Welcome to
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
A Heritage Gem in the Heart of Stone Town
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers an immersive journey through the island’s storied past. Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and amidst Sultans’ Palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours and colourful bazaars. Opened in 1997, the hotel was carefully restored from two historic seafront buildings, an 18th-century Chinese doctor’s residence and the old 19th-century Extelcoms House, honouring their original architectural character. This meticulous restoration contributed to Stone Town’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Step inside and discover interiors inspired by Zanzibar’s grand era, where Arabic and Swahili influences echo throughout. Each of the 51 rooms and suites exudes understated coastal elegance, with whitewashed walls, high ceilings, and French doors that open to private balconies with sweeping ocean views.
Accommodation
Charming Ocean-View Accommodation in Stone Town
Blending coastal elegance with Swahili heritage, the 51 rooms and suites at Zanzibar Serena Hotel offer a tranquil retreat in the heart of historic Stone Town.
Each space is designed for comfort and serenity, featuring high ceilings, shuttered windows, and cool whitewashed walls to create a sense of light and calm. Arched niches, antique ceramics, carved wood furniture, and brass lanterns, infuse every room with timeless Swahili charm.
From our inviting Standard Rooms to the spacious Executive Suite, all accommodations feature private balconies with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
Family Accommodation
Adjoining rooms available for families
Baby cots are available upon request
Babysitting services available with advance notice
Guest Services:
24-hour room service
24-hour backup generator
House doctor on call 24hrs
Laundry* and valet services
All-day complimentary tea & coffee
Standard King Room
Designed in classic Swahili style, our Standard King Rooms feature carved wood details and a calming colour scheme. Each room includes a king-sized bed with a mosquito net, air conditioning, and well appointed bathrooms . Large windows or private balconies offer views of Stone Town or the Indian Ocean, providing a comfortable and authentic coastal stay.
Standard King / Twin Room
Blending comfort with Swahili character, these rooms offer either a king-sized bed or two single beds, each with a mosquito net. Interiors feature traditional niches, carved wood furnishings, and a soothing colour palette. Rooms are equipped with modern essentials and offer views of Stone Town or the Indian Ocean.
Standard Twin Room
Designed in classic Swahili style, these rooms feature two single beds with a mosquito net, traditional niches, and carved wood furnishings. The calming colour palette creates a relaxed coastal feel, with all essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Standard Triple Room
Ideal for families or small groups, these rooms feature three single beds with mosquito nets, traditional Swahili design elements, and carved wood furnishings. A soothing colour scheme enhances the light, airy feel for a restful stay in Stone Town.
Prime King Room
Located along the seafront, our Prime King Rooms feature traditional Swahili design, a king-sized four-poster bed with mosquito nets, and coastal-inspired furnishings in cool blue tones. Each room opens onto a spacious L-shaped balcony with panoramic ocean views, a private outdoor sitting area, and a double hammock.
Prime Twin Room
Located along the seafront, our Prime Twin Rooms feature traditional Swahili touches, including fretwork cabinets and cool-toned coastal furnishings. Each room offers two single four-poster beds with mosquito nets and opens onto an L-shaped balcony with sweeping ocean views, a private seating area, and a double hammock.
Honeymoon Prime Room
Perfect for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special occasion, this beachfront room features traditional Swahili design, fretwork cabinets, and cool-toned coastal furnishings. The spacious king-sized four-poster bed is draped in a mosquito net, and the room opens onto an L-shaped balcony with panoramic Indian Ocean views, a private alfresco seating area, and a double hammock.
Executive Suite
Spacious and elegant, the Executive Suite features a king-sized four-poster bed with a mosquito net, a separate sitting area with TV and mini bar, and a well-appointed bathroom with both bath and shower. Traditional Swahili touches and ocean-inspired tones complete the experience.
Dining
Swahili Restaurant & Culinary Experiences
Savour the spirit of Zanzibar with cuisine as vibrant as the island itself. At Zanzibar Serena Hotel, dining is a celebration of fresh-caught seafood, aromatic spices, and the finest local ingredients, served in settings as spectacular as the flavours themselves.
Dine under starlit skies at our rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, indulge in our signature Swahili Nights every Friday by the pool, or sip handcrafted cocktails to the sounds of live Taarab music.
