Tembo House Hotel

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for Tembo House Hotel

A swimming pool with a tiled edge, surrounded by a building with multiple balconies and arched windows. - Tembo House Hotel (Zanzibar Town)
A beach with sun loungers and a building with arches. - Tembo House Hotel (Zanzibar Town)
A large hotel with a swimming pool, multiple floors, and a courtyard. - Tembo House Hotel (Zanzibar Town)
A balcony with a view of the sea, boats, and a beach. - Tembo House Hotel (Zanzibar Town)
A balcony with a view of the sea, a wooden table, and a window with shutters. - Tembo House Hotel (Zanzibar Town)
Located close to Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens, Tembo House Hotel provides a free daily manager's reception, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. With a beachfront location, beachfront dining, and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in a facial, a body scrub, and a body treatment at the onsite spa. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Tembo Bahari Restaurant, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and ocean views. In addition to a garden and a playground, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 19 of 19 rooms

Double Room with Balcony and Sea view

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite with Balcony and Ocean view

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Triple Room with Balcony and Sea view

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

Twin Room with Balcony and Sea view

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Freddie Mercury Apartment with Balcony and City view

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 55 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Double Room at Annex building

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • City view
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Twin Room at Annex building

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

Triple Room at Annex building

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • City view
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Family Room at Annex Building

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 King Beds

Standard Double Room

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Standard Triple Room

  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 King Bed

Family Room, Balcony, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 King Beds

Deluxe Suite with Balcony and Beach view

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Beach view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Presidental Suite with Balcony and Ocean view

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room with Balcony and Sea view

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Double Room with Balcony and City view

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • City view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Twin Room with Balcony and City view

  • City view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Queen Beds

Double Room with City view

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Located on the beach, Tembo House Hotel is in Stone Town neighborhood and is connected to a shopping center. Old Fort and House of Wonders are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Forodhani Gardens and Nakupenda Beach. Darajani Market and Christ Church Cathedral are two other places to visit that come recommended. With scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Zanzibar Town travel guide
Map
Forodhani Street, Zanzibar Town, 25524

What's nearby

  • An amphitheater surrounded by historic buildings and palm trees.
    Old Fort
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A coastal town with a marina filled with various boats, a promenade with people, and lush greenery.
    Forodhani Gardens
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A historical building with a balcony, columns, and a sign reading "Makumbusho Kuu Beit El Aajab National Museum".
    House of Wonders
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A historic building with a dome and arched windows.
    Christ Church Cathedral
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A historical building with a sign reading "East Africa Slave Trade Exhibit".
    Slave Market
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ)
    15 min drive

Restaurants

  • Lukmaan Restaurant
    7 min walk
  • Maru Maru Terrace Restaurant
    4 min walk
  • Livingstone Beach Restaurant
    1 min walk
  • Beach House Restaurant
    4 min walk
  • Zanzibar Coffeehouse
    8 min walk

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Beach shuttle (surcharge)
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Shopping center shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free secured self parking on site
  • Free extended parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Tembo Bahari Restaurant

Things to do

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Children's pool
  • Farming classes
  • Foosball table
  • Full-service spa
  • Games
  • Library
  • Playground
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • 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

  • 161 square feet of conference space
  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No elevator
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Built in 1992
  • Colonial architecture
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Living plant wall
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Reception hall
  • Reusable cups
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LED TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal and airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, 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 or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
5 children, up to the age of 1, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 35.0 per day

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 15 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 15.00 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 15.00 (one-way), (from 5 to 10 years old)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 35.0 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

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 fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Alcohol is not served at this property

Frequently asked questions

Does Tembo House Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has 3 outdoor pools and a children's pool. Pool access is from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM.

Is Tembo House Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking and extended parking are free at this property.

What time is check-in at Tembo House Hotel?

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Tembo House Hotel?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Tembo House Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 15.00 per vehicle applies.

Where is Tembo House Hotel located?

Located in Stone Town, this beachfront hotel is in the city center and within a 5-minute walk of Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens. Hamamni Persian Baths and House of Wonders are also within 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Tembo House Hotel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

8.8

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.8

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 527 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 334 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location! We enjoyed our stay at Tembo House Hotel. The staff is very agreeable and the hotel has great amenities. It was also very easy to book activities through the hotel. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The most not issue I have is that I booked Tembo House. When we got there they said we were across the street at Tembo Palace. I showed them the booking, and I had email the property also. Priced we were supposed to be at Tembo House. Tembo house is so much prettier. They said they were full and we had to take the palace not the house. Offered to move us “ if we get a room for tomorrow”. We opted not to unpack twice. Still I did not like that they tried to tell me I was wrong and had booked the palace not the house. When I proved them wrong they basically said oh sorry but that’s all we have. Make sure you know what you are booking. The palace was fine. Huge room. Clean great staff. But it’s off the beach. And not as pretty. No compensation was offered.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, overall good
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the unique architecture & history of the building! The antique furniture in the rooms was a nice touch. The staff were so present & helpful - always asking if you needed anything or cleaning up the property. I ate at the restaurant multiple times & was impressed that many items could be altered to be vegan. I appreciated the no alcohol policy as it helped to keep the property quiet. Three pools with lots of loungers plus beach access was a bonus. I was hoping for a late check out but they were fully booked but they let me use all the property amenities including a shower while I waited for a late evening flight. This was a relaxing way to end my very active trip in Tanzania!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay! The property is well located, room was nice, the staff was so helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I truly enjoyed my stay. I wish I was able to stay more than one night. It was conveniently positioned. The three pools were added bonus. The breakfast options were nice and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. They provided an airport shuttle and it wasn’t very expensive and the driver was very punctual and very professional. They even provided me with an umbrella for the downpour the day of my tour, which was very nice. I would 100% recommend staying with them if you were ever in the Stonetown area it was a very central location as well which made the trip very walkable.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
friendly staff. nice ocean view
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A/C in room 100 was not working at all, someone looked at it and still not cooling. Should have washer and dryer’s for the guest to use. 50$ for 1 load of clothing not folded. All in all the stay was great, people were friendly and the hotel was beautiful and clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a trouble at check in which was resolved quickly by the helpful staff. The room was clean and had a hairdryer in the bathroom. We loved the rooftop pool. Plenty of breakfast options and a beautiful beach. The location is perfect and we felt very safe there.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay here was fine. The hotel is right on the water with a great proximity to StoneTown shopping and the sights. The breakfast was very good and the staff was helpful. Recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tolles Stadthotel mit unschlagbar guter Lage. Durch die historische Ausstattung und die drei Pools ist dieses Hotel etwas Besonderes. Würde jederzeit gerne wieder kommen. Das Personal war sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend. Leider konnten wir wegen dem frühen Abflug das Frühstück nicht in Ruhe genießen, haben aber ein Lunchpaket mitbekommen. Es lohnt sich hier einzuchecken!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hjælpsom personal. Der var utrolig mange klar til at slæbe kufferter.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Vraiment hôtel, propre , bien situé et très belle vue sur la mer
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a pleasant time at the hotel. Definitely enjoyed the morning buffet. It was so nice. A the was super friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
O único problema foi o quarto com cheiro de mofo quando chegamos. Dormimos com a janela aberta e passou.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location to see the sunset. Lots of people watching and activities at beachfront. Very helpful staff and great breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastiskt läge i Stone Town, och bra personal. Unik inredning och stil, men också lite slitet.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026