Considered one of the best holiday destinations in the world. If you want to swim in the clear turquoise water of the ocean and lie on the warm white sand, the best beaches of Zanzibar are just for you. All resorts of the island can be conditionally divided into northern, eastern, southern and western coasts, as well as beaches near. The list of entertainment includes snorkeling, underwater fishing and hunting. Let's take a look at the best swimming beaches in Zanzibar.
South coastThe beach at Fisherman's is considered the best in everything. Previously, it was possible to retire here among small bays, walk around ancient buildings and watch dolphins from the shore, but it was only possible to spend the night with the local population. Now a comfortable The Residence Zanzibar has been built on the beach. It has its own part of the beach, there are no merchants on it, there are no queues for sunbeds, and besides, it is guarded around the clock. Not far from here is the oldest religious building in all of East Africa - the Shirazi Mosque. Please note that waves and strong currents often rise on the southern beaches of Zanzibar, so it will be difficult to relax here with children.
The best beaches on the north coast of Zanzibar
- Nungwi. Nungwi Beach is located 60 kilometers from Stone Town and is the most popular on the island. Here is a great opportunity to combine a beach holiday with a vibrant nightlife. The main attraction of Nungwi is the coral reef. This is one of the best diving spots on the island. There is also a lighthouse here, where you can negotiate with the guard and climb to the observation deck of the lighthouse for a small fee. On the northern part of the cape there is an aquarium with sea turtles. The beach is ideal for families with children - the sand is soft and warm, the water is clear without currents and waves.
- Kendwa (Kendwa). Kendwa Beach is separated from Nungwi by a high wooden jetty, along which you can drive freely. This is a beach overlooking the island of Tumbatu, coral sand and luxurious palm trees. Kendwa is ideal for lovers of relaxation without comfort, because. there are almost no cafes and hotels on it. Backpackers usually rest here with their tents and awnings.
- Matemwe. Matemwe beach is located 50 kilometers from Stone Town. Magnificent metho with snow-white as powdered sugar sand, turquoise clear water and a view of the island of Mnemba. There are many expensive all-inclusive hotels here. Italians come to Matemwe, so the staff is fluent in Italian. Prices per night from $150. On the beach you will find large air-conditioned thatched bungalows in traditional African style.
- Kiwengwa. There used to be a small village here, now it is a whole resort complex of hotels, souvenir shops and bars. The complex is fully designed for a European tourist, there is a lot of music, dance floors and little privacy on the beach. The beach is suitable for young people without children.
- Uroa (Uroa). The beach will be of interest to those who would like to get acquainted with the life of the local population. Here, at low tide, local women come ashore to collect shellfish and crabs. If you head to the village from the beach, be prepared for the fact that local children are very fond of European tourists and want to touch the “white” person for good luck. The beach is quite dirty due to the nearby seaweed farm and the constant low tides of the ocean 2-3 kilometers from the coast.
- Chwaka. Chwaka occupies almost the entire part of the east coast. From the beach you can see the Michamvi peninsula. During the colonial rule of Britain, almost all English offices and government bungalows were located here. Now the buildings look sad due to the lack of repair and restoration. In the village there is the largest fish market on the island, where you can buy fresh fish or, upon request, they will cook it on the coals in front of your eyes.
- Jambani. Jambani Beach is very popular with locals and tourists. Here is the cleanest water and sand without algae. The bottom is flat and shallow. The locals are very friendly. By the way, if you need a post office, there is a small post office in the village with twenty-five mailboxes. In souvenir shops, you can buy cheap kanga - an element of local clothing, which is hand-woven by Jambani craftswomen. There are two kiting schools on the beach, where you can rent a longboard and swim around.
The main island of the Zanzibar archipelago is a traditionally attractive place for tourists who are attracted by a beach holiday on the picturesque coast of the ocean. The beaches of Zanzibar, where the water is clear and the wide coastline is covered with white sand, are considered to be among the best in the Indian Ocean.
