Tropical paradise located in East Africa, home to 1,5 million people, surrounded by white sand, high palms, and a clear blue ocean got its name from Arabic “Zang” meaning “black skins” and “barr” meaning “coast”.
Zanzibar is made up of many islands, including two big ones- Unguja (known as Zanzibar) and Pemba. Surrounded by the Indian ocean, it has most definitely some of the prettiest beaches in the world and each one of them can offer you something different. So let’s go through the top 6 beaches in Zanzibar and what not to miss out on when you’re there.
In this article:
1. Nungwi Beach
Nungwi beach is home to powdery white sand, crystal blue waters, and exotic flora and fauna. Here, the beach is not affected by the tides. Located on the northern tip of the island, this beach is filled with resorts, hostels, restaurants, watersports centers, spas and it is a place for the best sunset views. When the moon appears in the sky, the night comes alive with beach BBQs, rooftop bars, beach parties, and live music.
If you prefer adventures that are more laidback, don’t cross Nungwi beach off your list just yet. This beach offers something for every kind of traveler. Enjoy boat cruises into the romantic sunset, water sports like kayaking, deep-sea fishing, horse riding tours, snorkeling, or checking out the beach from the sky by going parasailing are some of the options you have. You can also drop by an aquarium where you can enjoy swimming with turtles. Not so far away from Nungwi (10-15 mins ride), there is Kendwa beach, suitable for relaxing and one of the favorite ones for backpackers and free spirits. Kendwa for sure is a place for good quality accommodations and restaurants that offer you a large variety of food and beverages. You can find rental points for sunbeds and sun loungers, water activities, volleyball nets are set and there is even a place to play golf.
2. Paje Beach
Paje Beach is paradise in every way. It is the main village on the southeast coast.
If kitesurfing is your vibe, then you are at the right place! The lagoon is located on the southeast coast of the island and due to the area generally being windy all year round, it is kitesurfer’s heaven and known as Tanzania’s best kitesurfing beach. Apart from that and because of its clear waters, Paje is also a great beach for underwater exploring and catching waves whilst surfing.
Sometimes you can find cows casually walking by the beach minding their own business or dogs playing with sticks. With an almost 20 km stretch of beach, there is enough space for everyone.
Kitesurf seasons are from mid-December to the end of February and from mid/end of May to October. Apart from adventurous activities, Paje offers a big selection of bars, restaurants, and shops to enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.
3. Matemwe Beach
Located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe beach is one of the most peaceful beaches in Zanzibar. It is the place for a tropical beach holiday or to relax and let your troubles fly away.
Water is filled with colorful corals, crabs, starfishes, and different kinds of reef fishes, while the deeper Indian ocean gives you a chance to see humpback whales on their immigration route between July and November. A short boat ride away is Mnemba Island, as a bucket list destination for some amazing snorkeling trips in the coral reefs, as well as sandbank BBQs in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
4. Kizimkazi beach
Kizimkazi is a small fishing village, famous for fishing games and dolphin swimming tours. Most of the fish supply for Stone town is caught here in the rich waters.
The number of tourists booking a holiday in Kizimkazi has been growing slowly in the last few years, but the place still keeps the traditional village look and the local life carries at its own tempo. The mornings are more vivid, with groups of people coming on daily tours from Stone Town to search for the dolphins and, after crossing the sea in zig-zag patterns in small boats, they are returning back.
It’s an 80-minute drive on the busy road that connects Stone Town with the south-located village in Zanzibar.
Kizimkazi is pretty much untouched by tourism. If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds or relax in nature, then Kizimkazi is the place to go. It is the most secluded and tranquil region of Zanzibar. The number of hotels in Kizimkazi is definitely less than in any other region. The hotels that do exist are few and with nothing but nature, the sea, and a village surrounding them.
5. Jambiani Beach
Jambiani is a family-type village located on the east coast, only 10 minutes driving from Paje where men still bring early morning catch from the ocean, children play football on the beach and women grow seaweed farms when there is low tide. Soft white sand beaches lined with coconut trees — clear, warm water, and unique coral rock shapes make for one beautiful backdrop for a low-key beach getaway. Jambiani tends to be far less touristy than neighboring village Paje, with fewer visitors, and souvenir shops, which all add up to a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Fill your evenings wandering through the sandy, old paths that make up the village’s main streets.
Take time to talk briefly with the locals who are more than happy to tell you about their history, and unity and teach you some phrases in Swahili (the local language).
Jambiani is also home to many caves with natural, clear, cold water where you can join to swim and refresh.
6. Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu is an unpretentious village with no space for big structured hotels. If you choose Bwejuu, you will find much smaller hotels and lodges, ideal for idling on the beach in all simplicity. The real luxury here is the intimacy and vicinity of the beach and nature. Bwejuu is famous for the kindness of its inhabitants, especially the women from the small handicrafts center who make unique items with a local wax cloth.
During the day, you can see the women and the fishermen go by, and you can walk on the beach that is surrounded by an incredible coconut forest.
If you visit Bwejuu, plan your lunch at The Rock, a famous restaurant, located on a small island on the lagoon in Michamwi, next to Bwejuu.
What beaches did you visit when in Zanzibar and why should they be on this list?