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The 10 Best Hostels in Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Some of the best backpacker spots in Zanzibar City

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Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Situated in Zanzibar City and within 400 metres of Stone Town Beach, Shoki Shoki Hostel has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 800 metres from Old Dispensary, 200 metres from St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral and 100 metres from Old Fort of Zanzibar. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and a tour desk for guests.

Loved everything... Located well, decent beds with small lockers, AC dorms, inhouse kitchen, laundry service, very helpful staff, airport pick up and drop ( I had a midnight airport drop and everything was great, their was really nice and humble as well) , decent wifi and tours offered. They had rooms too and I shifted to one of them to get some sleep as I had to wake up for my midnight airport drop, it turned out good...There was also an indian restaurant just beside and a small retail shop very close. Will definitely stay here again if visiting stonetown... Thank you Shoki Shoki team

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8.4
Very Good
587 reviews
Price from
$15
per night

Situated in Zanzibar City, 300 metres from Stone Town Beach, Stone Town House features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and concierge services. Popular points of interest nearby include Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar, Hamamni Persian Baths and Old Dispensary. The property is non-smoking and is set 800 metres from Peace Memorial Museum.

At the hostel the rooms have bed linen and towels.

We were warmly welcomed and immediately felt at home. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The hotel is beautiful and it has the perfect location. Would highly recommend!

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8.6
Excellent
356 reviews
Price from
$18
per night

Sanaa Hostel is located on the beachfront in Zanzibar City, 400 metres from Stone Town Beach and 500 metres from Peace Memorial Museum. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar, and Old Dispensary. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and currency exchange for guests.

It is a family owned hostel and the owners are really good and genuine people, made sure I was really comfortable and looked after, I even got invited to break fast with them during Ramadan which was really delicious. The location is perfect and quiet but really close to town (5min) and all the attractions. Thank you so much for everything, can highly recommend this place:)

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8.1
Very Good
85 reviews
Price from
$23
per night

Located in Zanzibar City, zLife Stone Town features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is close to Old Fort of Zanzibar, House of Wonders and Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar. Certain units at the property include a balcony with a city view.

The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the hostel.

In the middle of stone Town, great value for money, great place to meet new people, los of showers and AC in the Room,

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7.2
Good
1,051 reviews
Price from
$14.40
per night

Featuring a shared lounge, terrace and views of city, Bottoms Up is located in Zanzibar City, 200 metres from Stone Town Beach. Popular points of interest nearby include Cinema Afrique, Hamamni Persian Baths and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi.

At the hostel, the rooms come with a desk. At Bottoms Up each room is fitted with bed linen and towels.

Great Location Brilliant Value For Money Clean, Comfortable And Well Ventilated Room With Great Fan For Those Warm Nights

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6.6
Review score
735 reviews
Price from
$20
per night

Lost & Found Zanzibar features free WiFi and rooms with air conditioning in Zanzibar City. Popular points of interest nearby include Peace Memorial Museum, The Zanzibar Curio shop and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral. House of Wonders is less than 1 km away.

All rooms at the hostel are fitted with a seating area.

I love 💕 it 😍 and I'll come back for sure.

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7.9
Good
556 reviews
Price from
$6.30
per night

Set within 600 metres of Stone Town Beach and 600 metres of Peace Memorial Museum, Serene Abodes provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Stone Town. This property is located a short distance from attractions such as St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Old Fort of Zanzibar, and House of Wonders. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a shared lounge and free WiFi.

Popular points of interest near the hostel include Hamamni Persian Baths, Cinema Afrique and Old Dispensary. The nearest airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, 7 km from Serene Abodes.

Khasim the staff I interacted with was so good and always available for any help. He even took me to buy a local tea somewhere in the shops and helped with directions around the town.

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8.5
Very Good
37 reviews
Price from
$20
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travelers know there's no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: Save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a little more.
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Most booked hostels in Zanzibar City this month

Hostels that guests love in Zanzibar City

  • Avg. price/night: $32
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,051 reviews
    It’s very traditional, great location, it’s cheap, great vibe, staff is nice
    Kristina
    Travelers with friends
  • Avg. price/night: $45
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 587 reviews
    Great location, very clean, lovely staff, comfortable beds in dormitory!
    Hannah
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: $7
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 556 reviews
    Amazing location. Stayed in the women's dorm. Felt more like a summer camp bunk than a hostel. Was very clean and wifi worked. Felt safe the entire time I was here. If you're a budget travel it is one of the better hostels I have been to.
    Elizabeth
    Solo traveler
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 638 reviews
    Everyone was super friendly and ready to help! As soon as I booked I was contacted by an employee to ask if he could assist with anything. Immediately we arranged for a cheap airport pickup (20€) and a dinner that was awaiting us when we arrived since the kitchen closed before our arrival time. We had the rooftop terrace to ourselves! A great way to begin our Zanzibar adventure. Great location too. Close to beach and winding roads with shops!
    Christina
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $36
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 356 reviews
    Great location inside the medina. Super friendly owner who was always very helpful and full of advice. The fact that the dorms aren't bunk beds is a nice change as well!
    Jonny Sweet
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $74.48
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,500 reviews
    Great location, clean, safe, comfortable. Contact management if you are interested in Safari. I recommend this property.
    Tatiana
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $30
    6.6
    Scored 6.6
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 735 reviews
    Great location. Nice roof terrace (if you can be bothered to climb 7 flights of stairs). Cheap drinking water. Friendly, helpful staff. Comfy bed with mosquito nets. Felt safe at night. Quiet location.
    Laura
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $45
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 587 reviews
    As every youth hostel, it is quite cheap, so in this matter, it is as expected. The hostel is quite small, the bathroom is clean, the beds are made every day and you are given a clean towel at your arrival.
    Nolwenn
    Travelers with friends
  • Avg. price/night: $74.48
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,500 reviews
    The location is strategic in the old Stone town. A stone's throw from the enchanting alleys, near the mercury house, the old fort and the night market. In truth, only the location can explain the price of this place which is above all a dormitory youth hostel
    rootsartz
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: $20.58
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,006 reviews
    The hostel is a great location and the staff were keen to help with suggestions of where to go. It's very useful to have the cooking facilities also, as we are travelling on a budget! The balcony is a great place to sit.
    Lucy
    Young couple

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