Prime Sea View Rooms
Beachfront balconies
Directly on the seafront, overlooking the beach and the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation · Stone Town Beachfront · Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
- Historic Seafront Landmark
- Oceanfront Infinity Pool
- Alcohol-Free & Family-Friendly
- Halal Dining
Category
Heritage Luxury
Location
Stone Town Beachfront
Stay
Rooms, Suites & Apartments
To Airport
~15–20 min (ZNZ)
Overview
Tembo House Hotel (commonly known as Tembo Hotel) is one of Stone Town's most iconic and historic seafront landmarks. Situated directly on the shores of the Indian Ocean in the Shangani district of Stone Town, Zanzibar, this grand hotel boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Over the years, the historic structure has served as an American trading house, a consulate, and a meeting point for historic figures - including Freddie Mercury, who spent part of his childhood in the building.
The hotel seamlessly captures the essence of classic Zanzibari-Arabian heritage. Its grand architecture features carved Omani wooden doors, high vaulted ceilings, antique Persian carpets, and traditional brass-studded furnishings. Because of its prime beachfront position, guests can step straight from the historic corridors of Stone Town onto the sandy shore or relax while watching traditional dhows sail past against the sunset.
Equipped with an ocean-facing infinity swimming pool, a seafront restaurant, a relaxing spa, and alcohol-free family-friendly hospitality, Tembo House Hotel offers a unique blend of culture, history, and seaside relaxation in the heart of Zanzibar.
- Oceanfront infinity pool
- Courtyard pool
- Spa
- Beachfront restaurant
- Alcohol-free & family-friendly
Location & key distances
Situated on Forodhani / Shangani Street directly on the Stone Town beachfront.
- Old Fort & Forodhani Gardens~300 m (4 min walk)
- House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)~350 m (4 min walk)
- Stone Town Ferry Terminal~1.2 km (15 min walk)
- Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ)~7.5 km (15–20 min)
- Kendwa / Nungwi beaches~60 km (1 hr 15 min)
Accommodation
Every room is individually decorated with Zanzibari antiques, handcrafted canopy beds and Swahili decor. Every room includes:
- Air Conditioning & Fans
- Hot Shower / Bathtub
- Balcony (sea & pool view rooms)
- Free Wi-Fi & Satellite TV
- Safe, Minibar & Telephone
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Daily Bottled Water
- 24-Hour Room Service
Deluxe & Standard Rooms
Four-poster Swahili beds
Carved furniture and views of the courtyard, pool or historic streets.
Presidential & Executive Suites
Wrap-around balconies
Expansive living rooms, antique furnishings, marble bathrooms and panoramic sea views.
Family Suites & Apartments
Families
Interconnected spaces with extra bedding.
Dining & culinary experience
Tembo House Hotel is an alcohol-free property focused on authentic family dining and halal gastronomy.
Bahari Seafront Restaurant
Buffet breakfasts, fresh seafood, Swahili dishes and international cuisine along the ocean promenade.
Poolside Snack Bar
Fresh juices, mocktails, light snacks and artisanal teas beside the pool.
Private Beach & Sunset Dining
Candlelit dinners on the beach under the palms, on request.
Facilities & recreation
Oceanfront Infinity Pool
An outdoor pool right beside the beach, with loungers and umbrellas.
Courtyard Pool
A quieter, sheltered pool in the inner garden courtyard.
Tembo Bahari Spa
Swahili spice scrubs, deep tissue massages and aromatherapy.
Souvenir & Antique Shops
Handicrafts, Tanzanite jewelry, spices and traditional artwork.
Excursion & Water Sports Desk
Sunset dhow cruises, spice tours, Prison Island trips and airport transfers.
Zanzibar experiences
Organized by ETAAdd island excursions to your stay - every tour and transfer can be arranged by Explore Trekking Adventure (ETA).
Stone Town
- Guided Stone Town tour
- Forodhani night food market
- House of Wonders & Old Fort
Island Nature
- Spice farm tour
- Jozani Forest red colobus
- Prison Island giant tortoises
On the Water
- Safari Blue boat trip
- Mnemba Atoll snorkelling
- Sunset dhow cruise
Stay here as part of your ETA trip
We can include Tembo House Hotel in your safari, Kilimanjaro climb or Zanzibar holiday - with transfers and every excursion arranged by our team in one plan.
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