Best Coworking Spaces in Unguja, Tanzania For Sun, Sea and Fast WiFi

Why Unguja’s coworking scene is trending right now

Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, is shifting from classic beach break to serious workcation base. Fiber upgrades, more long stay rentals, and a wave of cafe style work spots mean you can split your day between focused work and the Indian Ocean.

Most spaces here are hybrid: part cafe, part cowork, part community. Expect open air seating, strong coffee, and a social mix of locals, NGO workers, and digital nomads.

Below are the coworking spots that are getting the most attention right now, from Stone Town staples to chilled beach hubs on the east and south coasts.

Karafuu Coffee House - Stone Town’s laptop friendly favorite

Karafuu Coffee House is not a classic corporate cowork, but it is one of Stone Town’s most reliable work bases. With a 4.6 rating from over 300 reviews and steady recent review momentum, it is trending as the go to spot for remote workers who want a central, atmospheric setting.

Why it is trending

• Consistent stream of new reviews shows growing popularity with travelers who need a few hours of focused time.
• Central Stone Town location makes it an easy meeting point for NGOs, tour operators, and freelancers.
• Strong word of mouth in nomad forums as a dependable “first day in Zanzibar” work base.

Work friendly highlights

• Multiple seating zones so you can choose between quieter corners or more social tables.
• Good coffee and snacks so you can stay put for a full work block.
• Solid daytime vibe with enough background noise to feel lively without being chaotic.

Best for

• Travelers staying in Stone Town who need a few productive hours between tours.
• Remote workers who like a cafe cowork hybrid instead of a formal office.

ZanziBarista - High energy hub for remote workers and creatives

ZanziBarista is one of the most reviewed coffee spots on the island, with a 4.7 rating from more than 600 reviews. While it is not a dedicated coworking office, it has become a go to laptop spot, especially for people who like a buzzy, social environment.

Why it is trending

• Huge review base shows it is a long standing favorite with both locals and visitors.
• Its reputation as a reliable WiFi and coffee stop means many nomads now build it into their daily routine.
• Popular on social media for its look and vibe, which keeps it top of mind for new arrivals.

Work friendly highlights

• Plenty of tables with a mix of solo and group seating.
• Good coffee and light food, ideal for longer working stretches.
• Energetic atmosphere that suits people who draw energy from a crowd.

Best for

• Creatives, marketers, and founders who like to work around a buzz.
• Casual meetings and “cowork over coffee” sessions.

Coworking Zanzibar - Surfescape - Beachside focus with a surf break

Coworking Zanzibar - Surfescape is one of the few spaces on Unguja that leans into the classic surf and work lifestyle. With a smaller number of reviews but a clear niche, it is gaining attention among nomads who want a dedicated work setup near the beach.

Why it is trending

• Combines accommodation, coworking, and surf access, which fits the growing workcation trend.
• Mentioned in travel blogs as an east coast option for people who want to split days between the ocean and their laptop.
• Attracts longer stay guests, which builds a slow but steady community feel.

Work friendly highlights

• Dedicated coworking areas that are quieter than typical cafes.
• Beach proximity for quick breaks that actually reset your brain.
• More structured environment than a normal coffee shop, with clearer “this is a place to work” expectations.

Best for

• Digital nomads planning to stay on the island for weeks rather than days.
• Remote workers who prioritize surf or kite sessions as much as their to do list.

Aura Space - Boutique coworking with a polished feel

Aura Space is a smaller, highly rated cowork style venue with a perfect 5.0 rating from a growing base of reviews. It is not as widely known as the big cafes, which makes it feel more like a hidden gem for people in the know.

Why it is trending

• Perfect rating suggests strong satisfaction among early adopters.
• Attracts a mix of local entrepreneurs and visiting professionals, which creates useful networking opportunities.
• Gaining quiet momentum through recommendations rather than mass tourism.

Work friendly highlights

• More polished, office like environment than most island cafes.
• Likely to offer calmer, more focused space compared with busy tourist spots.
• Good choice for calls, planning sessions, and deep work blocks.

Best for

• Freelancers and founders who want a more professional atmosphere.
• People staying a bit longer who want community without the crowds.

Jambiani Coworking - Laid back south coast option

Jambiani Coworking serves the chilled village of Jambiani on the south east coast. With only a handful of reviews, it is still early in its growth but is starting to appear on nomad maps as a base for low key, beach first living.

Why it is trending

• Jambiani itself is gaining attention as a quieter alternative to busier beach areas, and the coworking space rides that wave.
• Appeals to slow travelers who want to plug in somewhere simple and local.
• Word of mouth among kite surfers and divers who also work remotely.

Work friendly highlights

• Relaxed environment that mirrors the village pace of life.
• Enough infrastructure to get work done without feeling like you are in an office.
• Good fit if you are already staying nearby and need a change from working in your guesthouse.

Best for

• Remote workers who value calm over amenities.
• Long term travelers who want to integrate into the local scene.

Tips for working remotely in Unguja

• Internet reliability: Speeds can vary by neighborhood and even by day. Always ask your space or cafe for a recent speed test if you need video calls.
• Power and backup: Power cuts still happen. Some cowork spaces and hotels have backup systems, which matters if you work on strict deadlines.
• Time zones: Tanzania is UTC+3, which can be ideal for overlapping with Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
• Etiquette: In cafe style spaces, keep calls short or use headphones and step outside for longer meetings.

How to choose the right coworking spot in Unguja

• Pick Stone Town (Karafuu Coffee House, ZanziBarista, Aura Space) if you want walkable streets, culture, and easy logistics.
• Choose east or south coast (Coworking Zanzibar - Surfescape, Jambiani Coworking) if you want the beach at your doorstep and a slower pace.
• Decide if you work better in a cafe buzz or a quiet, office like space, then match the venue to your style.

Wherever you land, MapsBuddy helps you spot the places that are heating up before they hit the mainstream, so you can claim your desk by the sea before the crowd arrives.