Tembo House Hotel — Attraction in Shangani

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Tembo House Hotel during my visit to Stone Town, Zanzibar, and I must say, it was an experience to remember. From the moment I walked into the historic hotel, I felt like I had stepped into a bygone era of Zanzibar's rich cultural heritage.

**Check-In and Reception.

The check-in process was smooth, and the staff at the reception were warm and welcoming. They provided me with a refreshing welcome drink and a cold towel, which was a lovely touch after my journey to Stone Town. The check-in area itself exuded an old-world charm, with its antique furniture and Persian rugs.

**Accommodation.

I stayed in one of their Deluxe Rooms, and it was absolutely stunning. The room was spacious, elegantly decorated with a blend of traditional Zanzibari and modern furnishings. The four-poster bed with mosquito netting added a touch of romance, and the room's high ceilings and large windows offered a view of the courtyard and the Indian Ocean in the distance. The room was impeccably clean, and the air conditioning worked perfectly, providing a welcome escape from the Stone Town heat.

**Dining.

One of the highlights of my stay was the food. The hotel's restaurant offered a variety of local and international dishes. Breakfast, served on the terrace overlooking the sea, was a particular delight. Fresh fruit, pastries, and traditional Zanzibari dishes were on the menu, and the coffee was exceptional. The only reason I'm not giving it a full five stars is that the service during dinner was a bit slow on one evening, but the quality of the food made up for it.

**Historical Charm.

Tembo House Hotel is a historical gem. It was once the American Consulate in the 1830s and later the home of a famous Swahili princess. The architecture and interior design of the hotel have been preserved beautifully, with intricate wooden doors, antique furniture, and a sense of history in every corner. Exploring the corridors and courtyards of the hotel felt like a journey back in time, and I was fascinated by the stories that seemed to linger in its walls.

**Location.

The hotel's location is unbeatable. It's right in the heart of Stone Town, which meant I could easily explore the winding alleys, historic sites, and vibrant markets on foot. The hotel also has direct access to the beach, so I could enjoy both the city's cultural attractions and the beautiful shoreline.

**Service. The staff at Tembo House Hotel were generally friendly and attentive. They helped me with booking tours and transportation, and they were knowledgeable about the area. However, as mentioned earlier, there was a slight hiccup with service in the restaurant during one dinner, which was a bit disappointing.

**Overall Impression My stay at Tembo House Hotel was a truly memorable experience. The combination of historical charm, comfortable accommodations, and an unbeatable location made it a fantastic choice for exploring Stone Town and the rest of Zanzibar. While there were minor service issues, they did not detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of this unique and enchanting hotel. I would highly recommend Tembo House Hotel to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Zanzibar while enjoying modern comforts.

I look forward to returning to this historical gem on my next visit...

Nestled along the pristine shores of Zanzibar, the Tembo Hotel stands as a beacon of comfort, culinary delight, and exceptional room service. My recent stay at this enchanting haven was nothing short of extraordinary, offering an unforgettable blend of relaxation and indulgence.

From the moment I arrived at the Tembo Hotel, I was captivated by its charming Swahili architecture that seamlessly blended with the coastal surroundings. The warm and welcoming staff greeted me with genuine smiles, setting the tone for the entire visit. The check-in process was smooth, and I was promptly escorted to my room.

The room itself was a delightful retreat, boasting breathtaking views of the azure ocean. The tastefully decorated interior exuded a sense of tranquility, allowing me to unwind and immerse myself in the coastal ambiance. The attention to detail was evident, from the comfortable bedding to the modern amenities that catered to every need. The expansive windows provided a seamless connection between the interior and the captivating ocean vistas, creating a serene atmosphere that was truly unparalleled.

One of the highlights of my stay was the exceptional room service provided by the Tembo Hotel. Whether it was a hearty breakfast enjoyed on the private balcony or a delectable evening meal under the stars, the staff consistently delivered prompt, friendly, and attentive service. The in-room dining options showcased a diverse range of culinary delights that celebrated the local flavors while offering international favorites. The ability to relish gourmet meals in the comfort of my room while savoring the soothing sounds of the ocean was an experience that left a lasting impression.

