Zanzibar for Digital Nomads Ultimate Guide (2025): My Experience Living & Working from Paradise
- Vero
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
Have you ever dreamed of working remotely from a tropical island with white sand beaches, stunning turquoise water, and palm trees swaying in the breeze? Then let me introduce you to Zanzibar, a magical island off the coast of Tanzania that completely stole my heart.
In this Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Zanzibar (2025), I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your remote work adventure here: where to stay, how to find reliable internet, get around, meet people, and much more.
I recently spent a month living and working from Stone Town, Paje, Jambiani, and Nungwi, with Paje being my main base and, hands down, the easiest spot to work remotely from. While I did encounter a few hiccups along the way (mostly related to spotty Wi-Fi and the occasional power cut), the experience was nothing short of amazing. I felt completely safe every single day, and the warmth of the people made my time there truly unforgettable.
Before going, I struggled to find up-to-date and honest information online or on social media about working remotely from Zanzibar, which is exactly why I decided to put together this guide. If you're thinking about taking your laptop to paradise, this one's for you. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Zanzibar as a Digital Nomad Destination in 2025?
Zanzibar is one of those places that feels like it belongs in a dream. And yet, it’s very real and surprisingly accessible for digital nomads. Here's why it's worth considering:
Affordable cost of living compared to some other tropical destinations
A strong local culture mixed with international influences
Friendly, welcoming locals who are happy to share their island with visitors
Stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, amazing sunsets an sunrises
A small but existing digital nomad community, especially in Paje
Visa options that allow you to stay for up to 90 days (depending on your nationality)
If you're looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and still be productive while working remotely, Zanzibar could be the right place for you.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar as a Digital Nomad
Paje – My Remote Work Paradise
If you’re looking for a mid- to long-term base in Zanzibar, Paje is the place to be. It had the most reliable internet I found on the island, a chilled vibe, and a great mix of locals, long-term travelers, and fellow remote workers.
There’s no shortage of guesthouses and boutique hotels, many just steps from the beach, along with a handful of beachfront cafés offering strong Wi-Fi (and, thankfully, generators!). It’s also a hotspot for kitesurfing, yoga, and long, soul-soothing walks on the sand.
Tip: Always double-check reviews for Wi-Fi quality before booking and make sure your accommodation has a generator, power cuts are quite common across the island.
Paje quickly felt like home, it only took me 24 hours to settle in. The beach is absolutely stunning, perfect for pre- or post-work strolls. It’s easy to find affordable guesthouses just minutes (or even seconds) from the beach. The village has a solid mix of local and international food spots, and the vibe is genuinely friendly.
As a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly safe, even when walking alone at night during power outages. Locals are warm, respectful, and always ready to help, I met some of the kindest people during my stay. Paje is small enough to walk everywhere if you stay between the beach and the main road. That said, I highly recommend finding a reliable tuk-tuk driver early on, I found mine on day one, and he became a total lifesaver on several occasions.
During my time there, I stayed in two different guesthouses. Both were reasonably priced, even during high season. The first one: Nakupenda Paje Villa, had great rooms, lots of outdoor space, and a pool, but was around 10 minutes from the beach. The second one: Mlango Paje House, which I personally preferred, didn’t have a pool but felt more like a boutique guesthouse: beautifully decorated, with a lovely terrace, just one minute from the beach and super close to the main road where you’ll find restaurants, bars, and supermarkets. It was also walking distance to my favorite beach cafés, where I spent most of my workdays. If that one is booked, I suggest looking in that same area, you’ll love it.
After visiting Stone Town and Jambiani, I knew Paje was the base I had been searching for. It struck the perfect balance: a few other digital nomads (not too many, don’t expect Bali or Cape Town), kind locals, cozy cafés with solid Wi-Fi and generators, wellness activities like kitesurfing and yoga, and plenty of weekend trip options nearby. Dongwe and Pingwe, for instance, are just a short ride away and perfect for boat trips or snorkeling adventures. I had such an amazing time in Paje that leaving it was genuinely hard. It’s the kind of place that stays with you and one I’ll definitely return to.
Jambiani – Tranquility & Authentic Local Life
Just south of Paje, Jambiani is a quiet coastal village that offers a peaceful, laid-back vibe and a deeper connection to local life. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to slow down, unwind, and truly disconnect from the noise.
