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.

Riu Palace Zanzibar is located on the north west coast of Zanzibar where the tidal movement is minimal and the ocean is perfect for swimming and watersports. Luxuriously appointed suites and villas feature Omani-style decor, a 24 hour all inclusive meal plan with dine around options, complimentary non-motorised watersports, a daily entertainment programme and plenty more - Riu Palace ticks all the boxes!

LOCATION

North West Coast.

ACCOMMODATION

Junior Suite Courtyard View (Size: 34m²)

These Junior Suites have everything needed to make your stay a unique experience. The rooms feature one king size bed, a sofa in the lounge area and a balcony or terrace.

Junior Suite (Size: 45m²)
These suites are located on the ground or first floors, have private balconies or terraces facing the ocean and have a small sitting area with a sofa.

Junior Suite Swim-up (Size: 32m²) 
These suites are located on the ground floor and have a small private pool on the terrace. They are available for guests over 18 years only and will be open for sale from 04 July 2025.

Suite (Size: 54m²)
These suites are sea facing and are located closer to the seafront on ground and first floors. They have a sitting area with a sofa and private balconies or terraces.

Superior Ocean Suite (Size: 60m2)
The suites are specially designed to offer everything needed during your stay. These rooms have a double bed, a sofa bed in the lounge area, a dressing room and a balcony or terrace.

Jacuzzi Suite (Size: 90m²)
If you want to enjoy a stay with maximum relaxation, the Jacuzzi Suites are perfect.
The rooms feature a queen size bed, a sofa bed in the lounge area and lounge chairs and umbrellas on the private terrace.

Beach Villa (Size: 90m²)
Beach Villas enjoy a great ground floor location near the beach front. There are 2 bathrooms, one of which has a hydromassage bathtub. Each villa has a small private pool on the terrace. There is also a separate lounge area with a sofa bed.

Disabled Rooms

The resort has 2 Junior Suites Garden View, located on the ground floor , that have been specially adapted for disabled guests and include step free showers and guard rails fitted in the bathrooms with sufficient turning space for a wheelchair.

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fan
• TV with satellite channels
• CD/DVD player
• Direct dial telephone
• Hairdryer and bathrobe
• Special make-up mirror
• Electronic safe
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Mini bar

DINING

Meal Plan

All Inclusive includes:

• Breakfast at the Promenade Restaurant
• Lunch at the Promenade Restaurant.
• Dinner at the Promenade Restaurant in addition an optional a la carte dinner is available at Krystal, the Beef Steak House and IA – the resort’s newest seafood restaurant
• Snacks 24 Hours a day.
• Imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in all bars and restaurants as well as premium branded drinks throughout the resort. An additional charge applies to the specialty wine list.
• Mini bar (restocked regularly).
• RiuFit programme.
• Complimentary use of the fitness centre.
• Complimentary use of kayaks and stand-up paddle.
• Daytime entertainment programme several times per week.
• Evening entertainment several times per week.

Promenade Restaurant
The main restaurant located on the beachfront, featuring indoor and outdoor seating areas.
A lavish buffet including live cooking stations is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffet dinner is themed twice weekly.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Krystal
The resort’s speciality restaurant offering a fusion menu.
Open for Dinner.

Beef Steak House
A la carte traditional Steak House.
Open for Dinner.

IA
The resort’s newest a la carte seafood restaurant
Open for dinner

Pepe‘s Food Grill
Open for lunches and located in the pool area
Open for Lunch.

Sunshine Pool Bar

Tiara Poolside Bar

Ginger
The coffee and lounge bar with a large terrace overlooking the ocean.

Breeze
Full service bar in the restaurant area.

The Makuti Beach Bar
Located directly on the beach.

SPA
The Renova Spa offers a provides extensive range of spa services tailored to personal needs, as well as a beauty salon and massages (additional charge) There is a spectacular central relaxation area with a relaxation pool.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary throughout the resort.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (* some at a supplement)

• 4 Swimming Pools – one with an adjoining whirlpool bath and a chill out area
• Complimentary kayaks, pedalos and stand-up paddle
• One scuba trial in the pool
• Beach volleyball
• Excursions Office
• Diving School
• RiuFit programme
• Evening entertainment

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

THE BELOW FACT SHEET IS VALID FROM NOVEMBER 2025

LOCATION
North West Coast.

