Essence Zanzibar, coastal villa
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LIVE · PAJE, ZANZIBAR
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OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

Hotels for Sale in Zanzibar

An island of opportunity.

Explore Zanzibar real estate with Essence Zanzibar, with a strong focus on land for sale, development plots, beachfront land, villas, investment property and hospitality opportunities. We support international buyers and investors searching across Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Makunduchi, other areas of Zanzibar and Pemba Island.

917K+INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
IN 2025
7.0%ECONOMIC GROWTH
IN 2025
~80%OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE
FROM TOURISM

Sources: Zanzibar Chief Government Statistician (2025 arrivals) · Zanzibar Government (2025 growth) · World Bank (foreign exchange).

HOSPITALITY · FOR SALE

Buying a hotel in Zanzibar

Hotels for sale in Zanzibar are rarely advertised in public: owners prefer to sell discreetly, without worrying staff and guests. That is why most of our hotel opportunities are shared only after a confidentiality agreement, with serious buyers. We cover the whole of Zanzibar and Pemba, from boutique hotels and guesthouses to beachfront resorts.

How buying a hotel with Essence works

  1. Confidentiality agreement. We sign an NDA before sharing the hotel's name, figures and owner details.
  2. Viewings with us. We take you to see every property in person.
  3. Documents. We collect the documents for the land, the building and the business.
  4. Price locked. A contract with the owner fixes the price while the checks are carried out.
  5. Escrow deposit. Your deposit is held in an escrow account, not paid to the seller.
  6. Due diligence. Land, building, licences and accounts are verified.
  7. Transfer. Only when everything is in order do we proceed.

Buy or lease?

If you want to run a hotel in Zanzibar without buying the property, you can also lease an entire hotel. One family who leased a hotel through us has been living on the island and running it for four years.

Prices are shared on request, together with the hotel's details. Tell us your budget and the area you prefer, and we will tell you what is available now.

INVESTING WITHIN AN INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

ZIPA is the government authority responsible for the promotion, facilitation and protection of investments in Zanzibar.

Depending on the type and scale of the project, the Ministry of Tourism may also be involved in the approval and licensing process for tourism and hospitality developments.

Zanzibar also has Special Economic Zones dedicated to strategic business and investment development.

Why Zanzibar?

TOURISM · REAL ESTATE · HOSPITALITY · BLUE ECONOMY

Zanzibar combines a globally recognised tourism destination with an investment environment that continues to evolve.

ESSENCE ZANZIBAR

Who we are & what we do

Essence Zanzibar is focused primarily on real estate and property investment. We help international clients discover land for sale, beachfront and development plots, villas, apartments, commercial property, hotels for sale and entire hotel or resort businesses available for lease across Zanzibar and Pemba. We also arrange long-term rentals, private tours, safaris and vehicle rentals.

REAL ESTATE · LAND

Land for Sale in Zanzibar

Discover land and plots for sale across Zanzibar and Pemba, including beachfront land, development land and investment plots in areas such as Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Makunduchi. Each listing can include location, plot size, price, access, development potential and other relevant property details.

HOSPITALITY · BUSINESS

Hotel & Resort Businesses for Lease in Zanzibar

Explore opportunities to lease an entire hotel, boutique hotel or resort business in Zanzibar for commercial operation. These are business and hospitality lease opportunities for operators and investors, not short-stay hotel rooms. Listings may include property size, room count, facilities, lease terms, location and asking conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Zanzibar?

Foreign investors can acquire property rights in Zanzibar through legally recognised investment structures. The appropriate structure depends on the property and intended use, so independent legal checks are essential before proceeding.

What types of properties does Essence offer?

Our portfolio can include villas, beachfront homes, apartments, hotels, commercial properties, development projects and land for sale in Zanzibar and Pemba.

Which areas of Zanzibar do you cover?

We work across Zanzibar and Pemba, including key real estate areas such as Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Makunduchi, depending on the property or service you are looking for.

Do you arrange long-term rentals?

Yes. We can help clients find houses, villas and apartments for long-term stays in different parts of Zanzibar.

Can you organise tours in different languages?

Yes. We organise private tours, island experiences and safaris with guides in multiple languages, depending on availability.

Do you rent cars and quads?

Yes. Essence can arrange car, scooter and quad rentals for exploring Zanzibar.

Can you help with property viewings and the buying process?

Yes. We can organise private viewings and support the search and coordination process, while legal and technical due diligence should be handled by qualified local professionals.

Where can I find land for sale in Zanzibar?

Essence Zanzibar can feature land and development plots across Zanzibar and Pemba, including Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Makunduchi. Availability, plot size, price and property details vary by listing.

Do you offer entire hotels or resorts for lease as a business?

Yes. Essence Zanzibar can feature hospitality business opportunities where an entire hotel, boutique hotel or resort is offered for lease to an operator or investor. These listings are separate from tourist room bookings and long-term residential rentals.

+255 67 285 5781 info@essencezanzibar.com

ESSENCE REAL ESTATE

Selected investment opportunities across Zanzibar.

Buying as a foreigner? Read our 2026 guide: rules, costs, red flagsOwn a hotel, villa or land? List it with Essence
See all 6 listings

ESSENCE TRAVEL DISCOVER ZANZIBAR
& TANZANIA

Private experiences, ocean adventures and unforgettable safaris.

ESSENCE LIVING LONG-TERM HOMES

Selected villas and homes for long-term living in Zanzibar.

ESSENCE EXPERIENCES COUPLES

Two romantic experiences designed for the two of you.

Romantic dinner experience

Romantic Dinner on the Beach

We arrange a beautiful romantic dinner setup directly on the beach, creating a private and special atmosphere for an unforgettable evening together.

Quad picnic experience

Picnic Quad

We give you the quad and a route map to a beautiful beach spot. Your picnic is ready with fruit, candles, a speaker, napkins and everything you need for a romantic moment by the sea.

ESSENCE RENTAL DRIVE ZANZIBAR

Cars, scooters and ATVs selected for exploring the island.

Toyota RAV4 3 Doors

Toyota RAV4

3 Doors
$35 PER DAY
Daily$35
Monthly$500
Toyota RAV4 5 Doors

Toyota RAV4

5 Doors
$40 PER DAY
Daily$40
Monthly$500
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

5 Doors
$40 PER DAY
Daily$40
Monthly$500
Toyota Prado

Toyota Prado

Land Cruiser · 3 Doors
$80 PER DAY
Daily$80
Monthly$1,000
Honda Click 125

Honda Click

125cc Scooter
$20 PER DAY
Daily$20
Monthly$250
Kymco KXR 250

Kymco KXR

250cc Quad
$80 PER DAY
Daily$80
Monthly$750
Polaris Sportsman 850

Polaris Sportsman

850cc ATV
$130 PER DAY
Daily$130
Monthly$1,200