About Emerson Spice
Strikingly grand and theatrical, Emerson Spice delivers a colourful twist on traditional Swahili design in the very heart of Stone Town.
Created by the late Emerson Skeens, Stone Town luminary and boutique hotel pioneer, Emerson Spice is testament to his vision, flamboyance and love of the city’s heritage. It’s both exotic and historic, oozing individuality and charm.
The building has been restored with tremendous thought and care and is uniquely decorated. The eleven atmospheric bedrooms feature immense ceilings, vibrant murals, intricately carved doors and a sense of drama compounded by their dedication to notable leading ladies: Aida to Desdemona.
The rooms are grand and well-equipped, and the attention to detail continues throughout the building: a cool courtyard with a tinkling blue fountain, a palm-filled walled garden to laze in a hammock, and acclaim for culinary creativity. The fine Swahili degustation menu at the rooftop Spice Tea House and the enchanting Secret Garden - a crumbling ancient marketplace transformed into a courtyard restaurant – both excel at producing delicious, seasonal Spice Island cuisine.
The staff are unfailingly cheerful here, with broad smiles and plenty of sightseeing tips for exploring from this super, central spot.
Our view
The rooms at Emerson Spice are excellent, and have lots of character, while the overall standard of service, and particularly the dining options make this one of Stone Town's very best traditionally styled places to stay and eat. Along with sister hotel Emerson on Hurumzi, we loved our stay here in 2019, and look forward to returning.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
11 bedrooms
Children
Best for aged 8+
Open
1st June - 30 April
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Emerson Spice
26 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations • 2 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.
Visiting Ruaha, Stone Town and 1 other area
US$6,660 - US$8,490 per person
Emerson Spice: Our full report
Colourful, stylish and with a strong sense of place, Emerson Spice is a boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town.
It is one of two similar sister hotels a minute's walk apart. A fabulous rooftop restaurant and individually designed rooms add considerably to the attraction.
The brainchild of the former part owner of Emerson & Green (now the Emerson-on-Hurumzi), Emerson Spice was opened in 2014 and has 11 impressive and varied rooms, including a family room. Most of the rooms are quite flamboyant in style and each has its own colourful twist on a Swahili theme. Think high ceilings, brightly coloured walls, stained-glass windows, and the intricately carved doors for which Zanzibar is famous. Individual colour schemes feature purple, red or deep-green fabrics complementing the stonewashed walls. The furniture is Zanzibari and includes beautifully carved wooden tables and traditional Zanzibari beds. All the rooms are well equipped, too, with fans, air conditioning, fridges and mosquito nets.
The en-suite bathrooms feature oversize, local-style baths and twin designer basins – with decorative painted ceramic tiles lending an opulent style.
It's not just the rooms which benefit from this attention to detail: the public areas of Emerson Spice – with a twinkling blue fountain set in an interior courtyard – are also well designed. Reminiscent of a Moroccan riad, this courtyard is a cool, palm-filled walled garden, with a swinging seat and a hammock. Large carved wooden doors open into a cool, blue entrance hall and reception, filled with carved furniture and chaises longues. Towards the back of the house, the Secret Garden is a rustic, open-air courtyard restaurant, a former marketplace now artfully transformed with tables, potted palms and artworks amid the crumbling walls – which is particularly popular at night. A local taarab band (a traditional Swahili orchestra) sometimes plays in the gallery above the garden.
Up a wooden staircase are the guest rooms, each with its own theme, and unique in style, layout and size. 'Aida' room looks out over the 'Secret Garden' and has a balcony. This is a good family room, with a double bed and two singles on a mezzanine reached by a spiral staircase. 'Lamour' can sleep four in two double beds and 'Kate', which has two balconies and an outside bathtub, can sleep a double and two singles.
Finally, up on the roof is the rooftop restaurant, which is in itself a reason to stay here. The five-course tasting menu is delicious – inventive and full of local flavours – as well as being very good value. From the rooftop, you can look west to the Hindu Temple, 200m away. The slightly taller building to the east is the Swahili House hotel, and the green-roofed building to the south is the Zanzibar Coffee House.
