Name: Tembo House Hotel And Apartments
Address: forodhani street, 3974, Zanzibar, 25524, TZ

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2026

Paul

Service and staff were excellent. The hotel is immaculately hygienic. Cleaned everyday. Breakfast was excellent. Great beach and restaurant and Stone Town location. Highly recommend.

8/10

Excellent

28 Jul 2026

Maphefo

Good stay at Tembo. The area was noisy till early hours of the morning from characters hanging around the corner of the street. Staff is amazing and food was good. The hotel doesn’t recommend any experiences although its location is surrounded by so many.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2026

Adria

The buildings are historic and beautifully and respectfully transformed. Our room was in the annex across the street, a family-sized apartment. It was so comfortable and the bathroom was particularly beautifully imagined and tiled. The hotel amenities are great without being over the top. The terrace overlooking pool and beach are comfortable and gracious. Every single staff member we have interacted with has been lovely and helpful. The breakfast buffet is extensive, with Western-friendly choices but also an extensive Swahili selection as well; the lunch we recently ordered by the pool (from the Indian part of the menu) was delicious. I would recommend this hotel to anyone and would stay here again myself the next time I am here.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2026

Kumbirai Trish

I stayed at Tembo Hotel for one night before my flight and overall had a good experience. I had booked an ocean-view room, but on arrival I was initially given a different room. After I pointed this out to reception, they promptly moved me to the correct room.

The only downside was that the bathroom had an unpleasant smell that I couldn’t ignore. Since I was only staying one night and was exhausted, I chose not to request another room. They also forgot to spray my room for mosquitoes while I was out at dinner. When I returned, they quickly sent someone, but it meant I had to wait outside my room while it was being treated. This was a little inconvenient since I needed to pack for my international flight and get to bed early before my airport transfer.

I also wish the beautiful swimming pools stayed open later in the evening.

On the positive side, I really appreciated the 24-hour food service. Being able to pre-order a takeaway breakfast for early morning delivery to my room before heading to the airport was a thoughtful touch and made my departure much easier.

Overall, I’d happily stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2026

Al-Karim

I really liked the hotel's central location, which made it easy to walk to most places in town. The breakfast was good, and the room rate was also very reasonable. Overall, it was a good value for the price.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2026

Maxime

Vraiment hôtel, propre , bien situé et très belle vue sur la mer

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2026

Morten

We had a pleasant time at the hotel. Definitely enjoyed the morning buffet. It was so nice. A the was super friendly and helpful.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Jul 2026

Rebecca

Great location and fine hotel. Room was nice and had great air conditioning, and the pools were lovely. Breakfast was okay, and the reception organised a good excursion for us which was good value for money.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2026

Iain

A lovely little stay in Stonetown on our way out of Zanzibar. Perfectly positioned right on the beach and in a good location to explore Stonetown. We had a nice dinner overlooking the locals playing on the sand and in the sea, slept well, and despite our very early start had a take away breakfast provided. A really good experience.

Partner

4/10

Poor

07 Jul 2026

Daisy

I would not recommend staying here. When we arrived at 10pm the reception team told us our room was not ready. We were told to wait at the bar where no one came to take our drinks order despite about 5 staff members working, after 20 minutes I went up to order. Following this, we were shown to an incredibly small twin room where the single beds had been pushed together and were at different heights. After complaining as this was not the large room we booked, the team offered an insincere apology, no compensation and said there had been a mistake and they were getting our room ready then. At about midnight we finally got into our room after a team member had spent 15 minutes cleaning it before our entry, meaning the room was not to a good standard of cleanliness. The next morning the hotel did waive an additional $10 charge when I requested they did not charge us due to the poor experience the night prior. The breakfast in the morning was good and the hotel is on the beach which is a nice setting, but I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. Frequent reviews suggests this happens with the rooms often, and is not worth the additional hassle when it takes a long time to travel to Zanzibar and there are nicer places to stay with better customer service, cleanliness and general hospitality.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

Twinky

Beautiful location to see the sunset. Lots of people watching and activities at beachfront. Very helpful staff and great breakfast.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jul 2026

