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Accommodation in Zanzibar for long-term stays as a digital nomad
Discover accommodation in Zanzibar for long-term stays, perfect for digital nomads, slow travellers, and entrepreneurs.
Zanzibar, known as the Spice Island, is an ideal option for digital nomads, slow travellers, and entrepreneurs who prefer working in relaxed, island environments with a high quality of life. If you’re considering living on this island in Tanzania for a while, keep reading. In this article, we’ll review the best accommodation in Zanzibar for long-term stays, including neighborhoods and popular areas for digital nomads.
With white sandy beaches, impressive natural landscapes that capture the attention of locals and visitors alike, Zanzibar offers various accommodation options perfect for long stays. Let’s explore the most convenient options for stays of several weeks or months, along with some practical travel tips.
Accommodation Options for Long Stays in Zanzibar
Unlike more touristy destinations where hotels are the top choice, digital nomads and long-term travellers in Zanzibar are opting for more flexible, comfortable options with good internet connectivity. Here are some of those options:
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Colivings, Community, Comfort and Good WiFi
Although Zanzibar’s coliving scene isn’t as developed as Bali or Lisbon’s, there are a few spaces designed specifically for digital nomads. These are mainly located in coastal areas like Paje or Jambiani, which are popular for their vibe, kitesurfing spots, and cafés with WiFi.
Some colivings offer packages that include accommodation, coworking spaces, cleaning, and community activities, which is ideal if you’re looking for a more social experience without too much hassle with logistics.
Advantages:
- Fibre-optic internet, in some cases.
- International community.
- Workspaces included.
- Group activities and events.
Where to find them:
- Paje: The dream spot for kitesurfers and laptop workers.
- Jambiani: Quieter and more local, ideal if you want less noise.
Furnished Apartments: Total Freedom
If you prefer a more independent lifestyle, renting a furnished apartment might be your best option. Several platforms offer fully equipped accommodations for long stays, from studios to entire houses. It’s common to find places with kitchens, washing machines, and common areas, perfect for settling in for a while.
Prices can vary significantly depending on proximity to the beach, the type of accommodation, and whether the host is international or local.
Tip: Some owners are open to negotiating if you tell them you’ll be staying for a month or more. Don’t settle for the price listed on the website: Ask for monthly rates.
Best areas for this:
- Kiwengwa: Quieter, ideal for working without distractions.
- Nungwi: A mix of local vibe and beach life, with good infrastructure.
Seasonal Airbnb: Comfort with Trust Filter
Airbnb also works in Zanzibar and can be a convenient option if you want something easy to book before you arrive. The key here is to look for hosts offering “monthly stays” or long-term stays, which usually include discounts for weekly or monthly bookings.
This is a good choice if you’re in transition or want to take your time exploring the island before deciding on a long-term place to stay.
Advantages:
- Simple management.
- Previous reviews from other travellers.
- Some properties have generators (very useful when there are power cuts).
Hostels with Monthly Options: Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Bad
Some hostels in Zanzibar, especially in areas like Paje and Kendwa, offer monthly rates. These places, originally for backpackers, have upgraded their facilities and now offer comfortable common areas, private rooms, and coworking spaces. If you like meeting people, this format also allows you to easily connect with travellers and other nomads.
Be cautious about: Noise. Some hostels can be quite party-oriented, so be sure to read the reviews before booking if you plan to work or rest.
Connectivity for Digital Nomads
One of the major challenges of living in Zanzibar can be internet connectivity. While it’s improving, not all areas have a strong signal, and power cuts are unpredictable. This is where the eSIM for Tanzania comes in, perfect for short stays or the monthly plans from Holafly, a solution designed for nomads who travel for longer stays and need to stay connected. With these plans, you can:
- Stay online with an international eSIM as soon as you land.
- Receive unlimited data (depending on the plan) without needing to buy physical SIM cards or search for local stores.
- Access 24/7 support if something goes wrong.
- Travel to over 160 destinations with the same eSIM.
This is ideal if you plan to work remotely from a café in Stone Town or from the comfort of a hammock in Kendwa. Plus, with the unlimited plan, you can connect multiple devices from €50.50 ($55) per month with no commitments.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
The Best Neighbourhoods and Areas in Zanzibar for a Long Stay
Paje, Favourite of Digital Nomads and Kitesurfers
This small coastal town is the epicentre of the nomadic lifestyle in Zanzibar. It’s relaxed, has cafés with WiFi, colivings, and is full of people living by the sea and working remotely.
Coworking and Cafés with Good WiFi in Paje Paje has several spots that have become popular among nomads. One well-known place is Paje by Night, which has comfortable common areas and good WiFi. There’s also Mr Kahawa, a café by the sea where you can work while sipping a smoothie, and Summer Beach, perfect for a more relaxed day.
Recommended Coliving Spaces in Paje In this area, you can find options like Drifters Zanzibar, which combines a social vibe with workspaces. There are also private houses functioning as informal colivings, where you share kitchens, terraces, and sometimes even activities.
Furnished Apartments in Paje Paje offers a good selection of furnished houses and apartments for long stays. Most are located near the sea and come with fully equipped kitchens, WiFi, and sometimes even weekly cleaning services.
