Which Zanzibar beach should you stay on?
Zanzibar is not one beach. The north swims at any tide, the east empties twice a day and kites instead, and Stone Town has no beach at all. Pick the area that matches the holiday you want, then add the hotel, the transfer and the tours in one cart.
Nungwi
Nungwi sits on the northern tip of Zanzibar, where the tide barely moves the shoreline, so you can swim all day. It is the busiest beach on the island for sunset bars, dive centres and dhow builders, and it holds the widest range of hotels we contract.
Best for: Swimming at any tide
Kendwa
Kendwa is a 15 minute drive from Nungwi with the same tide-free swimming and a calmer stretch of sand. It is the choice for couples and families who want the north coast water without the crowd.
Best for: Couples
Kiwengwa
Kiwengwa is the northeast resort strip: large all-inclusive properties, wide sand and easy access to Mnemba and Jozani day trips.
Best for: All-inclusive resorts
Pwani Mchangani
Pwani Mchangani is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Pwani Mchangani, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Matemwe
Matemwe sits directly opposite Mnemba Atoll, so the best snorkelling and diving on the island is a short boat ride away. The beach is long, quiet and lined with lodges rather than resorts.
Best for: Snorkelling Mnemba
Pongwe
Pongwe is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Pongwe, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Uroa
Uroa is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Uroa, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Chwaka
Chwaka is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Chwaka, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Paje
Paje is the kite beach. A huge shallow lagoon empties at low tide and fills with wind-driven turquoise water at high tide, ringed with kite schools, beach cafes and barefoot lodges.
Best for: Kitesurfing
Jambiani
Jambiani runs south from Paje as a string of village guest houses and small lodges along a wide tidal beach where women farm seaweed at low tide. It is the quietest of the popular east coast beaches.
Best for: Quiet stays
Bwejuu
Bwejuu is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Bwejuu, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Michamvi
Michamvi is the peninsula north of Paje, the only east coast spot facing west, so it gets sunsets over the water. Quiet, low density and popular with honeymooners.
Best for: Honeymoons
Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Kizimkazi, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Makunduchi
Makunduchi is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Makunduchi, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Fumba
Fumba is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Fumba, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Mbweni
Mbweni is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Mbweni, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Stone Town
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar: carved doors, Omani and Swahili architecture, Forodhani night market and the departure point for the ferry, spice farms and Prison Island.
Best for: History and culture
Bububu
Bububu is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Bububu, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Mangapwani
Mangapwani is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Mangapwani, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days
Pemba
Pemba is one of the coastal areas we book on Zanzibar every week. Below are the hotels, lodges and guest houses we hold exclusive rates for in Pemba, the day trips that run from there, and the fixed transfer price from the airport.
Best for: Beach days