ALI

I booked a room with a Queen bed, I was given a room with two single beds. The AC, fan and light switches were all defective. It took the staff 5 attempts to solve the problem.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2026

Parisa

Great customer service

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2026

matthew

There are so many blessings waiting for you at the Tembo House, but the A/C was my saving grace 🌞! The pools were clean and inviting. The room was furnished with history and luxury (we stayed in a triple room). The staff were like meeting old friends and being treated like family. Lounging at the beach and watching the Friday night scene was exciting, charming, and safe. The hotel is located in the heart of the Stone Town experience. My family (wife and 2 pre-teen sons) cannot wait to return. Will stay here for all our future Stone Town adventures!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2026

Tara

The location can't be beat in Stone Town! Beautiful historic hotel with a restaurant and 3 pools, right on the beach. Walking distance to many locations in Stone Town.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jun 2026

Daniel

Décor coloniale conforme aux images et photos , cependant de vieilles portes de bois crées beaucoup d'échos et de bruits réduisant l'insonorisation .
Déjeuner-buffet ,que passable mais considérant le prix de la chambre , son emplacement dans Stonetown , le Tembo hotel offre un produit plus Qu'honnête.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Carleen

Laundry service was available. It was convenient to get food and drinks and it is billed upon checkout. It is right on the beach.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

05 Jun 2026

Lynne

The location and hotel were fantastic. We didn't much care for the breakfast as it was missing some essential meat items and very heavy on bread. They had eggs but it just wasn't the best so we went out for breakfast the second day. The hotel is beautiful, well situated and has three pools but there's no bar area and I don't think they sell any alcohol so we ended up next door at Livingstones alot

Partner

4/10

Poor

30 May 2026

Lynne

The breakfast was definitely an interesting and so the second day we went out for breakfast. Staff in the hotel was great! However the Halls echo big time so when a cleaning person or other staff members in the whole talking to the staff member it's so loud it literally will wake you up in the middle of your room. Moving chairs or anything like that is just super loud.... The location is super and the hotel is great it just generally could tweak a few things to make it a little bit more comfortable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Kurt

Staff was very helpful. The room assigned to us was very spacious. The home restaurant is very good. It’s also very family friendly.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Kurt

Very well organized and trained staff. Rooms have an antique feel but with modern amenities. Meals are excellent.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2026

Harriet

Lovely stay and excellent service.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2026

ALI

The staff are very polite , and the breakfast is the best in Zanzibar.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2026

joseph

A very cool spot! Gorgeous and historical right in Old Stone Town the room was beautiful!

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

Mirlene

Breakfast is always fresh with many options. Staff is very attentive. The view is perfect.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2026

martha

Exceeded expectations on every level-spectacular location directly on the beach, two rooftop and one courtyard pool (all crystal clean and perfect temp) beautiful spacious room, lavish buffet breakfast but best of all was the kind and attentive service from all of the staff. I f I could be dropped off by a drone, I would go back today in a heartbeat ( and maybe never leave) A true respite from the bustle of Sonetown-

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2026

Bethan

Nice room with small balcony overlooking the pool. Good air-con and plenty of hot water for showers. Staff very friendly and happy to help, great breakfast. Overall good value for money especially as paid for with Tesco vouchers..

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Feb 2026

Nancy

Great location and accommodating staff. Room was very small but adequate. The shower/change room to use before heading to the airport was an added bonus.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2026

Kim

Staff was exceptionally friendly. Location was perfect.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 Jan 2026

Michael

Very clean rooms. Helpful staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2026

Damian

Estaba muy bien todo
Destacó el desayuno

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2026

Moez

Rooms were good. Stay was comfortable, we had an issue with hot water which was rectified within 12 hrs
Staff was awesome and so was the food during breakfast. Thank you for making our stay memorable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2025

Alyson

The hotel was lovely and the stafd were all very nice and friendly

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Dec 2025

Corinna

Room was spotless and food was great.

