The Residence Zanzibar

5.0 star property
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Residence Zanzibar

2 bars/lounges, poolside bar
Front of property
2 restaurants; breakfast, lunch, and dinner served
Exterior
A spacious outdoor dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large arched windows, and a view of the ocean.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Mchangamle, Kizimkazi
  • Place, Mchangamble Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Kizimkazi Beach
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Paje Beach
    ‪39 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪73 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Luxury Garden Pool Villa

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(14 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1668 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Luxury Ocean Front Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1668 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1668 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Frangipani Garden Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Frangipani Ocean Front Pool Villa

  • Ocean view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Presidential Villa (Pool)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Kizimkazi

The Residence Zanzibar places you 5.8 mi (9.4 km) from Salaam Cave Aquarium. This 66-room, 5-star hotel has private in-room pools along with a full-service spa and an outdoor pool.

What's nearby

  • Mchangamble Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kizimkazi Beach - 17 min drive - 8.1 miles
  • Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park - 30 min drive - 17.5 miles
  • Jambiani Beach - 32 min drive - 19.1 miles
  • Paje Beach - 39 min drive - 23.2 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Aya Beach Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪fahari off the grid - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Mnana Lodge - Bar - Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Frangipane Buffet Restaurant - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Sarabi - ‬15 min drive

About this property

The Residence Zanzibar

Guests of The Residence Zanzibar enjoy a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a gym. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 95 per vehicle one-way. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with dry cleaning/laundry, access to locker space, and concierge services. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a sauna, free WiFi in public areas, and an outdoor tennis court.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers, free toiletries, and slippers. Private pools, fireplaces, and furnished patios are other standard amenities.
An outdoor tennis court and complimentary bicycles are featured at the hotel. In addition to an outdoor pool, other recreational amenities include a sauna and a fitness center.

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

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times and on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 coffee shops/cafes
  • 2 restaurants
  • A poolside bar
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • The Dining Room
  • The Pavilion

Things to do

  • Books
  • Evening entertainment
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Free children's club
  • Full-service spa
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Snorkeling
  • Steam room
  • Table tennis
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Free children's club
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Living room
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Private pool
  • Separate bedroom
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Computer station
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 66 buildings
  • Built in 2011
  • Reception hall
  • Renovated entire property - May 2025
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
  • Private pool

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
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:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 190
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: USD 95 (from 3 to 12 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 190
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per child: USD 95 (from 3 to 12 years old)
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

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

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 95 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Residence Zanzibar
Residence Zanzibar Hotel
Residence Zanzibar Hotel Kizimkazi
Residence Zanzibar Kizimkazi
Zanzibar Residence
The Residence Zanzibar Hotel Kizimkazi
The Residence Zanzibar Kizimkazi
The Residence Zanzibar Hotel
The Residence Zanzibar Kizimkazi
The Residence Zanzibar Hotel Kizimkazi

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at The Residence Zanzibar?

The Residence Zanzibar offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at The Residence Zanzibar?

As of Jul 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Residence Zanzibar on Jul 11, 2026 start from $588, 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's there to do around The Residence Zanzibar?

This hotel is located in Kizimkazi within a short 7-minute walk of Mchangamble Beach. You'll also find Kizimkazi Beach and Dimbani Beach nearby.

Is parking available on site at The Residence Zanzibar?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at The Residence Zanzibar?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include body wraps, massages, mani/pedis, and facials.

Does The Residence Zanzibar have luxury amenities?

Yes, guests can indulge in luxuries such as a private pool, an ocean-view restaurant, and an outdoor tennis court at this hotel.

Does The Residence Zanzibar include a casino at the property?

No, The Residence Zanzibar doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Residence Zanzibar?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What do couples enjoy most about The Residence Zanzibar?

At this beachfront hotel, there are many amenities for couples, including a private pool and a fireplace in each guestroom, and some feature ocean view.

Are there hot tubs at The Residence Zanzibar?

No, but guests can enjoy a steam room at this hotel.

Does The Residence Zanzibar have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Residence Zanzibar has 2 restaurants, and serves free buffet breakfast.

Does The Residence Zanzibar allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Residence Zanzibar.

Are there connecting rooms at The Residence Zanzibar?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to The Residence Zanzibar?

The closest major airport to The Residence Zanzibar is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is about 20.4 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Residence Zanzibar?

Yes, every guestroom at The Residence Zanzibar comes with a furnished patio and some offer ocean and garden views.

