11 Best Zanzibar Beaches To Visit

Best Zanzibar Beaches: What makes it so special? 

Zanzibar Island is one of the best destinations in Africa to consider for your holiday.

No words can explain the beauty of Zanzibar’s beaches and the azure of the Indian Ocean.

Think of the extended sand beaches, the coral reefs, and the sea breeze.

Beyond its beauty, visitors to Zanzibar’s beaches enjoy activities such as diving, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kiteboarding, scuba diving, beach parties, and cocktails.

The question is, how do you choose the perfect beach in Zanzibar for your African holiday?

In this article, we will share details about the 11 best Zanzibar beaches to visit and why you should choose one over the other.

We hope this article will help you make the right choice for your Zanzibar holiday.

Why you should visit Zanzibar’s beaches and not other beaches in Africa like Seychelles or Diani in Mombasa?

There are many reasons to pick Zanzibar’s beach for your holiday in Africa.

Despite its relatively small size, Zanzibar has over 1,000 km of coastline.

This is the main reason there are countless beaches in Africa.

Bear in mind that Zanzibar lies south of the equator, which guarantees the best weather throughout the year.

These beaches are incomparable, offering some of the best water sports, hotels, and lodges in East Africa.

Where do you find the best beach in Zanzibar? Can you visit the east or the north? For any part you choose to see, there is the best beach for your holiday wish list.

The famous Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in the west and has fewer beaches than the east or the northern part of Zanzibar.

With that being said, let’s dive in for our top 10 best beaches to visit in Zanzibar, no matter your holiday wish list to visit Zanzibar Island in Tanzania.

Don’t get confused with the ranking; every beach here is unique, with something special to offer to you.

11. Kizimkazi Beach

Kizimkazi Beach is a notable beach to add to your vacation list.

This place is home to a beautiful, local, and authentic fishing village.

If you’re interested in cultural experiences, Kizimkazi Beach should be on your list for a Zanzibar holiday.

While in Kizimkazi, you can get a chance to visit the oldest mosques on the East African coast, including Dimbani Mosques, which date back to 1107 AD.

Apart from the historical visit, you can also get an opportunity to swim with dolphins ( bottlenose dolphins). Local tour operators can organize whale watching.

The magic of Kizimkazi Beach continues with a visit to the rock pools to see crabs and starfish at low tide.

Enjoy the exposed beaches that stretch along the coast.

How do I get to Kizimkazi Beach in Zanzibar?

Kizimkazi is only 60 km from Stone Town. As with other beaches in Zanzibar, you can take public transport or hire a taxi to Kizimkazi.

10. Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is a vibrant beach in Zanzibar. The lively energy of the nightlife is a unique experience that money doesn’t buy.

Nungwi Beach is very popular, and it offers fun opportunities beyond what you might expect in Zanzibar. The palatable food and drinks are always excellent.

The warm water at Nungwi Beach offers the perfect chance for you to enjoy snorkeling and diving.

You will also get a chance to explore underwater creatures, including the sea turtle, dolphins, and tropical fish.

Don’t forget that Nungwi Beach offers a range of activities, including water sports such as kayaking, horse riding, and fishing.

But when the sun goes down, we put on our dancing shoes to celebrate the day.

Rooftops Bar, Sex Fish, and Fisherman’s Grill are the best places to enjoy music, good drinks, and marine foods.

How to get to Nungwi Beach? 

Nungwi Beach is 58 km from Stone Town.  You can board a public transport vehicle, also known as a Dala dala, from the Darajani station.

Taxi or private vehicles can be hired to take you directly from Stone Town to Nungwi Beach.

9 . Kiwengwa Beach

If you plan to visit Zanzibar with kids, this could be the best beach to visit.

This beach is home to numerous hotels and resorts and even offers a small Airbnb for budget-friendly options.

Swimming at Kiwengwa is not possible at low tide, but many facilities here offer standard swimming pools.

The better option is to stay at hotels or lodges with swimming pools during your holiday in Zanzibar. 

How to get to Kiwengwa Beach?

Kiwengwa Beach is approximately 46 km from Stone Town. You can either  hire a taxi or board a public car, commonly known as a dala dala

8. Nakupenda Beach

The word Nakupenda is the Swahili word that translates to “I love you.

Nakupenda Beach, no wonder, is the best-rated beach in Zanzibar by locals and foreigners.

This beach resembles a long stretch of gorgeous white sand set against turquoise waters. Is the wonder of its own visible during the low tides?

Visitors to the island of Zanzibar can take romantic leisure walks or soak up the sun at this location.

Like Nungwi Beach, Nakupenda offers the best opportunity to swim with dolphins and turtles while capturing memorable photos of your Tanzania experience. 

Another popular reason to visit Nakupenda Beach is snorkeling. There is a wonderful world underwater.

The beautiful coral reefs and marine life offer the most fantastic view ever to be seen on the surface.

Nakupenda Beach can be combined with Prison Island or Changuu; don’t forget to take photos for a social media post.

7. Paje Beach 

Paje Beach is another top beach in Zanzibar, popular for water sports.

If you want to relax and enjoy your holiday in Africa, Paje is the best option in Zanzibar.