Jambiani, Peace and Authenticity by the Sea
Just a bit south of Paje, Jambiani is a quieter, more local place. If you want to work without many distractions, surrounded by palm trees, the sea, and a more authentic community, this is the place for you.
Cafés and Workspaces in Jambiani Although quieter than Paje, there are places like Coral Rocks Café or Blue Reef Sport & Fishing Lodge that offer good WiFi and pleasant spaces for work. You can also find quiet bars during the day, perfect for taking out your laptop for a while.
Colivings and the Nomad Community in Jambiani Some hostels and guesthouses are starting to adapt their spaces for long stays. It’s more common to find private houses or shared villas that turn into small spontaneous colivings. There are also Facebook and WhatsApp groups where meetups or community dinners are organised.
Furnished Apartments in Jambiani Prices here are usually a bit lower than in Paje. You can find anything from studios to two-bedroom houses for reasonably affordable monthly rates. Just remember to always ask about the electricity connection and the generator, just in case.
Stone Town, History, Culture, and an Urban Vibe
If you prefer the city, movement, and being close to everything, Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historical capital, might be your best base. It has a fascinating mix of Arab architecture, intense local life, and a very unique international flair.
Coworking Spaces and Cafés for Working in Stone Town There are several cafés with good internet like Puzzle Coffee Shop, Jaws Corner, and Zanzibar Coffee House, which are key spots for those who need WiFi and coffee at the same time. You can also find more professional spaces, like small coworking setups inside boutique hotels.
Hotels Adapted for Digital Nomads in Stone Town Some accommodations in the centre are beginning to offer special packages for long stays. While not all of them are 100% designed for remote work, it’s worth asking about monthly discounts.
Furnished Apartments in Stone Town Here, you can find apartments in renovated historic buildings. They come equipped with kitchens and sometimes even terraces with sea views. There are also studios and lofts rented directly by foreigners living there, which makes things easier when it comes to contracts and payments.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Nungwi and Kendwa, the Beach + Traveller Community Combo
On the northern coast, Nungwi and Kendwa are popular options for those looking for more infrastructure and a social atmosphere. They are known for their dream beaches, a variety of accommodation options, and an active traveller community, although slightly more tourist-focused.
Teleworking Atmosphere in Nungwi and Kendwa There are cafés with decent WiFi, like Badolina Secret Garden Restaurant or Cinnamon Restaurant, where you can spend a productive morning. It’s not the best spot if your work depends on video calls all the time, but it’s ideal for more creative tasks or writing.
Colivings and Shared Spaces in the North There are still not many formal colivings, but several villas are rented for groups of nomads or remote retreats. If you’re coming with friends or want to share a house with people who have a similar lifestyle, this could be your zone.
Furnished Apartments for Rent in Nungwi and Kendwa There are apartments with air conditioning, kitchens, and balconies. Many are located near the beach, and while the prices are a bit higher, the views and atmosphere make up for it.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Matemwe, Nature, Peace, and Connection with the Island
If you’re looking for total peace, paradise beaches, and an experience more connected to local life, Matemwe is for you. Located in the northeast of Zanzibar, this coastal village is perfect for those who prefer a quiet environment, surrounded by nature, with less tourism and more authenticity. It’s ideal for writing, coding, meditating, or simply embracing a slow-paced lifestyle.
Quiet Cafés and Workspaces in Matemwe There are few cafés with strong WiFi, but accommodations usually have good connectivity. Some lodges and beach-front villas allow access to their common spaces even if you’re not staying there, making it a great option for a change of scenery without going too far.
Long-Term Accommodation in Matemwe This isn’t the place to find modern colivings or coworking spaces, but there are many private villas and family-run guesthouses that rent monthly, ideal for a more introspective and local experience. Some even offer homemade meals and cleaning services.
Daily Life in Matemwe There are fewer dining and entertainment options, but that’s part of its charm. The beach is almost private, you can buy fresh fish directly from fishermen, and the days go by slowly, which is pure gold if your work requires focus or if you’re looking to reconnect with yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Staying in Zanzibar for a Season
Yes, especially in areas like Paje, Jambiani, and Stone Town. Many accommodations are used to hosting travellers for weeks or months. The best approach is to negotiate directly with the host and ask for monthly rates, which are usually much more affordable.
It varies a lot by area. In places like Paje and Stone Town, the connection is usually good for remote work (although not perfect). To ensure connection from day one, many nomads usethe monthly plans from Holafly, an eSIM that keeps you online as soon as you land.
Both. Many accommodations, cafés, and tourist services accept dollars, but it’s wise to have Tanzanian shillings (TZS) for small purchases or in less touristy areas. On long stays, you’ll get used to handling both.
Apps like TanTaxi (for transport), Google Maps (sometimes not as accurate), and groups of Facebook or WhatsApp groups for foreigners and nomads can be useful for finding accommodation, events, or coordinating transport.
In general, it’s a fairly safe destination, especially in small towns like Paje or Jambiani. Still, it’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night in very isolated areas and to keep an eye on your belongings, as you would in any tourist destination.
