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Africa Tanzania Zanzibar Zawadi Hotel Hero Image Welcome Lounge View Zawadi Zanzibar Island 635657 Crop
Africa Tanzania Zanzibar Zawadi Hotel Hero Image Welcome Lounge View Zawadi Zanzibar Island 635657 Crop
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zawadi Hotel

An intimate luxury beachfront idyll, Zawadi Hotel is the perfect place to conclude a safari adventure – or is a destination in its own right. Set above a secluded beach on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, it offers a haven of total relaxation. An intimate luxury beachfront idyll, Zawadi Hotel is the perfect place to conclude a safari adventure – or is a destination in its own right. Set above a secluded beach on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, it offers a haven of total relaxation.
An intimate luxury beachfront idyll, Zawadi Hotel is the perfect place to conclude a safari adventure – or is a destination in its own right. Set above a secluded beach on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, it offers a haven of total relaxation. An intimate luxury beachfront idyll, Zawadi Hotel is the perfect place to conclude a safari adventure – or is a destination in its own right. Set above a secluded beach on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, it offers a haven of total relaxation.
Total barefoot relaxation on Zanzibar
Zawadi Hotel is a luxurious place to slow down and savour life, yet offers plenty to enjoy in and around the crystal‑clear Indian Ocean. It’s a dreamy midwinter haven – perfect for a romantic Christmas escape – or a restorative, laid-back finale to a Tanzanian or Kenyan safari, where you can recover, exhale and gently delay the return home.
Exterior Of Lodges Zawadi Zanzibar Island

Location

Zawadi Hotel sits on the serene southeast coast of Zanzibar, perched on a low cliff with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. A natural break in the cliff forms a pristine sandy cove, giving guests direct access to a quiet, private beach with clear, calm water for swimming and snorkelling.

Its secluded position creates a peaceful, intimate atmosphere while still being within easy reach of the island’s cultural and coastal highlights. And for those craving sand‑between‑the‑toes relaxation at the end of a safari, it’s not too far from the airport for an easy transfer.
Bedroom Zawadi Zanzibar Island

Accommodation

Zawadi Hotel offers an elegant, adults‑only retreat centred around just 12 spacious villas set amid the bougainvillea, creating an atmosphere of privacy, calm and understated luxury.

Each villa is designed in a contemporary beach‑chic style, with soft coastal tones, high ceilings and wide glass doors that frame uninterrupted ocean views. They provide generous space to unwind, featuring king‑size beds, air‑conditioning, and large ensuite bathrooms with walk‑in showers. Outside, you’ll find your expansive private terrace overlooking the sea, ideal for quiet mornings or sunset drinks, and made even more perfect by a private plunge pool.
The hotel’s communal areas are equally serene and beautifully executed. A stylish lounge and bar sit at the heart of the property, offering panoramic views and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The restaurant serves a high‑quality menu with an emphasis on fresh, international cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can choose romantic indoor dining or meals served outdoors with the ocean as a backdrop.

A highlight of the property is its azure‑blue illuminated infinity pool, positioned to capture sweeping horizon views and surrounded by comfortable loungers for long, lazy afternoons. Steps lead down to a secluded sandy cove, where calm, clear water invites swimming and snorkelling, and the beach remains blissfully quiet thanks to the hotel’s intimate scale.
Deck Views Zawadi Zanzibar Island
Lounge Zawadi Zanzibar Island
Outdoor Lounge Area Zawadi Zanzibar Island
Restaurant Zawadi Zanzibar Island

Experiences

  • Not only does the hotel perch above a secluded beach, but it also overlooks the deepwater inlet of Oba Oba – or ‘The Blue Lagooon’. It’s the perfect environment for snorkel outings.
  • Dive deeper into the Indian Ocea. Enjoy SCUBA diving at the nearby PADI five‑star dive centre, with options for complete beginners through to seasoned divers.
  • Ride the island breeze. Try kitesurfing in warm, forgiving waters – ideal for learning in the mornings, with stronger afternoon winds for experienced riders.
  • Explore the reef with an expert. Join a naturalist‑led reef walk or glide over the shallows by kayak. Reef shoes are available at reception.
  • Sail offshore in a traditional dhow. Drift across clear waters and soak up the timeless rhythm of Zanzibar’s sailing heritage.
  • Enjoy sister‑property privileges. Visit Baraza Resort & Spa for a change of scene, and relax by its beautiful pool or indulge in a restorative spa treatment.
  • Join a cookery workshop. Learn the flavours and techniques of Swahili cuisine in a relaxed, hands‑on cooking session.
Sun Loungers Zawadi Zanzibar Island
Scuba Diving With Shole Of Fish Zawadi Zanzibar Island By Sebastian Pena Lambarri Unsplash
Boat View Zawadi Zanzibar Island
Africa Tanzania Zanzibar Zawadi Hotel Zawadi Sun Loungers

Why we include Zawadi Hotel in our Journeys

Zawadi Hotel is a luxurious, slow‑paced finale to any East African journey. It’s the perfect place to exhale after the excitement of safari. Its intimate atmosphere, secluded cove and warm Indian Ocean waters invite deep relaxation, while offering just enough activity to keep days gently varied. It’s an ideal, restorative end to adventures in Tanzania or Kenya.

Talk to us about designing your journey in East Africa >

Why Plan Your Safari with Journeysmiths

Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.

Tailor-Made, Always
Every itinerary is designed from scratch, shaped around your pace, interests, and the people you’re travelling with.
Thoughtful Journey Design
Knowing when to slow down, when to add contrast, and how to balance adventure with comfort.
Deep Destination Knowledge
We travel extensively throughout Africa, returning to places regularly to refine our recommendations.
Trusted On-The-Ground Relationships
Longstanding partnerships mean seamless logistics, excellent guiding, and meaningful access.
Family & Multi-Generational Specialists
From young children to teenagers and grandparents, we design safaris that work for everyone.
Honest, Experienced Advice
Including what to leave out, when to travel and how to make the most of your time on safari.
Indian Ocean Seychelles Hammock Istock 475903022 Credit Peppi18 Crop
Indian Ocean island paradises
Pair Your Safari with Island Serenity
Positive Impact

We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.

Community
Community
Zawadi Hotel is part of The Zanzibar Collection. Who are proudly committed to providing training and education to Zanzibaris and Tanzanians. Through their Zanzibar hospitality education programs they foster dynamic careers for local Zanzibaris, encouraging them to achieve their utmost potential.
Environment
Environment
The Zanzibar Collection uses solar panels, reduced plastic use, organic farming, energy conservation, water recycling, and marine preservation to minimise their environmental effect.
Community
Community
The Zanzibar Collection contributes to the local community in many ways. Fresh produce is sourced from nearby farmers and fishermen, and local craftsmen and artisans are supported in the resort's interior design. They also support with education infrastructure, sanitation, and health.

Great Places to Combine with Zawadi Hotel

Zawadi Hotel works beautifully as part of a wider journey in East Africa. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.Zawadi Hotel works beautifully as part of a wider journey in East Africa. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.

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