About Emerson on Hurumzi
The grande dame of Stone Hotel’s hotel scene, Emerson on Hurumzi offers a boho-chic glamour with Swahili flair.
Opened in 1999 as Stone Town’s first boutique hotel, Emerson & Green (as it was originally named) revealed an architectural transformation unlike anything the city had previously seen. Three venerable merchant houses had been gutted, painstakingly renovated and showcased Swahili style with a decidedly theatrical twist.
Today, though not sophisticated, Emerson on Hurumzi remains distinctly Zanzibari, original and immense fun. Each of the 22 romantic rooms is different, yet all are vibrant to the point of kitsch, decorated with plush fabrics and antique Zanzibari furniture.
Some of the rooms enjoy deep balconies, but even without them, the hotel’s open-sided, rooftop restaurant offers some of the finest skyline views in the city and, at the top of increasingly steep and narrow stairs, one of its most iconic dining spots.
Sitting cross-legged on Persian carpets, sipping a cool midday mocktail and gazing out over ramshackle roofs, make it a very easy place to like. Low-key lunches, sunset drinks to the sound of muezzins, and dinners accompanied by live music complete this exotic retreat in the heart of Stone Town’s labyrinthine shopping quarter.
Our view
Emerson on Hurumzi is a beautiful boutique hotel with real style and character. The rooms are lovely and we particularly liked the rooftop restaurant. Its central location also makes it a great base from which to explore the area.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
11 rooms
Children
Best for aged 8+
Open
1 June to end-April
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Emerson on Hurumzi
7 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Coconut Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A luxurious island getaway split between a small boutique hotel in Stone Town and your own sumptuous private villa on a spectacular swath of white sandy beach.
Visiting Stone Town, Michamvi Peninsula
US$2,730 - US$5,310 per person
Emerson on Hurumzi: Our full report
Right in the heart of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, Emerson on Hurumzi (previously known as 236 Hurumzi) is a small ...
... boutique hotel that is steeped in history. It was re-opened in 2014, after the owners had spent several years lovingly restoring the building to recapture the grandeur and elegance of its 19th-century origins.
Emerson on Hurumzi sprawls across two beautiful old buildings dating from 1840–70. The back portion was constructed in the early 1840s, when the Omani Arabs first took control of Zanzibar, and the front building was originally the home of the prominent Ismaili Indian merchant, Tharia Topan. Over the years, the property has had several owners, including the Archbishop of Zanzibar and later on a number of Ismaili and Arab families. In the early 1990s it was taken over by the late Emerson Skeens and Thomas Green who first restored the building, turning it into a boutique hotel.
Like its sister property, Emerson Spice, Emerson on Hurumzi is tastefully decorated with antique Zanzibari furniture and carpets, many of which are original pieces from the houses. Crowned by an opulent chandelier, the high-ceilinged reception area is furnished with sofas covered with colourful cushions and throws. A steep wooden staircase leads to the upper levels where you will find further seating areas and pretty planted terraces.
Although completely individual in character and design, the hotel’s 11 rooms and suites are all finished to a high level of attention to detail, and can be divided on cost grounds into two categories: eight Standard Rooms and three larger Suites. Each is beautifully decorated with bold colours, sumptuous fabrics and antique furniture, evoking the era of the sultans. On a practical note, all have a ceiling fan (most also have air conditioning), a large Zanzibari bed and an en-suite bathroom.
Emerson on Hurumzi has two dining areas:
- The garden terrace is a tranquil courtyard tucked between the two buildings, and surrounded by soft planting. Breakfast is usually served on the terrace, which also doubles as a gallery for local artists.
- The Tea House Rooftop Restaurant is one of the highest spots in Stone Town, its open sides affording a wonderful 360-degree panorama across the rooftops. Colourful rugs soften the floor and guests are usually seated on brightly coloured Zanzibari cushions, set around the edge of the room behind low wooden tables. (That said, there are also tables and chairs next to the central terrace for guests who would prefer these.) Traditional Swahili food is served at lunch and dinner – when on our last visit, in July 2019, we joined diners assembling to watch the sun set over the roofs of Stone Town. We would recommend getting here early in order to enjoy a cocktail beforehand. Before dinner, local musicians come to perform traditional Taarab music, giving a lovely atmosphere.
More unusually, the hotel boasts its own museum, dedicated to the life of Princess Salme, the controversial daughter of Sayid Sain Al-Busaid, the Sultan of Zanzibar. Unusually for a Zanzibari princess she taught herself to read and learned English, then fell in love with a German merchant, moved to Germany and converted to Christianity. Wander through the museum with a highly knowledgeable guide and learn about her fascinating story.
Geographics
- Location
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- Emerson on Hurumzi has a two-night minimum stay; this is an ideal length of time for exploring Stone Town.
- Directions
- It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, followed by a ten-minute drive to Stone Town. As Emerson on Hurumzi is tucked away in the tiny backstreets of the town, the car can't get right to the door of the hotel, but your driver will show you the way from the drop-off point, and will help you with your luggage for the short two-minute walk.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- When we last visited in September 2019, we didn't have the time to eat, but have previsouly found the food to be excellent. At dinner, the dishes are inventive and filled with flavour; easily some of the best food we have eaten in Stone Town. Breakfast is served either on the garden terrace or in the privacy of your own room. Lunch and dinner are served in the Tea House Restaurant.
