The Swahili House

Located in the bustling heart of Stone Town, Swahali House was originally used as an Indian Merchant House in the 19th century. The building was then home to one of the many Sultan families, until it became a hotel with traditional influences and offering authentic Swahili hospitality.

The busy market, curio shops, restaurants and other points of interest such as the House of Wonders and the Old Slave Market are all within walking distance from the hotel. The hotel can organize a professional guide who will help you to explore Stone Town and lead you around the hundreds of little streets.

Guests can also enjoy various other trips in and around Stone Town. Learn everything about the spices you normally only see on the shelves in the supermarket on a Spice Tour or visit the cheeky Colobus monkeys at Jozani Forest, or take a boat trip to Prison Island - a former detention place for disobedient slaves and now home to giant tortoises.

Back at the hotel, the rooftop terrace houses the bar and the restaurant, and there is also a small jacuzzi and sun loungers. Enjoy breakfast and lunch while indulging in views of Stone Town, or relax in the evenings with a cocktail before dinner, and watch the sun set and listen to the calls to prayer echoing out over the town.

The Swahili House has 5 floors that are all built around a court yard. The floors are all accessible via traditional but fairly steep Zanzibari staircases.

The 22 rooms are spread out over 4 floors and are divided in 3 different room categories: the Sultan Suites, which are large, spacious rooms with a separate bathroom and a private balcony; the Standard Suites - with no balcony and an open bathroom; or the Deluxe Rooms, which also have an open bathroom.

All the rooms and decorated in traditional Swahili style.

Rates Include

Breakfast is included. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes the USD 5.00 per person per night Infrastructure Levy - this is payable directly to the hotel IN CASH upon check out.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.

General Information For Guests

All rooms are non- smoking and fitted with air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets and safety deposit boxes.
Each room has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water, hair dryer, guest amenities, towels and bottled water.

There is a designated smoking area outside.

The building has 5 floors that are all built around a traditional Zanzibar courtyard. The rooms are spread out over 4 floors and there is a lift and stairs to all floors.

Breakfast is available each morning and includes continental and buffet options. There is an on-site restaurant on the rooftop terrace with a 360 degree view of Stone Town. The restaurant serves a variety of international dishes and also offers vegetarian options. The restaurant is open from 07:30 until 22:00.

There is a rooftop plunge pool with sundeck area.

There is complementary Wi-Fi in the public areas.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

There is 24 hour security at the property.

Popular Alternatives to The Swahili House

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at The Swahili House, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that The Swahili House was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.