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The best hostels in Zanzibar Archipelago

Check out our pick of great hostels in Zanzibar Archipelago

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Situated in Nungwi, 400 metres from Nungwi Beach, Hostel 197 features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Featuring a bar, the property is located within 42 km of Kichwele Forest Reserve. The accommodation offers room service, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. I stayed at Hostel 197 in Zanzibar, and it was genuinely one of the best hostels I’ve ever been to. The staff were incredibly friendly, and I was welcomed with a complimentary drink as soon as I arrived. Every afternoon there were beach volleyball games, which made it super easy to meet other travelers and have fun. The breakfasts were absolutely delicious – fresh juice, good coffee, and plenty of great food to start the day. Throughout the day, you could always grab cold water from the bar, which was perfect in the Zanzibar heat. The dorm beds were amazing: spacious, comfortable, and made fresh every single day. The bar served fantastic cocktails in the evenings, and the location couldn’t have been better – just a 5-minute walk to the beach. Overall, Hostel 197 exceeded all my expectations. I can highly recommend it to anyone visiting Zanzibar!

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9.5
Exceptional
254 reviews
Price from
US$30.49
per night

All rooms at the hostel are fitted with a seating area. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at Compass Hostel also feature a garden view. At the accommodation the rooms are fitted with air conditioning and a safety deposit box. Nice peaceful and very friendly and helpful staff

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9.5
Exceptional
146 reviews
Price from
US$11
per night

Located in Jambiani, 60 metres from Paje Beach, Jambiani Backpackers Hostel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a private beach area. Featuring free shuttle service, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. A terrace, an on-site bar and shared lounge are available. Everything! The property was in amazing condition—clean, well-maintained, and super comfortable. The environment was just perfect. It felt like a little oasis where you could relax but also meet amazing people and have great conversations. I stayed at this hostel, and honestly, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. The people there were incredible—super friendly, and it was so easy to connect with everyone. I ended up making a lot of friends, and the whole place had such a warm and welcoming vibe. Breakfast was fantastic! You start with a plate of fresh fruits, which was such a refreshing way to begin the day. After that, they serve the main meal, which was always delicious. Plus, they had coffee and all sorts of tea options, which I absolutely loved. It really felt like they cared about providing a great start to the day.

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9.3
Superb
259 reviews
Price from
US$18
per night

Breakfast is available, and includes à la carte, continental and Full English/Irish options. At the hostel you will find a restaurant serving international cuisine. Vegetarian, halal and vegan options can also be requested. Perfect spot with nice people, great food and lots of other nice travellers. We especially enjoyed the BBQ evening where everyone gathered for food and music while the kids played football together.

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9.4
Superb
698 reviews
Price from
US$21
per night

Set within less than 1 km of House of Wonders and a 6-minute walk of Old Fort of Zanzibar, VUGA Hostel provides rooms in Zanzibar City. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is located 200 metres from Stone Town Beach. Very friendly owners! Very open, helping with directions and generally making sure that you feel comfortable. The beds are very comfortable as well and all of them have curtains, so it's great for a bit of privacy. There are lockers to store valuables as well. It is a very calm place but still so close to the old town which makes it a perfect low-budget place. Would come again for sure!

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9.3
Superb
66 reviews
Price from
US$12.60
per night

Situated in Paje, within 400 metres of Paje Beach and 50 km of Peace Memorial Museum, Mambo Leo Hostel features accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge, and free WiFi. The property is set 35 km from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, 50 km from Hamamni Persian Baths and 50 km from House of Wonders. Old Fort of Zanzibar is 50 km from the hostel and Cinema Afrique is 50 km away. Mambo Leo is best ,very nice staff,tatu is jovial and welcoming ,she is always busy making the place clean,shes always smiling,and helping the visitors any time when in need .The secret behind her is that she's a good cook 🥰very delicious meals .

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8.8
Fabulous
102 reviews
Price from
US$10
per night

Situated in Paje, 100 metres from Paje Beach, Your Zanzibar Place features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property is set 50 km from Peace Memorial Museum, 35 km from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and 50 km from Hamamni Persian Baths. Guests can grab a bite to eat in the restaurant or a drink at the bar and free WiFi is available.

Guests at the hostel can enjoy a vegetarian or a halal breakfast. I recently had an amazing time at Your Zanzibar Place. This place quickly became my favorite spot on the island. The environment is super cool, and it's in such a great location that I could easily explore the nearby beaches. The hostel's bar was a blast to hang out in. I met so many cool people and had some great conversations over drinks. They also offer a variety of delicious food options in the restaurant, always served with a big smile:) But what really blew me away was the owner's hospitality. On my last day, as I had to head back to Stone Town to catch my flight, I encountered a bit of trouble. I couldn't find petrol for my scooter anywhere in Paje. Just when I thought I was stuck, the owner came to the rescue and provided me with the petrol I needed. He really saved the day! Overall, my stay at Your Zanzibar Place was incredible. The laid-back atmosphere, tasty food & cocktails, and awesome hospitality made it an unforgettable experience. I'll definitely be recommending this place to anyone heading to Zanzibar, and I can't wait to come back myself...

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8.8
Fabulous
941 reviews
Price from
US$37
per night

A calm cozy hostel with a relaxing garden, perfect for younger backpackers and solo travelers conveniently located in the Nungwi Beach district of Nungwi, Green's Hostel Nungwi is situated 200 meters from Supermarket, 400 meters from East Africa Divers and 500 metres from World Wide Supermarket. The property is located 300 meters from Nungwi Beach. The accommodation offers a 24-hour security, a shared kitchen. A pool under the palms in the Green garden. The breakfast was okay and enriching

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8.2
Very good
444 reviews
Price from
US$25
per night

Situated 300 metres from Stone Town Beach, Stone Town House offers rooms with air conditioning in Zanzibar City. Built in 1953, this 4-star hostel is within 800 metres of Peace Memorial Museum and 100 metres of St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a concierge service and free WiFi throughout the property. The staff was exceptionally helpful. Food recommendations were spot on.

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8.6
Fabulous
566 reviews
Price from
US$17
per night

Situated in Zanzibar City and with Stone Town Beach reachable within 400 metres, NOMAD Hostel Stone Town features concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. Boasting a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Some rooms at the property have a patio with a city view. Nomad Hostel Stone Town is everything you want in a hostel and more. The price point is fantastic, and having breakfast included is a real bonus. The beds are new and super comfortable, and the atmosphere made it easy to meet people from all over the world. Overall, it was the perfect hostel experience and highly recommended!

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8.4
Very good
49 reviews
Price from
US$10
per night

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