About Jafferji House
An elaborately crafted boutique hotel, Jafferji House & Spa is an artistic blend of old & new.
In the very heart of Stone Town’s winding alleyways, this traditional family home has been reinvented with Swahili glamour: warm colours, fine antiques, sumptuous fabrics, eclectic tribal objet d’art and highly individual suites.
Zanzibari doors, old wall clocks & gramophones are reminiscent of days gone by, while contemporary comforts give a thoroughly modern edge. The ten bedroom suites are named after iconic figures in Zanzibar’s history, from Princess Salme to Freddie Mercury, and each overflows with exquisite furniture, original photographs & traditional fabrics.
From ornately carved beds to stained-glass windows, a polished copper bath to sweeping city views, all offer something very special. Great care and craftsmanship are evident in the lavish - occasionally flamboyant - details of this thoughtful conversion, for Jafferji House retains the air of a Stone Town home: a place where you are always welcome and relaxed.
There is a striking shuttered courtyard, two high-quality restaurants: the Terrace Rooftop and the atmospheric restaurant: 'Mistress of Spices', and across the narrow alley, the affiliated Cinnamon Spa, where Zanzibari therapists offer indulgent massages and scrubs.
Our view
Jafferji House is an excellent recent addition to Stone Town's boutique hotels. With a good location, great design, friendly staff and comprehensive facilities, we think that it offers great value for money. For a relatively luxurious option with a real sense of character, then this is a good choice.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
10 rooms and suites
Children
Adult atmosphere, but accepts children.
Open
All year
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Jafferji House
19 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryJafferji House: Our full report
Opened in 2012, Jafferji House is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Stone Town.
This building was the childhood home of locally renowned photographer, publisher and tour operator, Javed Jafferji. He wanted to transform his home into a hotel without losing its historic charm and style.
Entering the reception lobby from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Stone Town, you'll feel instantly relaxed. The blend of deep reds and yellows, gold furnishings and wooden floors works really well, and the outcome is warm and homely, luxurious without being too over the top. Intriguing ornaments such as a lamp base made from a twisted tree trunk and intricate carvings add further interest.
Jafferji House has been finished with the same pride and attention to detail with which Javed Jafferji applies to his masterful photography and the overall effect is both interesting and artistic. Indeed, his pictures adorn the walls throughout the hotel, and you can happily spend some time just wandering around looking at them. They include many regognisable local scenes and images, as well as journalistic and celebrity portraits.
The two restaurants at Jafferji House are on the ground floor and roof terrace, and Swahili styled, with silk fabric covering the ceiling, and beautifully carved chairs. The ground floor 'Mistress of Spices' restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the rooftop serves breakfast and is then open from 12 noon to 10pm.
Each of the hotel's ten suites is unique – named after iconic people in Zanzibar's history, or island themes.
There are five Signature or Standard Suites, three Superior Suites and two Superior Deluxe Suites.
On the first floor:
- Spices House Suite (Signature Suite)
- Zanzibar Kabisa Suite (Signature Suite)
- Stanley Suite (Signature Suite)
- Out of Africa Suite (Superior Suite)
- Adnan's Suite (Superior Suite)
- Livingstone suite (Signature Suite)
- Princess Salme's Suite (Superior Suite)
- Mercury Suite (Signature Suite)
- Kama Sutra Superior Suite (Superior Suite)
- Jafferji's Sultan suite (Superior Deluxe Suite)
No matter which room you stay in, they're all very spacious, and well designed to a high standard. The furniture is sourced from around the world, meaning each piece is distinctive, and individual. Some rooms are designed as a twin, whilst others have queen sized or double Zanzibari beds; the larger suites can easily accommodate up to three people. Each room has a flat-screen satellite TV, air-conditioning and fans, WiFi and an electronic safe, but it's the small touches such as coffee-table books, and Zanzibari chests dotted around which really make this place stand out.
Directly opposite Jafferji House is the Cinnamon Spa; here they offer a range of treatments which include massages, scrubs and facials. Beauty products are produced using natural and local ingredients to leave you feeling totally relaxed. It has two pedicure chairs, a roll-top bath and a breezy massage room. Treatments are reasonably priced – with a Swedish massage costing around $65, an hour-long body scrub around US$75, and a scented bath about US$30.
Geographics
- Location
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- Many people stop in Stone Town just for one night, but you could easily spend 2 to 3 nights here exploring Stone Town.
- Directions
- Stone Town is about a ten-minute drive from Zanzibar Airport, which in turn is about 20 minutes’ flight from Dar es Salaam.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Over the years we sampled the food at Jafferji House several times, both on the ground floor Mistress of Spices restaurant next to the lobby, and also the rooftop restaurant for dinner. Both restaurants serve an al à carte menu which feature a range of international and locally influenced dishes.
Breakfast consisted of a platter of fresh fruit and pastries, this was followed by a cooked breakfast with eggs cooked to your preference.
The rooftop restaurant offers some of Stone Town’s best views, overlooking the House of Wonders and the sea beyond. For dinner we enjoyed a tasty Swahili style curry that included fresh vegetables and cooked green bananas; this was served with chapatti. The food was well spiced and very tasty. Also on the menu were several western dishes such burgers and fish goujons. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- The staff will happily set up a table so you can dine in your own room in private.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- A night or two in one of the very romantic suites at Jafferji House, with a private dinner in your room, and a massage in the rooftop spa, would be a superb way to finish a honeymoon in Zanzibar. Enjoy the historic Arab charm of this boutique house.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Cultural Experiences
- Jafferji House is, in itself, somewhat of a cultural experience. Owned by the renowned photographer, publisher and gallery-owner Javed Jafferji, the hotel was his childhood home and is full of traditional character and historic charm.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Jafferji House does not actively encourage children, although there are no specific age restrictions.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no specific age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special services.
- Equipment
- There is no special equipment.
- Generally recommended for children
- Jafferji House has a very calm atmosphere which would be better suited to couples than families. However, two young families were staying when we last visited in 2016, and appeared to getting on fine.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a backup generator.
- Communications
- There is free WiFi throughout the hotel and cellphone signal available on the rooftop, or out in the street.
- TV & radio
- Each room has a DSTV TV.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Bottled drinking water is supplied to each room.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Jafferji House has a first aid kit on site and staff stated that some of them are first-aid-trained.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
- Jafferji House has fire extinguishers in all the main areas.
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge of about $2.50 per item.
- Money
- There are safes in each of the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- Jafferji House accepts both cash and card payments. You can pay with Tanzanian shillings, US dollars, euros or pounds. It is also possible to pay with either Visa or Master Card, although there is a 5% surcharge for card payments.
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Jafferji House's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Jafferji House.
Excursions from Jafferji House
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Jafferji House. 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.
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 Jafferji House 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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