TOP 10 ZANZIBAR BEACHES TO VISIT: ACCORDING TO OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS
Zanzibar is one of Africa’s prime destinations which sees people from all over the world come to enjoy its sunny shores, clear blue waters, white (SQUEAKY) sand, coral reefs, and of course amazing Zanzibar beaches.
Zanzibar has some of the World’s most incredible beaches but which ones should you visit? (All of them if you can). Well, we have come up with the Island’s top 10 beaches. What do you think? Will you be visiting any of the Zanzibar beaches in the near future?
Hint: Just before you go looking for the best beach on Zanzibar, just remember that there really is no bad beach on Zanzibar; it all comes down to your preferences and interest! Checkout Budget Zanzibar Taxis for affordable taxi services around Zanzibar.
1. Jambiani Beach, South East Coast
Our first beach is found on the southeast coast of Zanzibar and it’s a classic… Jambiani Beach! Jambiani is a relaxed village which is quite widely spread out along the coast. Bars and restaurants surround the area, and from the beach; you can spot Zanzibari fishermen and seaweed farmers at work. It’s got accommodation to suit all budgets (even for backpackers!).
Where? Located 55km from the Stone Town and the Zanzibar airport and approximately a 1½ hour drive from both places. You can easily reach Jambiani beach by Public buses “dala dala” going from Stone town or by private taxi and tourist shared shuttle buses from any other part of the Island.
Why? Laid-back, less crowded, and quiet areas to plunge into the ocean at sunrise, rewarding views, and color spectrum of the ocean. Just generally soak up the sun and have an awesome time on this lovely Zanzibar beach.
What’s on? Amazing beach, village tours, watersports such as blue safari tours, kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, and snorkeling trips.
Cons: Jambiani beach is very tidal, but you can swim at high or low tide. At high tide, the ocean can cover the beach and at low tide, it almost seems to disappear.
2. Nungwi Beach, North Coast
Our second beach comes from the North Coast of Zanzibar… Nungwi Beach! Nungwi is renowned as one of the most famous and best beach in Zanzibar. The sea, with various shades of blue, gently rolls onto a beach of fine white sand. You’ve probably heard of it, right? It’s got everything you need from excellent diving sites to buzzing bars, boutique beach stalls, restaurants to a variety of water sports for adrenaline junkies, and the beach is overlooked by a number of hotels and backpackers.
Where? Nungwi beach is located on the north coast of Zanzibar, about a 1 ½ hour’s drive from Zanzibar airport and Stone Town.
Why? Possibly the best swimming beach in all of Zanzibar, famous for its spectacular sandy beach and some of the best snorkeling sites in Zanzibar.
What’s on? Beautiful beach, parties and clubs, lots of activities, Mnarani Turtles Conservation, diving, sailing, sunset cruise, village tours, and snorkeling.
Cons: Can be a bit crowded at times, too many beach boys or touts.
3. Kendwa Beach, North Coast
Next up is Kendwa beach … found on the northwest coast of Zanzibar and 10 minutes’ drive south of Nungwi beach! Kendwa beach has an expansive beach and colourful bays. Not to mention the SUNSETS. Your Instagram won’t know what’s hit it.
The stretch of sandy beach gives way to some of the most enticing blue water you may have ever seen, you could spend all day relaxing by this white sand beach before heading back up to your hotel.
Where? Kendwa beach is located on the northwest coast of Zanzibar, just south of Nungwi beach, less than an hour’s drive from Zanzibar airport and the Stone Town.
Why? Just like Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach is good for swimming all year round and the beach is slightly laid back compared to Nungwi beach.
What’s on? Amazing beach, quiet during the day but can be loud parties at night (depending on what you’re looking for)
Cons: limited things to do, not a lot of hotels, very few dining options, no village.
4. Kiwengwa Beach, East Coast
Kiwengwa beach on the east coast of Zanzibar offers more seclusion than some of the other beaches on Zanzibar Island. With exquisite beaches that are heavily influenced by the low tide, Kiwengwa beach is ideal for wallowing in the shallow water and unwinding with friends and family. If staying in Kiwengwa, it’s better to book a hotel with swimming pool facilities.
Where? Kiwengwa beach is located on the east coast of Zanzibar, less than 45 minutes’ drive from Zanzibar airport and Stone Town.
Why? Fantastic beach to go for long walks. calm water, small waves, warm, you can lie in the water for a long time. Kiwengwa beach is great for families with kids.
What’s on? Beautiful wide beach with fine sand. At low tide, you can go deep into the sea and see sea urchins and starfish. Lots of restaurants, diving centres, and kite surfing schools.
Cons: Swimming at Kiwengwa beach is not always possible, especially at low tide.
5. Paje Beach, South East Coast
Paje Beach – North or south of Paje (on the east) has little villages offering unspoiled beaches with basic, little restaurants. The beaches are very clean with the only detritus being seaweed at certain times of the year. This of course is gathered by the women though. For thrill-seekers, this is the place to try your hand at kite-surfing or sailing. Although not ideal for swimming at low tide, the beach is very beautiful and it’s the perfect place to catch some rays, relax in the shade, or visit one of the hotels for a meal and a drink or two.
