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Seafront private villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar

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On the beach, sun-loungers, beach towels
Property video
Property grounds
Exterior
5 bedrooms, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Jambiani, Zanzibar
  • Place, Jambiani Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Kuza Cave
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Paje Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪64 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Jambiani

With a stay at this villa in Jambiani, you'll be on the beach, a short 4-minute walk from Jambiani Beach and within 5 minutes by car from Kite Centre Zanzibar. .This beach villa is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Paje Beach and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Swahili Cave.
View more Villas in JambianiOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Jambiani Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Kuza Cave - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Kite Centre Zanzibar - 4 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Paje Beach - 6 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Pingwe Beach - 21 min drive - 21.9 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beach Boheme - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Your Zanzibar Place - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪B4 Beach Club - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Kisiwa on the Beach - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪BAHARI Pizza-Restaurant-Bar - ‬17 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Seafront private villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar

Welcome to Villa Biba, our two stories villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar. The house is located in front row of the beautiful, white coral sand beach. This is a spacious villa, built in traditional Zanzibar style. The house has five bedrooms with capacity for up to 12 persons. All bedrooms are connected to Arabic-style bathrooms. All 5 bedrooms are equipped with airconditions.

The large living room upstairs has a veranda with sea view, where you can enjoy the cool evening breeze and scenery of the Indian Ocean.. Two of the upstairs bedrooms face the sea and have balconies where you can enjoy the sunrise.

At ground floor there are two bedrooms, an African kitchen, and a large dining room with exit to a patio, offering shade at day-time and outdoor dining facilities with a fantastic sea view. The garden, which has direct access to the beach, includes two local crafted umbrellas with four sun-beds.

The African kitchen gives the possibility for the local chef to prepare dishes the African way. You can assist in food-shopping if you want, by joining the staff when they buy the fresh fish from the fishermen on the beach as they arrive back to the shore early in the morning.

Beach life, and swimming, and fun water sports are easily accessible. There is a modern kayak belonging to the house, available for free at your convenience.
Our local fisherman may bring you to the barrier reef where you may go snorkelling.
Kite surfing, wind surfing, and snorkelling equipment can be rented in the village, or the neighbouring village, Paje. Courses for beginners, and advanced kiting and surfing, as well as diving courses, can also be arranged there at local prices.

Please note that Zanzibar governmental tax are now included in the rental price, however additional local tax 2 USD per adult/night will be collected at the house.

Welcome to Villa Biba!

Location: MGQW+83 Jambiani, Tanzania
(-6.3117105, 39.5451493)
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned villa, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private balcony or patio. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include a safe and a coffee/tea maker, and housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or take in the view from a garden.
Breakfast is available for a fee.
Featured amenities include limo/town car service and laundry facilities.

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • Limo/town car service

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Walkway to water

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No lift
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Garden
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Seafront Private Villa Zanzibar

Seafront Private Villa Jambiani Beach Zanzibar

Seafront Private Villa Zanzibar

Seafront Private Jambiani Beach Zanzibar

Seafront Private Zanzibar

Seafront Private Villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar Villa

Seafront Private Villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar Jambiani

Villa Seafront Private Villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar

Seafront Private Villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar Jambiani

Seafront Private Villa at Jambiani Beach Zanzibar

Seafront Private Zanzibar

Seafront private villa at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chris G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing, Easy, and Perfect for a Large Family

Hassan, the property manager, and all the staff were over the top helpful. Very nice property and well maintained. And, so easy to communicate with Hassan- who had lots of local knowledge, as well! We had the best time and will definitely be back!!! Thank you all.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Elsa P.

