# Residence Zanzibar Resort > The Residence Zanzibar offers an exclusive escape with private pool villas, lush tropical surroundings, and a serene beachfront setting. It’s perfect for travellers seeking privacy, luxury, and a truly peaceful island experience. - **Type:** accommodation - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//accommodations/residence-zanzibar - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Type:** Hotel - **Star Rating:** 5 - **Location:** Zanzibar, Tanzania - **Destination:** Zanzibar - **Price Range:** $$$$ - **Amenities:** WiFi, Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Garden, Laundry, Main Pool, Swimming Pool, Room Service, Air Conditioning, Gym / Fitness Center, Infinity Pool, Kids Club, Conference Room, Complimentary Minibar, Butler Service, Pet Friendly, Eco-Certified, Water Purification, Private Plunge Pool, Outdoor Shower ## Details ## Why Stay at Residence Zanzibar Resort? The Residence Zanzibar is an all-villa, five-star estate on the island's secluded southwest coast near Kizimkazi, where every one of its 66 standalone villas has its own private pool. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it delivers space and seclusion on a scale few Indian Ocean resorts attempt. ## Where Is Residence Zanzibar Resort & What Wildlife Can You See? The resort occupies a 32-hectare tropical forest estate fronting a mile-long white-sand beach, 58 km south of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport — a 55 to 60-minute private transfer. Kizimkazi is famous for its resident dolphins, and boat safaris depart from the resort's own jetty; snorkelling, kayaking and excursions to Jozani Forest, home of the endemic red colobus monkey, add genuine wildlife interest, while monkeys and birdlife animate the villa gardens in the green season. ## Rooms & Style Villas range from Luxury Garden and Ocean Front Pool Villas to Frangipani Villas and a Presidential Ocean Front Villa, all with private pools, generous terraces and interiors blending African, Omani and European influences. Butler service, a kids club, tropical-garden spa and wine-pairing dinners complete the offer, and the estate is eco-certified with its own water purification. ## Who Is It Ideal For? - Luxury travellers who consider a private pool non-negotiable - Honeymooners wanting seclusion without sacrificing resort facilities - Families using multi-bedroom villas, babysitting and the kids club - Wildlife-minded beach guests keen on dolphin trips and Jozani Forest ## Pairs Well With The Residence is a flagship finale for a [Zanzibar](/tanzania/zanzibar) beach stay, pairing seamlessly with safari-first itineraries like the [9-day Kenya and Zanzibar](/safaris/9-days-kenya-and-zanzibar) combination. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do all villas at Residence Zanzibar Resort have private pools? Yes, every one of the 66 standalone villas at The Residence Zanzibar has its own private pool, along with generous terraces and interiors blending African, Omani and European influences. Categories range from Luxury Garden and Ocean Front Pool Villas to Frangipani Villas and a Presidential Ocean Front Villa. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this all-villa estate delivers space and seclusion on a scale few Indian Ocean resorts attempt. ### How far is Residence Zanzibar Resort from the airport? The Residence Zanzibar is 58 km south of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a private transfer of approximately 55 to 60 minutes via smooth interior highways to the island's secluded southwest coast near Kizimkazi. Guests arriving by ferry from Dar es Salaam dock at Stone Town in 90 to 120 minutes, then drive about 85 km southwest past Jozani Forest, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes in a private vehicle. ### Is Residence Zanzibar Resort family-friendly? Yes, The Residence Zanzibar caters well to families, with multi-bedroom villa configurations, a dedicated kids club and babysitting available, and children of all ages welcome under resort policy. The 32-hectare tropical forest estate fronts a mile-long white-sand beach with room to roam, and activities include snorkelling, kayaking, tennis and volleyball. In-villa private cooking and in-room dining make mealtimes easy with younger children. ### What wildlife experiences are available near Residence Zanzibar Resort? Kizimkazi is famous for its resident dolphins, and boat safaris depart directly from the resort's own jetty. Excursions run to Jozani Forest, home of the endemic red colobus monkey, while snorkelling and kayaking explore the coast. In the November-to-December green season, playful monkeys and indigenous birds become highly active in the villa gardens themselves, adding genuine wildlife interest to a beach stay. ### When is the best time to visit Residence Zanzibar Resort? June to October is the premier window, with clear skies and smooth seas perfect for dolphin safaris from the resort jetty and refreshing breezes for exploring the estate by bicycle. January to February offers hot beach weather with calm, flat seas and maximum water clarity for snorkelling. November to December brings lush green-season gardens, while March to May delivers heavily discounted villa rates and absolute all-villa solitude during the monsoon. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.