A beautifully refurbished building packed with style, history and tradition
Location: Emerson on Hurumzi is located in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a 19th-century merchant’s home, the hotel is now a vibrant, character-filled base for exploring the city’s winding alleys, lively markets and nearby beaches. Its central location makes it easy to dive into the island’s culture and history.
Rooms: Each room is individually designed, combining the elegance of the building’s heritage with exotic detail and modern comfort. Expect stained-glass windows, carved woodwork, high ceilings and canopied four-poster beds. The rooms vary in size and price, but all share a romantic, old-world atmosphere that feels unique to Zanzibar.
Amenities: The hotel’s rooftop restaurant is a standout, with panoramic views over Stone Town and the ocean beyond. Guests dine on beautifully prepared Persian- and Omani-inspired dishes, using local ingredients and traditional recipes. It’s one of the most memorable dining spots in the city.
Activities: From the doorstep, you can explore historical sites like the House of Wonders, the Arab Fort and the Sultan’s Palace. Markets are ideal for picking up crafts, textiles and spices, while further afield you can visit Jozani Forest, local spice farms, or take a boat trip to nearby islands for swimming and snorkelling.
Sustainability: Emerson on Hurumzi is deeply rooted in the local community and supports a range of cultural and conservation initiatives in Stone Town. The hotel’s commitment to preserving Zanzibar’s heritage shines through in everything from its careful restoration work to its support for local artisans and traditional cuisine.
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Best places to stay in Stone Town
Zanzibar Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zanzibar
Find out the best time to visit Zanzibar with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
February
February is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
March
In March Zanzibar experiences a period of long rains - showers become more frequent and it can be very wet from the middle of March.
April
The long rains make April a mixed month to travel, as beaches along the Indian Coastline become very hot and wet. Activities like scuba diving take a turn, with water clarity decreasing due to the weather. We would recommend not travelling during this time.
May
Temperatures during May are high, with strong winds and continual rainfall. If you travel during this time you won't witness the best of Zanzibar.
June
June, the wet season is finally over, temperatures are cooler making it a beautiful time to lounge on the beach or explore the culturally rich Stone Town. Sporadic rainfall may occur across the month.
July
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during July with clarity levels increasing.
August
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during August with clarity levels increasing as long as the weather remains temperate.
September
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather, the added bonus of September is the possibility of whale watching.
October
October is the ideal month for exploring coral reefs and exotic marine life, with water clarity of 25 meters or more it is perfect for any water lovers. The weather remains temperate, with little wind and rainfall.
November
November brings the arrival of the summer rains and winds, but if you're a keen fisherman, billfish season kicks off. Otherwise, it is the best time to swim with the mighty whale shark and to go coral reef diving.
December
The wet season continues in Zanzibar during December. However, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks. Diving is not at its best but visibility is good for exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish.
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