Liked: Cleanliness
We really enjoyed our stay in Jambiani !! The house is really nice and spacious, the beach very lovely and right in-front of the house:) the rest of the town was easily accessible. There is quite a bit of staff around, which if you’re aware of it is no problem and they were all really lovely, chill and for coming!! also be aware that there is no wifi, no big deal but you should no this before coming !! Overall we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great experience

We had a wonderful stay with plenty of room for our family. The beach was stunning and we appreciated the staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Island Getaway

Our stay in Jambiani was amazing! We felt so welcome and accommodated for at the home. No complaints at all!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

HUNG, MONT-ROYAL, MONTREAL

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location of Villa Biba is excellent, right in front of the Jambiani beach with 5 large bedrooms , 4 bathrooms. Staffs are very friendly, the housemaster Kiru is very helpful and our group of 12 persons ordered dinners every night, excellent foods . The driver pick up us at the airport on arrival and bring us back to the Ferry the last day of our trip in Zanzibar.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

C K G., Cedar Hills, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect location for an extended family getaway

We had nine of us ages 17 to 70, everyone was pleased with the accommodations the food prepared by the cooks and the service of the driver Hassan. This place is right on the beach with gorgeous sunrises. This is not a Marriott resort, so don’t expect that. It is also an hour away from the ferry terminal, so plan for the time cost of transportation. Hassan was very reasonable and got us a nice bus for our trip. We would definitely consider staying here again should we return to Zanzibar.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn H., Riverside, CA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Such a Beautiful Place!

Just as the pictures show, the setting and the house were beautiful. There was AC in the bedrooms, which was helpful at night. There was a minor issue with hot water at times, but mostly it worked, and the staff helped keep it running. In fact, the staff were quite helpful. They cooked us delicious meals for breakfast and lunch, which we ate on the covered patio. They were also helpful in arranging snorkeling, which included the gear. The dhows were so much fun! The water was beautiful, and the snorkeling was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sabine H.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Gem!

Loved everything about it ! The food is so great and affordable you won’t want to go out for meals anymore knowing you are staying at the best place in town. The villa is beautiful and the service flawless !
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annie C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Stay !!!

Our 7 day stay at Villa Biba was outstanding. The location was great, steps from the Indian Ocean and various restaurants and bars within minutes from the house. The entire staff from Kiru and Hassan were always so cheerful and willing to go that extra mile to make our stay memorable. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tobi Doe M., Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing value in Jambiani

We really enjoyed our 7 nights at Villa Biba on Jambiani. The views to the beach, the lovely old home, and the friendly staff made our visit truly memorable. Though the WiFi and AC didn’t really work, we didn’t miss them. The ocean breezes through the screens made the rooms cool and we were too busy taking stunning pictures every morning on the beach to think about WiFi. We used a local SIM card instead. The staff was very friendly and we enjoyed delicious food from the kitchen. Hassan, the house driver, took us on several adventures and recommended local places. Overall we had an excellent stay and would love to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrea C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing property in a truly wonderful location

This house was exactly as described and more! A wonderful Arabic design with large rooms, high ceilings, comfortable beds and furniture, Arabic bathrooms (tiled), and so many really nice features. The location right on Jambiani beach cannot be beat. We watched the large tide come and go each day, enjoying swimming when the tide was high, and the dhows and other boats, as well as the locals cultivating seaweeds, when the tides were low. The staff (manager, chef, cleaners, and driver) were all really friendly, efficient, and interested in making our visit really special. Jambiani is remote and beautiful. There are hotels and villas on the water with the community living behind, but little hustle and bustle and commercialization. Really relaxing and fun time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness

😍😍😍

😁😁
Stayed 13 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Kirstina G.

Great spot for some peace and quiet!

