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.

Situated next to its sister property, Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa on Zanzibar's north east coast, Sultan Sands is an inspired blend of Swahili and Arab architecture and décor. Its idyllic beach position, relaxing pool and wonderful choice of leisure and dining options make this resort the perfect island getaway.

LOCATION
North East Coast, Kiwengwa.

ACCOMMODATION
The resort has 76 rooms in 3 different categories.
The spacious rooms are built in a traditional Swahili style with thatched roofs, each tastefully decorated with hand-carved Zanzibari furniture.

56 Pwani Rooms 
The Pwani rooms are situated on elevated grounds within landscaped gardens facing out to the ocean.The rooms are built in single storey traditional rondavels, each with two tastefully decorated rooms with separate dressing areas leading into superbly appointed en-suite bathrooms.

20 Bahari Rooms 
The Bahari rooms are located in two rows along the beachfront and are divided into Bahari Seaview located in the second row and Deluxe Seaview located in the front row, all sea-facing and idyllically situated close to the beach. The rooms have spacious veranda’s and share their own private plunge pool.

24 Junior Suites 
The Junior Suites are situated in authentic ‘makuti’ thatched bungalows and enjoy an ocean view over the Resort’s tropical gardens.The rooms offer a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom and either a veranda or terrace. The rooms are bright and exquisitely decorated in a traditional Swahili style.There is a private pool with a separate relaxing plunge pool.

ROOM FACILITIES

• One large or 2 queen size beds with mosquito nets in Pwani Rooms
• One queen size bed with mosquito nets in the Bahari Rooms and Junior Suites
• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fan
• Flat screen TV
• Electronic safe
• Mini bar
• Hair dryer
• Telephone
  
  

DINING

Meal Plans
The resort operates on a Half Board basis with the option to upgrade to Full Board and All Inclusive.

The All Inclusive includes:

• Breakfast in the Mwambao Restaurant.
• Lunch in the Mwambao Restaurant.
• Dinner in the Mwambao Restaurant.
• Water, soft drinks, house wines, locally bottled beers and spirits, selected liqueurs, a selection of cocktails and mocktails (11h00 – 00h00).
• Snacks (11h00 – 13h00 and 15h00 – 18h00).
• Tea, coffee and cakes at the Casablanca Lounge (16h00 – 17h00) 

Mwambao Restaurant
The main restaurant overlooks the pool and serves buffet style breakfasts with live cooking stations whilst lunch and dinner are either buffet or table d’hote with weekly beach and poolside parties. Dinners are themed and there is a resident band plus evening entertainment.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Cinnamon
A la carte Indian restaurant and bar. 
Open for dinner.

Mawimbi Bar
Overlooking the swimming pool, beach and the ocean beyond, Mawimbi is the perfect oasis to enjoy a range of cool beverages, fresh juices and cocktails.

Casablanca Lounge
Overlooking the Sultan Sands swimming pool, the Casablanca Lounge is a coffee lounge during the day which transforms into a late-night party venue for both Sultan Sands and Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa guests. A wide selection of cocktails and beverages are available.

SPA
The Oasis Spa is idyllically situated right on the beach at Bluebay where the cool breeze and sounds of the ocean provide the ultimate experience in relaxation.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary in all public areas but is chargeable in the rooms.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (* some at a supplement)

• 3 Swimming pools
• One Ocean 5 Star PADI Dive Centre
• Table tennis
• Floodlit tennis court (free of charge)
• Fully equipped fitness centre
• Windsurfing *
• Kayaks *
• Stand-up paddle
• Babysitting *
• Business centre
• Conference facilities
• 2 boutiques

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