What is attractive for a beach holiday in Zanzibar
The geographical position of the island is such that the air temperature almost does not drop below 21 degrees, and this is in August, but it keeps average values within the year within 29-31 degrees and a minimum of about 24. Therefore, summer here is year-round, although the calendar falls on our winter months - Zanzibar is still in the southern hemisphere. The sea, accordingly, warms up perfectly, up to 25-28 degrees, depending on the month.
The swimming season on the best beaches of Zanzibar lasts almost the entire year, with the exception of the rainy periods that occur in April-May and November. It is still possible to swim at this time, since neither the amount of rains nor their intensity is ever known for sure. However, there are also strong prolonged downpours that affect the life of the entire island.
Despite these isolated “buts” that occur only a couple of times a year, in general, the resort island of Zanzibar is a very suitable place for a beach holiday. Especially if the vacation fell far from the summer. It remains to choose the best beach for swimming on the whole island: with or without low tide, with a beautiful coast, a safe bottom and comfortable service!
Nakupenda Beach - bright colors of the ocean
Of all the photos of the beaches of Zanzibar, Nakupenda Beach stands out with emerald blue shades of sea water. Framed by white coastal sand under a deep blue sky, the landscapes look especially picturesque. Tourists are impressed by the colorfulness and friendliness of the locals, which complement the overall picture of a piece of paradise.
The beach got the name - the disappearing island of Nakupenda, in fact, the surface of the island-beach is regularly hidden under water due to strong tides. It is located near Stone Town in the western part of the island. The infrastructure is all imported, as well as visitors - tourists. However, they all unanimously say that this is the best place, and it is worth it to get to it and see everything with your own eyes.
The beach is relatively small, but clean and visited - two or three hundred vacationers are accommodated without any problems. The coastline is exceptionally sandy, the entry into the sea is comfortable, there are many boats for walks and excursions, various diving options, visually accessible sea bottom inhabitants, fish and even dolphins. They offer excellent hearty lunches - a lot of seafood (always fresh), beans, french fries and drinks. And also - souvenirs, colorful reefs, a lot of opportunities for photos and new experiences.
Jambiani Beach - the attraction of the ebb and flow
On the map of the beaches of Zanzibar, Jambiani is marked almost at the most southeastern point of the island. This is one of the most remote places in the resort and for this reason is less visited by tourists.
The coastline is fine white sand, which, according to vacationers, is cool even in the heat. The seabed consists of coral slabs, at some distance from the shore there are thickets of algae, some of which, after low tide, falls on the beach. The inhabitants of the ocean are very different: sea urchins, stars, cucumbers, crabs, etc., which delights children.
When entering the sea, you should be careful - at the bottom there are stones that become clearly distinguishable during low tides. This inconvenience can be corrected with the help of special slippers. Fans of high and low tides will be able to observe kilometer-long versions of these amazing natural phenomena, wander through the open expanses, and get acquainted with the fauna.
The place is famous for its silence and sparseness - the best place for secluded relaxation, which is facilitated by numerous small cafes, cozy and inexpensive. In the village nearby there is a market, on the beach itself the service is not well represented.
Kendwa Beach for connoisseurs of beaches without low tides
Among the best beaches in Zanzibar without low tides, travelers often choose Kendwa Beach. Small in length, with a wide beach strip, it is considered the most attractive on the northwest coast. From the nearby popular Nungwi beach, about half an hour walk south along the sandy spit. Although, according to observations, there is sometimes muddy water.
In general, Kendwa is known for its white sand and turquoise sea. It is usually crowded here, as there are many hotels and restaurants nearby, as well as small shops and merchants. Due to high competition prices are quite low. Entry into the water is comfortable, without hedgehogs, but with beautiful starfish. Near some hotels and cafes, when purchasing, for example, a drink, you can use a beach umbrella or sun lounger.