We had a great stay at the villa for 2 weeks. It is a big house in a fabulous location right on the beach. We really enjoyed the front porch area and private garden/beach out the front with it's magnificent views. The bedrooms were all spacious and comfortable and had everything we needed. The house itself is getting a little old and could use a little TLC, curtains, sheets, lights and such, but for the price it is good value for money. We had great communication from the owner and house manager and enjoyed our stay very much!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

diane k.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous holiday in Zanzibar

We all fell in love with this house the location is amazing. The view the sea breeze and Jambiani village will stay in our memories forever ! It’s ideal for a big group of friends plenty of space super comfortable beds and the upstairs balcony is perfect for sundowners ! The staff were brilliant! Ideal to have breakfast made for you each morning by Amer who couldn’t do enough to make our stay perfect!!! The ladies kept the house super clean with fresh sheets every other day amazing service! Hassan was always available with transport to take us anywhere we needed to go. We all had an amazing holiday and we will miss this house and the lovely staff very much !!! Thank you till next time !
Stayed 16 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ula B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Kiru as house menager was great, he did everything to acomodate us. Hassan our driver was great

Great house with great staff. awesome location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Megan B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing location and wonderful house!

We are a family of 5 and spent four nights in June '19. The house is amazing and the staff very kind. The house had not been used in awhile so we had some trouble with ants, broken air-conditioners, water, theft. Although it sounds like a lot they were just small bumps in the otherwise spectacular experience that is Villa Biba. We so enjoyed the wonderful food and we also took advantage of our own personal tour guide. Hassan picked us up in StoneTown and showed us around. We also went snorkling and swam with wild dolphins thanks to him. My only advice is to make sure that the house is always locked but by all means visit this lovely villa.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

W L.

Wonderfully unique and charming home on the beach

It took a bit of getting used to the home because in some ways it felt a bit sparse and the rooms disconnected, but the uniqueness and charm of the home grew on us. We felt like we were occupying a well preserved architecturally interesting home from many years ago. The two second floor bedrooms that face the ocean are wonderful. (Although one bedroom had problems getting hot water that wasn't fixed during our 3 night stay). The upper level balcony was perfect for the 4 of us to enjoy the view of the ocean as well as the activity on the beach. Our driver, Hassan, picked us up at the airport and gave us a very nice tour of Stonetown before driving across the island to Vill Biba at Jamiani beach. The house master, Kiru and his staff were very attentive and welcoming. A highlight for us was having amazing breakfasts and dinners cooked by a very talented chef, Mao. We also booked the wooden sailboat operated by our night watchman who took us snorkeling. We would love to come back some day!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

4/10 Poor

Chris S.

Beautiful view but totally ruined by the service! Serious safety concerns.

Stay as of Aug/Sept 2018 for nine people: PROS- 1-The scenery and layout of the house cannot be beat. We enjoyed that part of the stay very much. 2-Kiru, the cleaners, the cook and the watch guards all did their jobs wonderfully. (See below for issues with the driver though.) The best food we had was at the house, especially breakfast. 3-Even though one room did not have an AC unit it was plenty cool enough. 4-The owner was very accommodating when we asked for additional local guests to possibly visit us. CONS 1-House does not have a back up electricity generator or hot water in every room, sewage backups did happen but were handled promptly. It’s Africa so not fully unexpected. 2-Hassan the driver. With some of our guests being fluent in Swahili and Tanzanian residents for over a decade, we determined that he was charging ridiculous prices for transport. When we called him out on it and arranged for other transportation (ahead of time and let him know) he still came to the airport and made SUCH a scene that I immediately contacted the owner and let them know we did not feel safe with him at the property. Our local friends kept close watch for us, and took the downstairs room. We thought maybe we could all consider it a misunderstanding and we could start fresh the next day but Hassan’s attitude and treatment towards us became worse and worse, especially once he found out we were not personal friends of the owner. We had to find other modes of transportation/tours because he was so nasty towards us which then in turn made him more nasty. For our safety we decided to not really say anything to the owner because what can they do? They are in a foreign country and they cannot change out the whole staff overnight. Even if they do say something to the staff, they are all related and have constant access to every nook and cranny of the house. So in order to avoid possible retaliation we just ended up bearing it but Hassan did cast a very tense and awkward dark shadow over our whole stay of 8 days. We were never really able to relax which was the whole point of our vacation. So I would say if you can avoid Hassan’s hissyfits by paying his overcharges then your stay would probably be okay. But if you don’t want to be price gouged then stay somewhere else. We regret not just staying in a hotel for more peace of mind. Owner has not responded in 5 days to our complaint
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette G., ireland

