About Qambani
Qambani is a luxurious property on the tip of Zanzibar’s beautiful Michamvi Peninsula.
Set on a low cliff above a white sandy beach, it has 270m of seafront and stunning ocean views. Originally built as a family home, it has now opened its doors to the public and offers high quality accommodation with a very personalised service.
Qambani provides a fresh, modern beach retreat with plenty of style and character. The luxurious villas are very spacious and provide plenty of privacy, while attentive staff gives the property a welcoming, homely atmosphere.
Our view
Qambani provides a fresh, modern beach retreat with plenty of style and character. The luxurious villas are very spacious and provide plenty of privacy, while attentive staff gives the property a welcoming, homely atmosphere.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
6 villas
Children
Best for aged 6+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Qambani
14 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations • 2 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.
Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 other areas
US$9,920 - US$15,130 per person
Qambani: Our full report
Qambani is a luxurious property on the tip of Zanzibar’s beautiful Michamvi Peninsula.
Set on a low cliff above a white sandy beach, it has 270m of seafront and stunning ocean views. Originally built as a family home, it has now opened its doors to the public and offers high quality accommodation with a very personalised service.
Qambani has a modern yet distinctly African feel to it and clearly reflects the owners’ personal taste. Contemporary African artwork hangs on the walls and the neutral colour scheme is accented by splashes of bright reds and blues. The whole atmosphere of Qambani is about relaxing and enjoying your surroundings and the welcoming staff will go out of their way to make you feel at home.
The expansive lounge is an open area beneath a makuti thatch roof. In the evening, Arabic brass lanterns and soft lighting give the place a warm and welcoming feel. The space is subdivided into separate seating areas, with large, plush sofas and wooden coffee tables, creating a feel of privacy. Relax on one of the sofas or enjoy a cocktail at the well-stocked bar. As with every other room at Qambani, the lounge has WiFi, and a wireless sound system.
From the lounge, 40 louvre doors open onto a large terrace where baraza benches look out to the Indian Ocean. This space also transforms into an outdoor dining area, and is home to a small plunge pool: great for a refreshing dip. Connected to the terrace is a sizable dining room with a large wooden table at its center.
Qambani also boasts a media room with comfortable sofas, a large flatscreen TV, a PlayStation and an extensive DVD collection. Alongside you’ll find a small gym with a selection of exercise equipment. There is also a small wellness area where a number of spa treatments can be arranged.
Unusually for many properties on the Michamvi Peninsula, Qambani is set on a large plot of land, giving a real feeling of space and privacy. Sunbirds are attracted to the fruit trees and flowering bougainvillea that fill the expansive gardens, and Suni antelope roam the grounds.
Qambani has two swimming pools. The large infinity pool, with a trendy pool bar and several loungers, is set below the main living area and enjoys spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. The second is a split-level salt-water pool, from which a path leads down to the sandy beach below. This wide expanse of white coral sand forms a small cove where at low tide you can walk out to the reef beyond. Given Qambani’s remote location we expect that the beach will remain fairly quiet and undisturbed.
Qambani has six villas of varying sizes, all of which have been built with thatched makuti roofs and ocean views. All villas are air-conditioned and come complete with WiFi and a Sonos sound system; they also contain an electronic safe, an espresso machine and a mini-fridge. The villas are furnished in a clean, modern style with a neutral colour scheme, although different furnishings and fabrics give each a distinctive feel.
- One-bedroom villas. Of the three one-bedroom villas, the Africa and Plantation villas are both set over two floors and have a comparable layout. Each has a double bedroom that opens out onto a wide veranda, plus a large bathroom with a free-standing bath, and a small living area. Up a flight of steps is an open area with a day bed; this is covered by the thatched roof, but the front is open, so you will get a fresh sea breeze. The Sundowner villa is set apart from the others and is closest to the ocean, giving it a real feel of privacy. It has a similar layout to the other one-bedroom villas at Qambani, but with the addition of a large rooftop veranda with a wrap-around seating area, giving unimpeded ocean views.
- Two-bedroom villas. These two villas, the Castaway and the Coastal, have a large open-plan double bedroom whose en-suite bathroom has a bath, his and hers basins and an outside shower. A separate twin room is also en-suite. Both villas have a good-sized living area with a large sofa and coffee table set just below the main bedroom, and a private veranda with outside seating and a hammock.
- The Sultan Villa comprises two double bedrooms, each with a large en-suite with his and hers sinks, a free-standing bath and an outside shower. These rooms are joined by a central open-air living area which opens out onto a large terrace.
The owners at Qambani are committed to achieving a low carbon footprint. They currently have 136 solar panels which provide the majority of the power for the property. Grey water is also being collected and used to water the garden.