Nungwi Beach - beauty on the shore and under water
Nungwi Beach is located at the extreme northern point of the resort island and is considered one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming without low tides. The main local attraction is the coral reef, to which divers actively descend. The sand is also of coral origin, soft, white and does not heat up in the sun. The color of the water delights tourists with rich shades of sea turquoise. Entry into the water is comfortable, the sea is clear and clean. Tides and tides are small.
The beach is visited by numerous tourists, popular sea excursions to the islands of the archipelago begin from here. Many consider Nungwi to be the best place for a swimming holiday due to the lack of waves. A huge number of hotels and restaurants provide all possible amenities, fresh seafood, quality dinners, inexpensive menus. In the evenings, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and watch the Maasai dancing.
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Paje Beach - ideal for kiting
It occupies the east coast, five kilometers north of Jambiani beach. The beach is extensive, approximately equally distant from the extreme (northern and southern) points of Zanzibar. This place is distinguished by the absence of stones on the seabed and is considered one of the smallest and smoothest - therefore it is best suited for families with children. The weather is always great.
Paje Beach belongs to the beaches of Zanzibar with almost no low tides - the water leaves relatively close and remains knee-deep, and arrives approximately chest-neck. The sand is white and even, when entering the water you need to be careful not to get on a hedgehog and it is better to use special shoes.
There are two kite schools here at once, which help you quickly master the technique of riding a board. You can rent a kite and paddle on your own. Nearby there are many restaurants, cafes, hotels, it is possible to book a bungalow right on the beach. Thanks to the dive center, scooter rentals, sailboats for a walk to the reef, the place is quite visited by tourists, it is almost always crowded.
Matemwe Beach - high tides for swimming
It is located on the northeast coast of the island, next to the village of the same name. Matemwe is distinguished by the presence of hotels, which are the best place for Italian tourists. The hotels are expensive, the staff speaks Italian. Around well-groomed green lawns, on the coast of a bungalow with conditioners. Although the beach itself is not crowded.
The sandy spit is wide, the shore is rolled and comfortable, a warm breeze. The sea coast is abundantly populated with living creatures - hedgehogs, stars, crabs and other inhabitants make you wear safety shoes while swimming. The tides are very high, and since the sea is shallow here, you can almost swim only during the rising water. There are many offers from boat owners to go fishing, from the Maasai to watch shows or travel with excursions.
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Uroa Bay - original and colorful
Uroa is located on the east coast of Zanzibar, about 40 km from Stone Town. Local residents are active on the beach - their village is located nearby, there is a algae farm. The tides are very distant - the water leaves for 2-3 km. At low tide, women come to collect seafood or to work on seaweed plantations. On walks along the ebb shores you can find beautiful shells.
The sand is white and soft, the entry into the sea is almost safe, there are not many hedgehogs, the water is bright green. Local residents offer excursions, including Russian-speaking ones, as well as henna painting, souvenirs, you can order. Not crowded directly on the beach - tourists prefer to relax at their hotels.
Kiwengwa Beach - beach holidays and entertainment
Kiwengwa is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming. This is the northeast coast, with well-defined ebbs and flows. The sand is white and soft, the ocean is bright blue, palm groves, shadowed hotels. Swimming is comfortable, the bottom is clean. The beach is teeming with local vendors and eager local kids. There is a lot of music, performances, fun, but you can also find secluded places.
This post is rather educational and technical - about the island and its beaches. A little. , at first I wanted to rent a car and drive around the island, then we decided that we would hire a car (I planned 2 times for half a day), in the end we got very lazy on Kendwa beach and took a car for 85 USD. just for 1 whole day for a circular route along the beaches of Zanzibar (not all, of course) and a visit to Stone Town.
That's what strikes and always infuriates on the websites of travel agencies - this is a rare lack of professionalism in the description of the areas where they sell tours.
