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The Swahili House

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Swahili House

A swimming pool with a tiled edge and a potted plant in the foreground.
A bedroom with a bed, bedside tables, a window with shutters, and a mosquito net.
Interior entrance
A covered outdoor seating area with wooden chairs, a coffee machine, and a view of the ocean and buildings.
A rooftop lounge area with lounge chairs, potted plants, and a view of buildings in the background.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, Christ Church Cathedral
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Slave Market
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, House of Wonders
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

A bed with a canopy, a wooden headboard, and a bedside table.

Deluxe Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

A room with a bed under a canopy, a sofa with cushions, a small table, and a decorative wall.

Deluxe Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

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Exterior

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 1 review
$278 nightly
The price is $332
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Zanzibar Town

Located in Stone Town, The Swahili House is next to Shakti Temple and Christ Church Cathedral. This 3-star hotel has 22 guestrooms and offers an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and a hot tub.

What's nearby

  • Christ Church Cathedral - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Slave Market - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • House of Wonders - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Old Fort - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Maru Maru Terrace Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Beach House Restaurant - ‬11 min walk

About this property

The Swahili House

At The Swahili House, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a hot tub. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle for a fee. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with concierge services, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a terrace and laundry facilities.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Ceiling fans, safes, and phones are also available.
An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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  • Pool
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8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,001 reviews
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The price is $131
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free English breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Rooftop Terrace

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

More

  • 1 building
  • 5 floors
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Day bed

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 2.00 per person, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: noon
  • Check-out: 10 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply).
Property Registration Number Z0000021157

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Swahili House
Swahili House Hotel
Swahili House Hotel Zanzibar Town
Swahili House Zanzibar Town
The Swahili House Hotel
The Swahili House Zanzibar Town
The Swahili House Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at The Swahili House?

The Swahili House provides free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Swahili House?

As of Aug 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Swahili House on Aug 4, 2026 start from $141, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do within easy reach of The Swahili House?

This hotel is situated in Stone Town, just steps from Hamamni Persian Baths and Slave Market, and within a short walk of House of Wonders. You'll also find Old Fort and Zanzibar Ferry Terminal less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at The Swahili House?

No, there isn't parking available at the hotel.

Does The Swahili House feature a casino?

No, The Swahili House doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Swahili House?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Is The Swahili House a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including an al fresco restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar.

Are there hot tubs at The Swahili House?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Swahili House have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Swahili House serves free English breakfast at Rooftop Terrace each morning.

Will The Swahili House allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Swahili House.

Are there connecting rooms at The Swahili House?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from The Swahili House?

The closest major airport to The Swahili House is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 4.8 mi away (21 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Swahili House?

No, there aren't any guestrooms at The Swahili House that offer a balcony.

The Swahili House Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 65 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
À very authentic retreat in the middle of the old town, just a stone throw away from the amazing Darjhani souk. Kind and helpful staff
The bed is made up like this every night
Quite a shower 😅
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

caroline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely large rooms with wonderful roof top terrace and friendly, helpful staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great friendly staff Unique well kept older building with a central location and access to the markets right outside the door
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

eddy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The place is amazing, with beautiful decor and beautiful view form the terrace. I would definitely go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

We highly recommend this stunning hotel in the heart of StoneTown. The people are wonderful and the rooftop restaurant has delicious food and spectacular views. Don’t hesitate! Book your room now.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Janine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Quaint

Great staff, true to "felt like a sultan"
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Magdalena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic accomodation, very friendly and competent employees, quick answers, good airport transfer and on time, just enjoyed the hotel the second time and I would come again. Thank's to the host, warm regards Magda
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A great stay in a beautiful and historic building.

We came to The Swahili House after a week-long safari in Tanzania. Our guide happened to know the manager at Swahili House and we met him upon check in. Our experience was great start to finish -- staff was so kind, a welcome drink on the rooftop terrace upon arrival, the room was clean and large, and the staff helped us arrange a city tour and transportation from the airport and to our next destination.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The rooftop bar was extremely good, wonderful view and great service. The breakfast is absolutely fine. The room could use a new mattress and maybe some furniture like a table or something to hang your stuff. But all in all definitely a recommendation.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Sanne Mussa

