Top 10 Best Beaches in Zanzibar Island
Discover Zanzibar’s best beaches with its spectacular sunsets, palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters & colorful coral reefs
Whether you’re taking a trip from Tanzania to Zanzibar for some post-safari relaxation, a chilled beach holiday, or a romantic East Africa honeymoon, the main draw of this African island paradise is the beaches.
But with so many stretches of white sand, how do you choose the best beach for the type of Zanzibar holiday you want?
Here is our comprehensive guide and map of the best beaches in Zanzibar – for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and staying at a beautiful beach resort.
1. Paje Beach, Kitesurfing & Diving
Located on the southeast coast, Paje Beach has all the makings of a perfect beach: long stretches of white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, turquoise waters, and exquisite sunsets. Bordered by a small village on one side, Paje is peaceful and quiet, making this beach a great alternative to the busier, more developed beaches in the north of Zanzibar.
Paje Beach is known for its water sports and the excellent kitesurfing conditions draw amateur and professional kitesurfers from all over the world to this specific area of the island. In addition to this, the clear, warm waters are great for scuba diving, as the reefs offshore are home to turtles, starfish, trumpet fish, moray eels, and other colorful marine creatures.
Paje Beach also features a beautiful lagoon with clear calm waters, beneath which are truly unbelievable coral formations teaming with tropical fish, making this one the best beaches in Zanzibar for snorkeling.
You might also see locals collecting seaweed at low tide at Paje Beach, which is used to make soap via a women’s cooperative. The products come wrapped in banana leaves and can be purchased at local shops; buying a bar or two is a great way to sustainably support the community, plus the soap’s natural ingredients are incredibly good for your skin.
After sunset, the beach turns into a lively party spot, though the atmosphere is relaxed and international.
Best Places to Stay Around Paje Beach
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Relais & Chateaux
- Kisiwa On The Beach
- Amani Boutique Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
2. Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach on the northwest coast is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Zanzibar and recently made the list of Top 25 Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018.
Nungwi is one of the liveliest areas on the island and the numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants and bars offer a variety of night-time entertainment.
However, this beach isn’t just for party-goers. The Nungwi coast has fantastic coral reefs ideal for diving and snorkeling – you may even be lucky enough to see dolphins, green turtles, and, at certain times of the year, whale sharks.
Facing west, Nungwi Beach also has some of the best sunsets in Zanzibar and a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat is a must.
Where to Stay Around Nungwi Beach
Hotel RIU Palace Zanzibar is a sophisticated, beachside spa resort offering a peaceful and private atmosphere away from the lively beachfront. All rooms and suites have private terraces and stunning views over the lush gardens and the Indian Ocean.
- Zuri Zanzibar
- Riu Palace Zanzibar
- Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
3. Pongwe Beach, Tropical Paradise & Calm Waters for Swimming
Pongwe Beach is arguably the best swimming beach in Zanzibar.
Pongwe’s quiet arc of the beach is dotted with palm trees and backed by dense vegetation; this is about as close to a quintessentially tropical paradise as you can get.
Pongwe Beach is lucky in the fact that the whole beach is protected by an offshore reef, which keeps the inner waters calm and safe for all to swim in. Snorkeling and boat trips can also be arranged to the reef.
Where to stay near Pongwe
- Pongwe Beach Hotel is a small and intimate resort located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar. The rooms have been built in a traditional Zanzibari style with coconut palm thatched roofs, lime wash walls, and hand-crafted wooden doors. There is also a beautiful infinity pool for you to enjoy when the tide is out.
4. Kendwa Beach, Sunsets & Swimming
Sometimes referred to as the “little sister” of Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach is much quieter than its sibling in the north.
This is one of the few beaches in Zanzibar where the tide doesn’t change, which means the clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Colorful starfish also call this beach home and can be found just offshore (but be sure not to pick up these creatures or disturb them in their natural habitat).
The sunsets at Kendwa Beach are legendary, so pick your spot on the beach when the sun starts to lower. Once it dips below the horizon, the beach comes alive in a new way with nightlife and relaxed beach parties.
5. Jambiani Beach
A truly captivating stretch of coastline renowned for its pristine beauty, Jambiani Beach is one of the best Zanzibar east coast beaches. With its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, this friendly traditional fishing village is the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in real island life. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear lagoons and lounging on the soft silver sand. Then treat yourself to delicious freshly caught seafood at one of the delightful beachfront restaurants before settling in to watch the stunning sunset.
Where to stay around Jambiani Beach
- Coral Rock Hotel
- Bliss Beach Lodge
- Cristal Resort:
6. Kizimkazi Beach, Authenticity & Dolphin Safaris
This small fishing village on the south coast of Zanzibar consists of two adjoining settlements: Kizimkazi Dimbani to the north and Kizimkazi Mkunguni to the south. The coastline here is very different from the classic palm-backed lagoon of the east coast.