How can one write about Zanzibar beaches "luxurious" and "an alternative to the Maldives" - I would be ashamed to lie like that. Are the beaches good in Zanzibar? No. Is it worth going to them? Certainly! If you are interested in seeing the ebbs and flows, walking and looking at the sea and the locals, and swimming is guaranteed in the pool. But I feel sorry for those who bought into the "Maldive Beaches" and ended up in the Zanzibar reality. I’m already silent about maps with the wrong location of settlements and beaches ... Or a pearl of a tourist (!) Resource on the topic: “You don’t need to be vaccinated against yellow fever to travel to Zanzibar” - yes, this is the first thing they ask at the airport! Especially if you come from other African countries, which most often happens ...
I will write a little about what we saw. So, in Zanzibar, most of the beaches with hotels are located on the western side of the island (i.e. towards the mainland)
From our Kendwa, we first stopped at Fukuchani Beach.
| Fukuchani - a historic house |
On the way I look at the local "architecture". Zanzibaris build houses of three types: the most exotic - woven from palm leaves. There are enough of them. Here are the types
The next type is “huts”, similar to the huts of the Maasai in Kenya - sticks coated with a mixture of soil (I don’t dare to call it clay),
| Well, just like in a fairy tale about 3 little pigs - a stronger house, "hut" |
| Top of Zanzibar architecture - brick house |
| Roads of Zanzibar |
| Roads of Zanzibar |
| Roads of Zanzibar |
| Gas stations in Zanzibar |
| Roads are being built |
Next we drive past the beach pwani mchangani, where there are quite a lot of expensive hotels. Access to the beach by car is difficult due to the density of hotel development, so we move non-stop towards the place Kiwengwa(Kiwengwa), where I almost accidentally booked a hotel, confusing it with Kendwa. Well, Kiwengva is a fairly large village. Picturesque and I would say prosperous.
| Kiwengwa. Fauna |
| Public catering is present |
| Kivenga. In principle - it's good to relax and swim in the pool |
| Kiwengwa. Like this. Bar named after himself? |
| Tourist infrastructure of Kiwengwa |
| Pongwe |
| Pongwe |
| Pongwe |
| Pongwe |
| Pongwe. Local |
| Pongwe. Local |
As Abdul said, all this happiness is thrown into the sea by the locals. The sea, don't be silly, brings waste back to shore with the surf. View - yes. Live - God forbid! Make no mistake, the websites of travel agencies talk about "the white sand of Uroa Beach." Yes, I believe that hotel beach areas can be cleaned. But living in such an environment is very expensive... Well, it would be unpleasant for me. There is a village in Uroa, but we did not examine it. So, a couple of photos on the way to the beach and from there
It is interesting to look at the fishermen. And even more interesting - how they process squid before selling - they are beaten off with sticks with all the dope. As Abdul explained, if he didn’t fantasize, squids are hard and will cook for a long time if they are not beaten off. That's how it stands knocking all over the beach.
| Market in Uroa, there, under a canopy |
| Fishermen with helpers on the shore |
After Uroa, we went to Jozani Forest, the only place where authentic forests have been preserved and where red columbuses live, such funny monkeys.
To be honest, at first I regretted that I decided to go here, but the very diverse landscapes along the way quickly dispel my doubts.
| Whatever you say, the island is bright |
| What are they selling here? |
| Just like |
| Roads of Zanzibar |
| Roads of Zanzibar |
The whole trip stuck out the window, entertaining the locals, and now we are approaching Stone Town, which I will talk about in the next post.
| Zanzibar on the go |
Kizimkazi beach
Kizimkazi Beach is considered one of the best in all of Zanzibar. This is a beach of extreme beauty and impressive size. Here you will find secluded bays, ancient buildings, if you are lucky you can watch dolphins, or even swim with them, as here they are already accustomed to people. There are luxurious hotels and simpler hotels here.
