Upendo Beach

OVERVIEW:

Upendo Beach is a well-priced boutique hotel on Zanzibar’s south-east coast, featuring private villa accommodations and a low-key, laid-back ambiance. With its picturesque beachfront location, various dining options, and an inviting ocean-facing chill-out space, Upendo is a great spot for those seeking comfort, great value, and relaxation. The property also offers a wide variety of activities and excursions, so guests can relax on site or explore Zanzibar’s cultural and scenic treasures. Rates include breakfast, and half-board and full-board supplements are available on request.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Upendo Beach is located in Michamvi, on Zanzibar’s south-east coast. The entry point by air is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, and from there, it’s approximately 1.5 hours by road to Upendo Beach.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT UPENDO BEACH: 

Upendo Beach is a small, informal boutique hotel with four comfortable air-conditioned private villas nestled within tropical green foliage and fuschia-pink bougainvillaea. Two adults-only beachfront villas have large ocean-facing terraces, rooftop plunge pools, and a personal butler service. The hotel’s newest two-bedroom villa works well for adults or a small family of four, with two en-suite bedrooms featuring twin or king-sized beds, an outside deck and dining space, and a private infinity pool. Finally, Shiva is a six-bedroom beachfront villa with a private pool and its own butler, housekeeper, and gardener – guests can book this option exclusively or as individual suites. The style at Upendo Beach combines contemporary cool with traditional Zanzibari accents such as crisp white walls, thatched roofs, decorative lanterns, stone floors, natural jute rugs, intricate Swahili wood carvings, and local artefacts. Each room is designed uniquely, some with a bathtub or rain shower, others with a sea-facing balcony or patio, and all include a ceiling fan, an electronic safe, a mini-bar, a fridge, and an espresso machine.

The Upendo Beach atmosphere is all about laidback island vibes, dining al fresco, and soaking up the sea views. There’s an informal restaurant, an infinity pool, and a chill-out area with a cushioned daybed and plenty of space for relaxing with a book and a cocktail from the bar. The restaurant serves fresh seafood and fusion dishes that rely on locally sourced ingredients, and the all-day dining menu includes burgers alongside classic Indian and Swahili cuisine. Upendo also has a ‘Boho Social Sunday Brunch’ and a sushi menu on Wednesdays and weekends. Beach barbecues and private candlelit dinners are available on request. While there isn’t a spa, those seeking a rejuvenating massage can request an in-villa beauty or massage treatment with Healing Earth products.

ACTIVITIES AT UPENDO BEACH:

Upendo Beach offers a range of activities and excursions, ensuring guests can easily sample Zanzibar’s many highlights.

• Stone Town visit

  – A full-day tour takes you to the heart of historic Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is a cultural melting pot and a fascinating place to explore, with its maze of narrow streets and intricate Swahili architecture.

• Jozani Forest excursion

  – Part of the ecologically rich Jozani–Chwaka Bay Biosphere Reserve, Jozani is a lush, indigenous forest with diverse flora and fauna. Walk one of the trails, keeping an eye out for unusual birds, butterflies, and colobus monkeys.

• Spice tour

  – Discover the flavours of Zanzibar on an aromatic spice tour, where you’ll walk through plantations, learn about cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves, and enjoy a delicious Swahili lunch.

• Sailing

  – Sailing on a traditional Swahili dhow is a highlight of any trip to Zanzibar, and there are plenty of beautiful places to explore. Enjoy stunning views of Zanzibar’s east coast with a delicious lunch served on board, accompanied by a selection of wines and local beers.

• Chumbe Island boat trip

  – Chumbe Island is a small protected nature reserve surrounded by clear blue ocean and pristine coral reefs. Set off by boat on this memorable excursion, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel and perhaps enjoy a guided walk on one of the nature trails, depending on the tide.

• Picnics

  – Visit Zanzibar’s secluded Mtende Beach for a feet-in-the-sand picnic lunch, followed by a swim or snorkelling in the crystal-clear turquoise ocean.

• East Coast excursions

  – Embark on a full-day tour of Zanzibar’s east coast, covering the Maalum caves with their natural swimming pool, the Mwani Seaweed Centre that provides opportunities to female seaweed farmers, and the idyllic Mtende Beach.

• Scuba diving

  – Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Zanzibar has some stunning diving sites and rich marine biodiversity. Vibrant corals, fish, sea turtles, starfish, and rays make this a startling underwater world to explore.

• Kitesurfing

  – Zanzibar's south-east coast has the best conditions for kitesurfing on the island. Accompanied by a certified kite instructor who’ll seek out an uncrowded spot, take to the Indian Ocean for an exhilarating kitesurfing class and gain some impressive new skills.