demand means prices remain high.
  • Northeast coast generally more sheltered.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Zanzibar in November

The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.

Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
  • Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
  • Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Zanzibar in December

December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.

The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.

  • Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
  • High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
  • Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
  • Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
  • Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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