Unguja Kusini

As of June 2026, Zanzibar, Jambiani, Paje have 794 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Unguja Kusini generates TZS34.7M per year. High-performing properties earn TZS213.1M/year, while low-performing properties earn TZS10.9M/year. This massive disparity suggests a market where top-tier assets capture the vast majority of traveler spending, leaving limited revenue potential for standard properties in a climate of contracting annual earnings.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Unguja Kusini. Average annual revenue is TZS34.7M with 20% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to TZS213.1M/year. The 20% occupancy rate highlights a competitive environment where only a small segment of inventory achieves high utilization, indicating that revenue is heavily concentrated among elite performers.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Unguja Kusini is 20%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of TZS505K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of TZS78K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Unguja Kusini, with annual revenue of TZS99.4M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Unguja Kusini market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Unguja Kusini area. I don't have reliable data on short-term rental regulations or enforcement reality for Zanzibar, Jambiani, or Paje. Tanzania's regulatory framework for vacation rentals in these areas is unclear, and I cannot verify actual enforcement practices on the ground. I recommend contacting the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, local municipal offices in these villages, or consulting with local property managers who operate there for current, accurate information about licensing requirements and enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Unguja Kusini Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 12%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Even as supply exits the market, the steeper decline in revenue suggests that demand is softening faster than the inventory, pointing to a cooling market environment.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -12% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Unguja Kusini listings include: Kitchen (88%), Air Conditioning (76%), Pool (74%), Balcony (69%), Tv (57%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Tv, Pool, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 166% more (TZS132.4M/year vs TZS49.8M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Unguja Kusini over the last 12 months: May: TZS1.2M, June: TZS2.5M, July: TZS2.9M, August: TZS2.8M, September: TZS2.3M, October: TZS2.4M, November: TZS1.8M, December: TZS2.9M, January: TZS3.5M, February: TZS2.7M, March: TZS2.0M, April: TZS1.5M. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Unguja Kusini is TZS505K, up 12% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average TZS306K/night, 2-bedroom properties average TZS493K/night, 3-bedroom properties average TZS698K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average TZS1.4M/night. Rates peak in January and are lowest in May.

Guests in Unguja Kusini book an average of 35 days in advance, down 19% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 34 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 38 days, 4+ bedroom: 44 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Unguja Kusini Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 12%, occupancy fell 2%, average nightly rates increased 12%, and lead time decreased 19%. These figures reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher price sensitivity, where rising rates are failing to offset the broader decline in occupancy.

In Unguja Kusini, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Thursday.