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The Residence Zanzibar

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2 bars/lounges, poolside bar
Separate bathtub and shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, slippers
Exterior
Front of property
On the beach, white sand, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 BONUS+ members
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Room options

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Luxury Garden Pool Villa

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 155 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Ocean Front Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 155 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa | 1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 155 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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Frangipani Garden Pool Villa | 1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Frangipani Garden Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Luxury Villa

1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Villa

  • Ocean view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Presidential Villa (Pool)

Presidential Villa (Pool) | 1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Presidential Villa (Pool)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About this property

The Residence Zanzibar

Catch some rays at the beach or spend the day relaxing at The Residence Zanzibar's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants.
The Residence Zanzibar offers 66 air-conditioned accommodations with private pools and fireplaces. Rooms open to furnished patios. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower, slippers, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, safes and telephones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and a ceiling fan. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

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 centre.

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.
Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at The Residence Zanzibar. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Mchangamble Beach. Features include free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking.
  • Free buffet breakfast offered
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • For dining with a beachfront location, stop by The Dining Room, one of the property's 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Indulge with facials, body treatments or body scrubs at the spa
  • Services include babysitting, a free children's club and dry cleaning/laundry
  • On-site recreation includes an outdoor tennis court, a gym and a steam room
  • 5.8 mi (9.4 km) from Salaam Cave Aquarium and 18.4 mi (29.6 km) from Paje Beach
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
Some rates at The Residence Zanzibar are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Enjoy the umbrellas and sunloungers for a relaxing day at the beach. Pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa and enjoy amenities at The Residence Zanzibar such as a complimentary children's club and an outdoor pool.

Free breakfast is served. There are 2 restaurants and 2 coffee shops/cafes, as well as a nearby snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers outdoor tennis courts, a steam room and a fitness centre. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of The Residence Zanzibar was completed in May 2025.

This 5-star Kizimkazi hotel is smoke free.

Guests are served a free buffet breakfast.
The Dining Room – This beachfront buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting).
The Pavilion – Overlooking the garden, this fine-dining restaurant only serves dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
24-hour room service is available.

All-inclusive details

All-inclusive room rates at The Residence Zanzibar are available. These rates are higher because they include on-site food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

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

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
  • Snorkelling
  • Steam room
  • Table tennis
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Free children's club
  • In-room babysitting
  • 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 lift
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 66 buildings
  • Built in 2011
  • Reception hall
  • Renovated entire property - May 2025
  • Smoke-free property

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

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 190
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per child: USD 95 (from 3 to 12 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 190
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) 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
  • An effective city/local tax rate of 12.00 per cent will be charged

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
The Residence Zanzibar offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation 72 hours prior to arrival with your arrival details. 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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

The Residence Zanzibar Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 148 out of 210 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 210 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 210 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 210 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 210 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service

Not Solo Traveler Friendly

For a solo traveler I wouldn’t recommend this place. The staff were not very accommodating & not friendly. They wanted to charge me double for any excursions because I was a solo traveler. Which was very odd & no one could explain why. I ended up leaving after one night after feeling dismissed by the staff. The property is beautiful although no one was on the beach not sure why.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

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