Zanzibar. Somewhere most people have heard about but not a lot of people know much about. The same goes for the best hostels in Zanzibar, nobody seems to know about them! In this post, I will talk about the best hostels in Stone Town and some of the most popular spots around the island.
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Zanzibar for Backpackers
Best Budget Hostel in Stone Town – Lost & Found Premier Hostel
Best Hostel in Stone Town with Female Only Dorm – zLife Stone Town Hostel
Best Hostel for Couples in Zanzibar – New Teddys Jambiani
Best Hostel in Nungwi – Greens Nungwi Hostel
Best Hostel in Kendwa Beach – Kendwa Beach House
Here’s exactly what I look for whenever I am booking a hostel in Zanzibar:
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Hostels in Zanzibar
- Location – Stone Town is like a maze. Due to the one way system and pedestrianized streets, public transport won’t help you either. You want to be near the waterfront as this is where the night market and many restaurants are located. As for the rest of the island, if you want a hostel with a nice beach, amenities and some atmosphere, I suggest Nungwi. Kendwa Beach and Paje are more quiet.
- Price – Africa is not cheap so the best hostels in Zanzibar won’t be either. But they are still a lot cheaper than the hotels and should help you save your budget from falling apart.
- Amenities – Free breakfast is a bonus but free Wi-Fi is necessary.
- Check Out Time – I try to avoid hostels in Zanzibar that have a super early check out time.
- Cleanliness – This is my main concern with hostels in general – it must be clean!
Let’s start this list with my pick for the best hostel in Stone Town…
Best Hostel in Stone Town
Lost & Found Premier Hostel
Lost & Found is the absolute perfectly spot for a couple of nights in Stone Town. Situated right next to the main shopping alley, Gizenga Street, this not only takes my pick for the best hostel in Stone Town but also the most clean and centrally located in town. You will find almost every other attraction right on the doorstep too, from the night market and Africa House Hotel to the local dive centre and an endless line of places to eat. As mentioned, the rooms are immaculately clean and this is so important for me. They are fully air conditioned and the free Wi-Fi is pretty decent. What more could you want? To sleep next to the building where Freddie Mercury grew up? It’s true!
Best Stone Town Hostel with Female Only Dorm
zLife Stone Town Hostel
zLife has several outdoor and indoor areas which make this a great hostel for finding your own space. At the same time, the hostel is extremely clean and located right at the centre of Stone Town. While it may not be a while lot cheaper than elsewhere, zLife is indeed the best cheap hotel in Stone Town that I know about. You will also find friendly staff on hand at all times and the common area has a pretty cool fussball table which is free to use. In the dorms, the style is pretty minimalist but this is a style that works well in Africa. After all, simplistic and clean is often all you need for a comfortable stay in this part of the wold. With free Wi-Fi and air conditioning throughout, this is a reasonably safe choice for backpackers in Stone Town. Also, the kitchen mean that guests on a budget can make their own food and tea/coffee or whatever!
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Best Hostel in Paje Zanzibar
Drifters Zanzibar
Drifters is the most impressive location that I have ever stayed in for a hostel. Located right on the beach, this hostel in Paje is a real backpackers favourite and the kind of place that people end up staying a lot longer than expected. There is a local chef who cooks dinner every day, a beautiful swimming pool and a fully stocked bar. The dorms are clean and spacious while the huts are fitted with proper floors rather than mud or sand or straw! You can opt for a private room at Drifters too, but with just six people to each dorm, the place never feels crowded. Lastly, the friendly staff are super helpful and there are nightly parties on the beach for anyone who wants to join in!
Best Couples Hostel in Zanzibar
New Teddys
I reckon most hostels in Zanzibar are ideal for couples but New Teddys is a good spot regardless. Located in Jambiani, the hostel is surrounded with things to do including snorkeling, surfing, and fishing. At the same time, it’s located right on the beach which makes this a good shout for the best couples hostel in Zanzibar. There is Wi-Fi and free breakfast but overall, this is just a super nice and comfortable hostel to wind down and escape after a few days in busy Stone Town.
Best Hostel in Nungwi
Green’s Nungwi Hostel
Nestled just 300 meters from the stunning Nungwi Beach, Green’s Nungwi is a cozy, tranquil hostel ideal for young backpackers and solo travelers. Located in the heart of the Nungwi Beach district, it offers the perfect base for beach lovers, with the supermarket only 200 meters away and popular spots like East Africa Divers just a short stroll. Surrounded by lush greenery, guests can relax by the pool under swaying palm trees or unwind in the peaceful garden. The hostel provides 24-hour security and a shared kitchen for convenience, making it feel like a home away from home. Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast and later explore the area by bike, available for hire. With a charming terrace to enjoy, Green’s Nungwi offers the perfect beachside escape, blending relaxation with easy access to one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches.
Best Hostel in Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach House
There’s not much to choose in terms of a hostel in Kendwa Beach. But this relatively new hostel has great reviews and located close to the beach. Kendwa is also a much quieter resort area than Nungwi, unless of course the full moon party is taking place. Either way, if you want somewhere clean, quiet and affordable, Kendwa Beach is an option that will cost much less than the hotels!
And there you have it – the best hostels in Zanzibar! Did you make a decision? If not, I recommend zLife hostel in Stone Town followed by a few days at Drifters Backpackers in Paje!
