Zanzibar has dozens of beaches, but they are not all alike. The biggest difference is the tide: on the east coast the sea can withdraw hundreds of metres at low tide, while the northwest stays swimmable most of the day. Choose your beach first, then your hotel.
The coasts at a glance
| Area | Beaches | Tides | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Nungwi, Kendwa | Small | Swimming, sunsets, livelier evenings |
| Northeast | Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pongwe | Large | Quiet, diving at Mnemba |
| East | Paje, Bwejuu, Jambiani | Very large | Kitesurfing, village life |
| Southeast | Michamvi | Large on the east side | Quiet, sunset over the bay |
| South | Kizimkazi | Moderate | Dolphin trips, fishing villages |
Nungwi and Kendwa
At the northern tip, these beaches have deep water close to shore, so you can swim at almost any tide. Sunsets over the sea are spectacular. Nungwi is busier, with restaurants, bars and a traditional dhow-building yard. Kendwa is calmer and known for its full-moon parties.
Matemwe and Kiwengwa
Long, quiet stretches of white sand on the northeast coast. At low tide the reef is exposed and local women collect seaweed and shellfish. Matemwe is the closest beach to Mnemba Atoll, the island’s best snorkelling and diving site.
Paje, Bwejuu and Jambiani
The east coast has wide, very white beaches and a shallow lagoon. When the tide is out you can walk far onto the sand flats, but swimming is limited to high tide. Paje is the centre for kitesurfing. Jambiani is a long fishing village with small guesthouses and seaweed farms.
Michamvi and the south
The Michamvi peninsula is one of the few east-coast spots with a west-facing sunset beach. The famous Rock restaurant, on a rock in the sea, is nearby. At Kizimkazi in the south, boats go out early to look for dolphins.
Our advice
- Want to swim at any time? Choose Nungwi or Kendwa.
- Want peace and long walks? Matemwe or Jambiani.
- Want to kitesurf? Paje.
- Honeymoon? A small lodge in Matemwe or Michamvi.
Check tide tables for your dates. See Zanzibar beach week and honeymoon: crater and Zanzibar, or read the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Frequently asked questions
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, where the tide has least effect.
The east coast has a wide, shallow lagoon behind the reef, so at low tide the water withdraws a long way.
Mnemba Atoll off the northeast coast, reached from Matemwe or Nungwi.