From business lunches and romantic dinners, each dish draws from Zanzibar’s rich culinary heritage. Discover unforgettable dining in the heart of Stone Town, where every meal tells a story.
Children’s Meals:
Served as either buffet style or a la carte, with a variety of options to suit even the pickiest eaters and a children's menu is available. We also offer early meal times (from 12:00 p.m and 6:30 p.m upon request) to accommodate children's routines.
Baharia Restaurant
Just steps from the Indian Ocean, Baharia offers a relaxed coastal setting and a menu that blends international cuisine with creative Swahili flavours. From fresh seafood to aromatic island spices, every dish is crafted with care and coastal character.
Book a Table For:
- Swahili Night by the Pool
Open daily for:
- Breakfast: 6:30am to 10:00am
- Lunch: 12:30pm to 2:00pm
- Dinner: 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Reservations:
T: +255 774 44 0010/11
E: zanzibar@serenahotels.com
Terrace Seafood Restaurant
Perched on the rooftop with sweeping views of the bay, Terrace Seafood Restaurant offers a refined dining experience rooted in the freshest local catch and seasonal ingredients. Whether for a polished business lunch or a relaxed dinner under the stars, it’s the ideal setting to savour the flavours of the sea.
Book a Table For:
- Seafood Dinner at the Rooftop
Open daily for Dinner: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Reservations:
T: +255 774 44 0010/11
E: zanzibar@serenahotels.com
Masahani Bar
Rooted in Swahili heritage, Masahani Bar offers a warm, relaxed space to unwind with colleagues or reconnect with friends. Sip on signature cocktails, curated wines, and cold beers as the sounds of live Taarab music set the tone. Light bites are also available ,classic bar favourites reimagined with a local twist.
Book a Table For:
- Golden Hour Special Every Day
Open Every day from: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Reservations:
T: +255 774 44 0010/11
Business Meetings
& Conferences
Meetings at the Heart of Stone Town
Host your next meeting or corporate gathering in one of Tanzania’s most distinctive settings. Poised in the heart of historic Stone Town and overlooking the Indian Ocean, we offer a seamless blend of heritage charm and modern professionalism.
Our fully equipped Conference Room accommodates up to 40 guests in various seating arrangements. From décor and catering to audio-visual support, our experienced banquets team ensures every detail is handled with care.
Meetings at a Glance
- 648-square-foot conference room
- Capacity for up to 40 guests
- Flexible seating configurations: theatre, classroom, boardroom, or U-shape
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour generator backup
- Delegate materials: pads, pens/pencils, mineral water
- TV screen
- PA system with table, cordless, and podium microphones
- Podium/lectern
- Whiteboards, flip charts, and markers
- Half-day and full-day conference packages including:
- Venue hire
- Two coffee/tea breaks
- Lunch or dinner
- Optional enhancements: floral décor, theming, team-building activities
- Secretarial and photocopying services
- High-speed internet and global communication access
- Registration desk staffing and coordination support
- Concierge and travel desk support
- Airport ‘meet and greet’
- Limousine and taxi arrangements
- Access to local safari and excursion bookings
- Executive and CEO suite options
- Onsite spa and wellness services
- Custom wellness breaks or post-meeting relaxation packages
Zanzibar Capacity Chart
|
Name of Room
|
Banquet
|
Cabaret
|
Reception
|
Theatre
|
Classroom
|
Boardroom
|
U-Shape
|
Hollow Square
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaza Conference Room |
Your Stay Enriched
The Soul of Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Maisha Spa Treatment*
- Dining by the Sea*
- Seafood BBQ & Chill*
- Take a dip in the swimming pool
*Chargeable
Soothe your senses with a tailored selection of Maisha therapies at Zanzibar Serena Hotel. Each treatment is thoughtfully designed to ease tension, rejuvenate the body, and enhance your overall wellbeing ,leaving you refreshed and restored.
At Zanzibar Serena Hotel, you're invited to a truly unforgettable beachside experience. Settle into your seat by the shore, sip your favourite chilled drink, and savour a meal where the sea is both backdrop and companion.
