> All-inclusive in Zanzibar: which resorts do it well, what's really covered, where they're located and whether all-inclusive is worth it versus bed & breakfast on the island.

*Source : https://hotels4travelers.com/blog/all-inclusive-zanzibar/*

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# Best all-inclusive resorts in Zanzibar — and are they worth it?

May 6, 2026 · by Sébastien Joumel

![Best all-inclusive resorts in Zanzibar — and are they worth it?](https://hotels4travelers.com/img/zanzibar/2.jpg)

All-inclusive can be brilliant in Zanzibar — or a way to miss the island entirely. Because so many hotels sit on tide-dependent beaches far from restaurants, having meals and drinks sorted on site genuinely helps. But it isn't always the best value. Here's how to decide.

At a glance

-   **Best for:** east-coast & remote resorts far from restaurants.
-   **Watch:** drinks quality and "premium" supplements.
-   **Typical AI rate:** from ~$200–260 for a solid 4–5★.
-   **Alternative:** B&B in Nungwi, where restaurants are walkable.

## When all-inclusive makes sense

All-inclusive shines when your resort is **isolated** — common on the east and north-east coasts, where leaving for every meal is impractical and the tide limits spontaneous beach time. If you want to switch off completely and not think about bills, it’s worth it.

It makes **less** sense in **Nungwi**, where dozens of restaurants and beach bars are a short walk away — there, bed & breakfast plus eating out gives you more variety and often costs less.

## Resorts that do all-inclusive well

-   **RIU Palace Zanzibar** (Nungwi) — large, polished AI with pools and multiple restaurants, from ~$260.
-   **Meliá Zanzibar** (Kiwengwa) — AI options at a refined 5★ on a private cove.
-   **Dream of Zanzibar** / **Sandies Baobab** (east/north-east) — popular dedicated all-inclusives.

**Check before booking:** what drinks are included (local vs international brands), whether à-la-carte restaurants carry a supplement, and if water sports or excursions are extra.

## All-inclusive vs B&B in Zanzibar

All-inclusive

Bed & breakfast

Best location

East / remote coasts

Nungwi (walkable dining)

Variety

Lower (on-site only)

Higher (eat out)

Budgeting

Predictable

Flexible

Local immersion

Less

More

## Is all-inclusive worth it?

If you’re after a switch-off beach holiday on a quiet coast, yes — the convenience is real and the price can beat eating out three times a day. If you value variety, local food and exploring, choose B&B in a walkable area and keep your evenings open.

## All-inclusive Zanzibar FAQ

### Where are most all-inclusive resorts in Zanzibar?

Mainly on the east and north-east coasts (Kiwengwa, Bwejuu, Pwani Mchangani) and a few large ones in Nungwi.

### Is all-inclusive cheaper than B&B?

On remote coasts, often yes once you count every meal and drink. In Nungwi, B&B plus eating out is usually better value and more varied.

## Compare resorts

See all-inclusive and B&B options side by side, with live prices, in our guide to [hotels in Zanzibar](https://hotels4travelers.com/tanzania/zanzibar/).

[→ Compare hotels in Zanzibar and find the lowest price](https://hotels4travelers.com/tanzania/zanzibar/)

SJ

Written & researched by Sébastien Joumel Entrepreneur and travel enthusiast · founder of Hotels4Travelers

I personally research the destinations we cover — comparing prices, reading reviews and digging into neighbourhoods — to help you travel smarter, off the beaten track.