Where? Located southeast Zanzibar, Just north of Jambiani Beach and south of Bwejuu beach. Paje beach is about an hour’s drive from Stone Town or Zanzibar Airport.
Why? Smooth white sand, the fine and clear waters on the shallows, and the winds that make Paje Beach a perfect place for the adventurous traveller type – A kite surfer’s paradise.
What’s on? Zanzibar’s Kite surfing capital, water sports, swimming beach, more choices of restaurants and budget bungalows
Cons: Just like Kiwengwa beach, swimming at Paje beach is close to impossible during low tide.
6. Matemwe Beach, North East Coast
Matemwe lies in the northeastern part of Zanzibar Island which boasts the most idyllic beaches and offers spectacular diving and snorkelling in the marine park around the Mnemba Atoll.
Matemwe beach is becoming more and more popular with visitors and Although during low tide you will have a bit of a walk to get to the deeper water for a swim, the scenery is spectacular, and during high tide, Matemwe is the ideal beach for both couples and families that want to spend quality time with each other, in a super quiet place.
Where? Matemwe beach is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, north of Kiwengwa beach, and just less than an hour’s drive from Zanzibar airport and the Stone Town.
Why? Stretching for kilometres, Matemwe beach is pure paradise. Feel the soft squeaking sand beneath your feet, take a dip in the crystal clear blue water, and enjoy incredible photographic sunrises.
What’s on? Scuba diving and snorkeling, stroll along the beach and along the reef and see local Zanzibar village and cultural life.
Cons: Not many dining options, not a great swimming beach especially during low tide.
7. Bwejuu Beach, South East Coast
Bwejuu Beach is one of the top beaches in Zanzibar. An oasis of calm, this white sandy beach on the island’s southeast coast is lined with palm trees and the shoreline stretches for as far as the eye can see making you feel like you have enough space to lie down and not feel overcrowded. Its very calm beach with small waves and gentle shelving sand makes it perfect if you want to take a romantic walk down the coast.
Where? Bwejuu beach is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, just north of Paje beach, and approximately an hour and 15 minutes drive from Zanzibar airport and Stone Town.
Why? Friendly local people, great cultural immersion village, extremely laid back, some nice budget bungalows, quiet, peaceful
What’s on? Sun, Sand, Ocean, Palm trees, and relaxed beach vibe.
Cons: Beach is not very good for swimming.
8. Michamvi Beach, South East Coast
Michamvi is a peninsula on the central east coast of the island. Although there are two large beach resorts in the area, Michamvi feels remote and has long stretches of empty beaches to explore. The peninsula consists of two parts, Michamvi-Pingwe and Michamvi-Kae.
On the eastern side is Michamvi-Pingwe, with a vibrant coral lagoon and beautiful palm-fringed beaches set in a string of scenic coves between high coral-rag cliffs. On the western side is Michamvi-Kae, which faces west towards Chwaka Bay
Where? Michamvi beach is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, just north of Bwejuu beach, and approximately an hour and 30 minutes drive from Zanzibar airport and Stone Town.
Why? Michamvi’s white-sand, palm-shaded beaches, and clear, blue sea are a haven for honeymooners and rest-seekers
What’s on? Luxurious boutique hideaways and family-friendly resorts with watersport possibilities and an amazing beach.
Cons: Expensive resorts with very limited budget options, not much local life.
9. Kizimkazi Beach, South Coast
Kizimkazi Beach – Home to a beautiful little fishing village, Kizimkazi Beach is very local and low-key. This area is largely undeveloped and is the ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. When the tide is right, you may find that you have the beach all to yourself which is ideal for those seclusion seekers. The best way to make the most of this part of the island is to check the tides, plan your activities and take a walk to see what you can find.
Where? Kizimkazi Beach is located on the south coast of Zanzibar, approximately an hour’s drive from Zanzibar airport and Stone Town.
Why? The Kizimkazi beach is one of Zanzibar’s least developed beaches and remote; it’s an “off the beaten track” lover’s dream.
What’s on? The Kizimkazi beach is famous for swimming and spotting dolphins. If you are culturally inclined, you also get to visit the oldest mosques on the East African coast (Dimbani Mosque since 1107AD).
Cons: Kizimkazi has a record of high tides and at such times, the beach is not fully functional and during the low tide, the ocean can be far away.
10. Nakupenda Beach, West Coast
Last but by no means least (this one’s a goodie) … Nakupenda Beach. This is not your typical palm-fringed beach; however, Visitors fall in love with this amazing beach because of the scenic trip and ambiance.
Nakupenda is an inhabited islet, just a tongue of white sand in the middle of the Indian Ocean (although very close to Stone Town) that you must reach with a boat.
There’s nothing there but the sand and the sea, and an infinite range of white, green, and blue shades.
Tips: Nakupenda Beach is a great place for snorkelling, you will love the starfish. And remember to bring food and drink, since there’s no human activity there and you’ll find no bars or restaurants.
| And there it is my fellow beach lovers, our list of the top 10 best Zanzibar beaches to visit during your holiday on this beautiful Island. Which is your favourite Zanzibar beach? Or which of the above would you most like to visit? Let me know in the comments below. |