Does The Residence Zanzibar have a wedding venue on site?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at The Residence Zanzibar if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

The Residence Zanzibar Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 148 out of 211 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 211 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 211 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 211 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 211 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very nice villas. Friendly staff. Facilities Nice and Calm atmosphere. Low tides dominated the day time but we know this before coming. Two of us Got sick from ice cream with travellers diarréa as a consequece, staff shoul have better hygiene routines.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Residence was the perfect spot to celebrate my 40th birthday. The deluxe garden view with the private pool was exact atmosphere my husband and I were looking for. The hotel is extremely clean and they even offer room cleanings twice a day. And we also loved the different themed dinner options each night along side with a live band performance! The staff make you feel at home and apart of the family. Nico always greeted us with a warm smile and helped us capture precious moments. The location is a little far from main attractions but I promise it’s worth it. Thank you to all the staff that made our visit to Zanzibar so special!♥️
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was immaculate with private pool and ocean front.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Pool im Front of Villa
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Halit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We have been to The Residence several times before and have really enjoyed it and so were very keen to return this time. It was just approaching the rainy season and so it was rather quiet with the majority of the guests already going home but, on the whole, we still had good weather with only rain once during the day. All of the staff were, as always, so friendly and helpful from the warm welcome at reception when we arrived to the staff in the restaurants, Hellen, Farida, Sulesh, to name but a few to the driver of the buggy taking you anywhere around the resort and from your villa to the restaurants. Bicycles were provided at each villa and were in good condition. The villas are set in beautiful surroundings and have their own private plunge pools which are regularly checked for water quality and the main pool is wonderful for swimming or just cooling down from the heat. All in all, we had a wonderful visit again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tahmina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful resort, great for relaxing. Ideal for honeymoons and celebrating anniversaries. Loved the facilities and staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Varinder

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our best experience ever, my wife and I had our honeymoon for a full week here before heading to greece. The safari, the sand dune, snorkling and star fish diving was the best experience by this resort. I highly reccomend 10/10. You wont refret it at all
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very polite and friendly The rooms are very good
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ABDUL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent Villas, service and food
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne

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

Perfect stay

Amazing stay in the Residence! Employees are very kind, the rooms are very luxurious, ans the a perfect service! I travel a lot and it is one of my favorite hôtel I will come back very soon for sure 😃
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place. Great staff. Delicious food
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kunaal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing hotel, bit far from the airport but definitely worth the trip. Amazing food, a very polite and pleasant group of staff, very helpful, attentive to details, large clean rooms, very well kept and maintained hotel and facilities and amazing activities, great snorkelling site nearby.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Witness

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Definitely had an amazing time at The Residence Zanzibar. Everything was perfect, thanks so much for the hospitality.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne

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

One week stay

Fabulous stay. Beautiful, relaxing and quiet resort. Particularily enjoyed the kindness of all staff. Will probably be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara

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

Cant wait to be back

Amazing as it is my 4th time to stay in the residence, its so comfortable feela like home, the food options one of the best on the island.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

Fantastic stay. Great service

Simply put fantastic. We stayed in on of the Villas close to the beach with own small pool. Highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gloria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Top notch customer service!! Well kept property. We enjoyed our honeymoon here!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location for a quiet get away. The spa treatments and wellness was fabulous. The dining options were always good and of high quality. Staff are friendly and helpful. Recommend the all-inclusive package as options are plentiful and much better than most resorts in Zanzibar.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

boris

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

Family holidays

Amazing localization and very well maintained gardens. Staff is very nice and always helpful.
Hotel pool
Villa pool
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Ubaid

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, with a nice layout. The staff was very friendly and helpful, the only issue we faced was complete power failure on the first day and Internet going off and on.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry Lee

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

Highly recommend

Fabulous trip! The residence is gorgeous. The food was delicious and the service was great, everyone is super friendly and welcoming. We found the hotel day trips on the pricey side. There are other local options so all good.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Husain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect hotel, with plenty to do and a very large space to explore. Staff were amazing and very friendly, in particular Nuhu was always on hand to assist with any requests, including catering complimentary room service whilst my wife was ill on the first night. This was an amazing unexpected gesture.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Akilah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was amazing but the highlight was Ms Joyce. She is incredible. My son was sick upon arrival and everyday she checked on him, brought him food to the room and made the stay so pleasant.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was stunning and spotlessly clean. We chose a Garden room as we love wildlife and we were not disappointed. We saw dik diks, elephant shews, monkeys, lots of sunbirds, African Golden-Weavers, Helmeted Guineafowl and loads of other birds around the hotel grounds. They offer Yoga classes every day and Pilates twice a week. I attended one of these most days and would highly recommend. The teacher gave clean instructions and was very encouraging when I lost my balance trying a new pose. The Pilates was particularly good, I hadn't done Pilates before and it was more of a workout than the yoga. For dinner you have a choice of buffet at the main restaurant or Al la carte at the The Pavilion. The Pavilion menu only had a few options per menu but they have 3 menus and change every other day. The buffet food was nice with lots of options and there is live entertainment every night. The Pavilion is a quieter more romantic option but you have to book in advance. All the staff were really friendly and helpful. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the fact a very large family were there for our last few days and took over a lot of the resort. The main pool lost its previous tranquillity as the all the children played there and the music from the private event in Pavilion restaurant was very loud in our Villa. 
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2026