Before heading there, I read that the internet might not be as reliable as in Paje, but surprisingly, I had zero issues during my stay. Even video calls on Zoom worked smoothly from my guesthouse, which I absolutely recommend: Zanzistar Lodge. It’s a charming place with lovely rooms, and they also have a beachfront bar with gorgeous ocean views and strong Wi-Fi, ideal for a productive morning or a chilled sunset session.
Jambiani is ideal if you're craving a calmer work-travel rhythm. The beach is massive, often empty, and the colors of the ocean are just breathtaking. The vibe is far more relaxed than Paje, and you won’t find many tourists or digital nomads around, which can be a pro or a con depending on what you're after.
If you’re looking for a sense of community or coworking energy, I suggest spending just a few quiet days here and then heading to Paje. But for a mini digital detox in paradise while still staying connected, Jambiani is a gem.
Bonus tip:Â My favorite restaurant in all of Zanzibar was in Jambiani: Gerezani. If you're anywhere nearby, don't miss it! The food is next-level.
Stone Town – History, Culture & Charm (But Patchy Wi-Fi)
Stone Town is the cultural soul of Zanzibar, a maze of narrow alleys, bustling markets, ornate wooden doors, and centuries of history packed into a walkable, vibrant neighborhood. It reminded me a lot of a Moroccan medina, and I absolutely loved the blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences, the delicious street food, and how safe and welcoming the atmosphere felt, even when wandering solo through its labyrinth-like streets.
One of the things I found truly magical about Stone Town is how easy it is to organize a day trip to one of the stunning little islands nearby. Just walk down to the beach, be ready to negotiate a fair price, and hop on a boat, the turquoise water and powdery white sand will be worth every penny. There’s also a small beach in town that’s perfect for a quick dip between work sessions or for watching a spectacular sunset. I especially loved grabbing a drink at Travelers Café, which is a lovely sunset spot with great views.
Initially, I planned to stay in Stone Town for a full week based on a few blog posts that described it as a solid base for digital nomads, mentioning cozy cafés with good Wi-Fi and coworking options. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that most of that info was outdated.
While the cafés were beautiful and atmospheric, the Wi-Fi was consistently unreliable, especially for Zoom calls. I even tried the only coworking space in town, but when I arrived, it was closed and they had to call the owner to open it for me, only to discover that the internet wasn’t working. That experience forced me to rely on my Airalo eSIM, which got expensive fast. That’s when I decided to buy a local SIM card, which turned out to be a game-changer.
Tip: If you plan to work from Stone Town, don’t rely solely on cafés or coworking spaces. Get a local SIM right away to hotspot from your phone when the Wi-Fi inevitably fails.
While it might not be the most practical place to set up a remote work base, Stone Town is still 100% worth visiting for a few days of culture, food, and exploration, just don’t count on it being your productivity hub.
Nungwi – Touristy Vibes, Gorgeous Beaches
Located at the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi is famous for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and laid-back resort atmosphere. It's a great spot to visit if you're looking to relax for a few days, enjoy a change of scenery, and maybe squeeze in some snorkeling or sunset sailing.
During my time in Nungwi, I found it to be visually stunning but not the best choice for remote work. While some hotels and beach cafés do offer decent Wi-Fi, the overall vibe is very much "holiday mode" think beach bars, all-inclusive resorts, and tourists lounging with cocktails, not laptops. I barely saw anyone else working remotely, and I personally felt it lacked that digital nomad energy or community.
That said, if you’re visiting Zanzibar, Nungwi is still worth a stop, especially if you're into water activities. The beach is massive and the colors of the ocean are absolutely unreal, perfect for relaxing, swimming, or joining a boat trip to explore the coastline.
Bonus tip: If you’re not a fan of crowded beaches and are looking for a quieter spot to unwind, I highly recommend heading to Maisha Nungwi Hotel. You can grab a drink or a bite to eat and spend the whole day chilling on a comfy sunbed, gazing at the dreamy shades of blue, this side of Nungwi is way more peaceful than the main strip.
