JAFFERJI HOUSE, Zanzibar – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Historic Stone Town Location
Jafferji House is at 170 Gizenga Street in Zanzibar's Stone Town, behind the Old Fort. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Forodhani Gardens, Palace Museum, and House of Wonders. Zanzibar International Airport is 7 km away (15-minute drive), and the ferry terminal is a 3-minute drive.
Boutique Suites with Character
The hotel has 10 suites, including three signature options. Rooms feature handcrafted wooden beds, flat-screen TVs, Moroccan-styled cemented baths, and Zuri Rituals toiletries. Some suites offer street views or courtyard access. The building showcases 150-year-old Fatimid-style Coptic architecture with exposed walls and arches.
Rooftop Bohra Dining Experience
The rooftop restaurant serves authentic Bohra cuisine from a large steel plate called Thaal, accommodating eight people. Meals begin with a grain of salt and include alternating sweet and savory dishes, concluding with rice preparations like biryani. The rooftop offers 360-degree views of Stone Town, including the Old Fort and Anglican Church.
Swahili Cooking Classes
The hotel offers Swahili cooking lessons focusing on local dishes like coconut bean soup, octopus curry, and chicken curry. Classes cover traditional techniques and the use of spices like cumin, cardamom, and cloves. Participants learn about the medicinal properties of local herbs and spices.
Concierge and Transport Services
The hotel provides concierge service for tour arrangements and airport transfers. Pre-booked transfers are recommended. The staff can arrange visits to local attractions including Jozani Forest (home to red colobus monkeys), spice farms, and historical sites like the former Slave Market and House of Wonders.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Fishing
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Happy hour
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness centre
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Body scrub
- Facial
- Treatment room
- Body wraps
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Media
- AM/FM alarm clock
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
Staying at this hotel was a mix of great positives and a few drawbacks. The rooms were huge with a giant balcony on each side, very spacious, and well-decorated with all amenities. However, the overwhelming decoration and odd distribution were a bit too much. The service was top-notch, sweet, and professional, which I found to be the strongest point of the hotel. The location was fantastic, right in the heart of Stone Town, decorated in a very interesting way, and within walking distance to many attractions. On the downside, the dining experience was very slow and rather disappointing, taking an hour to get everything you wanted.
I absolutely loved my stay at the hotel! The rooms were beautifully decorated in Zanzibar style and quite spacious, which made the staff really proud and enthusiastic. The turn down service included fumigation, ensuring a comfortable and clean environment. However, the service had its ups and downs, with some misunderstandings that were quickly resolved. The location couldn't have been better, right in the heart of Stone Town with charming views over the rooftops. Dining was satisfactory, but there were a few hiccups with missing items and slow service affecting plans. Overall, a delightful experience with a few minor drawbacks.
I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The rooms were spacious, clean, and dedicated to the theme of the famous African explorer Kama Sutra. The service was top-notch, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a great experience. The location was perfect, right in the heart of Stonetown, making it convenient for sightseeing. However, the dining experience was a bit slow, impacting our plans, and the lack of facilities was a downside.
The hotel's rooms, off of the first-floor sitting room, are cozy and beautifully decorated but have a worn, old look to them. The service is friendly and chatty, perfect for exploring Stone Town. The location is fantastic, being in the heart of old Stone Town, but the narrow streets may not justify the higher price. The dining experience, albeit slow, is average for the price paid. The facilities are decent, maintaining a touch of character throughout.
The hotel is situated right in the heart of Stone Town, offering a central location perfect for exploring the area. The rooms are truly marvelous - cozy, beautiful, and spacious, though the steep staircase might pose a challenge for older guests. The service is top-notch with very kind and helpful staff. The dining experience can be slow at times, but the homemade pastries are a delightful treat. The facilities are excellent overall.
