Zanzibar is East Africa’s top beach destination. This Indian Ocean island off Tanzania is known for its characterful Stone Town, fragrant spice plantations and coral reefs. But for most visitors to Zanzibar,
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it’s mainly about the beaches. Some host bustling resort towns that have grown organically around older fishing villages. Others retain a more tranquil and down-to-earth appeal. Zanzibar has beaches to suit all tastes and budgets, and we outline the options below.
There’s always a buzz about Nungwi. This is Zanzibar’s most popular beach destination, and it has something for everyone. The focal point is Ras Nungwi, a craggy coral outcrop where a 19th-century lighthouse stands sentinel atRead more the island’s northernmost tip. Either side of this you’ll find beautiful palm-lined beaches serviced by an inviting selection of seafront hotels and restaurants.The main beach lapping Nungwi’s town center is where you’ll find most of the fun and action, and its northwest orientation makes for spectacular sunsets. If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, then the beach running east from Ras Nungwi offers a more serene seaside experience. It’s fun to explore both sides of Nungwi and to use the town as a base for exciting day trips to Mnemba’s coral gardens and the atmospheric alleys of Stone Town.
Size
± 4km/2.5mi long
The Beach
Long and busy; split by a scenic coral outcrop
Crowds
Busy in some areas
Eating
Many seafood and other restaurants
Sleeping
Options range from backpacker hangouts to boutique resorts
For many visitors, Paje is all about kitesurfing (or learning how to) at one of several relaxed beachfront schools. But even if kitesurfing isn’t your thing, it’s a real delight to spend time in Paje exploringRead more African village life, enjoying delicious seafood in hip beachfront cafés, or strolling barefoot through cool white sand.Unlike many beach destinations, Paje functions as an extension of the fishing village for which it is named. This gives it a down-to-earth feel epitomized by the sight of colorfully dressed local women gathering sustainably farmed seaweed at low tide, and fishers preparing their before they head out to sea. It also makes Paje a stimulating place to settle in for a few days, taking long beach walks, exploring its lively culinary scene, and enjoying happy hour drinks below swaying palm trees as you watch the kites in colorful action.
Size
± 3km/1.9mi long
The Beach
Long, calm and sandy; great kitesurfing conditions
Crowds
Busy but not crowded
Eating
Dozens of restaurants cater to a diversity of tastes
Sleeping
A wide range from budget lodges to upmarket resorts
Effectively a southern extension of Paje, Jambiani is the most low-key and unpretentious of Zanzibar’s major beach destinations. Come here expecting trendy European-style cafés, slick upmarket hotels and a sterile beach resort atmosphere, and you mightRead more well be disappointed. On the other hand, it’s a great choice for those seeking an affordable seaside stay in a charming Zanzibari village where tourist amenities and day-to-day local activities coexist in a way that seems easy and organic.Despite some obvious erosion in parts, Jambiani’s clean and attractive beach is one of the longest on Zanzibar and great for swimming at high tide. It is starting to follow in Paje’s footsteps as something of a kitesurfing hot spot, but the level of activity here is less hazardous to swimmers. Guided cultural tours offer a great opportunity to interact with locals at Jambiani, but it is also easy to mingle on a more informal basis.
Size
± 6.5km/4mi long
The Beach
Long, narrow and tidal
Crowds
Busier with locals than visitors
Eating
A fair selection of restaurants
Sleeping
Mostly good-value budget and mid-range options
Activities
Swimming; sunbathing; kitesurfing; long walks; community visits
Gorgeous west-coast beach lined with package resorts
One of Zanzibar’s widest and prettiest beaches can be found at Kendwa, a fast-growing village on the west coast, a short distance south of Nungwi. Kendwa has all the paradisal attributes of Zanzibar’s other beaches, butRead more it is lent a distinct character by the cliffs that tower above its northern end and the harbor in the south. Among dedicated partygoers, it has long been renowned for the all-night beach rave held at Kendwa Rocks, its oldest hotel, at full moon.At other times, the mood at Kendwa is more sedate, with the long beachfront being dominated by a series of large resort hotels catering to the all-inclusive package market. If you can drag yourself from the comfort of your sun lounger, this is a great beach for swimming and long barefoot walks. Several local kiosks offer pampering massages, henna skin painting and hair braiding.
Size
± 3km/1.9mi long
The Beach
Wide and pretty; set below tall cliffs
Crowds
Busy but not crowded
Eating
Dozens of restaurants cater to a diversity of tastes
Sleeping
Several package resorts but other options available
Activities
Swimming; sunbathing; long walks; beautiful sunsets
Beautiful beach with a party feel and Italian flavor
Kiwengwa Beach has it all. Centered around a compact fishing village on Zanzibar’s northeast coast, this rapidly growing beach destination is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports, while its vibrant restaurant, café and bar sceneRead more showcases a distinct Italian culinary flair. Accommodations range from unique owner-operated lodges attracting independent travelers to some of the island’s most alluring all-inclusive resort hotels.Activity at Kiwengwa is focused on the beach immediately in front of the village, which has a good array of tourist facilities and services. Away from the village, the beach is quieter, with some tranquil sandy coves and scenic coral rock formations. Kiwengwa is a more lively prospect than sleepy Matemwe or Pwani Mchangani, but not quite so developed as Nungwi or Kendwa. This makes it a good choice for those seeking a balance between these extremes.
