Malindi Guesthouse

Zanzibar Town


This long-standing backpacker favourite is in the scruffy end of town near the dhow harbour. It's not especially clean, and downstairs rooms are dark and damp, but upstairs rooms are OK, and it's all offset by helpful staff, a friendly vibe, a rooftop restaurant and wacky upcycled furniture, such as tables made from bike wheels and lampshades from cassettes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Zanzibar Town attractions

1. Cine Afrique

0.11 MILES

It's no longer a working cinema, but the grand old Cine Afrique is an art deco gem and a significant landmark.

2. Old Dispensary

0.25 MILES

With its peppermint-green latticework balconies and sculpted clock tower, this 19th-century charitable dispensary is one of the most attractive landmarks…

3. Big Tree

0.28 MILES

A venerable landmark on the waterfront, and popular meeting spot for passengers taking boat rides.

4. Ijumaa Mosque

0.28 MILES

This lovely Arabesque-style mosque is one of the largest in Stone Town. As an Ijumma (Friday) mosque, the faithful come to pray here, rather than at their…

5. Aga Khan Mosque

0.4 MILES

In the Kiponda area of Stone Town, this mosque is one of the largest in Zanzibar, catering to the Ismaili community since 1905. The beautifully detailed…

6. Palace Museum

0.41 MILES

Occupying several large buildings along the waterfront, this was the palace of Sultan Seyyid Said from 1828 until it was largely destroyed by the British…

7. Princess Salme Museum

0.44 MILES

Carefully curated by the renowned historian Said al Gheithy, this delightful little museum tells the story of Princess Salme, a sultan's daughter who…

8. Darajani Market

0.45 MILES

Zanzibar's main market is a hive of activity, with everything – from spices, fresh fish, slabs of meat and huge baskets full of live chickens to sandals,…