Liked: Cleanliness

Didnt meet our expectations

With the price paid, the hotel didnt meet our expectations. If the price is lowered to around 70 USD per night, I would say the hotel is okay. Breakfast was boring though.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

anne marie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The building architect amazing, the staff good, breakfast was delicious.the bed was so hard it was like sleeping on a wood box, which was with a box spring on the floor.Other guests also complaining.The bathroom has a big opening with no door. I asked him to credit it the dinner for the terrible nights sleep and my sore back, he said he could not do that.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Fabulous rooftop bar, great breeze, excellent included breakfast, very helpful staff. NO wifi in rooms, only at reception area and rooftop bar/restaurant. Located on VERY narrow cobblestone street with ONLY motorcycle access. NO taxi or car service directly to hotel. MUST walk 5 - 10 minutes from street through crowded souq/market area to reach hotel. However, you can call the hotel and they can send someone out to the street area in front of the market entrance to help carry your bags and navigate entrance to hotel. Good central location. Safe area. Pool in photo is deceiving as it is more like a very large bath tub or splash pool. It was not very clean!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very central location for Stone Town. Easy to walk to local attractions. Less easy to get back to but that is due to the many narrow streets rather and geography of the area and nothing to do with the hotel! The hotel is known by everyone so if you get lost someone will help you get back. It is noisy with building work going on nearby, calls to prayer, and the church bells ringing but we expected that to be the case and soon got used to it. The air conditioning, fan and turn down service including bug spray were greatly appreciated. Great shower and toiletries provided. Front desk and cleaning staff were very friendly and helpful. Most restaurant staff were also very good - 1 or 2 seemed to stand back and not help out much. The food was ok - some was excellent (the chickpea curry was delicious), but other things (tuna and burgers) we had better outside of the hotel. Happy hour includes all cocktails, beer and wine so well worth sitting on the roof top at sunset to enjoy some drinks with a great view. As we stayed on the 3rd floor we were very grateful for the elevator. You cannot park outside the hotel so be aware you will need to walk from your transport to the hotel (short walk through market) - our driver helpfully took our cases for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

TOMAS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Atendimento foi incrível, o prédio é antigo mas relativamente bem conservado
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Jutta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Die Menschen dort sind sehr nett und zuvorkommend. Das Haus ist sehr schön, im alten Stil. Das Frühstück lässt zu wünschen übrig. so könnte z. B. auch Erdnussbutter ohne Zucker, Produkte ohne Weizenmehl, wie z. B. Reismehl-Kokos Fladen angeboten werden. Die Dachterrasse ist wunderschön.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Celia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Super séjour

Super séjour au cœur de stone Town . Idéalement situé pour visiter la ville . Établissement et décoration typique . Petit plus pour le rooftop au petit déjeuner qui est super agréable . Nous avons adoré notre séjour !
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

SAMIA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bien

Hotel propre, grande chambre mais pas de vue agreable. Service peut etre parfois très lent (j'ai attendu une fois plus de 2 heures pour avoir mon diner!). Staff très sympa. Hotel situé dans les petites ruelles donc un peu inquietant la nuit quand on est seule.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Tulin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff is very friendly and the hotel is very nice. Only dissappointing thing is the breakfast. For this price i was expecting a more wide breakfast. For example: not just boiled eggs but omelette, avocado etc.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lucia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cute place

I liked the Swahili House, of course it’s right in stone town so an easy walk to any destination. The bed was big and comfortable. Only thing I didn’t like was that there is a door to the bathroom, but the wall doesn’t go all the way up so not much privacy there. Loved the rooftop, the wraps were good — wish we weren’t the only people there + more music would have been nice for it not to Ge so quiet. They also didn’t see our reservation or expect that we were coming!
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Olga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Awesome place

Amazing place, the staff is so friendly and helpful, love this place and I will be back for sure...
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Swahili House is a beautiful hotel nestled in the centre of Stone Town so it’s very easy to get around on foot. The staff were very nice and friendly, and the rooftop restaurant has a wonderful view over the town and the port. The wifi wasn’t so great; so be sure to let your loved ones know that your connection will be limited so they don’t worry about you. Otherwise no complaints! I look forward to staying there for my next visit to Zanzibar
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great service and good value

The staff were really friendly and helpful. Very beautiful traditional rooms and very comfortable. Everything is walkable from the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Mycket bra!

Hotellet och dess personal var jättebra, läget var lite opraktiskt, åtminstone om man som vi hade mycket packning eftersom man var tvungen att gå i smala gränder under pågående marknad , det var väl det enda negativa...
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very Friendly staff and reception. Nice central location makws sightseeing easy within Stonetown. The hitel has an authentic feel and loved the rooftop bar where I could watch the sun set and the day unwind.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Nice Hotel

Swahili House is a great hotel in the Stone Town. It is within easy walking distance of anything in the Stone Town. The staff are friendly and the rooftop bar is a nice place to chill and have a drink.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018