STAYING AT NEW TEDDY’S ON THE BEACH IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR

What was your favorite teddy bear?
Mine was a mid-sized, blue teddy bear I called ‘Medi’ (Slovenian version of ‘Teddy’). (BTW I still have it. It’s a bit worn out and is missing a lot of buttons.)

What was yours? 

Do you remember? Can you remember the feeling of comfort and warmth you get from a teddy bear? That emotion and atmosphere that makes you feel happy, understood, content, and at home? Remember that feeling?

Well, that!

You know that feeling of comfort, warmth, when you are content, understood, and happy? When you feel just like at home? You will feel just like that staying at New Teddy’s on the Beach in Jambiani.

You can get that feeling by staying at New Teddy’s on the Beach in Jambiani.

New Teddy’s on the Beach is not an actual teddy bear, but a resort-backpacker accommodation in Zanzibar. They have a prime location, right on Jambiani beach! So you literally step out of the resort and have a dip in the Indian ocean. Or in the pool when the tide is low.

I wasn’t really planning to stay in a resort backpacker in Zanzibar island. Like, I think we all know that Zanzibar, a tropical honeymoon destination, has a fair share of upscale resorts. But it turned out, that this is one of the top beach hotels in Jambiani! 

But you know what? When traveling, things don’t always go according to plan. And I am happy the plan took a side route and took me here. As it turned out, this became my favorite Zanzibar accommodation on the 12 days that I spent in Zanzibar. 

You can read more about my stay at New Teddy’s On The Beach below.

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. This was not a sponsored stay and I paid the advertised rate on Booking.com. The hotel staff was not aware that I will write a review about my stay at New Teddy’s on the Beach.

Want more Zanzibar travel content?
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• TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR
• ZANZIBAR COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN
• 115 BEST ZANZIBAR CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – CUTE AND WANDERLUST

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Disclosure (being transparent and honest should be fun): You know the way I run this blog. I only recommend products, experiences, hotels, etc. that I personally tried and actually own and use. And some that I am positive will be helpful for you. On this site, you will see pretty colorful links which are known as ”affiliate links”. If you click on this link and buy something you like, I’ll earn some money. I’m talking huge bucks here, like a new Tesla, yacht, and 7-bedroom mansion. Ok, honestly, most of the time it will be enough to help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, eco-friendly travel products or to help me build the time machine, and travel back in time to see the dinosaurs, do an interview of stone crafters on Easter island and have a serious chat with masterminds who ‘invented’ Maths. Thank you! Read more in Disclaimer.

Don’t have time to read now? Pin it for later!

How I choose my hotel stay

Was I planning to stay in a resort backpacker in Zanzibar? Hell no! 

So, what changed my mind? 

I came to Zanzibar as a solo female traveler and wasn’t sure how safe Zanzibar is. Plus this was my first trip to Africa (not counting Morocco or Tunis) and I wasn’t really familiar with the whole culture. Also, at the end of the day, I wanted to meet some friends, which is easier to find in a hostel than in a fancy resort. 

When I was searching for accommodation on Booking.com, New Teddy’s on the Beach just happened to tick all the boxes. Their location is ranked at 9,4 (out of 10!), they offer amazing value for money, and breakfast is included in the price. Which is probably the most important factor for me. Don’t tell everyone but I am much nicer after I eat my breakfast. Without it, my day is just ruined, no matter what happens later on during the day.

And that was it. The decision was made and I am going to stay at New Teddy’s in Jambiani.

Don’t forget to pin those for later!

How to get to New Teddy’s on the Beach in Jambiani

New Teddy’s on the Beach is a resort and backpacker located on the South East Coast of Zanzibar. On Jambiani Beach to be more exact. The resort has a prime location, front row on one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. Just like some of the best (and more expensive) resorts. There is a beach in front of New Teddy’s and there is a village at the back of it. If you want to leave it, there is no wrong way. 

To get to Jambiani and to New Teddy’s the most comfortable way is to get a taxi.
If you feel more adventurous you can go with dala dala. The journey will then take longer but it will be more budget-friendly. The trip from Stone town will take around 1,5h and cost between 2.000 – 3.000 TSH. If you are taking a dala dala from Nungwi, you will have to go to Stone town first, and then change to get to Jambiani. From Nungwi the trip will take 3-4h and it will cost around 5.000 Tanzanian shillings. 

I opted for a taxi since it was the best option for me. 
It was arranged by the New Teddy’s staff and the driver was (almost on time) waiting for me at the airport. If you are going to Jambiani from the UNESCO World heritage site Stone Town or the airport, taxi will cost you around $40. The drive will be around 1 hour or a bit more, depending on the traffic. If you are coming to Jambiani from Nungwi taxi will be from $50-$60 and the drive will take around 2,5 hours. Taxi from Paje will cost you from $5 to $10 for around 10 minute drive.

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Staying at New Teddy’s on the Beach Dorm room

As mentioned before, I was staying in the dorm room. 