After a refreshing swim or sun-soaked lounge, enjoy a fresh seafood barbecue served right on the sand. Guests can even participate in the preparation, turning lunch into a hands-on coastal culinary experience. Chill with ice-cold drinks, soak in the views, and embrace island life at its finest.
Experiences
Discover Zanzibar
- A Day Out at Pange Sandbank*
- Freddie Mercury Museum*
- Stone Town Tour*
- Safari Blue Sea Day with Lunch*
- Spice Tour*
- Visit to Prison Island*
- Visit to Jozani Forest*
- Dolphin Safari*
*Chargeable
Just 30 minutes by boat from Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Pange Sandbank is a stunning sliver of white sand surrounded by turquoise waters in every direction. This full-day excursion combines marine adventure, island heritage, and culinary delight—an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller.
Excursion Highlights within Stone Town, Zanzibar
1. Prison Island Tour
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Prison Island, once used for quarantine and now home to the endangered Aldabra giant tortoise. These gentle giants are part of a conservation effort and provide a perfect photo opportunity amid the island’s rich history.
2. Sail to Pange Sandbank
Cruise across brilliant blue waters to reach Pange, a pristine sandbank where you’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing, swimming, and snorkelling. The coral reefs teem with tropical fish, offering a vibrant underwater world for marine enthusiasts.
3. Seafood Barbeque & Chill
After a refreshing swim or sun-soaked lounge, enjoy a fresh seafood barbecue served right on the sand. Guests can even participate in the preparation, turning lunch into a hands-on coastal culinary experience. Chill with ice-cold drinks, soak in the views, and embrace island life at its finest.
What’s Included
- Entry to Prison Island
- Snorkelling gear (mask, fins, life jackets)
- Seafood lunch on Pange Sandbank
- Two servings of beer or wine
- Soft drinks and water
- Comfortable, traditional wooden dhow
- Professional, experienced guide
- All applicable taxes and fees
What’s Not Included
- Medical insurance
- Personal expenses or extras not listed above
What to Wear
- Swimsuit under light clothing (shorts, summer tops)
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Flip-flops or beach sandals
- Beach towel (provided by the hotel)
Duration & Schedule
Full-Day Experience | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Boat to Prison Island: 30 minutes
- Visit Prison Island: 1.5 hours
- Sail to Pange Sandbank: 45 minutes
- Relax & dine on sandbank: 2–3 hours
- Return to hotel: 30 minutes
Price: $70 per person
Walk Through History in the Heart of Zanzibar
As part of your journey, step into the life of one of the world’s most iconic music legends at the Freddie Mercury Museum.
Located in Shangani, a short walk from Zanzibar Serena Hotel, this is the first museum dedicated to Freddie Mercury ,born Farrokh Bulsara here in Zanzibar. Inaugurated on 24th November 2019, the 28th anniversary of his passing, it was developed in partnership with Queen Productions Ltd. (UK) and features rare, exclusive photographs and memorabilia chronicling his extraordinary journey.
Trace Freddie’s roots from his Zoroastrian upbringing and early childhood in Zanzibar, to his schooling in Panchgani, and his rise to global stardom as the legendary frontman of Queen.
Museum Information
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Shangani, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Admission Fees
- Non-Residents:
Adults – $10 per person
Children – $6 per child
- Residents:
Adults – 10,000 TSH
Children – 6,000 TSH
Step Into the Soul of Zanzibar
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the historic heart of Zanzibar. Its winding alleys, ancient buildings, and vibrant markets tell stories of a rich cultural past shaped by trade, empire, and resilience.
This guided tour takes you through key landmarks, including the Darajani Market, the former slave market and chambers, Forodhani Gardens, the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace, and the Old Portuguese Fort ,offering a powerful glimpse into the island’s layered history.
An Iconic Zanzibar Sea Adventure
Just 40 minutes from Zanzibar Serena Hotel, the Safari Blue experience takes you on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Menai Bay Conservation Area ,one of Zanzibar’s most renowned marine sanctuaries.
Sail aboard a traditional wooden dhow, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, swim in hidden lagoons, and ,if nature allows ,spot dolphins dancing in the surf.
Back on shore, indulge in a Swahili-style seafood barbecue, followed by a tasting of exotic Zanzibari tropical fruits. With refreshing drinks, light snacks, and the warmth of the Indian Ocean all around, it’s a perfect day of discovery, relaxation, and island magic.
Experience Highlights
- Traditional dhow sailing through Menai Bay
- Guided snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs
- Dolphin watching (subject to nature’s timing)
- Seafood barbecue lunch with tropical fruit tasting
- Complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day
- Warm hospitality from an experienced local crew
This is a must-do sea safari—ideal for couples, families, and adventurers seeking the full Zanzibar experience.
Discover Why Zanzibar Is Called the 'Spice Island'
Venture into rural Zanzibar and explore smallholder farms where locals cultivate fragrant spices like clove, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, alongside medicinal herbs and tropical fruits.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this immersive tour offers fascinating insights into the uses of each plant—from flavouring local dishes to healing remedies and traditional ceremonies that remain a vital part of Zanzibari culture.
A Journey Through History and Conservation
Also known as Changuu Island, Prison Island lies just 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town. Once owned by an Arab trader as a site for confining rebellious slaves, the island never served its intended purpose. Instead, it was converted into a quarantine station during yellow fever outbreaks and later purchased by General Lloyd Mathews, who built the still-standing prison in 1893 ,giving the island its name.
Today, Prison Island is also home to a sanctuary of Aldabra giant tortoises, originally gifted in 1919 by the British Governor of Seychelles. Now a vulnerable species listed on the IUCN Red List, these gentle giants are cared for by a dedicated conservation foundation. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe, interact with, and feed the tortoises, while learning about their remarkable journey.
Explore Zanzibar’s Only National Park
Jozani Forest is a lush, protected reserve and the only national park on Zanzibar. It is best known as the habitat of the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, a species found nowhere else on Earth.
Enjoy a guided walk along forest trails shaded by ancient trees, and keep an eye out for other unique wildlife, including duikers, bush babies, and the elusive Zanzibar servaline genet. A visit to Jozani offers a peaceful immersion into the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Price :USD 85 per person
Swim with Zanzibar’s Playful Dolphins
Journey to Kizimkazi, a picturesque fishing village on Zanzibar’s southern coast, renowned for its pods of bottlenose dolphins. Enjoy the unique experience of observing these graceful creatures in the wild and, if you're lucky, swimming alongside them in their natural habitat.
Price: USD 170 per person
Maisha Treatments at Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Welcome to Maisha Wellness, where every treatment is rooted in care, transformation, and lasting results.
Each session begins with a personalised consultation by our professional aesthetician, who will tailor your treatment to meet your unique skin or body care needs. Using techniques that activate the skin’s natural healing response, our therapies leave you feeling radiant ,with visible improvements that last for days.
Celebrate Love in Timeless Zanzibar
When it comes to unforgettable celebrations, Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers one of the most romantic and distinctive backdrops in East Africa. From Indian Ocean sunsets and white sandy beaches to opulent Swahili décor and historic venues, your special occasion is elevated by our legendary setting and heartfelt hospitality.
Honeymoon Package: $478 per couple
3 days/ 2 nights stay. The package includes:
- Meet & greet at the airport or seaport
- Transfer back to the airport or seaport
- 2 nights accommodation on bed & breakfast
- Honeymoon courtesies with flowers, fruits and wine
- Selection of activity (city tour/sand bank romantic picnic).
- Room upgrade to the Honeymoon Prime Room, subject to availability
Extra night: $152 per couple
Gallery
Images of Zanzibar Serena Hotel
A Heritage Gem in the Heart of Stone Town
Serena Hotels is deeply committed to preserving and celebrating rich cultural heritage of the regions it serves.
Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and nestled amidst sultans’ palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours and colourful bazaars, the hotel opened in 1997, was carefully restored from two historic seafront buildings: an 18th-century Chinese doctor’s residence and the old 19th-century Extelcoms House, honouring their original architectural character. This meticulous restoration contributed to Stone Town’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Your Beachfront Escape in Historic Stone Town
Zanzibar Serena Hotel unites the restored 19th-century Old ex-Telecoms building and 18th-century Chinese Doctor’s Residence, preserving their historic charm.