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.

Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Resort is one of the most established hotels on the island of Zanzibar and has undergone a massive renovation and refurbishment programme in 2025. Discover an evocative atmosphere surrounded by tropical gardens and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance and an all-inclusive culinary experience where every dish celebrates the authentic flavours of Zanzibar. The resort’s location on the east coast of the island gives guests the experience of being able to walk out to the reef across the beach at low tide.

LOCATION

East Coast, Kiwengwa.

ACCOMMODATION

All rooms have been totally refurbished and present a modern Swahili style with traditional details and a neutral palette. Bathrooms are fitted with a walk-in shower, hand basins and bidets.

36 Garden Rooms (Size 18m²)
The Garden Rooms are located on the ground or first floor and have private balconies or terraces.

33 Superior Rooms (Size 23m²)
The Superior Rooms are located on the ground floor and have a private terrace overlooking the gardens.

6 Family Rooms (Size 25m²)
The Family Rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults and 1 child. They are located on the ground floor and have a separate room with 2 single beds.

7 Beach Villas (Size 22m²)
The Beach Villas are the second row of villas on the beach and have a partial ocean view and a private terrace.

17 Beach Front Villas (Size 25m²)
The Beach Front Villas make up the first row of villas directly on the beach and have a direct ocean view from their private terraces.

6 Beach Front Villas with Private Pool (Size 32m²)
6 of the Beach Front Villas have a private plunge pool directly on the beach and guests can enjoy a floating breakfast on request.

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fan
• Stocked mini bar
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Espresso coffee machine in Beach Front Villas with Private Pool only
• Wi-Fi internet
• Hair dryer
• Bathrobes and bathroom amenities
• Flat screen satellite TV (Beach Villas Only)
• King size or twin beds with mosquito net
• Electronic safe

DINING

All inclusive includes:

• Welcome drink
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the Palms Restaurant. Themed nights including African Dinner are served during the week.
• Lunch is also served at Onda Restaurant (reservation required). 
• Snacks, soft drinks, fruit juices, tea, coffee, local beer, house wine, water served at the Hibiscus Pool bar from 10h00 to 24h00 and at the Onda Beach Bar from 10h00 to 18h30.
• Cocktails and selected spirits served from 12h00 to 24h00
• Snacks offered throughout the day at the Hibiscus Pool Bar.
• Stocked mini bar in the room with soft drinks, water and local beer
• Wi-Fi internet in public areas, on the beach and in all rooms.
• Games rooms with Playstation and satellite TV.
• Gym open from 07h00 to 20h00
• Aqua aerobics and stretching
• Canoes, beach volley, beach soccer, darts, table tennis and billiard table
• Daily soft entertainment programme

Premium All Inclusive includes all of the above plus:

• Express check in
• Late check out subject to availability
• Welcome Prosecco and canapes on arrival
• 1 one hour Invigoration and Superior Firming Massage per person, per stay
• Premium selection of branded beers, spirits and wine
• Continental breakfast room service on request
• Pre-dinner canape and cocktail served in the room
• Beach dining experience once per stay
• Island spice gift

The Premium All Inclusive is only available to guests over 18 years of age

The Palms Restaurant
The Palms offers a stunning view over the pool area and the beach and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets featuring local dishes and international and Mediterranean cuisine. Live cooking stations include an African corner, a soup corner, a barbecue station and an Italian pasta station. There is also a dessert station and an ice cream station serving homemade ice creams.
Open for Breakfast 07h30 – 10h00, Lunch 13h00 – 15h00 and Dinner 19h30 – 22h00

Onda Beach Restaurant
This is the ideal restaurant for those who want to spend the whole day on the beach. There is a set menu lunch option, pizzas from 12h30 to 17h00 and a la carte dinner from 19h30 to 22h00

Suli Suli
The Suli Suli a la carte restaurant is located on the beach and serves delicious seafood specialities under small gazebos in a romantic atmosphere.
Open for Dinner 19h30 – 21h30

Hibiscus Pool Bar
The bar serves snacks, soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, cocktails, house wine and tea and coffee from 10h00 to 24h00 and cocktails and selected spirits from 12h00 to 24h00
After midnight all drinks are at charge. Premium brand liquors are available at charge.
Open for drinks and snacks 10h00 – 24h00.

Onda Beach Bar
Snacks, soft drinks, fruit juices, tea, coffee, local beer, house wine and water are served
Open for drinks and snacks 10h00 – 18h30.

SPA
The Zuri Rituals Spa is fitted with single cabins and one couple’s treatment room and specialises in water based treatments and amenities.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary throughout the resort

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES

• 2 Swimming pools plus a kids pool on the beach
• In-house PADI diving centre
• Air conditioned gym
• In-house water sports centre
• Canoes
• Stand up paddle
• Motorised water sports (at a charge)
• Games room with satellite TV and Playstation
• Evening entertainment
• Spherique Boutique and Tailor

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