Geographics
- Location
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay 1–2 nights to explore Stone Town.
- Directions
- Late at night, Emerson Spice can be just a 15-minute transfer from Zanzibar Airport, however it's best to allow 30 minutes. Drivers need to liaise with the hotel for the best drop-off point, as there is no vehicle access. The best place to park is the mosque car park by the House of Wonders, next to the Palace Museum, from where the hotel is a 3-minute walk.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- The dining options at Emerson Spice include Tea House at Spice, on the top floor rooftop, where a five-course set menu is served at 7pm every evening and needs to be booked in advance as it often books out. The cost is $40 per person, and the evening starts with cocktails in the sunset from 6pm. This meal was a real highlight of our visit to Stone Town in 2019. Dishes include passionfruit ceviche starter, lobster king roll with chilli lemon beetroot, kingfish in a coconut sauce, kole kole with mango pickle, and a guava givré with peanut brittle. Please note that as this is a set menu, the roof top restaurant can not cater to special diets (including vegetarians, vegans or those who do not eat fish).
On a previous visit we ate an excellent dinner down in the à la carte Swahili grill ‘Secret Garden Restaurant’ on the ground floor, and had breakfast on the rooftop the next morning. Our dinner started with slipper lobster kebabs with a limey sauce, followed by a glistening goat stew with cardoman rice that was a rich and sticky alternative to yet more seafood. Emerson get their goat meat from an excellent local farm. As they do their eggs, which appeared on the rooftop breakfast menu the next morning – the yellowest yolks we’ve ever seen in East Africa. They came accompanied by appetising wholemeal toast, succulent grilled tomatoes, local soft mandaazi donuts done really well and a fabulous fruit plate to make you glad to be alive, featuring custard apple and mango. Even the coffee was flavoursome and aromatic, rather than the overpoweringly strong and bitter brew so commonly served.
It's all very good, and very impressive. If you arrive very late at the hotel, a cold plate is offered to guests arriving after the kitchen has closed. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes
- Drinks included
- No
Special interests
- Cultural Experiences
- A converted merchants house, Emerson Spice is filled with charm and character. Walking through the doors you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The central location is ideal to explore the narrow streets and delve into Zanzibar's rich culture.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are allowed at Emerson Spice.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- There is a family room here.
- Equipment
- Emerson Spice can provide highchairs and cots on request. 'Aida' room is a family room and the 'Kate' room can sleep a double and two singles.
- Generally recommended for children
- Emerson Spice is fine for children, however parents should be aware of the steep stairs and high balconies.
- Notes
- There are some steep stairs, and children are the responsibility of their parents at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- 24 hour electricity from the mains, with generator backup. However, when there is a break in mains supply, the AC doesn't work from the generator.
- Communications
- There is reasonable cellphone reception (Zantel) and in-room mobiles are offered as part of the service. WiFi is available in all the rooms.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV, however TVs are available in various restaurants and shops around Stone Town.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Bottled drinking water is supplied, but the main sources are a well and rainwater collection.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There are many doctors in Stone Town and a good new hospital, the expensive 'Global Hospital'. The hotel calls on Dr Mehta, who is usually available and has an ambulance.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Doormen are on duty at all times, and night porters take over after dark. Late arrivals or late returning guests need to be advised in advance.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in the kitchen and all the main areas.
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available free of charge and normally takes about 24 hours.
- Money
- There is no exchange service but Stone Town has plenty of ATMs. There are no safes in the rooms, but guest valuables can be placed in the central safe at reception.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payments in US dollars and Tanzanian shillings are accepted (not Euros or Pounds) as are payments by Visa and MasterCard (in US dollars only), for which there is no surcharge. Cash advances are not possible.
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Emerson Spice's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Emerson Spice.
Excursions from Emerson Spice
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Emerson Spice. 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.
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.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
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 Spice 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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