The independently owned, 50-suite resort is rooted in the rich culture of Zanzibar while putting community, sustainability, and human connection at the centre of its vision
Zanzibar. For those seeking more than just a luxury escape, Shah Palace Zanzibar promises an experience that blends elegance with meaningful engagement.
This independently owned, 50-suite resort is rooted in the rich culture of Zanzibar while putting community, sustainability, and human connection at the centre of its vision.
At the heart of the resort’s philosophy is a commitment to the local community.
The palace plans to construct a school in Matemwe designed to serve lower-income students, meeting international standards of education and facilities.
The project will extend beyond classrooms; it will also include a clean water well to provide safe drinking water and a centre for prayer that will serve as a hub for community gatherings.
Guests will be invited to participate once a week in activities connected to the school’s construction and operations.
This initiative will allow visitors to not only observe, but to actively contribute to positive change in the community, offering a unique blend of tourism and social impact.
“The vision is to go beyond conventional hospitality, guests are immersed in Zanzibar’s culture and natural beauty, while also experiencing the joy of giving back to the local community,” the resort notes.
By integrating guests into community projects, Shah Palace will be creating a shared sense of purpose, turning a vacation into a more humanistic and rewarding experience.
Sustainability forms another cornerstone of the resort’s ethos. Following Tanzania’s pioneering ban on plastic bags in 2019, the hotel has adopted a complete zero-plastic policy.
All guest amenities will be made and packaged from recycled materials, in partnership with a South Africa-based company.
The resort will also operate a state-of-the-art recycling plant, which will treat all wastewater and return it to the property’s supply, reducing environmental impact while ensuring responsible water use.
In addition, 80 percent of the resort’s ingredients will be sourced locally, supporting nearby farmers, suppliers, and food artisans.
Culinary experiences at Shah Palace are designed to reflect the authentic flavours of Zanzibar, combining luxury dining with a celebration of local culture.
Beyond the land, the resort will actively participate in coral restoration near Mnemba Atoll, helping to preserve the marine ecosystems that are a vital part of the island’s natural heritage.
Guests at Shah Palace will be invited to explore the island in ways that connect them directly to Zanzibar’s culture and environment. Shah Palace Zanzibar also represents the beginning of a larger vision, the Shah Collection.
This planned series of luxury properties across East Africa will expand the resort’s ethos to other extraordinary locations, from the pristine coastlines of Pemba Island to iconic safari landscapes in the Serengeti.
Each new property will adhere to the same principles: deep respect for local culture, sustainable practices, and immersive experiences that connect guests to the soul of the destination.
Personalised service at these properties will aim to feel both rare and effortless, maintaining the human-centred approach that defines Shah Palace.
For visitors, the resort offers an opportunity to experience the best of Zanzibar while contributing to the community in tangible ways.
Whether participating in the school project, supporting local suppliers, or engaging in environmental conservation, guests become part of a broader effort to create a positive and lasting impact.
Rooted in community, culture, and craft, Shah Palace Zanzibar is more than a luxury destination.
It embodies a vision where hospitality, sustainability, and human connection converge.
By combining cultural immersion, environmentally responsible practices, and socially impactful initiatives, Shah Palace sets a new benchmark for tourism in the region.
It will be a place where guests can truly feel the spirit of Zanzibar, not only through its natural beauty and hospitality but also through the lives they touch and the communities they support during their stay.