Paje is home to certified scuba divers, and those who are not yet certified can learn and earn their certifications.

Paje Beach is also the best beach for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kite surfing.

If you’re interested in surfing, the best months are December and February.

Like other beaches in Zanzibar, low tide is not favorable for swimming.

Don’t forget to book hotels or lodges that offer standard swimming pools and 24/7 access during your holiday in Zanzibar.

How do I get to Paje Beach in Zanzibar?

If you arrive in Stone Town, the distance is about 60 km.  You can either hire a private car or taxi, or even board a dala dala ( public vehicle ) for a budget option.

6. Bwejuu Beach

Bweju Beach is another vibrant place to visit while in Zanzibar.

You can relax, swim, or enjoy the refreshing air from Zanzibar’s beautiful sandy beach.

Bweju is unique for its warm, clear water, making it an ideal spot for swimmers.

Bweju is very popular, like other beaches in Zanzibar, and it can make your day with food and drinks from the facilities around the area.

5. Pongwe Beach

Pongwe Beach is one of the few tropical paradises you won’t dare to miss when visiting Zanzibar.

The palm trees and beautiful white sand make Pongwe a fantastic beach here in Zanzibar.

The offshore reef protects this beach from the tides. This makes the water calm and safe for swimmers.

Paje Beach is family-friendly; its environment and soft sand enhance the family holiday in Zanzibar.

Don’t forget activities like snorkeling  and boat trips to coral reefs can be organized by  local operators

4. Jambiani Beach

Jambiani Beach is the hidden gem of southern Zanzibar’s best beaches. This beach offers a unique experience compared to the other beaches.

Vibrant with good restaurants, often a mixture of locals and tourists. Jambiani offers an opportunity to meet locals and learn about their culture and economy.

An easy way to navigate this place is by taking a bike. You can meet friendly inhabitants and enjoy local food.

Jambiani Beach, like other beaches in Zanzibar, is a top destination for water sports.

Kite and windsurfing, fishing, and snorkeling.  Best restaurants in Jambiani Beach, such as Lusitania, Karibu Restaurants, and Fadhil, offer palatable seafood.

How to get to Jambiani Beach in Zanzibar?

If you’re in Stone Town, you can take a 1-hour drive to Jambiani Beach, which is about 56 km.

You can either hire a taxi or take public transport to reach Jambiani Beach.

3. Kendwa Beach

Kendwa Beach is a popular beach in Zanzibar, offering a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.

It offers clear water ideal for water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and swimming.

If you plan to visit Nungwi village then Kendwa beach is a few miles from Nungwi.

Kendwa Beach is characterized by fewer tides, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers.

This exceptionally clear-water beach offers a range of activities, including volleyball and beach soccer.

What about nightlife parties at Kendwa? The party is lively when the sun goes down.  Don’t mention mouth-watering dishes and drinks.

Kendwa beach is the place to be if you are planning to have a blissful experience on your holiday in Zanzibar.

How to visit Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar?

Like other famous beaches in Zanzibar, Kendwa is only 56km from Stone Town.

You can either hire a private car or taxi, which is somewhat expensive, or take public transportation (dala-dala).

Ask the public vehicle conductor to stop you at Kendwa Rock, and villagers can point you in the right direction to the beach.

Walk for 15 minutes to the village before reaching Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar.

2. Matemwe Beach

Matemwe Beach is a top choice for beach lovers in Zanzibar.

This beach offers the longest stretch of the finest white sand, which will create a buzz in your mind.

Undoubtedly, Matemwe Beach is the best beach in Zanzibar, worth visiting.

Matemwe is so beautiful and authentic. It’s very close to fishing villages, which adds a cultural dimension to your beach experience.

Other activities like diving, kitesurfing, snorkeling, and sailing are a few of the experiences you will have at Matemwe Beach.

In case you are interested in exploring the coral reefs, Matemwe is only two kilometers from Mnemba Atoll.

1. Michamvi Peninsula

Mchamvi Penisula Beach is beyond magic, this beach is always referred to as a honeymoon paradise.

If you want to experience the best sunset and sunbathe, Michamvi is the place to be in Zanzibar.

It’s located off the central east coast, with two peninsulas—Michamvi-Pingwe and Michamvi-Ikae, both of which offer tropical paradise beaches.

If your intent is underwater exploration, then visit Michamvi- Pingwe( coral lagoon), while if you need to refresh and relax, you’d better opt for Michamvi- Ikae ( Palm-fringed ).

Enjoy the rides and the best seafood and cocktails in Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island.

Conclusion

As one of Africa’s top holiday destinations, Zanzibar’s beaches remain untouched, unique, and amazing places to visit, offering a local experience as the gift you receive back.

As we drive this discussion home, about the 11 best Zanzibar beaches to visit.

We hope you have gained some tips for planning your next beach holiday in Zanzibar.

You can contact our trip specialist with any questions or to customize your Tanzania holiday.

You can view our best tour packages to Zanzibar’s beaches.

7 Days Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari

10 Days Safari and Zanzibar

10 Days Colors of Zanzibar

4 Days Zanzibar Holiday

5 Days Soul of Zanzibar

Are you ready to start planning?

You can proceed with booking by filling out the form below. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable!