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Jafferji House

4.0 star property
Guesthouse in Zanzibar Town with free breakfast and rooftop terrace

Photo gallery for Jafferji House

Building design
Premier Suite | Bathroom
Dining
Superior Suite
Exterior

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$264
includes taxes & fees
26 Dec - 27 Dec

Explore the area

View map
170 Gizenga Street, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Old Fort
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Slave Market
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Signature Suite

Signature Suite

Signature Suite

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Designer toiletries
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
Shower/bath combination
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Suite

Superior Suite

Superior Suite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Designer toiletries
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
Separate bath and shower
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

About the area

Zanzibar Town

At Jafferji House you'll be within steps of House of Wonders and The Ancient Door of Stone Town. Highlights at this guest house include free daily breakfast, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace. .A day of pampering can include body wraps and mani/pedis. The restaurant, Alchemy Rooftop, is open for dinner. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Free full breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Places within a 5-minute walk of this 4-property class Stone Town guest house include St. Joseph's Cathedral and Freddie Mercury Museum.
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What's nearby

  • House of Wonders - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Old Fort - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Slave Market - 5 min walk - 0.5 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Secret Garden - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Jafferji House

Guesthouse in Zanzibar Town with free breakfast and rooftop terrace
There's a restaurant on site. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. A rooftop terrace, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Jafferji House. The guest house can provide concierge services and wedding services.

This 4-star Zanzibar Town guest house is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Terrace on the roof
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
Jafferji House offers 10 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include a shower, bathrobes, designer toiletries and bidets.

This Zanzibar Town guest house provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and free toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Alchemy Rooftop

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Rooftop terrace

Spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 AM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 4:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Jafferji House

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: TZS 50000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Jafferji
Jafferji House
Jafferji House Zanzibar Town
Jafferji Zanzibar Town
Jafferji House Guesthouse Zanzibar Town
Jafferji House Guesthouse
Jafferji House Spa
Jafferji House Spa
Jafferji House Guesthouse
Jafferji House Zanzibar Town
Jafferji House Guesthouse Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Jafferji House?

Jafferji House offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Jafferji House?

As of 24 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Jafferji House on 26 Dec 2025 start from NZ$264.02, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Jafferji House?

Yep, Jafferji House is a short 3-minute walk from Shangani Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling and fishing.

Does Jafferji House serve breakfast?

Yep, free full brekkie is on offer daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Jafferji House?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Jafferji House?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Jafferji House's onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Jafferji House?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Jafferji House?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Jafferji House Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 203 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 70 out of 203 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 22 out of 203 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 203 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 203 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

viquar

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Paige

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness

Disappointing Stay Despite a Great Location

We recently stayed at a 4-star hotel in Stone Town and, unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. The staff were friendly, but not particularly proactive or helpful when issues arose. While we appreciated the warm demeanor, the service didn’t quite meet the standard you’d expect from a hotel rated at this level. Breakfast was served on the rooftop, which did offer a lovely view of the city and ocean—a definite highlight. However, the breakfast options were quite limited, and the overall quality was underwhelming. Our biggest disappointment was with the room itself. We stayed in the “Living Stone” room, which looked charming and character-filled in the online photos. In reality, the room was fairly basic and lacked any of the charm or ambiance we had anticipated. It felt rather plain and unremarkable. Cleanliness was a significant issue. Upon arrival, we discovered the bed linens were dirty and had to request that the bed be remade—a surprising oversight. Even after that, the overall cleanliness left much to be desired. To make matters worse, the bathroom had a persistent sewage odor that was impossible to ignore. While the hotel has potential—particularly with its rooftop and central location—it fell short in areas that really matter: cleanliness, comfort, and value for money. Sadly, we left feeling disappointed and wouldn’t return or recommend it to others without significant improvements.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

LeKeitha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful and historic hotel near shopping, dining and city sights.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Asad

Travelled with partner
The property needs an upgrade. The breakfast quality needs improvement. The dining staff service needs improvement.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shanna

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

chantelle

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is a beautiful old original Arab style house in stone town full of original features and decor. Staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. I rea example of a comfortable hotel with the genuine Swahili coast experience
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Marion

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Jafferji is unique in style and the room were very spacious
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clement, Rome

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful heritage hotel in the center of Stone Town, close to many attractions. Room was super large and carefully decorated with local artifacts and furniture. I loved the breakfast on the rooftop with a 365 degree view of the city! Special call to the staff who was very friendly, attentive and who helped us organize a car transfer to our next destination.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Joachim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dirk

Unique property. Kind staff. Good breakfast. Great aircon!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jafferji House exceeded expectations as a historic location owned and decorated by a noted artistic figure, originally a family home, right in the centre of a World Heritage site. Individual rooms are in themselves notably special. The professionalism and dedication of the desk staff was the icing on a very rich experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Louisa

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel right in the middle of all of the shops. Very convenient, quiet and comfortable. Beautiful rooftop terrace!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Dionna

Travelled with group
Disliked: Amenities
This place was average. Very quaint and charming. Breakfast was lacking and the room linens didn't seem very clean. There were stains on the pillow cases and sitting areas. There's also a fee that that require in cash in addition to the regular payment and they hound you if you don't have cash to pay it right away. Overall, cute place but not really my kind of comfort.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jafferji House is located in the heart of Stone Town, conveniently located in the labyrinth of streets full of cool doors and shops catering to tourists. Jafferji House has a colonial era Africa vibe, filled with interesting antiques and curiosities. The rooftop breakfast dining room is a lovely peaceful spot to start the day, with 360 degree views of the town and the ocean. Rooms ate large and each one has unique charm. is unreliable. Staff was helpful and knowledgeable. Accessibility note: this is an old mansion, so lots of stairs/uneven walkways.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sonia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Styled well boutique

It was eclectic however the air condition didn’t work so great. Other than that, it was quite lovely… assuming you’d like ethnic stylings… Which I do. It’s history.😀
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stuart

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yonina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent Stay

We had a wonderful stay at the Jafferji House. Rooms were large and clean, excellent AC and good wifi (although limited availability in the room, moreso in the lobby). Nice included rooftop breakfast and kind and helpful staff. Would definitely return!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

Patrick, Dulles

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall a great experience but Air conditioner was not working my entire stay. I originally purchased a superior room but was offered a single without compensation or adjustment for what I paid. Was ultimately given the room I paid for yet without functioning air conditioning. This made my stay very comfortable especially considering the high heat and humidity in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very nice and helpful. The hotel was very clean. Rooms were good size.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We wanted to stay in Stonetown in an authentic hotel. Dating from the 1880s we found our place. It was just down a very narrow street from the Freddy Mercury House. It helped to have their staff pick us up from the airport. The rooftop restaurant had a great view of the ocean and town. We ate the special dinner. It was expensive but with so many authentic courses and flavors it was well worth. This is not a glamorous place, but very real. The AC worked well and the room was comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

jana

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff was very helpful with everything we needed. Good location within Stonetown. Walkable distance to a lot of historical sites and shopping.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was very nostalgic and romantic perfectly positioned to tour Stone Town. Best part was Manal at the front desk. She was so friendly and helped us with so many things during our stay. The hotel should pay her more money cause she is worth her wait in gold!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023