Discover the Best Beaches in ZANZIBAR
This guide from Survival footprint will tell you everything about Zanzibar’s best beaches. Zanzibar boasts more than 25 gorgeous, white, palm-fringed beaches. The sea is warm, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Zanzibar has located approximately 25-50 km (16-31 mi) from the coast of Tanzania. There are many islands in the Zanzibar archipelago, including Unguja and Pemba Islands. Informally, the latter is called Zanzibar.
Best Zanzibar Beaches
This is the complete guide to Zanzibar’s best beaches, including information on snorkeling, kitesurfing, and soaking up the African sun.
Paje Beach – Kitesurfers Dream
Paje Beach is the perfect spot for kitesurfing. Paje beach can be found on the Southeast coast, between Jambiani village and Bwejuu.
Kitesurfers are fond of the lagoon because the reef protects it from the waves. Page enjoys a steady side-onshore wind year-round.
Paje beach is an excellent spot for scuba diving in Zanzibar. It has clear, warm waters home to thousands of starfish, turtles, and trumpet fish. Paje beach is charmingly quiet and peaceful right now. Tourists prefer Zanzibar’s more developed, northern beaches to be busier (who cares why).
Zanzibar Hotel in Paje Beach
- Zanzibar Whitesand Luxury Villas & Spa are an eco-luxury resort. It offers high-end amenities, as well as a kitesurfing and watersports center.
- Cristal Resort This is a resort that’s more affordable and located on Paje Beach for less than USD 100
- View all Paje Beach Reviews on TripAdvisor
Nungwi Beach Dhow Tours and Sunsets
Nungwi beach is a favorite of hippies and adventurous backpackers. TripAdvisor named it one of the Top 25 Best Beaches in the World in 2018. The atmosphere has changed from a quiet, delicate fishing village to a lively, crowded beach lined with bars, hostels, and diving centers.
The beach is still a focal point for Zanzibar’s shipbuilding. Here, skilled shipwrights use centuries-old techniques to transform raggedy old wood into ship-worthy shows. Village tours are also available for those who want to discover the cultural side of Nungwi village and how the dhow building has remained unchanged over the years.
Nungwi: Where to Stay
- Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is a Luxury property on the beach with an infinity pool, swimming pools, fitness center, and spa.
- Rui Palace Zanzibar- If you want to relax at the beach, Rui Palaces are an excellent option.
- Ras Nungwi: We stayed at Ras Nungwi, a Zanzibar Hotel that has been very popular for many years. After a fire, it is currently being renovated.
- More Nungwi Hotels and Reviews: TripAdvisor
Jambiani Beach – Seaweed Solitude
For me, the less crowded beach of Jambiani is one of the best in Zanzibar. Jambiani has miles upon miles of fine, white sand. This slice of paradise would only be possible to populate with tourists.
There are no pools, casinos, bars, or discos. And, believe it, there is no electricity, except for a few guesthouses. Does this sound appealing to you? Jambiani beach is your place.
Jambiani is the home of charming fishing villages. Here, fishing is not for profit but to help the local community. Wave turbulence can cause seaweed to wash onto the beach at low tide due to the reef’s location, which is about a mile away.
You will see locals harvesting seaweed. They then dry it and sell it to exporters. Make sure you bring your best backpack so you can join the harvest. Most seaweed is exported to Japan and is used in nutritional products (hello sushi).
Jambiani Beach Hotel – Suggested
- Red Monkey Lodge combines a relaxed backpacker vibe with 14 beautiful rooms. Jambiani’s largest party is Monday Jam Sessions. If you prefer quiet, don’t come to Jambiani on Monday. $120/per night – Double Room.
- For more accommodation at Jambiani Beach, check AirBnB
- This is a great place to stay in Zanzibar. Check out other hotels on TripAdvisor.
Kiwengwa Beach, Little Italy
Kiwengwa beach has been called Little Italy due to the many Italian hotels along its beachfront. This beach is heavily affected by the tide. Kiwengwa beach, at low tide, is ideal for long walks. It is soft and white, almost like talcum powder. Walking miles without feeling disoriented and wholly immersed in your World is possible.
Sea urchins can be found here, so wear shoes. You can snorkel at the reef by taking a boat. There are beautiful sea stars.
