Emerson Zanzibar
One Foundation
Emerson Zanzibar is made up of one foundation, two heritage hotels, three unique restaurants and four exclusive dining experiences all founded by the flamboyant Emerson Skeens. Inspired by his big-hearted passion for the local community, Skeens formed the Emerson’s Foundation for Zanzibar. And though Skeens passed away in 2014, the Foundation continues to make a difference in the community today.
Two Hotels
Boutique hotels Emerson Spice Hotel and Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, are consistently rated two of the best hotels in Stone Town. They are within walking distance of each other in the historical heart of Stone Town.
Where to Eat in Stone Town? Try one of our three Restaurants…
Both hotels have an amazing rooftop restaurant overlooking the heart of Stone Town: the Tea House at Emerson Spice Hotel and the Tea House at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. In Emerson Spice there is also the magical Secret Garden Restaurant. Visiting these restaurants will offer you a uniquely Zanzibari atmosphere, reflecting the intriguing mix of cultures.
Four Dining Experiences
If you are looking for where to eat in Stone Town, these three top Stone Town restaurants provide four uniquely different dining experiences but all with top class cuisine.
Dining in the magical Secret Garden Restaurant is possible from 17h00 from an à la carte menu or drop in for lunch from 12:00 noon.
The dining experience in the rooftop Tea House restaurants with spectacular views over Stone Town starts at sunset with dinner served promptly at 19h00. There are also live music events on Wednesday and Friday nights. Check the schedule for all our Live Music Events in Stone Town.
Book your restaurant reservation online here.
Emerson Zanzibar Packages
Stone Town is a destination in its own right and a great base from which to explore Zanzibar. See our different packages which offer a chance to experience as much of Stone Town as possible within the time frame of your holiday.
“Sunset to Sunrise” – includes dinner for two, overnight in one of our beautiful rooms, plus breakfast on your own veranda overlooking Stone Town.
“Senses of Zanzibar” – 4 nights, offering an immersive experience of life in Stone Town, its rich tapestry of cultures, religions and modern-day Swahili hustle and bustle.
“Loyalty Package” – Returning guests, their friends or relatives can receive a 20% discount for the duration of their stay.
Two Stone Town Hotels
Three Top Stone Town Restaurants
Experience the Real Zanzibar
Stay at Hurumzi
Looking for more than just accommodation in Stone Town to experience the real Zanzibar?
In the heart of Stone Town is a beautifully restored residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire – Tharia Topan who served as principal financial advisor to Sultan Bargash.
This noble ‘Grande Dame’ of restored Zanzibar palaces has spectacular views. Dating back to the 1870s, it is one of the oldest and most majestic in the Hurumzi area of Stone Town. It is a fascinating labyrinth of small bridges, swings, private tea houses and spacious individually designed rooms. Each room has its colours, design and style, flowing from its specific theme and ambience.
The hotel combines the style of the late 1800’s when it was built, with the colour and comfort of the 21st century. Hurumzi is a striking, magnificent building with historical significance and uniqueness.
More about Emerson on Hurumzi
Stay at Spice Hotel
Looking for a place to stay in Stone Town to experience the real Zanzibar?
An inspired and lovingly restored merchant’s house, this boutique hotel has 11 individually designed rooms, which are structured around an airy central courtyard, adding light and spacious sparkle to the building.
The main style of the hotel is a combination of Art Deco and traditional Zanzibar.
A stay at Emerson Spice offers an authentic stylish ambience, amid the vibrant, mystical and magical sounds of the city, with the background calls to prayer from Stone Town’s many mosques.
Flavours of Zanzibar
Our Three Top Stone Town Restaurants
Two of the best hotels in Stone Town, Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi between them have the three top restaurants in Stone Town. Each hotel has a restaurant in their rooftop Tea House. The first course of dinner is served promptly at 19h00 and diners are welcomed from 18h00 for the sunset hour in the both rooftop restaurants. There is only one sitting every evening and advance reservations are required. Due to the nature of the set seafood based menu at Emerson Spice Tea House restaurant, dietary requirements are better catered for in our other restaurants. In addition there Stone Town’s most magical Secret Garden Restaurant located in Emerson Spice Hotel.
Emerson Spice Rooftop Tea House Restaurant
The rooftop restaurant at Emerson Spice is our Signature Seafood restaurant offering an informal fine dining tasting menu in five servings with the freshest local seafood, a creative use of spices and indigenous plants.
Enjoy your meal while taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Come early, from around 18h00 for sundowners and the first course of this five-course culinary journey is served promptly at 19h00. Please reserve in advance for this unique dining experience.
Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Tea House Restaurant
This restaurant boasts a 360 degrees view over Stone Town and the Indian Ocean. Seating is Swahili style, on thick Persian rugs with low tables. Most evenings, a traditional Taarab singer & band perform during a delicious dinner with authentic Swahili cuisine, fused with Omani and Persian influences. The Hurumzi Tea House is better suited to those who don’t eat seafood or who prefer a vegetarian meal.
The Secret Garden Restaurant Emerson Spice
Secluded and tucked away in a walled garden, the Secret Garden restaurant at Emerson Spice is a romantic, magical haven away from the noisy hustle and bustle of Stone Town. The perfect place to enjoy a quiet rest over lunch and savour the ambience of old Zanzibar. Dinner from an a la carte menu is served from 17h00 – 21h30 every night. On Wednesday & Friday nights, there is live music performed by Zanzibari artists, starting at 20h00.
Three Stone Town Restaurants
Stone Town’s two top Rooftop Tea Houses
Indulge all your senses as you dine out for lunch or absorb the stunning sunset dinner at either of Stone Town’s renowned top rooftop restaurants. More than a meal, this experience offers a simply breathtaking 360-degree view, accompanied by the sounds of a city quietening for sun-down. This whole evocative evening is described by many guests and travellers as a “truly ‘movie-like’ memory”.
Make your choice:
- Emerson Spice offers a tasting menu in five servings with the freshest local seafood, a creative use of spices and indigenous plants.
- Emerson on Hurumzi offers a three course menu based on local Zanzibar cuisine fused with oriental Persian and Omani influences.
The Secret Garden
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town streets? Take a spiced coffee or cold beverage in the haven that is Stone Town’s Secret Garden. Just metres from the vibrant streets of the city you will be instantly and miraculously transported to another dimension.
Authentic Local Music, Art & Live Events
What’s on in Stone Town, Zanzibar?
Join us at one of our regular evenings of live music events in Stone Town, art exhibitions or other hosted cultural events. From food to film festivals, we are at the heart of this vibrant pulsating Zanzibar capital Stone Town.
Follow our social media channels and stay up-to-date with the very latest in what is happening in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Please ‘Follow’ and ‘Like Us’
Expressions of Zanzibar Women, exhibition by Robin Batista
Emerson on Hurumzi236 Hurumzi Street,Stone Town,P.O. Box 3417 Map
Robin Batista's exhibition, "Expressions of Zanzibar Women", showcases the resilience, power, determination, and strength of Zanzibari women through a visual journey of vibrant photographs.
Each image tells a story that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Zanzibar, highlighting the courage of women as they engage with their communities and nurture their families. The exhibition celebrates their extraordinary contributions and honors their legacy, inviting viewers to experience the profound emotions and powerful narratives captured in Batista's art.
Limited edition prints available.
Articles & Travel Information
Where Heritage Meets Passion
Read some of our latest articles and travel blogs. Discover more about the culture, history, art, music and gastronomy of Zanzibar. The magical, timeless story of Zanzibar can be experienced in either of Stone Town’s two famous ‘heritage’ boutique hotels. Emerson Zanzibar is a home-grown brand located in the World Heritage Site of Stone Town. Two unique hotels where culture, history, design and art have richly fused together to create exclusive award-winning experiences. With its partner Emerson’s Foundation, here is the beating heart of community and environmental engagement.
Emerson Zanzibar Music Awards 2024
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s 8th Music Award 2024 at the Sauti za Busara Music Festival sposored by the top hotels in Stone Town
Emerson Zanzibar Art Awards Exhibition December 2023
Emerson Zanzibar is not just hotels and restaurants; since our doors opened, Emerson Zanzibar Foundation has been very closely connected to the culture and art community. This is the 3rd year art award and exhibition.
Joanne Lumley visits Zanzibar Hotel
Dame Joanna Lumley, world famous UK actress visited Emerson Spice Hotel, one of the most iconic Zanzibar Hotels in Stone Town to talk to legendary designer and cultural expert Farouque Abdela as part of her 2023 Spice Trail TV series.
Recommended Holidays in Tanzania
Explore mainland Tanzania’s classic African Bush safari adventure. Add Zanzibar’s breath-taking coast with clear azure sea shimmering on the Spice Island’s stunning white sands. Immerse yourself in the timeless sounds, tastes and sunsets of Emerson Zanzibar, with truly magical rooftop views. Wander the old alleys steeped in history and local culture in the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town. Why not do all three?
Or why not try this amazing 10 Day Culture, Bush Safari and Beach Package Deal today! A trip of a lifetime to Zanzibar!