The Tembo Hotel is situated right on the town beach in the Centre of the Shangani area of Stone Town.
Originally the hotel was one grand old house, but they an extension increased the number of rooms to a total of 38. Almost all the rooms, except some of the Prime Rooms, overlook the sea and feature a mix of traditional Zanzibari and European furnishings. Tembo does not serve alcohol.
At Tembo Hotel, curved arches form open doorways and windows, and brightly colored stained glass lends an unusual interior light. A huge wooden staircase leads up to the rooms, whilst wide arched doors lead from reception into the central areas.
The Tembo is now a relatively large hotel, which is busy throughout most of the year. Its large pool and beach-side location also attracts lots of families, and non-guests can use the pool for US$3 – the result is a lively and sometimes slightly noisy atmosphere. The swimming pool is relatively large and usually full of toys and children during the day. However, for those who want a bit of peace and quiet there are a few relaxed loungers on the beach.
Adjacent to the pool is the large restaurant, which serves a variety of international food for lunch and dinner. The main part of the restaurant is situated between the pool and the beach under a flat terrace roof, with open sides. This area is nicely furnished with big carved chairs, and beautifully made coffee tables, whilst the open sides allow a lovely breeze to drift through.
The restaurant extends onto a large open-air patio and also a paved stretch that runs alongside the beach. There are trees lining the beach which provide plenty of shade, and the sea-breeze is lovely.
The central areas of the Tembo are relatively lively and there are always a few people from other hotels dining in the restaurant or swimming in the pool. It is a great place for families or people looking for a buzzy atmosphere.
The location of the Tembo Hotel is perfect for exploring the back streets and shops, or for relaxing by the pool. Then in the evening there are plenty of restaurants in easy reach if you don’t want to dine in the hotel. This is especially handy for those who want to get a drink; like the Tembo’s sister-property, the Dhow Palace Hotel, this is a ‘dry’ hotel which does not serve alcohol.
The rooms at Tembo Hotel are all very comfortable, with views out over the pool or the sea. Most of the Tembo’s rooms are Prime Rooms, which are quite small and a little dated, although each is nicely furnished. Then there are also a few Deluxe Rooms, which are equally well furnished, but are larger and have sea-views.
| Check In | 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check Out | 11:00 AM |