I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. 

Like in the rest of the New Teddy’s, the dorm seemed to be thought through. There is plenty of space between bunk beds, each having its own mosquito net and a stand for backpacks. There are power sockets (that fit all types of chargers) and lockers. Fans are in a room but have no AC. If you ask me, there was no need for it anyway. And, there is sand on the floor. And no, it doesn’t get on your bed.

They have 2 dorms and the space is huge. Each dorm has 14 beds but don’t get scared! During my stay, there were a maximum of 4 people staying in each dorm, so it didn’t feel crowded at all. It felt rather empty.

The bathroom for the dorm guests has 2 sinks and separate bathrooms and showers for men and women. It was never crowded. And there was always hot water (hot yes, not just warm!) with a good shower pressure to actually wash yourself. 

If you are staying in a dorm, they offer a deposit for a towel and a locker. It comes to 20.000 for a towel, and 5.000 for a locker key. You are free to change the towel daily. And at the end, you can get the money back or use it to pay your tab. Do this because their food and cocktails are delicious!

Friendly reminder. I stayed in a dorm room, but they also offer single, double, triple-, quadruple, and even quintuple rooms. All of those accommodation types have en-suite bathrooms. But not AC.

Let’s have a look at what were the 6 things that I liked and a few that I didn’t!

Pin those for a later read!

1. I loved their location and the view!

The first thing that attracted my attention was the location. They are right on Jambiani beach. I mean, who doesn’t want to stay in wallet-friendly accommodation on the beach? 

Just imagine … you wake up on the tropical paradise island of Zanzibar. All refreshed and energized. You jump out of bed, step outside, and are welcomed by an amazing view of the Indian Ocean. Sound of the waves, gentle breeze, and rustling palm tree leaves. Paradise.

New Teddy’s is literally only a couple of steps away from the turquoise ocean. At high tide that is. And at low tide, you can see an even more interesting view of seaweed farms. At that time you can take a stroll in Jambiani village, which is just on the other side of the hotel. 

During low tide, you can walk from Jambiani to Paje. It will take around 1,5h. But don’t try to do it during high tide. You will get wet 😀 in that case, just get a taxi or boda boda.

A location and the view you are going to love. And miss when it will be time to leave.

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• TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR

2. I was delighted by their relaxing ‘living room’

Their main space or living room, as I call it, is wide and open. The center of it is a swimming pool and a wooden house next to it.

As mentioned before, New Teddy’s on the Beach is located in Jambiani beach. And Jambiani is one of the best beaches to stay in Zanzibar. It is also one of those Zanzibar beaches where the differences between the low and high tide can be up to 4m. And sometimes during the day, the ocean can pull more than 4km away. I assume New Teddy’s had that in mind and beat the tide up to it. You can take a refreshing dip in their nice pool even when the ocean is far out. 

All around there are swings and resting chairs, each with a breathtaking ocean view. I mean, you will have a beach and ocean view in every hammock, swing, high seat or lounge you choose. Chill area is big enough to give you a sense of privacy but also close enough together, not to feel alone or far away. Beach view is crowned with the famous Life in Now frame. The sign is getting more and more popular and will soon become one of those famous Instagram photo spots everyone will want to have.

Pin the one you like more.

3. I adored their aesthetics

As soon as you arrive in the hotel complex you are greeted with tiny details that connect everything together. From fishing traps transformed into chairs to sea shells on a garland rope. There were hibiscus flowers as table decor and bigger shells used as ashtrays. 

Their attention to detail is immaculate. The place feels cozy and stylish, tropical and elegant. Simple. Uncomplicated. You will find a surprising detail every day of your stay; from flower pots to swings and bathroom mirrors.
Every detail is placed with sophistication and care. Even funny sayings next to the bar area. Instructions by the pool or words of wisdom on their frame before you enter the beach saying Life is now.

4. I was impressed with the sports activities provided

IF you ever get bored of the ocean view or swimming in a pool, you can play volleyball or try your balance on a slackline. Potentially, you could even borrow one of their books or play a board game. 

Ok, I have to mention that their wifi connection is top-notch, so you could even zoom with a friend. Or do some work if you are a digital nomad.

For sports enthusiasts, they offer yoga classes. There is an Aquaholics office right on site, where they can help you arrange all sorts of water activities. You can choose between kite or surf lessons suitable for beginners and experts. You can even go diving or rent sup. 

But if this is not your jam, you can just go out and walk in the village. You can do one, two, or all of them.

Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources;

FLIGHTS: I use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. The destination everywhere feature is perfect to find some cheap deals!

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals.

RENTAL CARS: When planning an epic road trip, I travel with Discover Cars.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group I book a tour with GetYourGuide.

5. I applaud their sustainability approach

New Teddy’s on the beach is a proud owner of Travel sustainable property on Booking.com. Those properties are trying their best by helping the environment in 4 main areas. With saving energy, reducing waste, recycling, and lowering water usage.

