Wondering what are the best beaches in Zanzibar?
Tanzania’s Indian Ocean Archipelago of Zanzibar is known for its friendly people, warm tropical weather, and in particular, its amazing beaches.
Here the sands are dotted with atmospheric villages bounded by thick jungle foliage, rubbing up against luxurious beach resorts and historic towns, and the ocean holds a different kind of wildlife adventure.
It can be difficult to know which spots to check out while on island, and especially which beaches are worth exploring. But ahead of your Zanzibar beach holiday, we have put together a full listing of the 13 best beaches in Zanzibar that will grant you that tropical beach vacation you have always dreamed about.
Best Beaches in Zanzibar For A Holiday
Tip: First time visiting Zanzibar? Swimmable Kendwa and Nungwi beaches are the main draw or the best beaches in Zanzibar, but for crowd-free coastlines and sublime shades of turquoise, seek out Pongwe on the east coast or sweltering Jambiani to the southeast – two of the most laid back tropical places to visit in Africa. Read more: 21 things you need to know before visiting Zanzibar.
1. Nungwi Beach
Nungwi beach is located on the North part of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago. It is about 67 km from Zanzibar Airport and 63 km from Stone Town.
Nungwi is the most popular and legendary of beaches in Zanzibar. It has been listed among the best beaches in Africa by CNN Travel for the year 2017. This is the place to visit for white sand, blue water and well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Here, expect to find many tourists, restaurants and activities like swimming, kayaking, horse riding, jet-skiing, parasailing, sunset dhow cruises, snorkelling, and diving. Concerning scuba diving, Nungwi is a famous place with dive centers in Zanzibar.
And if you are a solo traveler looking to make new friends, then Nungwi is a place to start meeting new people.
Beach boys and Masais are always hanging out and selling their hand works and tours to visitors. But be careful when choosing who you are going to be friends with.
Cheap Places to Stay at Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar
- Malaika House
- Cocobello Zanzibar
- Magharibi House
- Cocoa Guest House
- Makofi Guest House
- Greens Nungwi
Luxury Hotels/Resorts at Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar
- Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
- Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
- Essque Zalu Zanzibar
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2. Kendwa Beach
If the crowds of Nungwi Beach undermine the idyll, embark on a short trip south to Kendwa Beach.
This beach is regarded as the best beach in Zanzibar Islands and Tanzania as a whole.
It is situated away from the crowds and its gently lilting waters are breathtakingly beautiful. No one is rushing to beat the next dive boat to the reefs, or racing jet skis around the bay.
Instead, between the swaying palm trees and elegant resorts, you can let everything come to you. A freshly-opened, coconut to quench your thirsty? You got it. A stirring performance of traditional dances by Masaai tribesmen? You got it. A sunset dhow cruise with sundowners? You got it.
Kendwa Beach’s calm, however, is broken every once in a while by wild celebrations. The Kendwa Full Moon Party, started by Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel in 1996, is a festival of fire dancers, live bands, traditional dancing, and excellent party food.
If you are a solo traveler, Kendwa is also a great place to find some people to party with.
Cheap Places to Stay At Zanzibar Kendwa Beach
- Natural Kendwa Villa
- Dream of Kendwa Beach Villa
- Tropicana Kendwa Beach Hotel
Luxury Hotels at the Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar
- Zuri Zanzibar
- Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
- Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
- Kendwa Rocks Zanzibar
3. Matemwe Beach
Matemwe beach is situated on the North East coast of Zanzibar’s main island. It is about 53 km from Zanzibar Airport and 49 km from Stone Town.
If you are looking for the best spot for snorkeling in Zanzibar, then book the Mnemba Island snorkeling trip from Matemwe beach.
Fishing activities is prohibited near the Mnemba Island that is why you can see different beautiful sea creatures like Green turtles, Titan triggerfish, and Moorish Idol.
You can also spot dolphins as you snorkel, but it is not 100%, and you have to go early in the morning. Matemwe beach is not vast and famous like Kendwa beach, Nungwi, Paje or Jambiani beache. But this is still one of the best beaches in Zanzibar!
Cheap Places to Stay At Zanzibar Matemwe Beach
- Zanzibar House
- Sele’s Bungalows
- Miramont Retreat Zanzibar
- Mohammed Bungalows and Restaurant
Luxury Hotels at Matemwe Beach in Zanzibar
- Matemwe Retreat
- Matemwe Lodge
- Tamani Villas
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4. Kiwengwa Beach
Kiwengwa beach is found on the East part of Zanzibar’s main island (Unguja). It is about 46 km from Zanzibar Airport and 43km from Zanzibar city.
Kiwengwa is located between Matemwe beach and Pongwe and it is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar to stay.
It has the whitest and longest beach on the east of Unguja Island.
