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The best hostels in Zanzibar

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Situated in Nungwi, 400 metres from Nungwi Beach, Hostel 197 features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Featuring a bar, the property is located within 42 km of Kichwele Forest Reserve. The accommodation offers room service, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. I had an incredible stay at this hostel. It was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had in all my travels around Zanzibar. The service was absolutely perfect. Every staff member was friendly, helpful, and always ready to make sure we had everything we needed. The atmosphere makes you feel at home the moment you arrive. The food and drinks were a huge highlight. I’ve tried many places around Zanzibar and the meals here were truly some of the best I’ve ever had. Fresh, full of flavor, and prepared with so much care. The bar also serves amazing drinks, from fresh juices to cocktails, everything was top-notch. The property is big and full of things to do. There is a volleyball court where people gather every day, a super cozy fire pit area where you can relax at night under the stars, and lots of games and activities that make the social vibe unbeatable. It’s the kind of place where you can meet new people, relax, or stay active, all in one spot. Another huge advantage is the location. The hostel is only a five minute walk from the beach, which makes it very convenient whether you want to swim, explore, or just enjoy the ocean. Overall, this hostel combines comfort, community and great energy perfectly. If you’re coming to Zanzibar, don’t think twice, stay here. You won’t regret it.

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9.5
Exceptional
241 reviews
Price from
US$24.19
per night

All rooms at the hostel are fitted with a seating area. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at Compass Hostel also feature a garden view. At the accommodation the rooms are fitted with air conditioning and a safety deposit box. So clean , comfortable and peaceful!the hot shower was amazing! And the common area had a peaceful space to work or just chill. The staff was very kind too

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9.5
Exceptional
142 reviews
Price from
US$14
per night

Located in Jambiani, 60 metres from Paje Beach, Jambiani Backpackers Hostel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a private beach area. Featuring free shuttle service, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. A terrace, an on-site bar and shared lounge are available. The team are great, offer to get food delivered if you want, organize trips and are knowledgeable and helpful, very good English spoken

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9.3
Superb
256 reviews
Price from
US$19.80
per night

Breakfast is available, and includes à la carte, continental and Full English/Irish options. At the hostel you will find a restaurant serving international cuisine. Vegetarian, halal and vegan options can also be requested. The staff was amazing and attentive, definitely the best place to stay in when you're in Jambiani .

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9.4
Superb
699 reviews
Price from
US$21
per night

Set within less than 1 km of House of Wonders and a 6-minute walk of Old Fort of Zanzibar, VUGA Hostel provides rooms in Zanzibar City. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is located 200 metres from Stone Town Beach. The host was a super nice lady :) I was alone in the hostel and she gave me some options where I would like to sleep also she gave me recommendations where to eat local. We talked for a while she is really friendly and nice. The place is clean and tidy. Also I had a good sleep there are fans all around even above the bed. She let me leave my beg after check out and collect it later because I had an evening flight. I really would recommend this place. Was a nice experience :)

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9.3
Superb
65 reviews
Price from
US$12.60
per night

Serene Abodes provides rooms in Zanzibar City near Old Dispensary and Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar. The property is close to House of Wonders, Old Fort of Zanzibar and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a shared lounge and free WiFi.

Complete with a shared bathroom, the units at the hostel come with air conditioning, and certain rooms here will provide you with a seating area. Prime amazing location next to old dispensary 6meters away from the Main Street Mizingani road the touristic street , service is AMAZING Kassim was amazing , clean room and I felt at home since first night , the toilet although shared but completely clean always

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8.3
Very good
138 reviews
Price from
US$20
per night

Situated in Paje, within 400 metres of Paje Beach and 50 km of Peace Memorial Museum, Mambo Leo Hostel features accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge, and free WiFi. The property is set 35 km from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, 50 km from Hamamni Persian Baths and 50 km from House of Wonders. Old Fort of Zanzibar is 50 km from the hostel and Cinema Afrique is 50 km away. We loved Mambo Leo! Tatu was so lovely and it really felt like home. Our room was comfortable and clean - Tatu worked all day to keep the whole place spotless. We had stayed elsewhere in Paje before, and this was exponentially better for half the price. We loved staying in the village, it was quiet and felt more authentic, with access to tons of cheap, delicious local food. The wifi is also insanely fast!! This is the sweetest, homiest, quietest place in Paje!

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8.8
Fabulous
102 reviews
Price from
US$12
per night

Situated in Paje, 100 metres from Paje Beach, Your Zanzibar Place features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property is set 50 km from Peace Memorial Museum, 35 km from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and 50 km from Hamamni Persian Baths. Guests can grab a bite to eat in the restaurant or a drink at the bar and free WiFi is available.

Guests at the hostel can enjoy a vegetarian or a halal breakfast. Your Zanzibar place is without a doubt the best hostel I’ve stayed in. The property is super cool and located right next to the beach. The staff are amazing (watch out for Makelele’s cocktails, you might end up at African BBQ at 4am) the owners Annie and Matej made it super special and it really feels like home for me in Zanzibar, I was only ever meant to stay for one night and I’ve ended up here for a total of 2 weeks (and I might even be back again soon). And I’ve made so many friends for life here too!

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8.8
Fabulous
945 reviews
Price from
US$37
per night

A calm cozy hostel with a relaxing garden, perfect for younger backpackers and solo travelers conveniently located in the Nungwi Beach district of Nungwi, Green's Hostel Nungwi is situated 200 meters from Supermarket, 400 meters from East Africa Divers and 500 metres from World Wide Supermarket. The property is located 300 meters from Nungwi Beach. The accommodation offers a 24-hour security, a shared kitchen. A pool under the palms in the Green garden. Place is nice 5 min walk from what you would need and the staff is super nice

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8.4
Very good
452 reviews
Price from
US$25
per night

Situated 300 metres from Stone Town Beach, Stone Town House offers rooms with air conditioning in Zanzibar City. Built in 1953, this 4-star hostel is within 800 metres of Peace Memorial Museum and 100 metres of St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a concierge service and free WiFi throughout the property. Really great location, staff were superb! They helped us with so much, giving us some tips and recommendations, estimations of what things should cost (both shopping and excursions). They also set us up with a driver with really good prices to go to the other parts of the island. Room was clean and had everything we wanted and needed.

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8.6
Fabulous
561 reviews
Price from
US$17
per night

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