Breakfast normally consists of a platter of tropical fruit with fresh mango, passion fruit and more unusual fruits such as Canistel (also known as egg fruits). This is followed by a hot breakfast with eggs cooked to your preference.
For Lunch you can expect a range of Swahili-influenced dishes on the menu, including zucchini, green pea and turmeric burgers, fish kofta, and calamari salad.
Dinner typically consists of a three course set menu. In the past we have enjoyed spinach fish cake and turmeric sauce, accompanied by beetroot tahini and Arabian flatbread for a starter. This was followed by a choice of pan-fried red snapper, ‘janja’s dengu pot’ which turned out to be a beautifully spiced vegetable curry, or mbuzi bamia (stewed goat). Dinner was rounded off with a delicious tropical pavlova. The dishes were inventive and filled with flavour; it is easily some of the best food we have eaten in Stone Town. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Emerson on Hurumzi will happily provide room service.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. Bottled water is supplied in the bedrooms.
Special interests
- Cultural Experiences
- Stay at Emerson on Hurumzi and experience the rich culture of Zanzibar. The hotel is filled with antique furniture from the time of Zanzibar's sultans, while the rooftop restaurant serves a traditional Swahili feast accompanied by live taarab music.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Emerson on Hurumzi.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Emerson on Hurumzi has no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities for children.
- Equipment
- Cots are available on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Emerson on Hurumzi is fine for children, however parents should be aware of the steep stairs and high balconies.
- Notes
- Parents should be aware that there are several steep staircases that wind their way through the hotel.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator.
- Communications
- Emerson on Hurumzi has cellphones in all rooms, and guests are welcome to take these with them while exploring Stone Town. WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio at Emerson on Hurumzi.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Bottled water is supplied in the bedrooms.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff have first-aid training and there is a medical kit on site. Emerson on Hurumzi is right in the middle of Stone Town where there are doctors nearby.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is night security guard at the entrance of Emerson on Hurumzi.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers dotted around Emerson on Hurumzi.
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A free laundry service is provided.
- Money
- Emerson on Hurumzi cannot offer any currency exchange, but there are plenty of bureaux de change in the area, and someone from the hotel can give you directions or show you where to go.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can pay for any extras in US dollars, pounds, euros, Kenyan shillings and Tanzanian shillings cash. You can also use Mastercard and Visa, without surcharge.
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Emerson on Hurumzi's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Emerson on Hurumzi.
Excursions from Emerson on Hurumzi
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Emerson on Hurumzi. 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 Forest
Princess Salme Spice Tour
Half-day
Discover the captivating story of the smart and rebellious Princess Sayyida Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Join a knowledgeable local guide to follow in her footsteps through palaces and plantations, as well as the fascinating Zanzibar spice trade on a working plantation.
More about Princess Spice Tour
Prison Island Tour
Half-day
Escape the hustle and bustle of Stone Town on a 30-minute boat ride to Changuu Island, now commonly known as Prison Island. This is your chance to find out about the darker side of Zanzibar history, as well as to get up close with the island’s Aldabra giant tortoises, and to engage in a spot of coastal snorkelling.
More about Prison Island
Stone Town Discovery Tour
Half-day
Spend a morning wandering through Stone Town’s maze of alleyways with an erudite Zanzibari resident, meeting the locals, marvelling at its fusion of architecture and cultures, learning about the food, music, beliefs and everyday life, for an utterly fascinating experience.
More about Stone Town Tour
Swahili Cooking Workshop
Half-day or combine with other tours
Zanzibar’s cuisine and culinary influences are as exotic as the island itself. This genuinely authentic culinary workshop will take you to the heart of the spice farm region, teach you how to select and blend an array of spices, create souvenir blends, and guide you through cooking a traditional Swahili meal.
More about Swahili Cookery
Zanzibar Dhow Safari
Full day - approx. eight hours
Discover the coast and islands of the Menai Bay from a traditional Zanzibari dhow. Explore this beautiful marine conservation area with a local guide, snorkelling over coral reefs, swimming through mangrove lagoons and keeping an eye out for dolphins. To top it all, you’ll also be treated to a fabulous beach barbecue.
More about Zanzibar Dhow SafariOther lodges in Stone Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town, with lovely, simple rooms.
Serena Inn
Now trumped by the nearby Park Hyatt, the Serena Inn, in its historic building, was formerly Stone Town's only international-style hotel.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
The Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a highly regarded boutique hotel with very personal service and just nine rooms, all of them Zanzibari in style.
Beyt al Salaam
The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.
Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace is a very good-value, mid-range hotel, full of Swahili character, and the pool makes it appealing to families.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
Kholle House
Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.
Jafferji House
Jafferji House is a converted old house that blends modern facilities with traditional style. The ten, unique rooms are show great attention to detail.
Swahili House
Swahili House is a traditionally styled boutique hotel furnished to a high standard with a convenient location in the centre of Stone Town.
Tembo Hotel
The Tembo Hotel is a good-value, family-friendly hotel right on the seafront in Stone Town, with 36 rooms and a good-sized swimming pool.
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Kisiwa House
Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
When to go to Stone Town
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Emerson on Hurumzi in Stone Town
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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