Self

2/10

Poor

11 Dec 2025

Goda

First off, they didn't pull up a 2nd reservation I had on my name and made us book another room. Later that night they call me asking where are the guests for the 2nd room! I ended up paying for the reservation they didn't pull up in the first place and on top of it, we had to book another room. And they didn't even REFUND any part for the mistake they did. No one helped us here, neither the Expedia nor this property. Beware of such SCAMS when you are staying in Zanzibar.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2025

Nikita

Food was good and affordable and great views. Staff was amazing

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2025

Per

Clean and good service. Breakfast good, maybee Cheese to the bread we missed. Good occupation in Stone Town.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 Nov 2025

Mavrick

L’hôtel est idéalement situé, bon rapport qualité prix dans l’ensemble. Petit déjeuner vraiment bon. Ils vous proposent même de garder vos valises pendant que visite Stone Town si vous avez votre vol tres tard avec l’accès a une salle de bain pour prendre une douche et se rafraîchir avant d’aller à l’aéroport.
Le seul problème c’est que j’avais réservé une chambre avec vue sur Mer en payant plus cher, et que nous n’avons pas du tout eu une chambre qui correspondait à ça… après réclamation, l’hôtel était sois disant complet, la chambre correspondait à la « description » et ils ne pouvaient rien faire de plus…

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2025

cevon

Great staff

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Nov 2025

Patrick

A few bugs in the room at night even with windows closed! Only two bottles of water provided which is not enough given the tap water is unusable for wven teeth brushing

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

Jens

Great staff, top breakfast, excellent location! Our room had a magnificent seaview. The overall feeling in the hotel was amazing. Highly recommended.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2025

Prakhar

Good

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2025

Jennifer

Enjoyed our stay within the apartments at Tembo House. We had full access to the pools at the hotel, which was where breakfast was also served & directly on the beach.
Staff were very welcoming. Our rooms were quite spacious. Would recommend a stay here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2025

Jennifer Cristin

Great check in great hotel in the best location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2025

Ronda

Extremely convenient, safe, and very professional employees. Robes are very clean and elegant.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2025

Luiz Eduardo

A arrived 9h30 and didn’t have to wait till 15 o’clock to go to my room. They not only gave the room earlier but gave an upgrade. Very friendly staff

Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2025

Sarah

We stayed in the Freddy Mercury suites which are ideally located....everything you need is within walking distance. The room was clean and bright and had everything we needed. What made our stay enjoyable was the staff... friendly, helpful and always with a smile on their face. The breakfast buffet was wonderful, had something for everyone - you certainly didn't leave hungry. Would definitely recommend this property for your visit to Stone Town.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2025

Robert

Highly recommend the Tembo House Hotel. A perfect location on the beach in central Stone Town and close to every thing. The manager personally spends time with guests checking they are enjoying their stay. The hotel has 3 pools overlooking the beach. Around 5pm each day youngsters train doing arcobatics on the beach and around sunset a team of athletes called the Zanzibar Flippers practice their amazing routines using an old truck tyre buried in the sand as a trampoline. The Tembo does not serve alcohol, but wonderful juices, and if you fancy something stronger next door is the Livingston bar to watch the Flippers work their magic.athletes

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

Lisa

We showed up at noon and asked if they would be able to hold our bags since check-in wasn't for a few hours, and to our surprise, they let us check-in early. The staff was very friendly (especially the cleaning staff and Faridah in particular), and the pools were beautiful. The location is great - close to all areas of Stone Town and on the beach. The complimentary breakfast was great (lots of options).
Overall, would recommend this hotel.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

Rommel

Well maintained hotel with easy access to the main road. The hotel is in front of the boat launch for the Prison Island and Nakupenda sandbar tours. It is about 3minute walk to Freddie Mercury museum
and Forodhani Garden. The room is spacious with unique old world Arabic feel. The breakfast is with good variety. Definitely a good place to stay. Highly recommended.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Natalie

Friendly staff. Awesome pool. Great breakfast selections. Perfect location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Patricia

This is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. The service was beyond impeccable. I would highly recommend this hotel. And I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels in my lifetime. It is extremely close to anything that you want to do in Stone Town. The staff were so accommodating and so friendly. I wish I could think of more positive things to say about this place. The view is stunning. And there are loads of places to sit and relax. The swimming pool is amazing. I could just go on and on.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

