Decorated in the traditional Swahili style with opulence in mind
An excellent base from which to start your Zanzibar holiday
Location: Located on the west coast of Zanzibar Island, The Seyyida Hotel sits beside the Palace Museum in the heart of Stone Town. Just a short walk from the House of Wonders and seafront, it’s ideally placed for exploring the city’s narrow streets and markets. The airport is around 15 minutes away by car.
Rooms: This elegant boutique hotel has 17 rooms spread across six categories, designed to suit a range of travellers. All rooms are decorated in traditional Swahili style, with hand-carved wooden furniture and colourful textiles, complemented by modern amenities.
Amenities: The rooftop restaurant is a highlight, offering sweeping views across Stone Town and out to sea. Exotic indoor gardens and traditionally styled communal areas add to the hotel’s charm, creating a peaceful retreat from the lively city streets.
Activities: From The Seyyida, it’s easy to explore Stone Town’s key sites on foot, including the Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, and local markets. The hotel can also help organise excursions to Prison Island, spice farms, Jozani Forest or day trips to the island’s beaches, where snorkelling and diving can be arranged.
Sustainability: The Seyyida Hotel is locally owned and employs staff from the surrounding community. Its restoration makes use of traditional Swahili architecture and crafts, helping to preserve local heritage while offering a more sustainable approach to development in the historic centre.
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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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and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
Ottilie
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