Reviews of Tembo Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
9 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Tembo Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Tembo Hotel review"
We had a beautiful view, the staff was very kind and attentive, and breakfast was very delicious with a lot of variety." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar
"Tembo Hotel review"
"Wouldn't stay here again"
Weren't able to stay in the main hotel, so we were transferred to an apartment block opposite the hotel. There appeared to be a lack of security here, pretty much allowing anyone to walk in and out of the block. The room was incredibly spacious but appeared to be unfinished. We were in a twin room also which was a shame.
After asking to move, the hotel transferred us to a lovely room in the main hotel without any fuss, which was great. However the general room quality needed updating." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Tembo Hotel review"
Friendly helpful staff and an excellent swimming pool are pluses, as is the location on the seafront." See all these reviews: 4n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania
"Tembo Hotel review"
We had a room that was next to a very noisy generator that was on all night. Next morning I immediately asked to be moved and they seemed very un-surprised by the fact. Our second room was ok.
Stone Town is filthy and has no buildings, sights, activities or cultural interest of note to encourage anyone to visit it. I would never recommend anyone to go there and wished we had been advised to travel to the airport from Matamwe.
Being next to the sea was a slight plus. The amount of debris and litter washed up and just left on the beach was not pleasant." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
"Disappointing and frustrating end to trip"
They then put us in a twin room (on our honeymoon). We complained and were offered a 'double', in which only a pair of children could possibly have slept comfortably, it was so small. Their solution to this was to push the beds together in the twin, leaving a 3 inch height difference between the mattresses. Besides the beds the rooms are ill furnished, with non-functional lights, holey mosquito nets, sparking plug sockets and broken fridges. Overall they didn't really seem to care very much.
We were very much not alone in complaining at the front desk, having to take our place in a queue of disgruntled guests. Avoid." See all these reviews: 3n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
"Tembo Hotel review"
"Charming- should have spent more time here"
We woud not risk swimming on Stonetown beaches. They look nice enough but the water must be very polluted.
Only complaint would be that the mosquite nets were 3+ inches off the ground and we did pick up 1 or 2 bites." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 1n in Zanzibar
"Nice swimming pool - shame about the beds"
The swimming pool was greatly appreciated and we loved the town beach in front of the hotel which had all the life and more which we didn't find in Pongwe.
My problem with this hotel (and possibly every hotel on Zanzibar) was a very personal one in that I found the short Zanzibarian bed complete with bed-end a bit of a trial - at 6' 5" tall I come across similar problems all the time - but Tembo holds the record for the shortest and narrowest bed so far." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar
Holiday styles & special interests in Zanzibar
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zanzibar.
Other lodges in Stone Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town, with lovely, simple rooms.
Serena Inn
Now trumped by the nearby Park Hyatt, the Serena Inn, in its historic building, was formerly Stone Town's only international-style hotel.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
The Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a highly regarded boutique hotel with very personal service and just nine rooms, all of them Zanzibari in style.
Beyt al Salaam
The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.
Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace is a very good-value, mid-range hotel, full of Swahili character, and the pool makes it appealing to families.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
Kholle House
Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.
Jafferji House
Jafferji House is a converted old house that blends modern facilities with traditional style. The ten, unique rooms are show great attention to detail.
Swahili House
Swahili House is a traditionally styled boutique hotel furnished to a high standard with a convenient location in the centre of Stone Town.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Kisiwa House
Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
