Best Fitness Studios & Gyms in Unguja, Tanzania 2025: Where Island Locals Actually Work Out

Best Fitness Studios & Gyms in Unguja, Tanzania

Unguja is best known for turquoise water and white sand, but a new wave of fitness spots is turning the island into a training playground. Between beachside yoga, compact neighborhood gyms, and stylish boutique studios, locals and long-stay travelers are building real routines here instead of just holiday workouts.

Below are the gyms and studios that are trending now based on fresh reviews, growth, and on-the-ground buzz.

SUN GYM ZANZIBAR - Small but serious neighborhood gym

SUN GYM ZANZIBAR is one of the newest gyms on Unguja and it is jumping straight into the spotlight. With a perfect rating from early visitors and a strong growth score, it is clearly hitting a nerve with locals who want a no-fuss place to lift.

Why it is trending:

• Very new opening, with early word-of-mouth bringing in curious lifters
• Recent reviews praising the friendly vibe and value
• Located in a residential pocket, so it feels like a local hangout, not a tourist trap

Expect a compact, practical layout: free weights, basic machines, and enough floor space for functional training. The atmosphere leans more community gym than glossy resort facility, which is exactly why it is gaining traction.

Best for:

• Travelers staying nearby who want a consistent strength routine
• Digital nomads on longer stays who prefer a local crowd
• Early adopters who like discovering spots before they get crowded

Pro tip: Ask about multi-day or weekly passes. New Unguja gyms often experiment with flexible pricing to build a loyal base.

Sun Gym Zanzibar - Sister spot with loyal early fans

This Sun Gym Zanzibar location shares the same emerging brand name but has its own growing fan base. With a perfect rating and a high growth score, it is quietly becoming a go-to option for people who want straightforward equipment and a friendly welcome.

Why it is trending:

• Very new on the scene, so equipment feels fresh and underused
• Early reviewers highlight how uncrowded it is compared to resort gyms
• The Sun Gym name is starting to spread, drawing in more locals

Inside, you are likely to find classic gym staples: benches, dumbbells, cable stations, and cardio machines. The focus is on getting your workout done without distractions.

Best for:

• Strength and hypertrophy training
• People who like to train at quieter times without waiting for machines
• Anyone who prefers paying a local rate over hotel day passes

Pro tip: If you are staying on the island for a few weeks, ask staff which Sun Gym location fits your schedule and transport options best.

Sun Gym Zanzibar - Under-the-radar option for serious training

A third Sun Gym Zanzibar location is building momentum with another perfect rating and strong growth metrics. It is very new, which means you are catching it before it fills up with regulars.

Why it is trending:

• New opening attracting lifters who want to avoid tourist-heavy spots
• Growing recognition of the Sun Gym brand across Unguja
• Word-of-mouth from early members who like the straightforward setup

Expect a similar formula to the other Sun Gym branches: a practical mix of weights and machines, minimal decor, and a focus on training over aesthetics.

Best for:

• People who want consistency across different parts of the island
• Travelers who plan to explore Unguja and still keep a routine
• Simple, no-frills workouts

Pro tip: Check opening hours before you go. Some new neighborhood gyms in Unguja adjust schedules seasonally or based on demand.

Opah Room is a fresh, boutique-style studio that is already earning a perfect rating from early guests. It is designed more like a modern wellness loft than a classic iron gym, which makes it stand out in Unguja’s growing fitness landscape.

Why it is trending:

• Very new, with a polished interior that feels Instagram-ready
• Attracting wellness-focused travelers and locals looking for a stylish studio
• Early buzz around its classes and multi-use space

You can expect a mix of small-group sessions, bodyweight and functional training, and possibly yoga or mobility classes depending on the schedule. The vibe is intimate, with more focus on coaching, form, and experience than on heavy lifting.

Best for:

• People who enjoy guided sessions instead of solo gym time
• Travelers looking for a social, community feel
• Those who like modern, design-forward fitness spaces

Pro tip: Follow Opah Room on social media or messaging apps. New studios in Unguja often announce pop-up classes and special events there first.

Yoga&Gym Zanzibar - Established favorite with beachy wellness vibes

Yoga&Gym Zanzibar is the most established name on this list, with a huge base of reviews and an impressive rating. It blends classic gym access with yoga and wellness, which makes it a natural fit for Unguja’s laid-back, health-conscious crowd.

Why it is trending:

• High volume of positive reviews signaling long-term quality
• Appeals to both serious gym users and yoga lovers
• Often recommended by guesthouses and boutique hotels

Expect a flexible setup: strength and cardio equipment plus a dedicated space for yoga, stretching, or classes. The atmosphere tends to be friendly and international, with a mix of locals, expats, and long-stay travelers.

Best for:

• Balanced routines that mix lifting with mobility or yoga
• Newcomers who want a proven, well-reviewed option
• Social workout seekers who enjoy meeting other travelers

Pro tip: Plan your visit around class times. Many people use the gym before or after yoga sessions, so you can choose quieter windows if you prefer.

How to choose the right gym in Unguja

• Location first: Traffic and road quality can vary, so pick a gym close to your stay.
• Training style: Go for Sun Gym locations if you want pure lifting, or Yoga&Gym Zanzibar and Opah Room if you like classes and mixed training.
• Crowd vibe: Newer spots like SUN GYM ZANZIBAR and Opah Room often feel more intimate and less touristy.
• Pass options: Ask about daily, weekly, or monthly passes. Many Unguja gyms are flexible, especially if you pay in cash.

Staying fit while enjoying Unguja

Pair your gym sessions with what Unguja does best: ocean swims, beach runs at low tide, and active day trips. The island’s emerging gym scene makes it easier than ever to keep your routine while enjoying the coast.

MapsBuddy tracks new openings, review spikes, and local buzz so you can find the fitness studios and gyms that are trending now in Unguja, not last season. Check back often to stay one step ahead of the crowd.