Le Tembo Hotel occupies a nineteenth-century Swahili palace overlooking the sea in the historic quarter of Stone Town, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The building, which once housed the American consulate in the nineteenth century, retains its original architecture and Swahili furnishings to this day.

Why choose Le Tembo Hotel

The property appeals first and foremost to travelers drawn to Zanzibar's history and architecture. The main building is a converted Swahili palace, whose past diplomatic role — as seat of the nineteenth-century American consulate — partly explains its thick walls, high ceilings, and carved woodwork. Its direct seafront location, within the UNESCO perimeter, places the main sites of Stone Town within a short walk.

The hotel also counts visits from notable personalities, including Freddie Mercury and, according to the hotel's records, Mahatma Gandhi. In addition, four apartments are housed in the Freddie Mercury residence, directly across from the main building.

Atmosphere and character

Le Tembo comprises two wings that blend original Swahili architecture with contemporary amenities. The central courtyard houses the pool and opens onto the beach. The décor favors carved furnishings, local textiles, and traditional Zanzibari doors. The atmosphere remains that of a heritage house rather than a resort, with personalized, attentive service.

Rooms and apartments

The establishment features 36 rooms, plus 4 apartments in the Freddie Mercury residence across from the hotel.

• Double and twin rooms: sleeping area with sitting area, balcony overlooking the sea, gardens, or pool depending on orientation.
• Luxury suites: sweeping Indian Ocean views, more generous spaces, tropical-inspired décor.
• Presidential suite: private waterfront balcony, Swahili furnishings, hammam with both cold and hot showers.
• Freddie Mercury apartments: two bedrooms, Arab-style lounge, hammam, balconies with views over Stone Town.

All rooms are equipped with a telephone, television with international channels, a fan, and a refrigerator.

Dining and services

The Bahari restaurant serves a cuisine blending Zanzibari specialties with international dishes. Its terrace, extending over the Indian Ocean, is one of the property's highlights, especially at sunset. A bar rounds out the offering, with a varied selection of beverages. The courtyard pool is available throughout the day, and airport transfers can be arranged on request.

Location in Stone Town

The hotel sits directly on the seafront, within the historic Stone Town quarter. The port is about a five-minute walk away, and Kisauni Airport roughly ten minutes by car (allow longer during rush hour). The bus stop serving the eastern part of the island is accessible on foot in approximately fifteen minutes.

Nearby attractions

Several major sites in the UNESCO quarter are within walking distance of the hotel:

• The Palace Museum (Beit el-Sahel), former residence of the sultans.
• Forodhani Gardens, lively in the evening with street food stalls.
• The Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el-Amani).
• Tippu Tip's house, a testament to the island's trading history.

To extend your stay with beach time, properties such as Karafuu Beach Resort or Breezes Beach Club & Spa on the east coast complement a city stay in Stone Town well. On the mainland, Karatu Simba Lodge serves as a base for exploring the northern parks.

Preparing your stay

Le Tembo Hotel fits naturally into an itinerary combining Stone Town, Zanzibar's beaches, and, depending on your interests, a safari on the continent. To build a bespoke journey, explore our Tanzania travel ideas.