The Best Beaches in Zanzibar and How to Choose One
From the swimmable sands of Nungwi and Kendwa to the kitesurfing lagoons of Paje, here is how to pick the right Zanzibar beach for you.
After a week of dusty game drives, most of our safari guests want one thing: white sand and warm water. Zanzibar delivers both, but the island's beaches are far from identical. Each coast has its own tides, atmosphere and style of accommodation, and choosing the wrong one can mean a holiday spent looking at a distant waterline instead of swimming.
We recommend thinking about three questions before you book: how much you want to swim at any hour, how lively you want the evenings to be, and whether you plan to dive, kitesurf or simply read under a palm tree. The answers point you to a coast.
Quick tips
- Check a tide table before booking an east coast hotel so you know when swimming is possible.
- Pack reef shoes, as sea urchins and sharp coral are common on the shallow flats.
- Split a longer stay between two coasts to enjoy both sunsets and lagoons.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often, because the equatorial sun is intense even on cloudy days.
- Agree on prices with beach vendors and boat captains before any excursion starts.
The North: Nungwi and Kendwa
The northern tip of Unguja, the main island, is the most reliable choice for swimming. The tidal range here is far gentler than on the east coast, so the sea stays close to the beach for most of the day. Kendwa in particular is known for deep, calm water you can wade into at almost any time.
Nungwi is busier, with a fishing village, a traditional dhow-building beach, dive centers and plenty of restaurants. Both beaches face west, which makes them the island's best spots for watching the sun drop into the ocean. Expect more development and more beach vendors than elsewhere.
The Northeast: Matemwe and Kiwengwa
Matemwe feels quieter and more village-like, with seaweed farmers working the shallows and a direct view toward Mnemba Atoll, one of the island's best snorkeling areas. Kiwengwa and Pongwe further south have a mix of larger resorts and small boutique hotels. Tides are noticeable here, so check whether your hotel has a pool for low-tide afternoons.
The East Coast: Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Michamvi
This is the postcard Zanzibar of turquoise lagoons and powder-white sand, but it comes with a big caveat: at low tide the water can retreat a very long way, leaving a shallow reef flat. That same lagoon makes Paje one of the world's well-known kitesurfing spots, with steady winds for much of the year.
Jambiani stretches along a long village shoreline and suits travelers who like a slower pace and small guesthouses. Bwejuu and the Michamvi peninsula are quieter still, and Michamvi's western side catches a lovely sunset over Chwaka Bay.
The South and Southwest
Kizimkazi in the south is a fishing area best known for dolphin trips, with a handful of lodges overlooking the water. The Fumba peninsula and Menai Bay offer sandbank excursions and a calmer, less developed feel. These areas suit travelers who prefer nature and day trips to a classic resort strip.
Matching a Beach to Your Trip
As a rough guide, here is how we usually advise our guests:
- Swimming any time of day: Kendwa or Nungwi.
- Honeymoon seclusion: Michamvi, Matemwe or a private-island lodge.
- Kitesurfing or a social backpacker scene: Paje.
- Families with young children: a north coast hotel with a pool, or an east coast hotel with a pool for low tide.
- Diving and snorkeling: Nungwi or Matemwe for easy access to Mnemba and the northern reefs.
Frequently asked questions
Which Zanzibar beach is best for swimming?
Kendwa and Nungwi in the north have the smallest tidal range, so you can usually swim there at any time of day. East coast beaches are beautiful but the sea can retreat far at low tide.
Is Paje good for non-kitesurfers?
Yes, Paje has a relaxed beach, good cafes and a lively social scene. Just be aware that the lagoon is very shallow at low tide and kites fill the sky on windy days.
How many nights should I spend on the beach after safari?
We usually suggest four to seven nights. That allows time to recover from early game drives, visit Stone Town and add a snorkeling or spice tour without rushing.