It is perfect beach for sunbathing and kite boarding.
Its shallow waters are also perfect for safe swimming. And if you are on a family holiday here, kids can seek sea urchins and starfish in the exposed pools.
In between sessions sunbathing on the white sand under pastel-colored umbrellas, you can play beach volleyball or walk out to the sandbar to view the exposed top of the reef.
Kiwengwa is also a great base from which you can explore the rest of Zanzibar.
Day tours of Stone Town, the historic original township on Zanzibar, are amusing and educational.
You can also hire a local guide to take you on a spice tour or go for quad bikes expeditions that will have you flying along dirt roads through the island’s forested interior.
Cheap Hotels at Kiwengwa Beach in Zanzibar
- Blue Marlin Village
- Baridi Villa
- Mama Njoe Lodge
Luxury Hotels/Resorts at Zanzibar's Kiwengwa Beach
- Melia Zanzibar
- Kiwengwa Beach Resort
- Sultan Sands Island Resort
- VOI Kiwengwa Resort
5. Pongwe Beach
Quiet Pongwe beach is found on the East part of Zanzibar’s main island (Unguja).
The beach is situated approximately 42 km from Zanzibar Airport and 39 km from Stone Town. It is located next to Uroa beach before you arrive at Kiwengwa beach.
It is more isolated and an ideal destination for those seeking tranquil atmosphere on the beach. The beach offers stunning ocean views and breathtaking morning sunrises.
Visitors can organize different activities while staying in Pongwe, such as Dolphin Tours to Mnemba, Snorkeling, Kiteboarding to Kiwengwa or Paje, Scuba Diving, and fishing trips.
Best places to stay at Pongwe beach
- Pongwe Bay Resort
- Pongwe Bay Resort
- Seasons Lodge Zanzibar
- Tikitam Palms Boutique Hotel
- Azao Resort & Spa
6. Michamvi Beach
Michamvi beach village is located on the Michamvi peninsula East Coast of Zanzibar’s Main Island (Unguja).
The beach is approximately 65 km from Zanzibar Airport and 64 km from Stone Town.
Due to its peninsula, Michamvi Beach is divided into two parts; Michamvi Pingwe on the East part and Michamvi Kae on West,
Michamvi Pingwe Beach is where the famous Zanzibar Rock Restaurant is found. It is a popular restaurant in Zanzibar which is found on the rock.
The restaurant is encircled by water during high tides. During low tides, it becomes dry and you can’t even imagine if the water will surround this beautiful rock.
The restaurant is famous on instagram photos about Zanzibar. It has both tables for Vegetarian and non-Vegetarians and you only need to book your table before you arrive.
And, Michamvi Kae is the west part of Michamvi peninsula. If you have enough budget, you can book your stay at Isaraya Water Villas at Konokono Beach Resort. This is one of the only luxurious overwater villas in Zanzibar.
Cheap Places to Stay At Michamvi Beach
- Barefoot Zanzibar
- Michamvi Spirit Lodge
- Zeru Zeru Lodge
- Milele Lodge
- Mount Zion Lodge
Luxury Hotels at Michamvi Beach
- Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort
- Konokono Beach Resort
- Isaraya Water Villas
- Qambani Luxury Resort
- Ras Michamvi Beach Resort
- Zawadi Hotel
7. Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu beach is located in the western part of Zanzibar’s main island (Unguja Island). Bwejuu is situated between Michamvi beach on the north and Paje beach on South.
It is approximately 53 km from Zanzibar Airport and 52 km from Stone Town.
Bwejuu is a perfect choice if you want to visit Zanzibar for relaxation and enjoying your holiday. This is the quietest beach and no too many activities compared to other populated beaches.
It is an ideal beach if you are coming from Mainland for Tanzania safaris. Here, you can have time for relaxation with your family or friends. Also, this is perfect beach if you are coming for a Zanzibar honeymoon.
Cheapest places to stay at Bwejuu Beach
- The African Paradise Beach House
- Mellow Moods Guest House
- Fontaine Garden Village
- Tsunami Village
Luxurious Hotels at Bwejuu Beach
- The Palms Zanzibar
- Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar
- Sahari Zanzibar
- Indigo Beach Zanzibar
8. Paje Beach
Paje beach is located on the South East coast of Zanzibar’s main Island (Unguja).
The beach is situated between Bwejuu beach and Jambiani beach, approximately 50 km from Zanzibar Airport and 49 km from Stone Town.
Paje beach is considered as the best beach for Kiting in Zanzibar Islands. If you are interested in kiting for your holiday, we highly recommend you stay at this beach. It not only offers Kiting sport, but also a great place long beach walks.