Geographics
- Location
- Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- 4–5 nights
- Directions
- It takes around 30 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it's approximately 1.5 hours by car to Qambani.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Dining, as with everything else at Qambani Luxury Resort, is a very personalised service. Guests are encouraged to chat to staff on arrival about their individual preferences and the Qambani chef, will prepare meals to your taste. The team will happily make suggestions based on seasonal specials and local delicacies but there are no written menus. Dining times are very flexible and are based around your preferences. Meals can be eaten in a number of locations, from the large communal dining room to the veranda, the pool bar or even a private dinner on the beach. Eating in the lovely open-plan kitchen and watching the chef is welcomed at any time.
The food is excellent. It was well presented, flavoursome and used very high quality ingredients. When we last visited we ate on the outside terrace and enjoyed melt in the mouth tuna, marinated giant prawns and an assortment of puréed vegetables. The chef here is experienced with his use and presentation of ingredients: plates were consistently colourful and attractive. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinks are excluded.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Qambani is a great choice for families looking for luxury in Zanzibar. Three of the villas are ideal for families, either with adjoining or separate rooms. Children can use the kayaks, swim in one of two pools and cook up tasty treats with the chef.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zanzibar
- Honeymoons
- Qambani offers a secluded location for those looking for a romantic honeymoon on Zanzibar. Enjoy strolling along the quiet beach or relaxing by the infinity pool whilst the attentive staff will make it a stay to remember.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Beach holidays
- Tucked away at the northern tip of the Michamvi Peninsula, Qambani boasts a wide expanse of quiet beaches and blue waters. It is a fantastic spot to lie back, relax and enjoy your surroundings on a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Private villas & houses
- A small and luxurious boutique hotel on Zanzibar's east coast, featuring six beautiful villas, excellent food, and personalized service. It's an ideal choice for families seeking a private and comfortable stay.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Zanzibar
- Luxury
- With six beautiful villas, excellent food and personalised service, Qambani is a small and luxurious boutique hotel on Zanzibar's pretty east coast. Stroll along the beach, go for a massage, take a dip in one of two pools and enjoy a sunset cocktail.
- See ideas for Luxury in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Qambani welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- Child-minding and babysitting can be arranged.
- Equipment
- There are no specific children’s equipment but the shallow saltwater pool is suitable for kids. Qambani has a selection of board games as well as a PlayStation in the media room.
- Generally recommended for children
- Children are welcome at Qambani, but it generally has a rather adult atmosphere.
- Notes
- There are steep cliffs and a deep pool so children should be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Power is mostly run by solar panels but there is a back-up generator.
- Communications
- Qambani has free WiFi in all rooms and villas.
- TV & radio
- The media room contains a large HD TV with satellite channels. There is a Sonos sound system in all rooms.
- Water supply
- Transported in
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Many of the staff are first-aid trained and there is a first-aid kit on site. There is a local doctor on call and a hospital in Stone Town.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are 24-hour locally trained security guards at all corners of the property, with additional staff at night.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in all communal areas and also in the villas.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is included at Qambani.
- Money
- Small amounts of currency can be exchanged on site. There is an electronic safe in each villa.
- Accepted payment on location
- All major credit cards are accepted and they also accept cash payments in GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Tanzanian shillings.
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Qambani's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Qambani.
Excursions from Qambani
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Qambani. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
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
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 ForestOther lodges in Michamvi Peninsula
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Breezes Beach Club
Breezes Beach Club is a family-style resort that also appeals to honeymooners, and is perfect if you want plenty of facilities.
Baraza Resort & Spa
Baraza is a high-quality resort, with a buzzing atmosphere and a range of activities that appeal both to families and lively honeymooners.
White Sand Villas
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a stylish, small resort lodge located near the town of Paje.
The Palms
The Palms is an exclusive and luxurious beach getaway - though the main areas are small – next to Breezes and sharing Breezes' facilities.
Xanadu Villas
Situated on a picturesque beach on the Michamvi Peninsula, Xanadu Villas is a sophisticated boutique hotel with six luxurious private villas.
Kono Kono
Kono Kono is a contemporary beach resort on a quiet stretch of west-facing beach on the Michamvi peninsula.
Anna of Zanzibar
Anna of Zanzibar’s warm atmosphere and five spacious and inviting villas make it a great place for a relaxed stay on a lovely stretch of beach.
Zawadi
Set on a pretty cove on Zanzibar’s Michamvi Peninsula, Zawadi is a modern boutique hotel offering lots of space and privacy.
When to go to Michamvi Peninsula
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Qambani in Michamvi Peninsula
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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