Internet in Zanzibar – The Struggle Is Real (But Not Impossible)
As I’ve mentioned throughout this guide: internet in Zanzibar can be a bit of a challenge. This isn’t Bali or MedellÃn, the infrastructure is still developing, and power cuts and spotty Wi-Fi are part of the deal. I’ll be honest: Zanzibar has been the only place in 6 years of digital nomad life where I truly struggled with finding a reliable connection. But in hindsight, it was partly on me, I relied on outdated blog posts and didn’t come fully prepared.
That said, working remotely from Zanzibar is 100% possible if you plan ahead and set your expectations right. Here's what helped me:
Paje is the most reliable area for Wi-Fi on the island. If you’re taking calls or need a stable connection, your best bet is Shanga a lovely beachside restaurant with a dedicated coworking area and stable Wi-Fi, even during power cuts.
Working views from Shanga Restaurant, Paje, Zanzibar Other great cafés like Hello Capitano, Zanzibarista, and Mr. Kahawa offer good vibes and solid internet for emails and browsing, but I wouldn’t rely on them for video calls, the connection isn’t always consistent.
Mobile data saved me more than once. Get a local SIM card (I used Tigo) as soon as you arrive. I often tethered from my phone when Wi-Fi failed and it worked surprisingly well.
Some guesthouses claim to offer fiber internet, don’t take their word for it. Always check recent reviews, message them directly, or ask for recommendations from other digital nomads.
If you’re heading somewhere more remote or less connected (like Jambiani or Nungwi), download your work materials in advance.
Lastly, if you’ve got an important meeting or call the next day, test the connection the day before just to avoid stressful surprises.
Zanzibar may not be the most Wi-Fi-friendly destination, but with the right mindset (and a backup plan), you can absolutely make it work.
How to Get a SIM Card in Zanzibar
Getting connected in Zanzibar is easy, as long as you know your options.
If you want internet as soon as you land, the easiest option is to grab an eSIM via Airalo. Tanzania’s plans aren’t the cheapest, but it’s super convenient for your first few days while you settle in. Prices start at $4.50 for 1 GB, and if it’s your first time using Airalo, you can get $3 off using my referral link > Click here to claim it.
Working views at Hello Capitano, Paje, Zanzibar The most popular local providers are Tigo, Zantel, and Airtel. I personally went with Tigo, based on a local’s recommendation and the fact that they offer eSIM options. (Fair warning: it took me a few hours across two days to get it sorted, but that’s a whole other story!)
You can buy SIM cards at the airport or from local shops across the island, just make sure to bring your passport with you.
Data is very affordable. I got a generous package for around $15 USD, and it was more than enough for calls, emails, and occasional tethering.
Be sure to choose a plan with enough data to hotspot from your phone, just in case Wi-Fi lets you down (which, let’s be honest, it probably will at some point).
The staff at local phone shops are usually super helpful and will get everything set up for you, no tech skills required.
How to Move Around Zanzibar
Transport in Zanzibar is an adventure in itself, but it’s manageable once you know all the options:
Daladala (shared minibuses) are super cheap and authentic, but can get very crowded.
Private taxis are more expensive but still very convenient, especially if you share the cost with other people, always agree on the price before you go.
TukTuk: TukTuks are my favorite way to get around and that’s true pretty much anywhere I travel! In Zanzibar, they’re perfect for short to mid-range rides and you’ll find plenty of them in Stone Town, Paje, and Nungwi. Pro tip: Find a reliable driver early on and ask for their WhatsApp number. It makes things so much easier, especially if you need a ride at night or early in the morning. I did this in every place I stayed and it saved me so much time and stress!
TukTuk ride in Stone Town, Zanzibar, December 2024 In Paje and Nungwi, many people get around by bike or scooter. Rentals are easy to find.
For short distances, walking is often the best way to explore and soak in the scenery.
Where to Eat – My Favorite Spots in Zanzibar
Zanzibar totally won me over with its flavorful food. The way they use spices is just incredible! Most dishes blend African and Indian influences, so if you love coconut curries, fresh seafood, or tropical fruits, you’re in for a treat. Also, spice coffee? Obsessed. Here's a list of my go-to spots in the places I stayed:
In Paje
Zanzilovers Restaurant: My favorite local spot! Everything I tried here was delicious and super affordable. Don't miss the grilled chicken (best on the island!), pilau and biryani rice, curries, and seafood.
