Jambo! This is the Swahili greeting that you will hear on arrival in Zanzibar from the warm and inviting locals. As the number one beach location in East Africa, Zanzibar is a wonderful beach holiday destination, with classic tropical beaches, lush plantations, an incredible history and a fascinating culture.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Zanzibar’s Stone Town is a mishmash of cultures, languages and architecture. Over the centuries, Stone Town has grown from a small fishing village to a thriving town with an extraordinary history. Apart from historic Stone Town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, Zanzibar is known for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs. Whether you spend your days lazing by the pool, sipping cocktails on the beach at sunset, diving in warm waters or enjoying a Dhow cruise around small islands, your Zanzibar holiday will be a memorable experience.

We love Zanzibar for its irresistible charm and exotic beauty. From exploring the unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences to indulging in the aromatic spices and delectable local cuisine, Zanzibar captivates the senses at every turn. Whether you seek relaxation on sun-kissed shores, thrilling underwater adventures, or a fascinating journey through history, Zanzibar promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the equator and enjoys a very tropical climate. The average daytime high is between 28°C and 32°C and the night-time lows are between 20°C and 25°C. Temperature wise, Zanzibar is an all-year-round island holiday destination. February is very hot and very humid (just leave your hair straightener at home!) and March to May are the wettest months.

The indigenous language spoken throughout Zanzibar is Swahili (called Kiswahili locally). English is widely spoken and understood. Jambo Rafiki – Hello my friend! The local currency in Zanzibar is Tanzania Shillings (TSH) but the currency cannot be bought outside of the country. Cash (US Dollars) and credit cards are accepted at hotels and at any Bureau de Change. We strongly recommend that you take USD cash in small denominations for incidental purchases, tips etc.

Effective from 01 October 2024 all visitors to Zanzibar are required to purchase mandatory insurance at a cost of $44 per person which can only be obtained through Zanzibar Insurance Corporation via their website https://visitzanzibar.go.tz

As Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, it is recommended that you consult your physician on the correct preventative medication required before you travel.

Be sure to pack plenty of beach and casual wear for the day while at night you’ll want something smart casual men may need to wear long pants. When in town, men and women should have their shoulders and knees covered. Bermuda shorts and a polo shirt are perfectly fine but halter-tops and miniskirts are insulting to locals. You may also want to take an umbrella or rain poncho if you’re travelling from March to June.

The 5-star deluxe Iberostar Selection Zanzibar is set within 10 hectares of expansive beachfront grounds on Zanzibar’s picturesque north-east coast. Overlooking the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Muyuni Beach, the resort enjoys a spectacular location close to Mnemba Island—renowned for offering some of Zanzibar’s finest diving and snorkelling experiences

LOCATION

Matemwe, North East Coast.

ACCOMMODATION

Iberostar Selection Zanzibar features 358 spacious rooms and suites, all designed in a contemporary style with locally inspired details.

44 Junior Suites(Size: 37 m²)
A spacious, contemporary Junior Suite featuring a private terrace with resort or garden views and comfortable seating area. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy:
2 adults and 1 child or 3 adults

8 Junior Suites Private Garden (Size: 37 m²)
A spacious, contemporary Junior Suite with a private garden and comfortable seating area. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 1 child or 3 adults

41 Junior Suites Side Ocean View (Size: 37 m²)
A comfortable Junior Suite with a private terrace and partial views of the Indian Ocean. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 1 child or 3 adults

32 Junior Suites Pool Access (Size: 37 m²)
Located on the ground floor, this Junior Suite offers convenient access to the swimming pool directly from its terrace. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 1 child or 3 adults

93 Junior Suites Ocean View (Size: 37 m²)
A stylish Junior Suite featuring a private terrace and beautiful views across the Indian Ocean. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 2 children

5 Junior Suites Ocean View Terrace (Size: 41 m²)
The most spacious Junior Suite category, offering a generous 10 m² private terrace and expansive ocean views. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 2 children

20 Junior Suites Ocean View Interconnecting (Size: 82 m²)
Ideal for families or friends, this category comprises two interconnecting Junior Suites with two private terraces and two bathrooms, offering plenty of space and privacy. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults

10 Two Bedroom Suites (Size: 54 m²)
Located on the ground or first floor, this spacious suite features two separate bedrooms and a private terrace, providing additional comfort and privacy for families or friends travelling together. The two bedroom suites have a king bed or twin bed in the main bedroom, with two single beds in the second bedroom. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults

28 Two Bedroom Family Suites Ocean View (Size: 54 m²)
Designed especially for families, this spacious suite offers separate sleeping areas for adults and children, complemented by a private terrace with ocean views. These two bedroom suites have a king bed or twin bed in the main bedroom, with two single beds in the second bedroom.
Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults

4 Superior Suites Ocean View Jacuzzi (Size: 56 m²)
Positioned on the corner of the building, this spacious suite features a private terrace and an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. These suites have the option of king or twin beds.
Maximum occupancy: 3 guests

2 Superior Suites Ocean View Terrace Jacuzzi (Size: 56 m²)
Located on the second floor, this corner suite features an expansive private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and beautiful ocean views. These suites have the option of king or twin beds.
Maximum occupancy: 3 guests

