Unguja island, Zanzibar · Tanzania
White-sand beaches, turquoise water and dhows on a tropical spice island.
Photo: ObonyoML · CC BY-SA 4.0
Zanzibar is ringed by white sand and clear water, and the choice of beach comes down to tides and mood. The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) has swimmable water all day and a livelier scene, while the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe, Michamvi) is quieter, with dramatic tides that pull the sea far out.
Beyond sunbathing there is plenty to do: snorkelling and diving on the reefs, kitesurfing at Paje, dhow cruises, dolphin trips at Kizimkazi and seaweed farming visits with local women. The Jozani Chwaka Bay forest is the home of the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
Pick one or two bases rather than moving every night. Travel on the island is by taxi or minibus, and the northern and eastern coasts are about an hour from Stone Town. It is a mainly Muslim island, so cover up away from the beach resorts.
Why visit
Zanzibar offers the classic Indian Ocean beach holiday, with culture on the side.
White sand, clear water.
Coral reefs and Mnemba Atoll.
Strong winds at Paje.
Swahili villages and seaweed farms.
Red colobus, dolphins, turtles.
Main attractions
Each coast has its own character.
Swimmable at any tide, with sunset parties.
Tip Best for nightlife.
A kitesurfing hub with a backpacker feel.
Tip Check tide times.
A quiet fishing village with long sand.
Tip Walk the beach at low tide.
Quiet, upmarket, with Mnemba Atoll boat trips.
Tip Snorkel with turtles.
Home of the red colobus monkey.
Tip Take a guided walk.
Dolphin tours and a historic mosque.
Tip Go early.
Things to do
There are plenty of ways to fill the days.
Boat trips from Matemwe or Nungwi.
Tip Go early.
At Paje.
Tip Choose a certified school.
At sunset.
Tip Book with a recommended operator.
At low tide in the east.
Tip Wear reef shoes.
At Jozani.
Tip Keep your distance.
At Kizimkazi.
Tip Choose responsible operators.
Local food
Beach food is mainly seafood.
Fresh from the boat.
Where to try it Beach restaurants.
Coconut-based.
Where to try it Local eateries.
Staple.
Where to try it Everywhere.
Fried dough.
Where to try it Morning stalls.
Sugarcane and tropical fruits.
Where to try it Roadside.
Accommodation
Choose by coast and budget.
Transport
Most visitors arrive via Stone Town or the airport.
Taxis and minibuses link the coasts.
When to go
Dry season brings sun and cooler breezes, with the best conditions for snorkelling.
Dry and sunny.
Hot and humid.
Long rains.
Short rains.
Worth planning around: April and May, when rains close some lodges.
Itinerary
A mix of beach and activity.
Settling in
Mnemba trip
Jozani and spices
Your choice
Travel tips
These tips will help.
FAQ
Nungwi for swimming, Paje for kiting.
Yes with normal care.
Yes in resorts.
Check daily tables.
Ask a travel clinic.
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Zanzibar Beaches, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Zanzibar City, Unguja island, Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed Swahili trading port with Omani, Indian, Arab and European influences, famous for carved doors, markets, palaces and seafood.
Don't miss Getting lost in the lanes, then watching the sun set over the harbour from a rooftop.
Explore Destination — Stone Town, ZanzibarPwani Region, Indian Ocean, Tanzania
A relaxed marine park island south of Zanzibar, known for diving, whale shark encounters, turtles and the ruins on Chole.
Don't miss Snorkelling beside a whale shark in the warm waters off Mafia.
Explore Destination — Mafia IslandMorogoro and Lindi regions, southern Tanzania, Tanzania
A huge southern park with the Rufiji River, boat and walking safaris, African wild dogs and fewer visitors than the northern circuit.
Don't miss Drifting down the Rufiji River past hippos and crocodiles at dusk.
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