Paje also has a local feel. Zanzibari women in colorful headscarves walk this beach daily en route to local seaweed farms that harvest therapeutic seaweeds for export to Asia. Other locals herd cattle inshore from the sand – the mood is active, but relaxed.
The Kiswahili word jambo – used as an informal “hello” – is a popular greeting when meeting local people, although you can also use the phrase as-salamu alaykum (the Arabic phrase for “peace be with you”).
The swimming is good at high tide and there is excellent snorkeling, diving and fishing.
Also, you can buy different tours and excursions from here; Jozani Forest, Snorkeling trips, Stone town tour, Spice tours and Kuza Cave, a surreal jungle sinkhole with perfect blue waters.
Cheap Places to Stay In Paje Beach
- Amanda Beach House
- Take It Easy
- Summer Dream Lodge
- New Jambo Beach Bungalows
- Simba Garden Lodge
- Nakupenda Paje Villa
Luxurious Hotels in Paje Beach
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa
- Kisiwa On The Beach Resort
9. Jambiani Beach
Jambiani Beach is found on the South East coast of Zanzibar’s main Island (Unguja). The beach is approximately 56 km from Zanzibar Airport and 55 km from Stone Town.
It features clean and white sand beaches with many local restaurants.
It is a beautiful beach for swimming during high tides. It is also ideal beach for Kite Surfing, Snorkeling and diving.
Cheap places to stay at Jambiani Beach
- Mbuyuni Beach Village
- Kimte Beach Lodge
- Vanilla House
- Blue Earth Bungalows
- Kacho Guest House
- Mfombwi Lodge
Luxurious Hotels in Jambiani Beach
- Reef and Beach Resort Zanzibar
- Jambiani Villas
- Fun Beach Hotel
- Blue Moon Resort
- Sharazad Boutique Hotel
10. Nakupenda Beach
Literally translated to “I love you” in Swahili, Nakupenda lives up to its romantic name. The beach is accessible only by a 20 minutes boat trip from the stone town.
Nakupenda beach is listed on Top Travelers Choice Beach in Africa – TripAdvisor 2024. This is one among snorkeling spots near Stone town. It is a perfect spot to chill for couples, families and friends.
If you are interested in visiting Nakupenda Sandbank, you can start here. This trip includes Tropical fruits, soft drinks, fresh Seafood BBQ, local boat and so on. The trip is combined with a visit to Prison Island to see the famous for the Giant Tortoises.
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11. Fumba Beach
Fumba beach is found on Fumba peninsula, west coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island.
This beach is known for the thrilling Safari Blue Trip and here is a starting point where tourists get on the Traditional boats and start their dhow cruises toward Menai Bay conservation area.
There are a variety of activities on this trip like swimming, snorkeling, sandbank relaxing, visiting Kwale Island and having seafood lunch with tropical fruits.
12. Mnemba Island Beach
Mnemba is a private Island on the northern east coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, in Matemwe village.
The beach here is private, with super white and clean sands. Activities to do at Mnemba include swimming with Dolphins, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and sun bathing.
If your budget is enough and you are looking for an unforgettable honeymoon with privacy, then Mnemba Island is best for you.
Price for Mnemba Island stay starts at $1270. Price includes all other activities in the Island. If you are only interested in snorkeling near this beautiful coral private Island, we can arrange a daily trip for you.
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FAQs about Zanzibar Beaches
1. Which Beaches in Zanzibar Are Best for couples?
- Kendwa beach
- Nungwi beach
- Nakupenda Sandbank
- Bwejuu beach
- Jambiani beach
- Kiwengwa beach
- Mnemba Island
2. Which Beaches In Zanzibar Are Perfect for Families?
- Kendwa beach
- Nungwi beach
- Bwejuu beach
- Jambiani beach
- Mnemba Island
3. What are The Best Beaches in Zanzibar for Group Travelers?
- Kendwa beach
- Nungwi beach
- Nakupenda Sandbank
- Paje beach
4. Which Zanzibar Beaches to Avoid Crowds?
- Matemwe beach
- Pongwe beach
- Uroa beach
- Mnemba Island
5. Which Are Best Beaches in Zanzibar for Budget Travelers?
- Uroa beach
- Matemwe beach
- Pongwe beach
- Nungwi beach
- Stone town
6. Which Are the Zanzibar Beaches for Snorkeling?
- Matemwe
- Michamvi beach
- Fumba
7. What Are The Best Beaches in Zanzibar For Nightlife?
- Nungwi beach
- Kendwa beach
- Paje beach
8. What is The Best time to visit Zanzibar beaches?
The months from June to October are the best times to visit Zanzibar beaches as the heavy rains have cleared. These weather conditions are perfect for long days, relaxing in the sun and exploring the wonderful sights of the ‘Spice Island’.
Read more about the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Want To Go For A Zanzibar Beach Holiday?
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