12 Sep 2025

Jani

Bra läge, mycket trappor, inget för en person som har svårt att gå. Hotellet serverar ingen alkohol.
Vårt rum litet och övermöblerat men ändå charmigt.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Zuzana

cute hotel

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2025

Sandra

Beautiful view,good breakfast, and attentive staff

8/10

Excellent

01 Sep 2025

Shirley

We were quite happy with this property except one member of the wait staff. She was either disinterested in her job or wasn't very good at it. It took us multiple trys to get our order in the bar area.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2025

Akthar

Staff members were very polite and helpful nature for any suggestions and guidance for the tours. Hotel is heart of stone town and accessible to every where to go visit Zanzibar. Hotel is very clean and friendly and breakfast was awesome with many choices.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2025

David

I loved every bit of it and I would definitely come back.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2025

Barbara

I love the Tembo House

We were originally booked into the Embe room and it is right over them main road and the courtyard. Very noisy. The next night we requested to be moved and had an older, but much quieter room.
Overall, I love the Tembo House!

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

21 Aug 2025

Katherine

Best sunset swim!

Fantastic location - amazing view and easy access to explore Stone Town. The pools were lovely! Food was good. The only small downside was that one of the sellers from outside twice approach us in the hotel trying to sell us a painting - once just outside our room.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2025

Nilesh

Notice some mosquitoes and so it is good to have bug repellent especially in the evenings.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Aug 2025

Gary

A conveniently located waterfront property with lots of open air community space. Breakfast offered a good variety with a made to order omelet station. Didn’t eat lunch or dinner there simply because they don’t serve alcohol. We were located at their property across the street in a 4-story (62 steps) walk up room overlooking the street and with water views. Entertaining to see guests set their breakfast plates down in the open air areas, go off to get something else and then have the ravens swoop down and make off with a slice of toast or waffle. Also interesting to see all the pilots taking care of their boats while awaiting passengers to take out to Prison Isy.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2025

Diane

Great location close to many Stone town attractions, restaurants, and shoping

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2025

john

Great breakfast and location

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2025

James

Absolutely fab

Absolutely fabulous hotel. Room was spacious. Staff all spoke English well and were very helpful. Full breakfast buffet (free) with lots of variety. Open air dining on the beach if you like, or eat inside. They have bag storage if you want to do one last day at the beach after checkout. And they even have a changing room with shower and clean towels if you do that last beach day.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2025

Timothy

Really enjoyed the stay. Great staff great hotel great location

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2025

Greg L

Great place to stay in downtown area. It is right on the beach!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Abdalla

Tembo hotel

Manager was very good plus reception young and hard working

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2025

Jennifer

Lovely property and the staff were amazing. We had a very early ferry that left before breakfast started and they insisted on sending us with food to go so we wouldn't be hungry on the boat. It was ready along with the taxi they scheduled for us at 5:30am. So thoughtful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2025

Robert

Great place in Zanzibar

Fantastic service. Wonderful staff. Nice breakfast. Perfect location.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

Carol

Excellent location, great breakfast. All staff really friendly and always there to help. Definitely recommend the tembo if you are in stone town.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2025

Alison

We stayed here for one night in the annexe section of the hotel, which is seperate from the main hotel (short 1 min walk). Our standard room was clean and basic for a nights stay, nothing fancy. Location is great for food and drink options. No lifts, so bad to carry bags up stairs, so something to consider if you need a lift.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2025

Stephanie

Great hotel, very unique. In a historical refurbished building. We arrived 3:30am and the hotel had arranged a pick up for us for a fee. We hired our taxi driver, Kalfhan for the next week on Zanzibar. Very large room with 3 beds and large patio facing the water. Great a/c. Mini fridge & kettle. Really nice pool area. Some constructed while we were there, but we knew it was low season. Reception very nice. Perfect location, walkable to the main areas of Stone Town. Shopping right outside, wLk along the harbour.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2025

Nizar

All ok....no problem....very safe.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2025

Cheryl

Such a beautiful historic place. The staff were so friendly and helpful-everyone has a beautiful kind smile and really appear to enjoy working there. When in Stonetown do yourself a treat and book a stay at Tembo House👌

