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 remains an excellent and affordable choice for people who want an action-packed holiday.

Great value for money, it’s an unpretentious resort with a fantastic vibe; fun and involving. Accommodation is simple and comfortable, the water sport facilities are brilliant – windsurfing equipment and canoes are complimentary – the all inclusive package covers a choice of three restaurants – the buffet is one of the best on the island - and two bars plus a daily stocked mini-bar (soft drinks, water and beer) – it couldn’t be better!

The low tide on the East coast adds to the experience when you can walk out across the beach for 1.5 kilometres to the reef.

Diamonds Mapenzi will be closed for renovations from 01 April to 30 June 2025

LOCATION

East Coast, Kiwengwa.

ACCOMMODATION
The resort rooms are all single storey units on 3 different levels – an upper terrace, a mid terrace and the beachfront. Bathrooms are fitted with shower only.

Garden Rooms 
The Garden Rooms are found on the resort’s highest level surrounded by magnificent gardens. The rooms are all elegantly furnished in traditional African style.

Superior Rooms
The Superior Rooms have been elegantly furnished in traditional African style and have a large private veranda for the comfort of guests.

Superior Family Rooms 
The Superior Family rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults and 1 child.

Sea View Beach Villas
The Sea View Beach Villas are the second row of villas on the beach and have a private veranda. These modern villas showcase a white theme throughout with splashes of traditional colour.

Sea Front Beach Villas 
These Villas make up the first row of villas directly on the beach and have a direct ocean view from their private veranda. 

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fan
• Stocked mini bar
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Telephone
• Hair dryer
• Flat screen TV (Beach Villas Only)
• King size or twin beds with mosquito net
• Electronic safe

DINING

Meal Plans

All inclusive includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the Palm Restaurant. Themed nights including African Dinner are served during the week
• 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 at the Hibiscus Pool bar 
• Snacks offered throughout the day at the Hibiscus Pool Bar
• Onda Restaurant serves light meals from the grill from 12h00 to 15h00 and a set menu dinner from 20h00 to 21h30 with reservations
• Stocked mini bar in the room with soft drinks, water and local beer on request
• Wi-Fi internet in public areas, on the beach and in the Beach Villas 
• 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
• Pillow menu
• 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
• In-room pre dinner canape and cocktail
• Beach dining experience once per stay
• Island spice gift

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

The Palm Restaurant
Enjoy your meals with a stunning view over the pool area and the beach. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet style offering local dishes, international and Mediterranean cuisine. Themed evenings are prepared weekly including African Dinner.

Italian pasta live station with different sauce every day
African Corner with special curry
Soup corner and homemade bakery
Barbecue station for vegetable, fish or meat
Boat with fresh salad already constructed  or mixed by the guest
Variety of hot dishes to be discovered every day
Boat with tropical fruit
Dessert station with mini patisserie and cakes
Ice cream station with fresh homemade ice cream
Open for Breakfast (07h30 – 10h00), Lunch (13h00 – 15h00) and Dinner (19h30 – 22h00).

Onda Restaurant
This is the ideal restaurant for those who want to spend the whole day on the beach and have a tasty light lunch directly on the beach.
Open for Lunch (12h00 – 15h00) and Dinner (20h00 – 21h30).

Suli Suli a  la Carte Restaurant (at charge)
The 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. Cocktails and selected spirits are served 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
Mvua African Rain Spa – in Africa rain means life and the skilled therapists in this massage centre will relax and rejuvenate tired muscles using the natural ingredients of the island.

Wi-Fi
Available in the public areas, on the Beach and in Beach Villas.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (* some at a supplement)

• Swimming pool
• Catamaran *
• Laser boat*
• Windsurfing *
• Canoeing
• Sailing and windsurfing courses*
• Waterskiing *
• Wakeboarding *
• Tube riding*
• Blokart*
• Bicycles*
• Fitness centre
• Snorkelling equipment*
• Games room with satellite TV and Playstation
• Evening entertainment
• Spherique fashion boutique

The information in this Fact Sheet is correct as at January 2025 and is subject to change without prior notice.