Zuri Zanzibar
Nestled on the prime west-facing Kendwa beach, overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Zuri Zanzibar takes its name from the Swahili word for ‘beautiful’ and is the result of a 10-year passion project by Czech entrepreneur, art lover, and filmmaker, Václav Dejčmar. Here, on a 300-meter long stretch of white sand in Kendwa—a rare spot without dramatic tide changes—55 thatched roofed villas and bungalows take inspiration from a typical village atmosphere, epitomizing modern-meets-traditional African design. Surrounded by a bounty of indigenous plants and foliage, the villas are an expression of African ethos and have been informed by an environmentally and socially sensitive approach to building, design, and operations. The high-luxury experience features seven sunset-facing restaurants and bars, a full yoga and wellness center, an infinity pool, a water sports center, and a book and movie collection specializing in rare art house films. The hotel’s vast spice garden immerses guests in the aroma of the island’s exotic flora, providing an olfactory glimpse into Zanzibar’s spice trading history. At the center of the entire approach is a deep appreciation of the treasured location and a responsibility to work with the local community to ensure sustainable practices.
Nestled on the prime west-facing Kendwa beach, overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean,
Zuri Zanzibar takes its name from the Swahili word for ‘beautiful’ and is the result of a 10-year passion
project by Czech entrepreneur, art lover, and filmmaker, Václav Dej
č
mar. Here, on a 300-meter long
stretch of white sand in Kendwa—a rare spot without dramatic tide changes—55 thatched roofed villas
and bungalows take inspiration from a typical village atmosphere, epitomizing modern-meets-traditional
African design. Surrounded by a bounty of indigenous plants and foliage, the villas are an expression of
African ethos and have been informed by an environmentally and socially sensitive approach to building,
design, and operations. The high-luxury experience features seven sunset-facing restaurants and bars,
a full yoga and wellness center, an infinity pool, a water sports center, and a book and movie collection
specializing in rare art house films. The hotel’s vast spice garden immerses guests in the aroma of the
island’s exotic flora, providing an olfactory glimpse into Zanzibar’s spice trading history. At the center
of the entire approach is a deep appreciation of the treasured location and a responsibility to work with
the local community to ensure sustainable practices.
Facing west, the majority of the bungalows, suites and 1, 2 & 3 bedroom villas offer stunning views over the Indian Ocean, while a few of the bungalows offer a partial ocean view or are located amongst the tranquil tropical gardens. Well-known designers Jestico + Whiles have elegantly combined 21st century tourism requirements with environmentally friendly architecture and the unique atmosphere of the Zanzibar islands.
Garden Bungalow
• Tranquil view of the tropical gardens
• One king or two single beds
• Offers 66 m2 of living space (41 m2 interior and 25 m2 of private terrace)
• Accommodates up to 2 adults
• Extra bed for 1 child up to age 12 available upon request, subject to availability
• Limited availability of interconnected bungalows
Zuri Bungalow
• Partial view of the magnificent Indian Ocean
• One king or two single beds
• Offers 66 m2 of living space (41 m2 interior and 25 m2 of private terrace)
• Accommodates up to 2 adults
• Extra bed for 1 child up to age 12 available upon request, subject to availability
Ocean Bungalow
• Stunning and uninterrupted view over the Indian Ocean
• One king or two single beds
• Offers 66 m2 of living space (41 m2 interior and 25 m2 of private terrace)
• Accommodates up to 2 adults
• Extra bed for 1 child up to age 12 available upon request, subject to availability
• Limited availability of interconnected bungalows
Ocean Jacuzzi Bungalow
• Stunning and uninterrupted view over the Indian Ocean
• One king or two single beds
• Private Jacuzzi
• Offers 66 m2 of living space ( 41 m2 interior and 25 m2 of private terrace)
• Accommodates up to 2 adults
• Extra bed for 1 child up to age 12 available upon request, subject to availability
Zuri Suite
• Combining indoor refinement and outdoor lush vegetation, the Zuri Suites offer partial views to the magnificent Indian Ocean
• Separate bedroom and living room area
• Private Jacuzzi
• One king or two twin beds with an optional single sofa bed
• Offers 132 m2 of living space(82 m2 interior and 50 m2 of private terrace)
• Accommodates up to 3 adults
Ocean-Front Suite
• Located just a step away from the beach, this suite offers uninterrupted views of the stunning Indian Ocean
• Separate bedroom and living room area
• Private Jacuzzi
• One king or two twin beds with an optional single sofa bed
• Offers 132 m2 of living space (82 m2 interior and 50 m2 of private terrace)
• Accommodates up to 3 adults
RESORT ACTIVITIES
Maua Wellness
MAUA Wellness has 3 massage rooms and 1 salon and offers a wide range of treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials and a hairdresser. This spa also has a Jacuzzi deck with sunbeds, creating one of the best places in Zanzibar to relax with a cup of tea.
