Zanzibar — East Coast · Safari Lodge
Meliá Zanzibar
A large all inclusive beach resort on Zanzibar's quiet northeast coast, gardens and pools running down to a wide reef fringed shore at Kiwengwa.
About
Meliã Zanzibar spreads along a wide stretch of white sand at Kiwengwa on the island''s northeast coast, about ninety minutes by road from Stone Town and the airport. Low buildings and pavilions sit among mature gardens and coconut palms, and a shallow lagoon in front of the resort glows turquoise at high tide before drawing back to reveal sandbars and starfish at low water.
The northeast coast is at its best from June to October and again from December to February, when the trade winds ease, the skies stay clear and the sea holds its colour. This is a tidal coast, so swimming from the beach works around the water while the resort pools stay swimmable all day. The Mnemba atoll and its reef, turtles and dolphins lie a short boat ride offshore.
Accommodation runs from garden and terrace rooms through ocean view bungalows and pavilions to one, two and three bedroom villas, including a separate adults only area called The Level with its own lounge, pool and beach. Dining is all inclusive across several restaurants, and the resort holds a spa, a dive and watersports centre, a kids club, and tennis and fitness facilities.
It suits families who want space, pools and a kids club, couples who want the quiet of the adults only Level, and anyone finishing a safari who wants an easy, generous few days by the sea with meals already taken care of. Guests fly to Zanzibar from Kilimanjaro or the northern safari airstrips, then transfer by road to Kiwengwa in about an hour.
Signature experiences
Mnemba reef snorkelling
A boat trip to the Mnemba atoll marine reserve, one of the finest snorkelling and diving sites in Zanzibar, with resident turtles and frequent dolphins.
The Level adults only retreat
A separate wing with its own lounge, pool and beach for guests over sixteen, for couples who want the resort's quiet side.
Spice farm and Stone Town
A guided visit to a working spice farm and the UNESCO lanes of Stone Town, an easy cultural half day from the coast.
Sunset dhow sail
A traditional wooden dhow sail along the coast as the light drops, a calm close to the day.
Amenities
- Beachfront
- Several Swimming Pools
- Adults Only Level Pool And Lounge
- Spa
- Dive And Watersports Centre
- Kids Club
- Tennis
- Fitness Centre
- All Inclusive Dining
- Free WiFi
Best for
- Family
- Honeymoon
- All Inclusive
- Beach
- Post Safari
Wildlife you might see
- Green And Hawksbill Turtles At Mnemba Reef
- Dolphins Offshore
- Reef Fish And Coral Gardens
- Seasonal Whale Sharks In The Wider Archipelago
Best time to visit
June, July, August, September, October, December, January, February
Location & access
Zanzibar — East Coast
Fly-in: Fly Kilimanjaro or Arusha to Zanzibar in about one hour, then a road transfer of about one hour to Kiwengwa. Guests coming straight off a northern safari usually fly from the Serengeti or Arusha to Zanzibar.
Drive: Zanzibar is reached by air. From Kilimanjaro International Airport it is a short flight to Zanzibar of about one hour, then a road transfer of roughly one hour north to Kiwengwa on the east coast.
Room types
Melia Garden
Garden facing room set among the resort grounds, the entry category, with a Single and a Double rate.
Melia Terrace
Room with a terrace and interconnecting options, offered as a Single or Double.
Premium Garden
Refurbished garden facing room in the premium category, Single or Double.
Premium Terrace
Premium room with a terrace and interconnecting options, Single or Double.
Melia Terrace Interconnected
Two connecting terrace rooms for families, laid out for up to four guests.
Premium Terrace Interconnected
Two connecting premium terrace rooms for families of up to four.
Family Room
A family room for two adults and up to two children, with children staying free.
Ocean View Bungalow
Adults only bungalow with an ocean view, close to the shore.
The Level Beach Room
Adults only room in The Level wing with its own lounge and pool.
The Level Grand Suite
A spacious adults only suite in The Level, for up to three adults.
The Level Romance Ocean Front Pavilion
An adults only ocean front pavilion, the resort romantic choice.
The Level Beach Pavilion
An adults only pavilion steps from the sand in The Level.
The Level 2 Bedroom Beach Pavilion
A two bedroom beach pavilion for up to four adults.
The Level 1 Bedroom Garden Villa
A one bedroom garden villa with living space for two adults and two children or four adults.
The Level 1 Bedroom Ocean Villa
A one bedroom villa facing the ocean, for two adults and two children or four adults.
The Level 2 Bedroom Ocean Villa
A two bedroom ocean villa for families, up to four adults and two children.
The Level Grand 2 Bedroom Ocean Villa
A larger two bedroom ocean villa for up to four adults and two children.
The Level 3 Bedroom Ocean Villa
A three bedroom ocean villa for larger groups, up to six adults and two children.
The Level Grand 3 Bedroom Ocean Villa
The largest ocean villa, three bedrooms for up to six adults and two children.
What's included
Included
- All Inclusive Board With Meals Daily
- House Beverages
- 15% VAT And 5% Service Charge Included
- Swimming Pools Including A Pool Reserved For Adults
- Kids Club
- Dive And Watersports Centre
Not included
- Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax (5 USD Per Person Per Night, Paid To The Hotel On Departure)
- Compulsory Festive Gala Dinners Over Christmas And New Year
- Spa Treatments
- Premium Room Supplements
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many room categories does Meliá Zanzibar have?
Nineteen room and villa categories, from garden and terrace rooms to ocean view bungalows and one, two and three bedroom villas, including a separate adults only area called The Level.
When is Meliá Zanzibar open?
The resort is open year round. The east coast is at its best from June to October and from December to February.
How do guests reach the resort?
Guests fly to Zanzibar, about one hour from Kilimanjaro or the northern safari airstrips, then transfer by road to Kiwengwa on the east coast in about an hour.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes. There are family rooms and villas, a kids club, and children up to twelve stay free in the Family Room. The adults only Level rooms and the Ocean View Bungalow do not accept children.
What is included in the rate?
Rates are all inclusive, covering meals daily and house beverages, with VAT and service charge included. A small Zanzibar infrastructure tax and any compulsory festive gala dinners are paid locally.
What is the best time to visit?
June to October brings cool dry trade winds and clear water, and December to February is warm with excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling at the nearby Mnemba reef.
What's nearby
- Mnemba AtollMarine reserve and reef a short boat ride north, prime snorkelling and diving.
- Stone TownUNESCO old town about ninety minutes away, spice markets, the old fort and Swahili architecture.
- Jozani ForestHome to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, roughly an hour and a half south.
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