Our 13 best beach lodges and resorts in East Coast Zanzibar
The east coast of Zanzibar boasts an almost continuous expanse of picture-perfect beach; it’s arguably the island’s greatest attraction for visitors. Listed below are our recommendations.







Pongwe Beach Hotel

Nestled between two outcrops of coral rock and on a secluded stretch of white-powdery beach, Pongwe Beach Hotel was opened in ...More about Pongwe Beach Hotel
We stayed at this hotel 7 years ago and really enjoyed it, so when an opportunity arose to return we decided to go for it - we were not disappointed. We stayed for 5 nights ... Pongwe Beach Hotel reviews...

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge (formerly Matemwe Bungalows) has always been a long-standing favourite with our travellers - read the recent feedback ...More about Matemwe Lodge
We loved this hotel. It was a super place to spend our last 3 nights in Africa. Initially we were assigned Room 12, which was a long way from the restaurant and swimming ... Matemwe Lodge reviews...

Mchanga Beach Lodge

Mchanga Beach Lodge is a small, owner-operated beach hotel on Zanzibar's east coast. It's a sandy plot (mchanga means sand in ...More about Mchanga Beach Lodge
Mchanga Beach Lodge is a perfect place for lazy and relaxing time, especially if one looks for a bit more privacy. Food was excellent, and so was restaurant and bar service... Mchanga Beach Lodge reviews...

Shooting Star Lodge

Shooting Star Lodge was built by an engaging and welcoming Tanzanian couple and stands on top of a coral cliff, with stunning ...More about Shooting Star Lodge
We had lovely accommodation in the Monsoon Villa suite - cost a fortune but this was the holiday of a lifetime for us. Worked well for a small family. Stunning villa - wonderful ... Shooting Star Lodge reviews...

Matemwe Retreat

Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, arguably the ultimate in private luxury. Located on the east ...More about Matemwe Retreat
Loved the location of Matemwe and the amazing villa and personal butler service too. The beaches themselves were disappointing (plenty of sea debris on tide line) and it ... Matemwe Retreat reviews...

Mnemba Island Lodge

The term 'barefoot luxury' might have been coined for Mnemba, a formerly uninhabited island just 2.5km off the north-east coast ...More about Mnemba Island Lodge
A stay at Mnemba Lodge is a great way to end a safari holiday. The accommodation is of a very high standard and the island is beautiful. However it is very expensive and ... Mnemba Island Lodge reviews...

Sunshine Marine Lodge

Opened in 2013, Sunshine Marine Lodge is to the north of Matemwe, on Zanzibar’s east coast. Built on a cliff top, with stunning ...More about Sunshine Marine Lodge
The journey from the airport and the west coast by Stone Town across to the north eastern side of Zanzibar was more than worth it. Firstly I experienced the drive through ... Sunshine Marine Lodge reviews...

Sunshine Hotel

Opened in 2010, the Sunshine Hotel is located by Matemwe village, on Zanzibar’s east coast. Situated on a lovely stretch of white ...More about Sunshine Hotel
Very attractive hotel set on beautiful long undeveloped beach on east coast. Rooms very comfortable and although no a/c no problem sleeping as well designed to benefit ... Sunshine Hotel reviews...

Green and Blue

The pretty Green and Blue hotel has a picture-postcard setting on a sweeping curve of white sand in the Matemwe area of Zanzibar’s ...More about Green & Blue
I was happy that I had done my research and knew that the beach here was not suitable for swimming. It was, however, and awesome place to watch local villagers go about their ... Green & Blue reviews...

Next Paradise

Next Paradise is a small resort hotel, situated between Kiwengwa and Matemwe, just on the beach side of the fishing village of ...More about Next Paradise
Next Paradise is a Gem. Very peacful and relaxing which is just what you need after gruelling Safaris. The restaurant has a few short falls but nothing you would really ... Next Paradise reviews...

Matemwe Beach House

On the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe Beach House is a private house located just next door to Matemwe Lodge. The house ...More about Matemwe Beach House

Melia Zanzibar

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

Tulia Zanzibar

After four years in the building, the 16-room Tulia Zanzibar Beach Resort, to give its full name, opened in January 2016 on Zanzib...More about Tulia Zanzibar