Here, a coral rag cliff elevates the waterfront above the ocean and the beaches take the form of small coves rather than broad expanses of sand. For this reason, there are fewer accommodation options and the area has a distinct and authentic atmosphere.
The village of Kizimkazi is famous for its dolphin safaris. However, if you’re visiting Kizimkazi please be mindful about joining boat trips that offer the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Where to stay around Kizimkazi Beach
- The Residence Zanzibar is a luxurious and family-friendly hotel on the southwest coast of Zanzibar, 20 minutes drive from Kizimkazi, surrounded by 32 hectares of tropical gardens and fringed by a pristine mile-long beach.
- Unguja Lodge is a small beach lodge on the southern tip of Zanzibar, near Kizimkazi Mkunguni. This is a very quiet part of the island with small beaches and lush green surroundings. The lodge has an excellent relationship with the local people who live in Kizimkazi Mkunguni and most of the staff are from the village.
7. Michamvi Beach, a Remote Coral Lagoon
Michamvi is a peninsula on the central east coast of the island.
Although there are two large beach resorts in the area, Michamvi feels remote and has long stretches of empty beaches to explore. The peninsula consists of two parts, Michamvi-Pingwe and Michamvi-Kae.
On the eastern side is Michamvi-Pingwe, with a vibrant coral lagoon and beautiful palm-fringed beaches set in a string of scenic coves between high coral-rag cliffs. On the western side is Michamvi-Kae, which faces west towards Chwaka Bay.
Where to Stay Around Michamvi Beach
Kichanga Lodge is a private resort nestled into hillside tropical gardens. The resort has a swimming pool that overlooks the beach and on the beach itself, there’s a traditional weathered dhow boat, which serves as the bar.
Konokono Beach Resort is a quiet paradise offering privacy and romance in the heart of nature. It’s a favorite for couples and those on a Zanzibar honeymoon.
Z Hotel is a chic boutique hotel that exudes elegance. The beachfront resort is known for its food and drink, including Asian-fusion tapas, sharing platters, and a creative cocktail menu.
8. Matemwe Beach, Local Culture & Scuba Diving
Matemwe is a section of coastline on the northeast of Zanzibar.
The long, idyllic beach at Matemwe (the longest beach in Zanzibar) has some of the finest sand on the island and amongst the palm trees at the back of the beach, you’ll find traditional fishing villages, which offer a fascinating insight into the local culture. Around two kilometres offshore, just beyond the main reef, is the world-famous island of Mnemba Atoll; a popular scuba diving spot surrounded by pristine and very accessible coral reefs.
The area around Matemwe Beach has the best diving and snorkeling on the island, plus some excellent kitesurfing and sailing.
Where to Stay Around Matemwe Beach
- Matemwe Lodge is perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow, coral-fringed lagoon on the quiet northeast coast of Zanzibar Island. The easy access to Mnemba makes this resort a great option for those who want to dive into the Atoll.
- Mnemba Island Lodge is an upscale all-inclusive resort situated on a private island just 4.5 kilometers off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, surrounded by coral reefs bursting with life. Famous guests at Mnemba Island Lodge include Tom Cruise, Naomi Campbell, and Bill Gates.
9. Bwejuu Beach, Relaxation & Reef Safari
This white sandy beach on the island’s southeast coast is lined with palm trees and is only an hour and a half away from Stone Town.
It’s one of the quietest parts of Zanzibar and a popular choice for those seeking total relaxation, peace, and privacy.
There are plenty of activities and excursions to do around the area, including a mangrove forest and dhow boat trip, a visit to the local village of Bwejuu, a reef safari, snorkeling, and diving, a visit to Stone Town, or a day trip to the Jozani Forest, which is home to the Red Colobus Monkey.
The Best Beach Resorts Around Bwejuu Beach
- Baraza Resort and Spa is a family-run resort with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
- Breezes Beach Club and dive centre is a tranquil, relaxed resort that caters mostly to families and couples.
- The Palms is one of the island’s most exclusive private resorts, perfect for Zanzibar honeymooners or couples looking for privacy.
- Each villa has a private plunge pool and a terrace with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.
All three of the above beach resorts make up ‘The Zanzibar Collection,’ a portfolio of privately owned luxury hotels and resorts inspired by the magic of this exotic beach destination.
10. Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda means ‘I love you’ in Swahili, and there’s no doubt that you’ll fall head over heels for this gorgeous sandbank beach and nature reserve. Situated on the western coast and reached via small, local tour boats, you’ll be in pure paradise from the moment you sink your bare feet into the soft, pure white sand. Spend your time on this stunning stretch of beach swimming and sunbathing, only pausing to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch cooked up by your guides.
Best Places to Stay around Nakupenda Beach
