Zanzibar Beach, Tanzania

Whether you are taking a trip from Tanzania to Zanzibar for some post-safari relaxation, a chilled beach holiday or a romantic East Africa honeymoon, the main draw of this African island paradise is the beaches. But with so many stretches of white sand to choose from, how do you choose the best beach for the type of Zanzibar holiday you want? Here is our comprehensive guide of the best beaches in Zanzibar – for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and staying at a beautiful beach resort.

Bwejuu is one of the top beaches in Zanzibar. This white sandy beach on the island’s southeast coast is lined with palm trees and only an hour and a half away from Stone Town. It is one of the quietest parts of Zanzibar and a popular choice for those seeking total relaxation, peace and privacy. There are plenty of activities and excursions to do around the area, including a mangrove forest and dhow boat trip, a visit to the local village of Bwejuu, a reef safari, snorkelling and diving.

Michamvi Beach is a remote coral lagoon. 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.

Nungwi Beach on the northwest coast is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Zanzibar and recently made the list of Top 25 Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018. Nungwi is definitely one of the liveliest areas on the island and the numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants and bars offer a variety of night-time entertainment. The Nungwi coast has fantastic coral reefs which are ideal for diving and snorkeling – you may even be lucky enough to see dolphins!

Sometimes referred to as the “little sister” of Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach is much quieter than its sibling in the north. This is one of the few beaches on Zanzibar where the tide doesn’t really change, which means the clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Colourful starfish also call this beach home and can be found just offshore. The sunsets at Kendwa beach are legendary, so pick your spot on the beach when the sun starts to come down.

Matemwe Beach is a section of coastline on the northeast of Zanzibar. The long, idyllic beach at Matemwe – the longest beach in Zanzibar–  has some of the finest sand on the island and amongst the palm trees at the back of the beach you’ll find traditional fishing villages, which offer a fascinating insight into the local culture. Around two kilometres offshore, just beyond the main reef, is the world-famous island of Mnemba Atoll; a popular scuba diving spot surrounded by pristine and very accessible coral reefs.

The area around Matemwe Beach has the best diving and snorkelling on the island, plus some excellent kitesurfing and sailing.

Pongwe beach is arguably the best swimming beach in Zanzibar. Pongwe’s quiet arc of beach is dotted with palm trees and backed by dense vegetation; this is about as close to a quintessential tropical paradise as you can get. Pongwe Beach is lucky in the fact that the whole beach is protected by an offshore reef, which keeps the inner waters calm and safe for all to swim in. Snorkelling and boat trips can also be arranged to the reef.

Located on the southeast coast, Paje beach has all the makings of a perfect beach: long stretches of white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, turquoise waters and exquisite sunsets. Bordered by a small village on one side, Paje is peaceful and quiet, making this beach a great alternative to the busier, more developed beaches in the north of Zanzibar. Paje beach is known for its water sports and the excellent kitesurfing conditions draw amateur and professional kitesurfers from all over the world.

In addition to this, the clear, warm waters are great for scuba diving, as the reefs offshore are home to turtles, starfish, trumpet fish, moray eels and other colourful marine creatures. You might also see locals collecting seaweed at low tide at Paje beach, which is used to make soap via a women’s cooperative. The products come wrapped in banana leaf and can be purchased at local shops; buying a bar or two is a great way to support the community, plus the soap’s natural ingredients are incredibly good for your skin.