Zanzibar Serena Hotel is tucked into the Zanzibar seafront, amidst the exotic sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours and bright bazaars of Stone Town, a World Heritage site. The hotel has a stunning oceanfront setting and is comprised of 2 historic buildings with interiors adorned in Arabic and Swahili opulence. The hotel has an ambiance of relaxed sophistication and offers extensive recreation, fabulous cuisine, and proximity to the delights of Zanzibar.
The 51 rooms and suites have wood-framed louver doors opening onto private balconies, some of which feature massive free-standing hammocks from which to enjoy the ocean views. Expect cool, white walls, high ceilings, four-poster beds and crisp royal blues and whites. There are a variety of rooms including a presidential suite, executive suites, a honeymoon suite, prime rooms, and standard rooms. You can dine on fresh-caught seafood at the rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant with extraordinary views of the bay, the perfect place to unwind after a day’s venture into Spice Town. There are weekly authentic Swahili banquets by the pool at Baharia Restaurant, whilst Masahani Bar offers signature cocktails and live performances by traditional Taarab bands.
Tours of the historic winding streets of Stone Town
Dhow trips and idyllic island escapes
Swahili, Arabic, and colonial décor
At a glance
51 Rooms & Suites
All Ages
Open All Year
Family Rooms
Bed & Breakfast
City
Beach
Our sustainable tourism rating
We handpick partners who share our commitment to protecting their environment, conserving wildlife and benefitting local communities.
Environment
Community
INSIDER TIP
"The hotel offers free shuttles to take you to Mangapwani Serena Beach Club, a delightful beach restaurant."
Indulge your passions
ACTIVITIES
Adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most.
Ocean Safari
Cultural Experience
City Sights
Wellness/Spa
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.
At Mahlatini, we believe in making your journey effortless. Browse our website for inspiration or get in touch with us directly. Whether you already have a dream destination in mind or need some inspiration, our travel experts are here to create your custom itinerary. Serial safari-goer, Indophile or first-time explorer, your adventure starts with a conversation.
Connect
Call us or inquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.
Customize
Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 24 hours to start designing your bespoke itinerary.
Confirm
We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.
Travel
Receive your Mahlatini travel documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime!
We routinely go the extra mile to ensure that we not only plan the perfect itinerary but ensure that you're in good hands at every stage of your journey. That's why we are especially proud to maintain an overall client satisfaction rating of 98%.
John M Grist, 28th March 2026
vacation to
Tanzania
Fantastic, Aaron and Mahlatini could not have done more from start to finish.
Another flawlessly executed vacation. This is our fourth trip to Africa with Mahlatini and we wouldn’t trust anyone else. We were originally booked to go to Tanzania, Oman and UAE for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the war in Iran began while we were in Tanzania. Given the situation we were forced to pivo…
Exceptional overall. My experience with Mahlatini was thoughtful, well-coordinated, and deeply supported from start to finish. The trip itself spanned very different environments—from Breezes in Zanzibar to &Beyond in the Masai Mara—and while not every aspect of the on-the-ground experience was sea…
+1 347-708-1755
51 Rooms & Suites
All Ages
Open All Year
Family Rooms
Bed & Breakfast
City
Beach
Ocean Safari
Cultural Experience
City Sights
Wellness/Spa