Dinner at Zanzilovers, Paje, Zanzibar Hanoi House Cafe Paje: I couldn’t believe how good this Vietnamese place was, the coconut coffee is next level.
The Plants: A must-visit for vegetarians and healthy eaters. Lots of Asian-fusion dishes, all super fresh and full of flavor.
Bento – Paje Food Court: Great for international options like burgers and pizza, especially if you want a break from local cuisine.
Note: Beachfront restaurants are more expensive and often not better in quality. For authentic and budget-friendly meals, walk to the main road and explore the local gems!
In Stone Town
TNB BBQ Restaurant: My top pick in Stone Town! Affordable and mouthwatering. Try the tandoori and lemon chicken, or one of the coconut curries.
Lukman Restaurant: A popular spot with travelers. It’s a bit touristy, but the food is good and there’s a wide selection.
Café Africano: My go-to for spice coffee! Cozy and centrally located, perfect for a chill break during the day.
Spice coffee with dates at Cafè Africano, Stone Town, Zanzibar Harbour Indian Kitchen: Excellent quality Indian food if you're craving something rich and flavorful.
Forodhani Night Market:Â A must-do for street food lovers. Authentic, busy, and full of character!
Traveler’s Café: Ideal for sunset drinks, fresh juices, and a tasty local food menu at fair prices.
Amazing sunset at Travelers Cafè, Stone Town, Zanzibar
In Nungwi
Machnoo Local Restaurant: Best Swahili food in Nungwi! Huge portions, amazing flavors, and budget-friendly.
Ciao Nungwi: If you’re craving real Neapolitan pizza, this place won’t disappoint.
Zava Restaurant: Great beachfront spot for sunset drinks. I tried the tuna and loved it!
Sesame grilled tuna with a view, Zava restaurant, Nungwi, Zanzibar How I Met People & Made Friends in Zanzibar
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you’ll be alone. I found it surprisingly easy to meet people, especially in Paje.
Many guesthouses and hostels organize dinners, meetups, or day trips
One of the best ways to explore Zanzibar (and meet fellow travelers or digital nomads!) is by joining a guided tour. I found some great options on Get Your Guide and GuruWalk, and they made my experience even more memorable. Here are a few I totally recommend: 1. Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour (from Stone Town): A perfect half-day adventure where you get to visit giant tortoises, swim in turquoise water, and chill on a sandbank that disappears with the tide. It’s a classic! 2. Boat Tour to Mnemba Island (from Nungwi): Absolutely stunning snorkeling spot with crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life. A must if you're into underwater adventures.
3. Stone Town Free Walking Tour: Great way to discover the city’s rich history, hidden alleys, and cultural gems with a local guide. Plus, it’s donation-based, so you can pay what you feel it’s worth.
Mnemba Island view from the boat, Zanzibar, December 2024 Coworking-friendly cafés in Paje always become mini social hubs
Taking a kite lesson or joining a yoga class is a great way to connect with others: in Paje you can find plenty of kite surfing schools by the beach, while for yoga I recommend ZanziZoga in Paje and Uzima Space in Stone Town.
The expat and traveler community is small but super friendly, say hi and people will respond!
Safety in Zanzibar – My Honest Take
As a solo female traveler, I always felt incredibly safe in Zanzibar. Locals were respectful, kind, and helpful. Of course, basic travel precautions apply, like anywhere else in the world:
Don’t flash valuables
Avoid walking alone at night in very quiet areas especially during electricity cuts
Trust your instincts and ask for help if something doesn’t feel ok
But overall, Zanzibar felt like a place where I could truly relax and feel at home.
Final Thoughts – Why I Loved My Month in Zanzibar
Zanzibar wasn’t just a beautiful place, it was an experience that left a mark on my heart. Despite the occasional tech hiccups, I found so much joy, peace, connection, and inspiration there. The people were warm, the sea water was some of the best I’ve seen around the world and the vibe was pure magic.
If you’re thinking of working remotely from somewhere a bit off the beaten path in 2025, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Zanzibar a try. Just bring your laptop, your swimsuit, and a little patience, the island will take care of the rest.
Got Questions About Working Remotely from Zanzibar?
Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram! I’d love to help you plan your digital nomad adventure.