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2025

Jonathan

Great character property with beautiful bedrooms that are mostly individual. Great upstairs pool and elegant lounge salon in main building. Only minor issue is the road facing rooms above the entrance has several elderly men who talk incessantly 18 hours a day in a loud booming voice, but there in nothing the hotel can do about that. Beach Breakfast area with its world class view lacks elegant chairs that lessens its leisurely appeal. I had to remind myself all the time I was in a 4 star hotel with a top expensive 5 star next door, The Tembo Hotel is good value for money that could offer more for minimal cost.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2025

Marquisette

Great view in the roof top pool.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2025

Alice

We had an issue with a missing wallet and Issac, a waiter, was most helpful in phoning our driver of the day, searching the premises and accompanying me to my room for a detailed search at which point the wallet was recovered. He was very resourceful and very helpful.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2025

Rosa

Lovely rooms three story but no elevators. Great location on beach and adjacent to stone town

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2025

Rosa

Lovely old hotel with many room options but no elevators. We had 3 flights of stairs to room but they do have lovely ground floor rooms as well. There was some noisy renovation going on at the hotel. Staff wonderful friendly and helpful. They arranged our excursions for good prices. Love the location on the beach and in stone town

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2025

Sigrid

Tembo House Hotel is in a great walkable location. The staff is kind, friendly, and accommodating. The ocean-front view is incredible.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2025

Per Walter

Nice but somewhat outdated hotel

Great location in Stown Town next to the sea. Somewhat outdated rooms and standard. Excellent service minded staff.
Sadly this hotel does not serve alcholic drinks an we like to enjoy a glass of wine with our dinner, but there arr a lot of restaurants nearby, so there wherr a lot of options

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2025

Steven V

Right on the beach in StoneTown .This hotel is unmatched for location as well as service. Friendly and caring staff who are happy to assist with all your needs.
Rooms were clean and comfortable with air-conditioned, a mini fridge, and kettle with coffee and tea provided.
Great pool areas which were well maintained.
A charming place with lots of history.
I would definitely stay again!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2025

Sanuealdo

Great

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2025

Corey

Hotel was older. There was no elevator to go from floor to floor. But some may see this as having character. Hotel was clean. Was in a good location.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2025

Moez

Tembo House Hotel

Great value for the quality and location…. Will definitely return

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2025

Robina

The hotel staff made every effort to make sure we had a comfortable stay.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2025

Robert

Great location, nice rooms, friendly staff

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2025

Verified traveler

Friendly staff, good pool, nice view of the sea!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2025

Paul

Beautiful property on the beach. Two lovely pools. Great food but unfortunately does not sell alcohol.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2025

Gary

Very good hotel for short stay of 2 or 3 days.
Good location close to restaurants, shops and on the water.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2025

Azaan

Thr property is very conveniently located in Stone Town.
The staff was excellent and very helpful.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

Rubina

I loved everything about this property. The hospitality of the staff in all areas, the open lay out of the property and proximity of dining to the ocean, the clean and beautiful rooms, and the quality and variety of food options at the breakfast buffet. The property is perfectly located at walking distance to shops, restaurants and main markets. I would definitely stay here again without a doubt. A big thank you to Tembo House!!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

Jamie

10/10, for the price you get a lot! Would highly recommend.
Room was spacious and v clean.
Extremely friendly and helpful staff who went out of their way to help.
Great location and they also offered to store our luggage when we went on safari.

So glad we chose this property. Cannot fault it. Thank you for a great stay from room 3000 ;)

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2025

Patrick

excellent service

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2025

rebecca

Historic building. Close to local attractions. Good food. Walkable. Recommend.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2025

Garth

I always enjoy Tembo Hotel

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2025

Anita

The room was gorgeous

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

13 Jan 2025

filip

Nice property, friendly staff, sloppy operation

First they put this into the wrong room, smaller than what we paid for. Then the next day they moved us into a correct from, which was new and very pleasant.

We wanted to come back for one more day, and they took our money. However, they then misplaced the records, so it took several hours to check back in.

In retrospect, we should have booked the final night through hotels.com not with the hotel directly! It would've saved us a lot of waiting and frustration.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2025

Henry

Great location in the heart of Stone Town.

Leisure Partner