Wonderful stay at Villa Biba

We stayed for 5 nights at Villa Biba in Jambiani from 25th to 30th December, 2017 and loved every minute of it. The villa is situated right on the beach with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. It is a large house with 5 double bedrooms and 4 bathrooms so there was loads of room for the 9 of us. We particularly enjoyed dining on the verandah looking out on the Indian Ocean. The house is tastefully decorated, so comfortable and cleaned every morning. At the back of the house, you will find the village of Jambiani where you will meet the locals. Everyone was so friendly especially the children who were always happy to greet us. The staff were wonderful, so kind and helpful at all times. No request went unanswered. Kiru, the housemaster, looked after our every need and Hassan, the driver, took us on trips to Stone Town, Spice Island, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling and the Rock. Mau, our chef, excelled himself producing some wonderful food for us, his BBQ being a particular highlight. The villa and staff exceeded all expectations and I would highly recommend a stay in Villa Biba.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

Shaindel S.

Get away, slow down and relax in calm spacious home in primitive locale

Very spacious beautiful house with unbelievable view of sunrise on the Indian Ocean; "mamas" gathering seaweed dressed in brightly colored modest attire; wooden sailboats. White fine sand beach with very little tourist traffic; no motorboats in the water = quiet, clean, calm. Only pollution comes from wood burning smoke as local population cooks their meals. Minimal electricity so house is dimly lit. Low water pressure but we had water and electricity most of our stay. Staff is very eager and available to help. No washing machines so women wash all towels, linens and clothing by hand. Driver is very capable and speaks English. He will arrange boat rides, snorkeling, tours and just about anything. Night watchmen, cook and housekeeper have access to house but there are locks on all doors. This looks like the nicest property along the length of Jambiani beach. The back of the house faces the local town. People are very friendly, children look beautiful and healthy and dressed respectably and modestly. Access is through dirt roads shared by people, children, goats and their kids, ducks and ducklings, chickens and chicks, cows and calves, bicycles and motorcycles, cats and kittens. Beds are king size, very comfortable and surrounded by mosquito netting. No wifi, spotty cell phone service -- so great for getting away, privacy and relaxation. Ocean water is perfect temperature for swimming and very shallow. A/C units in every bedroom; ceiling fan in kitchen. A primitive, not touristy, not crowded real vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Tess

Great place! Lots of fun

The house is beautiful and well taken care of by all the staff. There are daily housekeepers, a personal cook (absolutely delicious), personal driver and tour guide as well as helpful and friendly staff! Would definitely stay here again. The rooms are spacious, comfortable beds and pillows, beautiful bathrooms (takes awhile for hot water and sometimes not so great water pressure) Good working AC. Lots of outside lawn chairs with cushions, easy access to beach. Use of kayak which was lots of fun. Great walking to other restaurants. Would absolutely recommend anyone to stay here! We had a blast and felt right at home!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2017

10/10 Excellent

Angela M.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

OveLasse S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Exceptional stay!

The accommodation was spotless, comfortable, and beautifully designed. The team was amazing, always friendly and attentive. The food prepared by the house chef was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Geneviève W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Endroit magnifique mais.....

Salon, chambres lugubres par manque d'éclairage, pas d'électricité ni eau un jour, douche bouchée, pas de wifi sauf la veille du depart...MAIS, emplacement magnifique .Personnel tres accueillant. Amer fait le maximum pour solutionner les problèmes
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paola T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful house on stunning quite beach

We stayed at Villa Biba in two families. The house is absolutely wonderful, spacious, bright, directly on the beach and with all the necessary comforts. The phenomenon of high and low tide right in front of the house is incredible, a unique spectacle. A little difficult for children when the sea retreats, but we took the opportunity to visit the island. The staff is definitely very kind, helpful and pleasant. We have no hesitation in recommending this house and excellent location with very few tourists (in the month of August).
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024