Kilindi Zanzibar

One of the best-designed hotels in Zanzibar, Kilindi is the kind of luxury retreat difficult to find not only in Tanzania but throughout the whole of East Africa.

Kilindi Zanzibar is located in a stunning bay, surrounded by a white coral beach, and its fifteen spacious pavilions are comfortably spread out on gentle hills.

In harmony with Africa

Each pavilion features of a shaded Barraza, sun terrace, swimming pool and a huge ‘wet’ room that includes a rain shower. The pavilion’s domed ceilings gracefully flow into the soft lines of snow-white walls.

To create Kilindi Zanzibar, Architect Neil Rocher (who is also known for the Chongwe River House in Zambia) combined African simplicity with European influences.

Local elements, such as woven baskets and carved window frames mix well with classic colonial touches: wide wooden porches or upholstered chairs, while the long hotel bar is furnished with high chairs made of polished dark wood.

Eco-conscious

The Kilindi Zanzibar aesthetics seem perfectly aligned with its eco-philosophy.

The guest pavilions are naturally cooled by the sea breeze. Pools and streams of fresh rainwater are part of an innovative recycling system: water collected from the conical roofs is stored in the villa to cool it and provide water for showers, toilets, and basins.

The architect surrounded villas by gardens and made the best use of the natural terrain to ensure great views of the bay from the bedroom.

For body and soul

The hotel’s iconic infinity pool is the focal point of much for the hotel facilities. There is the Kilindi Spa with Turkish Hamman and the hotel restaurant with a dining terrace that overlooks the T-shaped pool.

Growing a reputation as one of the best in East Africa, the restaurant places emphasis on fresh local products, often from the Kilindi’s own organic garden. The excellent selection of wines served here is brought from South Africa, Italy, France, and Lebanon.

The restaurant can arrange a candlelight dinner by the pool—a magical experience we remember as one of the highlights of our visit to Kilindi Zanzibar.

in our opinion

With its unique style and architecture that pays homage to the beautiful natural surroundings, Kilindi is a very special place and one of our favorite resorts in Zanzibar.

*This review contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

What we love

• Unique architecture and style Kilindi Zanzibar is a relatively small boutique resort and the atmosphere is always very private
• Location, near one of the most beautiful beaches on the island
• Huge pavilions, each a little different from one another, and positioned to maximize great views of the Indian Ocean
• Excellent service overall, which includes personal butler

What you should know

• Pavilions 3, 5 and 11 have fantastic roof gardens. No. 14 and 15 are spectacular overall, but they are quite far from the restaurants and the beach. Pavilion No. 9 gives the best combination of privacy and location, guaranteeing beautiful views of the sea.
• Prices are high, but given that Kilindi is an all-inclusive resort the value for money is pretty good!
• Excellent wines from South Africa, Italy, France and Lebanon are included in the resort’s all-inclusive package. There is also an additional premium list, the wines from which are charged separately
• Low tide withdraws water very far from the beach
• Some pavilions are quite a long way from the pool, restaurants and the beach—as far as 10 minutes walk uphill!