Suggested Kiwengwa Beach Hotels
- Melia Zanzibar – gorgeous high-end resort with five-star amenities.
- Kiwengwa Bungalow Boutique Resort – Quiet boutique bungalows with a private beach. An upscale affordable option.
Matemwe Beach – Relaxation & Local Cultural Culture
Matemwe is a great place to relax and unwind. Matemwe is the perfect beach for those who want to enjoy lots of entertainment and activities.
Attention water lovers: It cannot be easy to swim at this beach, depending on the season. This beach is more affected by low tide than the rest.
This can make navigating challenging when the tide is out and a seaweed barrage and sea urchins block your path to the ocean. It’s worth putting on your shoes and pushing through. But don’t damage the ecosystem. You never know what essential species depend on these sea urchins.
If you’re looking for fun activities, I recommend visiting Mnemba Island on a snorkeling tour or Prison Island to see Giant tortoises. A spice tour is a great way to learn about spices and their origins for those who want to stay on the mainland.
Recommendation for Matemwe Beach Hotel
- Matemwe Lodge is an upscale lodge overlooking Mnemba Island and the coral lagoon. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to scuba dive.
- Hodi Hodi Zanzibar beach houses are three small boutique villas that sit under tall, shady palms. They also have original Zanzibari architecture and Zanzibari doors. The three-course dinner is a must. $220/per night – Double Room
- More Matemwe Hotels TripAdvisor
Pingwe Beach – One Of A Kind Restaurant
Pingwe beach, a beautiful and peaceful little paradise far from the main tourist areas, is a great choice. Most holidaymakers prefer to go to other beaches due to the lack of amenities. Pingwe beach is the best choice if you are looking for quiet, calm beaches.
Pingwe beach is an excellent spot for kitesurfing or snorkeling if you’re looking for more action. The Rock restaurant is a must-see for its unique setting.
Where to stay in Pingwe Beach
- They are located on a small coral outcrop, about 30m off the coast. Every day they serve fresh seafood at lunchtime. Depending on the tide, you may need to swim or take a boat back.
- Baladin Zanzibar Beach Resort – A boutique hotel featuring an infinity pool, yoga classes, and a spa.
- Check out TripAdvisor and Booking for reviews.
Bwejuu Beach – Mangrove Forest Safari
Bwejuu beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar. Bwejuu beach can be found on the Southeast side of Zanzibar. It is just 30 minutes from Stone Town.
This beach is one of the most peaceful areas of Zanzibar. It is perfect for those who seek peace and relaxation. Many activities can be done around the coast. You could go on a dhow boat trip to the mangrove forests or visit Bwejuu, the local village. A reef safari is an excellent option if you want to get wet.
A day trip to the Jozani forest is recommended. Here you can spot Zanzibar Sykes’ monkeys, bush babies, and duikers. The Jozani forest reserve in Africa is the only place to see the red colobus monkeys. It’s a must-see on your holiday.
Bwejuu Beach Resorts
- Baraza Resort & Spa – Upscale all-inclusive resort featuring full amenities and VIP rooms.
- Mustapha’s Place – is a hippie paradise of bougainvilleas and frangipani at Bwejuu. Each Room is unique and made of local materials. $55/ per night – Double Room – View Place.
Kizimkazi Mtendeni – Dolphin Sightings
This part of Zanzibar’s beaches takes on a different look than the traditional palm-backed coast of the east coast. The beaches here are smaller coves than large expanses with snow-white sand. Here, authentic Zanzibar is more familiar with fewer accommodation options.
Kizimkazi Beach’s dolphin safaris are a popular activity. Please be cautious about joining any of these tours. These tours are great for the locals to make an income and help stop dolphin hunting (which used to be expected here).
Look at this Ethical Dolphin Cruise provided by African Impact Dolphin & Marine Conversation Project. There are no regulations regarding dolphin tourism in Zanzibar. Unexperienced boat drivers are attracted to this practice, which often catches the animals at high speeds and threatens them with their propellers.
We recommend you bring binoculars to view the dolphins from far away at Kizimkazi Beach. Don’t promote unethical tourism.
Pongwe Beach – Swimming & Snorkeling
One of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar! The quiet beach of Pongwe is decorated with a traditional palm tree and is surrounded by dense vegetation. Bring your hammock!