The culinary journey extended beyond the confines of my room. The hotel's on-site restaurant, overlooking the ocean, was a treasure trove of gastronomic pleasures. The menu boasted a fusion of Zanzibari and global cuisines, ensuring a culinary adventure that catered to every palate. Each meal was a symphony of flavors, carefully curated to showcase the finest ingredients and culinary techniques. The attentive staff and the breathtaking backdrop of the ocean contributed to an atmosphere that was both enchanting and memorable.

Furthermore, the hotel's prime location near the ocean added an irresistible charm to the overall experience. Mere steps away from the warm sands and inviting waters, the Tembo Hotel offered a seamless connection between relaxation and exploration. I spent my days lounging on the beach, indulging in water activities, and immersing myself in the local culture that thrived in the nearby streets. The convenience of having the ocean at my doorstep allowed me to truly appreciate the beauty and vibrancy of Zanzibar.

In conclusion, my stay at the Tembo Hotel in Zanzibar was a remarkable journey that celebrated the synergy between opulent room service, tantalizing culinary experiences, and the allure of the ocean. The impeccable hospitality, combined with the breathtaking views and proximity to the beach, created an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation that was simply unparalleled. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend the Tembo Hotel to those seeking an enchanting escape that transcends expectations and leaves a lasting imprint of...

From Tembo House to Tranquility: Our Shanuo Beach Bungalows Getaway

Tembo House → Shanuo via Othman Express We kicked off our journey the right way: Othman Express Zanzibar picked us up from Tembo House in Stone Town—smooth, stylish, and hassle-free. The ride was comfortable, giving us just enough time to switch from city-mode to island-mode as we headed east along the coast.

Arrival at Shanuo Beach Bungalows Pulling into Michamvi Pingwe, Shanuo felt instantly like home. Our bungalow—simple yet elegant—sat mere steps from the shoreline, with palm-thatched makuti roofs, wooden poles, and a breezy private terrace. The sea whispers were the perfect welcome.

The Vibe & Experience Shanuo isn’t about frills. It’s about space, ease, and the rhythm of Zanzibar life: no air conditioning, no minibar, just a calming fan, fresh ocean air, and the occasional coconut breeze. Long days melted into slow swims, barefoot walks, and sunset dhows as the natural soundtrack played on.

Rooms & Breakfast We stayed in a Deluxe Double, which had a snug private bathroom and a dreamy terrace overlooking Michamvi Pingwe beach—where every sunrise felt intentionally designed for serenity. Breakfast arrived on the terrace each morning, with tasty options like eggs with chapati, pancakes with honey or chocolate sauce, yogurt and muesli, seasonal fruit, and fresh juice.

Hospitality That Feels Personal Gillian (the manager) and her team were absolute gems. From contacting us in advance to ensure the transfer was set, to making dinner suggestions and helping book excursions, their warmth was everywhere. One reviewer perfectly sums it up: “Gillian and her staff were incredibly kind and attentive from the very start.”

Location & Activities Location-wise, you can’t beat it: right on one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar (even named for its “special ambience”!), with the iconic Rock Restaurant just a short walk away. For the more adventurous: Shanuo organizes snorkeling trips, sailing on traditional dhows, visits to Jozani Forest to see Colobus monkeys, spice farm tours, and even Zanzibar–Tanzania safari options.

Guest Highlights

“Excellent breakfast, great service, in a great location.”

“Location was perfect. Staff were friendly and helpful.”

“Gillian could not have been more helpful… perfect place on the beach… spotlessly cleaned.”

Value & Reflections With a rating around 9.2–9.4 across platforms and feedback consistently praising location, cleanliness, staff, and value, Shanuo delivers an unforgettable, low-key escape without...