Blending rich Swahili heritage with the aroma of freshly roasted Zanzibari coffee.
A warm welcome and a window into Zanzibar’s spice-trading past.
Location: Tucked away in the winding alleys of Stone Town, Zanzibar Coffee House sits right at the heart of this UNESCO-listed old quarter. It is a brilliant base for exploring the city's labyrinthine streets, spice markets, and historic buildings. Step outside and you're instantly immersed in the sounds, scents, and stories of Zanzibar's trading past - yet inside, it is a peaceful retreat from the bustle.
Rooms: There are just eight rooms at Zanzibar Coffee House, each one individually decorated with hand-carved Zanzibari furniture, richly patterned fabrics, and plenty of old-world charm. Some have traditional four-poster beds or stained-glass windows, and all are full of character. The style is simple but thoughtful, with a strong sense of place - ideal if you're after atmosphere over polish.
Amenities: The rooftop terrace is a real highlight - a lovely spot for a fresh coffee, light breakfast, or just taking in the view over Stone Town's rooftops and the Indian Ocean beyond. There's a cosy café on the ground floor too, where they roast their own beans and serve excellent cakes. Wi-Fi is available, though expect it to be patchy - part of the charm of being in such a historic building.
Activities: Staying here puts you within easy walking distance of Stone Town's key sights - from the old slave market and the Sultan's Palace to the bustling Darajani market. The team can also help arrange spice tours, boat trips to nearby island, or even a day on the beach if you fancy escaping the city heat. It is a great place to spend a day or two soaking up Zanzibar's culture before heading to the coast.
Sustainability: Zanzibar Coffee House supports local famers by sourcing its coffee beans from smallholder growers on the island and roasting them in-house. Much of the furniture is made by local craftspeople using traditional methods, and the lodge employs and trains staff from the surrounding community. It is a small, locally run business that gives back in meaningful ways - exactly the kind of place we like to support.
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Best places to stay in Stone Town
Stone Town 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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Alistair
Ottilie
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