ACCOMMODATION

Junior Suite Courtyard View (Size: 34m²)
These Junior Suites have everything needed to make your stay a unique experience. The rooms feature one king size bed, a sofa in the lounge area and a balcony or terrace.

Junior Suite (Size: 45m²)
These suites are located on the ground or first floors, have private balconies or terraces facing the ocean and have a small sitting area with a sofa.

Junior Suite Sea View (Size: 45m²)
These suites are located on the ground or first floors. They have a small sitting area with a sofa and a private balcony or terrace with a view of the sea.

Junior Suite Swim-up (Size: 32m²) 
These suites are located on the ground floor and have a small private pool on the terrace. They are available for guests over 18 years only. 

Suite (Size: 54m²)
These suites are sea facing and are located closer to the seafront on ground and first floors. They have a sitting area with a sofa and private balconies or terraces.

Superior Ocean Suite (Size: 60m2)
The suites are specially designed to offer everything needed during your stay. These rooms have a double bed, a sofa bed in the lounge area, a dressing room and a balcony or terrace.

Jacuzzi Suite (Size: 90m²)
If you want to enjoy a stay with maximum relaxation, the Jacuzzi Suites are perfect.
The rooms feature a queen size bed, a sofa bed in the lounge area and lounge chairs and umbrellas on the private terrace. 

Beach Villa (Size: 90m²)
Beach Villas enjoy a great ground floor location near the beach front. There are 2 bathrooms, one of which has a hydromassage bathtub. Each villa has a small private pool on the terrace. There is also a separate lounge area with a sofa bed.

Disabled Rooms
The resort has 2 Junior Suites Garden View, located on the ground floor , that have been specially adapted for disabled guests and include step free showers and guard rails fitted in the bathrooms with sufficient turning space for a wheelchair.

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fan
• TV with satellite channels
• CD/DVD player
• Direct dial telephone
• Hairdryer and bathrobe
• Special make-up mirror
• Electronic safe
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Mini bar

DINING

Meal Plan
All Inclusive includes:

• Breakfast at the Promenade Restaurant
• Lunch at the Promenade Restaurant or at Pepe’s Food
• Dinner at the Promenade Restaurant in addition an optional a la carte dinner is available at Krystal, the Beef Steak House, Yunnan at Riu Jambo and IA – the resort’s newest seafood restaurant
• Beverages 24 Hours a day and snacks
• Imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in all bars and restaurants as well as premium branded drinks throughout the resort. An additional charge applies to the specialty wine list
• Mini bar (restocked regularly)
• RiuFit programme
• Complimentary use of the fitness centre
• Complimentary use of kayaks and stand-up paddle
• Daytime entertainment programme several times per week
• Evening entertainment several times per week

Promenade Restaurant
The main restaurant located on the beachfront, featuring indoor and outdoor seating areas. 
A lavish buffet including live cooking stations is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffet dinner is themed twice weekly.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Krystal
The resort’s speciality restaurant offering a fusion menu.
Open for Dinner.

Beef Steak House
A la carte traditional Steak House.
Open for Dinner.

IA
The resort’s newest a la carte seafood restaurant
Open for dinner

Yunnan
Riu Palace guests can enjoy an Asian buffet dinner at Yunnan which is located at Riu Jambo

Pepe‘s Food Grill
Open for lunches and snacks, located in the pool area.

Sunshine Bar
Located at the main pool

Ginger
The coffee and lounge bar with a large terrace overlooking the ocean.

Breeze
Full service bar in the restaurant area.

Makuti 
The beach bar located directly on the beach.

SPA
The Renova Spa offers a provides extensive range of spa services tailored to personal needs, as well as a beauty salon and massages (additional charge) There is a spectacular central relaxation area with a relaxation pool.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary throughout the resort.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (* some at a supplement)

• 4 Swimming Pools – one with an adjoining whirlpool bath and a chill out area
• Complimentary kayaks, pedalos and stand-up paddle
• One scuba trial in the pool
• Scuba Diving*
• Beach volleyball
• Excursions Office
• Diving School
• RiuFit programme
• Evening entertainment

All information in this Fact Sheet is applicable from November 2025 and is subject to change without prior notice.