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Uroa, on Zanzibar’s popular northeast coast, is one of the island’s quietest and most tranquil seaside holiday destinations. The sandy beach here is fringed by groves of tall coconut palms. It remains relatively undeveloped, serviced by
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a few large package resorts interspersed with several smaller boutique lodges. Uroa is notable for its picturesque location at the northern opening to Chwaka Bay, where it looks across some 7km/4mi of shallow water to the Michamvi Peninsula.-
Size
- ± 5km / 3mi long
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Best Time To Go
- January, February and June to October
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Crowds
- Uncrowded
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Sleeping
- A few package resorts and small boutique lodges
Pros & Cons
- Excellent swimming in warm, calm water at high tide
- Very peaceful
- Development limited to a few unobtrusive exclusive resorts
- Feels like a private beach (though it is open to the public)
- Good beach walks at low tide
- No touts or vendors
- At low tide, water is too shallow for swimming
- No restaurants or bars except at the resort hotels
- Seasonally, the ocean is quite thick with seaweed
The Beach
Uroa is a good choice for people seeking a quiet beach holiday without too many social distractions. Of all the established beach destinations on Zanzibar, it probably carries the lowest volume not only of tourists but
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also of touts and vendors trying to sell day excursions or curios. Resorts on this sandy east-facing beach are generally set in spacious grounds with a natural feel and a low number of rooms. However, there are a couple of larger and more package-oriented hotels at the northern and southern ends of this long beach.As with so many beaches on Zanzibar, Uroa changes appearance with the tides. At high tide, it is a postcard-perfect belt of glistening palm-lined white sand lapped by calm turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming. At low tide, by contrast, the retreating water exposes an extensive bed of intriguingly patterned coral rocks that add a striking scenic dimension to beach walks. Because the beach lies at the entry to Chwaka Bay, there is often a lot of seaweed, but this doesn’t affect swimming and it is quite seasonal.Sleeping
Uroa has a varied choice of accommodations, and appealing options are available in all price ranges. A couple of large and well-run all-inclusive resorts can be found at the northern and southern ends of the beach,
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close to the villages of Uroa and Marumbi. In between the two villages, beachfront properties are generally large in area but have an exclusive, low-rise boutique feel. There are also a few pleasant budget and mid-range lodges dotted in and around the villages.Eating & Drinking
Most resorts in and around Uroa operate on a half-board, full-board or all-inclusive basis, which means that guests take most or all of their meals in-house. Outside the resorts, dining options on Uroa Beach are rather
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limited, but there are a few unpretentious local restaurants in the two villages, as well as supermarkets for self-caterers. All restaurants, resorts, bars and shops stock a selection of local beers and imported wines (mostly from South Africa). Most restaurants and resorts also serve a selection of cocktails and mocktails.Things To Do at Uroa
Uroa is a typical beach destination in that the most popular activities are swimming and sunbathing. The beach here is very tidal, so swimming in the ocean is best at high tide and not usually possible
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when the water is at its lowest. Fortunately, most resorts and hotels have large swimming pools where you can hang out when beach conditions are unsuitable. There isn’t much water sports activity at Uroa, but the beach is good for walking and most resorts have spas.Nearby Things To Do
Uroa is not a diving or snorkeling site, but both activities can be undertaken on the coral gardens and reefs of Mnemba Atoll, which lies off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, about 30km/20mi farther north. Day
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excursions to Mnemba can be arranged through most resorts and hotels in Uroa, and you may well see dolphins and turtles from the boat.Uroa lies close to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, which is the island’s main stronghold for and the . Both monkey species are likely to be seen on guided walks, which also incorporate a stroll along a wooden boardwalk through the .Another popular day trip is a guided walking tour through the alleys of Zanzibar’s old Stone Town. When you visit this historic port, your guide will show you the Old Fort, an imposing Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the once-infamous slave market, and many other places of interest. You can combine a visit to Stone Town with a spice tour into Zanzibar’s fertile interior, or a traditional excursion to Changuu (Prison) Island and Nakupenda Beach.How To Get to Uroa
Uroa lies about 40km/25mi east of Zanzibar City. The drive usually takes around 1 hour. Road transfers or taxis from Stone Town or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport can be arranged through any hotel or tour