A large, beautifully restored hotel in Zanzibar's capital
Explore Stone Town, see the sights of Zanzibar from this wonderful waterfront setting
Location: Set in two beautifully restored seafront buildings at the end of Shangani Street, Serena Inn enjoys one of Stone Town’s best addresses. The centre of town, with its winding alleys and vibrant markets, is less than a five-minute walk away.
Rooms: The hotel offers 51 air-conditioned, en-suite rooms, many with sea views and private balconies. All rooms come with modern comforts including satellite TV, mini-bars and Wi-Fi. While most standard rooms have a view of the ocean, booking a Prime Room guarantees uninterrupted sea vistas.
Amenities: Serena Inn’s elegant restaurant opens out towards the waterfront, serving fresh seafood and local specialities alongside international cuisine. There’s a relaxed bar and lounge area, plus a lovely pool with views across the Indian Ocean.
Activities: The hotel offers complimentary transfers to its private Mangapwani Beach Club, just 20 minutes away. Here, guests can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, swimming and dhow sailing trips. Back in Stone Town, staff are happy to help arrange guided walking tours, spice farm visits, or day trips to Prison Island and Jozani Forest.
Sustainability: Serena Inn plays a key role in conserving Zanzibar’s architectural heritage through its careful restoration of historic buildings. The hotel also supports local livelihoods through staff training, community partnerships and a focus on locally sourced produce and traditional craftsmanship.
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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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Alistair
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