Nungwi beach
This is the extreme northern point of the island, considered the best place for diving, as there is a rich coral reef that will interest even experienced divers. The beach is so striking in its beauty, white as flour, sand and truly turquoise water, that it’s hard to look away, you think that this is how Paradise should look like. Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach is a wide strip of fine, flour-like coral sand. Tropical palm trees line the coast. There are no attractions on this beach, so why, if the endless ocean beckons you to relax, forget about all the problems and enjoy life. Matemwe beach
This is a beach near the village of Matemwe on the northeast coast of Zanzibar. A magnificent snow-white beach washed by turquoise water, and in the distance mystical views of the island of Mnemba. The water here is clean, a gentle entrance and a lot of marine life. Kiwengwa Beach
Here, on the site of the village, large resort hotels have grown for different tastes and budgets, but all of them are united by Zanzibar hospitality and cordiality. Music and fun, life is in full swing, but if you wish, you can find more secluded places. The service is designed for European tourists. The beach is clean and striking in its tropical beauty. Uroa beach
Uroa beach is located 40 km from the capital. Very colorful and authentic place. It is especially interesting for tourists who want to see the life of the local population. In this area, the ocean is most subject to ebb and flow. At this time, local women come ashore to collect crabs and shellfish and grow seaweed plantations. Here you can also visit a seaweed farm. Very close to the village and the fish market. Chfaka beach
The place is curious with the largest fish market on the island, where you can spend time with interest and have a bite to eat dishes from freshly caught seafood. It is also here that abandoned villas from the time of British rule. The beach is strewn with shells. Bwejuu beach
Beach near a large village of the same name. Buildings made of coral stone under thatched roofs, which stretch along the entire coastline, give a special flavor to the beach. For lovers of peace, relaxation and tranquility, the beach may seem a bit noisy. Paje beach
Paje beach is located in the South-East of the island, a small fishing village. There are plantations of sea kale, the beach is clean and with white sand, like on many other beaches of Zanzibar. Jambani beach
The beach boasts clean sand and clear waters. Here tourists will find all the attributes of a paradise island - azure water, white fine sand and the special atmosphere of Africa. 
Nungwi- the best beach in Zanzibar. Located in the north of the island. It is a fairly large village with a good selection of hotels and relatively low prices for food and drink. There is a market, souvenir shops, an exchange office. There are 2 shops that sell alcohol. Every 100 meters there is a restaurant on the beach, where every day fishermen bring their catch (fish, squid, octopus). Right in front of you, seafood is cooked on the grill. There is a lot of competition for such establishments, so food prices are the lowest in Zanzibar. In general, Nungwi has a wide variety of cafes and restaurants, as well as national fast food, everything is very tasty and for any request. Everything is good here in terms of entertainment. Every day, on one of the beaches of Zanzibar, an evening beach party is arranged; there are two such places in Nungwi. The exact time and place of the party should be checked with the hotel guide or locals. The Indian Ocean on Nungwi Beach is warm, clean, transparent, deep in places. In addition, not far from this resort there are good places for diving. Unlike most other beaches in Zanzibar, there are no strong low tides here. Low cliffs hanging over white sand create a unique landscape.
Kendwa- the most expensive and one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming - the coast and the bottom are sandy here. It is located in the north, and the tides here are not very large. All beaches in Zanzibar are public and free, you can freely go to the beach of even the most expensive hotel. This popular beach is very beautiful: white fine sand, turquoise water and luxurious palm trees. It is well looked after - constantly cleaned and cleaned of algae. This is the widest beach in Zanzibar. It is quite crowded as there are large hotels around, as well as beach establishments where you can eat inexpensively. Water activities are organized on this beach. Tourists come here in the evenings specifically to watch the amazing sunsets.
Mangapwani- this is the closest beach to Stone Town, it is of extreme beauty, besides it is deserted. The indisputable advantage of the beach is that here, since this is the western coast of Zanzibar, the low tides are not very noticeable. Nearby are sights - chambers where slaves used to be hidden before being sent to other countries. The beach got its name from the word "mango", which means "merchant". The place is secluded and romantic. You need to know that the bottom on this beach is rocky, and it is advisable to take coral slippers with you for swimming.