Size
± 6km/3.7mi long
The Beach
Long, wide and lively
Crowds
Busy close to the village but quieter farther north
Eating
Plenty of Italian restaurants serve pizza and seafood
Sleeping
Budget and mid-range options as well as package resorts
This pristine sandbar is a fun beach barbecue venue
Nakupenda is a word meaning ‘I love you’, and while the origin of this name is obscure, it does reflect how most visitors feel about this idyllic sandbar, located 4km/2.5mi off Stone Town. Nakupenda attainsRead more a maximum length of 500m/1,640ft, so you can stroll from end to end in a few minutes, and it is often submerged at high tide. The surrounding ocean is perfect for swimming and good for snorkeling.Accessible by boat only, Nakupenda is usually visited in combination with Changuu (Prison) Island on a day tour from Stone Town. The normal routine is to start with Changuu Island then continue to Nakupenda for a sumptuous seafood beach barbecue. Although the sandbar is uninhabited, you’ll often find several hundred visitors gathered here at lunch, including a coterie of guides and vendors. To experience the island in less-crowded conditions, head there in the early morning or late afternoon.
Size
± 500m/1,640ft long
The Beach
As minimalist as it gets: literally just sand and sea
Crowds
Crowded from 11 AM to 3 PM but not at other times
Eating
Most tours include a beach barbecue; cold beers sold
Exclusive island living with diving and snorkeling
Mnemba is an exclusive retreat offering a peerless ‘barefoot luxury’ island experience, just 2.5km/1.5mi off Zanzibar’s northeast coast. Open to overnight guests only, this idyllic haven comprises a dozen spacious and beautifully designed beach bungalows madeRead more from sustainable local materials. Fringed by pristine beaches of soft white sand, the island is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors might even spot dolphins, or in the surrounding waters.While an overnight stay is the ultimate way to experience Mnemba, it is also possible to explore the surrounding as a day excursion from Stone Town, Muyuni Beach and other locations. This is one of Zanzibar’s most alluring spots for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Most day trips conclude with a fun seafood barbecue on Muyuni Beach, located on the mainland across from the island.
Size
± 1.6km/1mi long
The Beach
A sandy beach encircles the island
Crowds
No crowds on the island, but the reefs can get busy
Small urban beach that’s always abuzz with activity
Fishers inspecting their catch, giggling kids diving from a jetty, teenagers kicking around a football, young couples holding hands, traditional cruising past with billowing sails … there’s plenty to hold your interest on Stone Town’sRead more bustling Shangani Beach. Stretching west from Forodhani Gardens, this lively urban beach runs past several landmark 19th-century buildings (many now converted to hotels) then veers south toward a cluster of popular bars and restaurants around Shangani Gardens.Shangani is always a fun spot for a stroll. It’s also possible to swim – plenty of locals do – although the water is less clean than it is elsewhere on Zanzibar. Because the beach faces west, the bars and restaurants that line it are great for drinks. Shangani is also the most popular departure point for boat trips to Changuu (Prison) Island and Nakupenda Beach, as well as snorkeling and diving excursions to Tumbatu Island.
Size
± 700m/2,300ft long
The Beach
Bustling urban beach in the heart of Stone Town
Crowds
Usually quite crowded
Eating
Some of Stone Town’s best restaurants look over the beach
Tranquil Matemwe Beach is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, where it stretches for a few kilometers either side of the quietly charming small town of the same name. It is a largely hassle-free beachRead more where you can relax or stroll on an inviting stretch of soft, cool white sand at even the highest of tides. There are lots of swaying coconut palms and a scattering of small low-rise resorts and holiday homes, so it retains an appealing natural aesthetic.The north end of Matemwe Beach, overhung with impressive coral rock formations and offering good views toward forested Mnemba Island, is especially scenic. This proximity to Mnemba and its world-class coral reefs makes Matemwe a favorite with diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Size
± 6km/3.7mi long
The Beach
Wide and pretty; set below tall cliffs
Crowds
Never crowded but a few areas are quite busy
Eating
A choice of resort restaurants and local eateries
Sleeping
Most resorts are small, upmarket and individualistic
Activities
Swimming; long walks; snorkeling and diving excursions
Set on a scenic peninsula that juts southwest into Menai Bay, Fumba is one of Zanzibar’s wildest and most natural beaches. Its stunning coastline of rocky outcrops and sandy coves is lined with lush vegetation,Read more including several ancient . The -meets-beach feel is enhanced by plentiful wildlife, including ,, and colorful birds such as .This natural appeal is enhanced by Fumba’s location on Menai Bay, which is Zanzibar’s largest marine protected area. There are views across to Kwale Island, and trips come with a high chance of spotting or . The protected coral reefs of Menai Bay offer superb snorkeling and diving, and kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented. Only 40 minutes’ drive from Stone Town, uncrowded Fumba is an ideal beach holiday destination for nature-lovers, and it can also be visited as a day trip.
Size
± 4km/2.5mi long
The Beach
Calm clear water, sandy coves and rocky outcrops
Crowds
None
Eating
A few small beach restaurants cater to day visitors