15 Star Prestige Junior Suites Ocean View (Size: 37 m²)
Located on the upper floors, this adults-only Junior Suite includes access to the exclusive Star Prestige facilities and benefits, including personalised service, premium beverages and reserved relaxation areas. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults (16 years plus)


16 Star Prestige Superior Suites Side Ocean View Jacuzzi (Size: 56 m²)
This spacious adults-only suite features a private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and access to the exclusive Star Prestige facilities and services. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 3 adults (16 years plus)

32 Star Prestige Superior Suites Ocean Front Jacuzzi (Size: 56 m²)
Offering beautiful front-facing ocean views, this adults-only suite features a spacious private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and exclusive Star Prestige benefits. These suites have the option of king or twin beds and a single sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 3 adults (16 years plus)

2 Panoramic Sunrise Suites Ocean View Jacuzzi (Size: 140 m²)
A spectacular suite comprising a separate bedroom and living room, a spacious private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and a bathroom with a whirlpool bath. These suites feature
one king-size bed, with additional bedding for children. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 4 children

4 Panoramic Sunrise Suites Ocean View Private Pool (Size: 140 m²)
This expansive suite features a separate bedroom and living room, a whirlpool bath and a large private terrace with its own swimming pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. These suites feature
one king-size bed, with additional bedding for children. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults and 4 children

Honeymoon Suite Ocean View (Size: 140 m²)
Created for honeymooners, this luxurious suite features a separate living room, expansive terrace, private swimming pool and bathroom with a whirlpool bath. Special honeymoon benefits include welcome amenities, a couples’ massage, a romantic dinner and late check-out, subject to the resort’s qualifying conditions and availability. Suites feature one king-sized bed. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• Private furnished terrace
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Television
• Telephone
• Minibar
• Electronic safe
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Bathroom with shower
• Hairdryer
• Bathroom amenities
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Unlimited purified drinking water
• Sofa bed or seating area
• Non-smoking accommodation

Jacuzzis, whirlpool baths, private pools, private gardens, pool access and Star Prestige benefits are available in selected room categories only.

DINING

The resort operates on an all inclusive meal basis which includes:

• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at Karibu
• Varied gastronomic offerings at the themed restaurants
• Star Café refreshments & snacks
• Ice cream parlour
• Bar service including local and imported drinks
• Daily sports and entertainment programme
• Live evening entertainment
• Access to the gym

Restaurant opening days, serving times and reservation requirements may vary according to occupancy and the resort’s operational programme. Premium Star Prestige beverages and facilities are reserved for guests staying in Star Prestige room categories.

Karibu Main Buffet Restaurant
The resort’s main buffet restaurant, offering a varied selection of local and international dishes in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Rasa Indian Restaurant
A speciality restaurant serving a selection of dishes inspired by the distinctive spices, aromas and flavours of Indian cuisine.

L’Oliveto Italian Trattoria
A welcoming Italian trattoria serving a selection of traditional Italian-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting.

Tsukiji - Asian à la carte & Teppanyaki
An Asian speciality restaurant offering a selection of dishes inspired by the flavours and street-food traditions of Asia.

Salt & Cut Grill House
A contemporary grill house serving a selection of grilled meat, seafood and other freshly prepared dishes.

Al Mar Beach Restaurant
A relaxed beachfront restaurant where guests can enjoy a selection of dishes in a laid-back seaside setting.

Mawe Main Pool Bar
Conveniently located beside the main swimming pool, Mawe serves a selection of refreshing drinks in a relaxed poolside setting.

Dhow Beach Bar
A relaxed beach bar where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in the resort’s beautiful Indian Ocean surroundings.

Star Prestige Pool Bar
An exclusive pool bar reserved for guests staying in Star Prestige accommodation, offering drinks and refreshments in a peaceful adults-only setting.

Sotto Zero Ice Cream
A dedicated ice cream outlet offering a tempting selection of flavours—the perfect choice for a refreshing treat during the day.

Star Café
A convenient café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, light refreshments and snacks.

KIDS CLUB
Iberostar’s exciting Star Camp Kids Club offers a fun and engaging programme of age-appropriate activities for younger guests. Children can enjoy games, creative workshops, sports and educational experiences inspired by Zanzibar’s culture and marine environment, all supervised by the resort’s dedicated entertainment team. The club also features a dedicated children’s pool and waterpark with slides and splash areas, creating plenty of opportunities for fun both indoors and outdoors.

Age groups, opening hours and individual activities are subject to the resort’s daily programme.

WELLBEING & FITNESS
Iberostar Selection Zanzibar offers an extensive selection of fitness and sporting facilities, making it easy for guests to stay active throughout their holiday.

SPA
The resort’s tranquil spa provides a relaxing retreat with a selection of massages, beauty rituals and body treatments inspired by wellbeing and the island surroundings. Facilities include a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi as well as relaxation areas

WI-FI
Complimentary throughout the resort.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (a supplement may apply)

• 6 swimming pools, including a dedicated children’s pool and waterpark
• Beach towels, sun loungers and umbrellas
• Daily sports and entertainment programme
• Beach and pool activities
• Fitness Centre
• Beach volleyball
• Table tennis
• Tennis courts
• Padel courts
• Water sports centre
• Snorkelling
• Scuba-diving centre
• Two meeting rooms accommodating up to 15 delegates each
• Conference facilities accommodating up to 300 delegates

The information in this Fact Sheet is applicable from October 2026 and is subject to change without prior notice