Yoga
Why not balance yourself in a peaceful environment with a magnificent ocean view and watch one of Zanzibar’s famous sunrises or sunsets during a yoga lesson? Private lessons are also available upon request.
Wild Fitness & Outdoor Gym
Explore outdoor natural movement exercises, our outdoor fitness area offers a great place to workout.
Infinity Pool
The 32 metre long infinity pool‘ at the Zuri Zanzibar hotel has a contemporary design and is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment that offers a great alternative to the beach. Guests can relax by the pool whilst enjoying the incredible view of the Indian Ocean.
WIMBI Water Sports Center & Shop
Located on the beach, the WIMBI Water Sports Centre offers the rental of equipment for snorkelling, and various non-motorized water-sports. Its experienced instructors will be happy to arrange diving lessons. Beach games such as volleyball and petanque, as well as several kids‘ games, are also available. Guests can also book the wonderful Dhow sunset cruise, the Ngalawa boat trip, fishing trips and a snorkelling experience through the center.
Diving Center
The Zuri benefits from a fantastic location right in front of Tumbatu Island with its turtle-nestling zone and close to Mnemba atoll marine park, two of the best spots in Zanzibar for diving and snorkelling. The hotel can arrange the latest equipment for your rental, book trips for snorkelling and diving and organise direct pick up at the resort, which, combined with speedboat transport, will save you time. PADI certified courses are also available.
Beach
Zuri’s beach is one of the highlights of the resort. With its beautiful cliff backdrop, and 300 metres of sand to enjoy, guests have plenty of space to relax in total privacy and to swim all day long, without any tidal impact. A towel service is available. The villas and suites have their own private area and bar.
Spice Garden
Relax in the hotel’s beautiful green oasis, or in the private “pods” in the Spice Garden. The lush Zuri Spice Garden is the perfect place for a stroll and meditation as the five different glades are lush with an array of diverse plants. Here guests can enjoy cooking classes with one of the hotel’s chefs and enjoy an interactive and authentic way to discover more about Swahili cooking.
Book & DVD Library
Book lovers will be in their own paradise when they visit the hotel’s book & DVD library , located in the reception area. The book collection offers a wide selection of international books, all-time classics of European literature, books about Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa and design... in four words a „heaven for book lovers“! Then there is the DVD that will please all movie lovers with more than 500 DVDs, including some of the best movies of the last five decades, ranging from comedy to drama, from old-time classics to Oscar winners.
NEARBY
Stone Town
This UNESCO protected town is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar. Be part of a unique mixture of African, Indian, Arab and European cultures when you stay at this beautiful beach hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Stroll past a labyrinth of houses and mosques, cafes and restaurants, shops and bazaars and take a walk through history. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and market vibes of the Darajani and Forondhani Gardens at sunset and taste delicacies from Swahili and Zanzibari cuisine.
Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest is Zanzibar’s National Park and home not only to some amazing fauna and flora but also the Red Colubus Monkey, a very rare species that is only found in Zanzibar. These cool-looking guys are waiting to meet you.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Sit back and relax in a traditional Dhow and enjoy some real African romance. Listen to the sounds of taarab music, taste a variety of snacks and drinks, and watch the Zanzibar scenery drifting past. As the sun goes down beyond the horizon of the Indian Ocean, this is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Water Sports
If you are looking for a peaceful yet active escape, look no further; the endless coral reefs in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer some of the very the best diving and snorkeling in Zanzibar, and thanks to the steady sideshore winds and numerous sandy spots there is no better place for kite-surfing.
Prison Island
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town you will have the chance to enjoy some real peace and quiet. Prison Island earned its name during colonial times, when it was a prison. Nowadays it is the home of the Giant Aldabran Tortoise colony, as well as peacocks and butterflies, white beaches and a colourful coral reef. Inhale and enjoy.
Zanzibar Spice Tour
Smell and taste the spices of Zanzibar! Take a tour to just outside Stone Town and learn everything you wanted to know about spices, herbs and tropical fruits. Find out about lemongrass, papaya, vanilla and others and see how they are cultivated.
ARRIVAL & TRANSPORTATION
Airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (50 km from the resort)
Ferry: Zanzibar is also reachable by boat from Dar-es-Salam, docking at the main harbour in Stone Town.
Stone Town Car Rental: Car rental companies are available in Stone Town. Alternatively, our Concierge team can advise you.
Driving: Driving is on the left in Zanzibar. In order for tourists to drive they need to show their international licence at the police station and collect a local licence. However, we do advise our guests against hiring cars or driving themselves, and instead use a private driver or take a taxi in order to focus on enjoying the scenery of Northern Zanzibar.
Currency:
Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) and American Dollars (USD) are widely accepted.
An ATM machine is available in Stone Town. Exchange of Dollars, Euros, Pounds and Tanzanian Shillings is available at the reception desk
Time Zone:
3 hours ahead of GMT (2 hours in summertime)
Electricity:
220 volts with 3 flat-pronged plugs (UK style): British sockets are standard; we advise our guests to bring adaptors with them, although we do hold a few on reception.
Language:
Swahili, English
Weather:
September to April (26-32oC), May to August (25-28oC)
Medical Care:
An appointment can be organized with a private doctor directly at the hotel.
Visa required:
More information at http://www.tanzaniaconsul.com/visa.html
Location & Weather
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, lying on the eastern coast of Tanzania, which consists of Unguja and Pemba, the two largest islands, and about 50 smaller isles and sand banks. With just a few degrees dividing Zanzibar from the Equator, the tropical climate offers warm sunshine and incredible shades of blue ocean.
The climate is more humid than on the mainland. The long, dry season that runs from June until October comes with a bright blue sky and gorgeous sunny weather. The „green“ season starts at the end of March/beginning of April and lasts until the end of May. The‚ short rains‘ take place during November and December and act as a refreshing period for the land, with the second dry season, just a short one, taking place in January and February. The temperature from September until April is 26-32oC and from May to August 25-28˚C.
Tides
Tides are very important in Zanzibar, as they have a big impact on the daily life of the inhabitants. Depending on the moon, Zanzibar experiences 2 low and 2 high tides per day, with 6 hours in between low and high. The full moon and new moon provide stronger tides (“spring tides”) on the shoreline. However, depending on the location, they have more or less important tidal consequences. The north west coast is the least exposed to tides, which makes the Zuri Zanzibar an ideal location, since tides have no impact on its private beach.
Cuisine
As the history and culture of Zanzibar is influenced by many different cultures, its cuisine follows suit. Persians, Arabs, Chinese, Indians, Portuguese and others have brought new tastes, flavours and smells to the islands, from Chinese glass noodles, to sweetmeats from the Middle East, to spices from India. Zanzibari culinary art contains dishes flavoured with cloves, ginger, pepper, some chilli and fresh coconut. Other delicacies originate from the African mainland: manioc potatoes, boiled beans, sweet potatoes, roasted corn on the cob and yam. Another equally traditional dish is "sorpotel", a mixed offal and pork stew seasoned with curry spices. The famous Zanzibari pizza is also not to be missed. For food lovers, it is easy to find special meals: shark in pepper, octopus in coconut milk prepared with curry, cardamom, cinnamon, garlic, and lime juice.