I love their initiative on how they are trying to reduce plastic use and water usage. Instead of you buying plastic bottles over and over again since tap water is not drinkable in Zanzibar, they provide an unlimited amount of drinking water and charge 2000 per person/day. All you have to do is to refill your water bottle. Less plastic, more hydration, happy Earth. 

I was also very impressed with the cleanliness of the Jambiani beach. There are many bars taking the initiative to have a clean beach with slogans “bring a bucket full of rubbish and get an ice tea”. Also, throughout the whole Jambiani village, there are containers for plastic bottles.

Pin those so others to can see how it can be done!

6. Their staff is a symbol of fun, friendliness and warmth

The staff at New Teddy’s on the beach must be a bunch of the happiest and the sweetest people. They are fun and friendly and nothing is too hard for them to do. They radiate warmth and positivity.

They couldn’t do enough to assist you at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or during the day. Even when you are too lazy to get up from a swing bed, when is time to eat, the staff will bring your food and drinks to you! Royal treatment at its finest.

The bathrooms and rooms were always clean and tidy. Plus, there is a guard 24/7 so your belongings are safe and there are no unwanted visitors on site.

What I didn’t like when staying at New Teddy’s on the Beach

Although I really liked staying there, there were things that I wasn’t really fond of.

I never imagined that staying at New Teddy’s will bring me problems I didn’t know I had before.

One of them was; Which dish to choose from a daily special?
Like their food is really delicious and fresh. Especially their “special of the day” section is divine. When you see a sign ‘grilled octopus’ take it. It will be the best one you can have.

Like deciding what to eat from their menu wasn’t hard enough, I really didn’t like to make a decision of which swing to choose.
I mean there are just so many. Do I pick a swinging chair, a floating bed, a swinging mattress, a regular hammock, a really wide bench with a front-row ocean view … Do I want to stay by the pool or on the beach. I mean, it was hard! The best thing you could do was to rotate and try them all.

This brings me to the third one. I really didn’t like that New Teddy’s makes you to comfortable and you don’t want to leave.
When traveling you want to explore, but once you come here, you just want to stay. Like I really didn’t like that I didn’t cut down the nights at Nungwi and stayed here longer. 

Staying at New Teddy’s is not that hard if you consider that your biggest problem will be which swing to choose and where to swim. In the pool or in the ocean. So, in the end you might just spend a day, admiring the view and their famous frame with a sign Life in now.

Just in case, so you won’t forget! Pin those.

All of the above in a nutshell

Staying at New Teddy’s on the Beach contributed greatly to my time and experiences in Zanzibar. Their location is perfect. Right on the beach and with an amazing view of Jambiani beach. Their staff is unbelievably friendly and happy. Food is fresh and delicious. But even with all of that, what wins and makes a difference is the feeling that you get when staying there. Like having a Teddy bear. They make you feel at home. They make you feel safe and understood. Their swings and lounge chairs in their ‘living room’ are just rightfully spread apart so you can be alone but still feel like you belong and are a part of their family.

New Teddy’s on the beach is now my favorite accommodation in Zanzibar. When I visit Zanzibar next time, I will go and book a room there for at least a couple of days. If you are looking for a hotel at the top location, right on the Jambiani beach, that is wallet-friendly, I would highly recommend staying at New Teddy’s on the Beach. 

If you are still on the fence about where to stay, and you think I am not that trustworthy, have a look at their ratings on other booking sites: 

• Superb 9,1 on Booking.com,
• Superb 9,7 on Hostelworld,
• Exceptional 9 on Agoda,
• Excellent 5 on Tripadvisor,
• 4,6/5 Google reviews.

I can guarantee you that staying at the New Teddy’s on the Beach is the best decision you can make, especially if you are visiting Jambiani and Zanzibar for the first time. I am looking forward to sleeping in their bed again.  

Karibu Sana!
Life is now!

Anja

Have you been to Jambiani?
Where did you stay?

Pinning is winning and sharing is caring!

Want more Zanzibar travel content?
ALSO READ:
• WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR
• TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR
• ZANZIBAR COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN
• 115 BEST ZANZIBAR CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – CUTE AND WANDERLUST

Interested in more reviews?
ALSO READ:
• REASONS TO STAY AT ROVE DOWNTOWN HOTEL IN DUBAI
• OUTSTANDING LUNCH WITH A VIEW AT CĖ LA VI DUBAI
• LUXURY POOL AND BEACH DAY | DAYCATION AT ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources;

FLIGHTS: I use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. The destination everywhere feature is perfect to find some cheap deals!

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals.

RENTAL CARS: When planning an epic road trip, I travel with Discover Cars.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group I book a tour with GetYourGuide.

Skipped to the good part? Here is the gist

I hope you will visit New Teddy’s on the Beach and see it with your eyes how great they are.

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About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester.

Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me.