Matemwe- Matemwe beach is located 50 kilometers from Stone Town. A magnificent place with snow-white, like powdered sugar, sand, turquoise clear water and a view of the island of Mnemba. If you describe the beach in two words - it is loneliness and serenity. There is no tourist infrastructure here, no shops, no souvenir shops and restaurants. The nearest fruit market is 2 km away. It takes 20 minutes by taxi to Nungwi. We recommend going here to those who are tired of the bustle of the city, the fast pace of life, people, those who just want to lie on the beach and drink cocktails. There are many expensive all-inclusive hotels here. On the beach you will find large air-conditioned thatched bungalows in traditional African style. The beach is fully exposed to the problem of strong low tides - the main disadvantage of the east coast of Zanzibar. The ocean goes to a distance of 1.5 kilometers. At this time, local residents go out to "hunt" for marine life. The bottom here is sandy and rocky, a lot of hedgehogs and algae. We recommend taking coral slippers with you.
Pwani Mchangani- Pwani resort is one of the best on the east coast of Zanzibar. Here, tourists will find all the necessary attributes of a paradise island - privacy, silence, peace, azure water, excellent beaches, comfortable hotels in a traditional African style, as well as excellent weather all year round. Nearby is a small village where you can buy fruits and souvenirs. There are no cafes and shops nearby, so tourists prefer to walk to Kiwengwi. The beach is fully exposed to the problem of strong low tides - the main disadvantage of the east coast of Zanzibar. The ocean goes up to 2 kilometers away.
Kiwengwa until recently it was a small village, but at present, resort complexes built on the site of peasant houses have already stretched along the entire coast, almost absorbing the authentic atmosphere of an African village in the mouth of music and entertainment designed for a European tourist. There is a lot of music and fun here, but you can also find more or less secluded places - in small private boarding houses they still manage to maintain an authentic Zanzibar atmosphere of sincere cordiality and hospitality. Although in some parts of the coast there is a problem of strong low tides (up to 400 meters), this is one of the best beaches on the east coast of Zanzibar. It is very popular with tourists with children. many good hotels and good entry into the sea.
Uroa (Uroa)- Uroa Beach is located 40 km from Stone Town and is very authentic. Local peasants live here, so the coast is very colorful. In this area, the ocean is most subject to ebb and flow, so that during low tide during the day the ocean goes 2-3 km from the coast. At this time, local women come ashore to collect crabs and shellfish and grow seaweed plantations. Here you will also find a seaweed farm. Tourists go to this area mainly in order to live closer to the Stone Town, which they plan to visit often. Here are the cheapest hotels in Zanzibar.
Pingwe- located on the east coast of Zanzibar. Pinggu Beach is clean, snow-white, long, cafes and hotels are located along the coast. Nearby is the restaurant "The Rock". Photo Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa 5*.
Paje- the beach is located on the southeast coast of the island of Zanzibar. Despite the fact that at low tide it takes a very long time to go to the depth (up to 1 kilometer), this place still enjoys well-deserved popularity because of its beauty. The coast and bottom are sandy. In addition, kitesurfing is good here. This beach is considered active, designed for young people. Tourists from all over the world come here for skiing and nightlife. In the evenings, there are parties and discos on the beach. Also, this beach has a developed tourist infrastructure - many shops, cafes, souvenir shops and a mini market.
Beach Kizimkazi considered one of the best in all of Zanzibar. There are secluded bays, ancient buildings, from here you can watch dolphins, and if you're lucky, then swim with them, since here they are already accustomed to people. There are also luxurious hotels in which tourists spend all their time. Kizimkazi beach is located in the south of the island. It got its name from the nearby fishing village, which was once the capital of the island and still houses the oldest mosque in East Africa from the pre-Ottoman period Shirazi. But it is worth considering that the southern beaches of Zanzibar are more suitable for those who feel confident in the water, as there are often waves here. The beach is almost deserted. Low tides up to 500 m.
