Zali Aerie : Authentic Hospitality at a Family-Run Airbnb in Zanzibar
Zali Aerie
Welcome to a warm and welcoming oasis in the heart of Zanzibar, Tanzania. This family-run Airbnb of Zali Aerie offers more than just accommodation – it provides an authentic home away from home experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and hospitality. Nestled in the vibrant community of Zanzibar, the Airbnb is infused with the charm and warmth of a traditional family home, where guests are treated like part of the family from the moment they arrive. With comfortable accommodations, personalized service, and insider tips on the best local attractions and experiences, they strive to create unforgettable memories for their guests that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Join for a truly immersive and authentic stay in Zanzibar, where every moment is infused with the warmth and hospitality of a family-run home.
Here is what we will cover in this article!
- Location & Accessibility
- Accommodation Features
- Facilities & Services
- Value for Money
- Our Experience & Thoughts
- Additional Information
If you want to look at all of our recommendations for what to do in Zanzibar for your trip, make sure you don’t miss our full review article here:
Zanzibar: Discovering the Allure of Tanzania’s Spice Island
Location & Accessibility of Zali Aerie
Description of the hotel’s location
This lovely AirBnB is found in Paje, which is located on the South-East side of the island. Paje is about an hour drive from the airport and the best way to get there is by renting a car or hiring a driver as the island does not have the best public transportation options.
Proximity to transportation hubs, attractions, and amenities
If you want to rent a car, I suggest you are a brave driver who thrives in chaos because that is what you will be facing on the “roads” of Zanzibar. There is some order to the madness but we were confident in our decision that driving here wasn’t for us. Second, you can rent a motorbike. Keep in mind that if it rains you will get soaked to the bone as the roads can have massive puddles and you are virtually unprotected. This is by far the cheapest option of the three though so if you are on a budget and brave in traffic, go for it!
Finally, you can hire a local driver. This is what we ended up doing as the AirBnB has connections and usual drivers. We think this is a great option no matter what the weather. You are protected if it rains and you have AC to combat the heat. It also helps when there are local authority checks to have a local handle the situation. We had a few guides who drove depending on where we wanted to go on the island and they would either wait for us or come back when we finished. Overall we highly recommend them all!
Accommodation Features
Room types and amenities offered
The house is split into 3 levels with the two main bedrooms on the first two floors. The third floor has a lounge area and will also have a third bedroom and bathroom soon! It is perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. The rooms are spacious and first floor room has an outdoor bathroom with bamboo rain shower. First two floors also both have AC which is glorious to escape the humidity and heat. The beds are massive and equipped with mosquito nettings. we slept like babies!
You have a private garden with lots of fruits, veggies and local plant life. There is another outdoor shower, a larger table for working or eating at, an outdoor couch, two lounge chairs, a hammock and an outdoor kitchen equipped with your own ship for a counter! They also have a star gazing mat and a space you can do yoga! It is gated off for privacy but less than 30 second and you are on the beach front. The highlight for me is the small private pool which is perfect for relaxing, cooling off and sipping a cocktail in
Workspace availability and quality
I was able to comfortably work in multiple locations at the Zali Aeire. We slept in the bottom room and I worked from the table in the room when we really wanted a break from the heat and needed AC. Outside of the bedroom they have pallet couches which were surprisingly very comfortable and this was one of my favorite places that allowed me to be outside but in the shade with a breeze. There is a dinner style table out in the private garden which would allow for groups to work together if you are staying with a team or family. Finally I loved relaxing in the hammock while working as well.
Internet speed and reliability
Overall we had decent connection around the property. It was strongest in the rooms on the second floor but even in our bedroom, outside of the rooms and in the mentioned workspaces, connection was reliable. e were able to upload, download and stream with no issues.
Noise levels and privacy
If you still want the luxury experience but prefer to have more privacy then you absolutely need to book this airbnb! Zali Aerie gives you a private oasis all to yourself and the experience of living at home while still being able to enjoy the wonderful amenities. he private rooms, private garden, private pool and access down to the beach (which is residential and not touristy at all) you cannot get more privacy than this! It was super quiet as well and sleeping we had no disruptions at all as it is off from a main road and no traffic noise can be heard.
Facilities & Services
Quality of services provided (housekeeping, front desk, etc.)
The staff are all wonderful and keep the place running smoothly. Beds are freshly made and new towels, glasses and things are provided each morning. Breakfast is included and they plan to extend their meal options going forward including some bbq dinners and more! They also have guides for excursions and tours you can do. If you want to hire a driver or have recommendations, they will gladly help with all of this as well! You cannot get a better deal for the money than this.
Availability of additional amenities (laundry, restaurant, spa, etc.)
As I mentioned, breakfast is included and they provided a bbq dinner for us where they brought all the necessary items, made the food and had leftovers for us even! We also utilized the outdoor kitchen for meals and you can easily cook if you do not feel like strolling to find food.
Value for Money
Pricing compared to similar accommodations in the area
Zanzibar has quite a large range of price points on the island. I would say this AirBnB at the time of our stay was in the mid to high range but is not priced as high as they could be! If you are looking for fully budget then maybe you should check out other locations, however if you want a beautiful, comfortable, private and reliable accommodation then Zali Aerie might be perfect for you!
Overall value proposition for digital nomads
If you are looking for a beautiful property, where privacy is top level and don’t want to sacrifice the higher amenities of a hotel, then you cannot do better than Zali Aeire! This gives you a secluded place to work and unwind after a busy day. You will have plenty of options to work in comfortable locations and should have reliable internet.
Our Experience & Thoughts on Zali Aerie
Personal experience and impressions
We absolutely loved this place and it had everything we needed. The private pool, our own kitchen and plenty of place to relax, not to mention private walk ways to beach access! This family run AirBnB is a great way to support the locals and help give back to their community. We would stay here again 10/10.
Additional Information
Contact details and booking information
You can book here at Zali Aerie on AirBnB.
Happy travels xx
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