Zanzibar has one of the best beaches in the world. The coral white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, flanked by barrier reefs, offer tropical island living at its best. Zanzibar island has about 25 beaches, sprinkled with fishing villages. Zanzibar’s best beaches are on the north and east coast of the island. We selected for you a list of the best beaches in Zanzibar.
Nungwi Beach
This is one of the best beaches on the island and is located in the far north of Zanzibar. Nungwi Beach has a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise water that gently rolls onto the beach. This lovely fishing village has a nature reserve for turtles where you can feed the turtles and even swim with them. It has become a real tourist centre with a number of good bars and restaurants. You can spend the entire day at the beach since the beaches in this northern part of the island are not as tidal.
Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach is an exotic white sandy beach with turquoise blue water, located in the northern coast of Zanzibar, about 3 kilometres from Nungwi. Compare to the popular Nungwi Beach, it is much quieter and therefore more private. You can relax, swim, sunbathe, go fishing, enjoy a walk on the beach or go on a beautiful dhow trip during the evening. Kendwa Beach is really laid back and undeniably the best place to see the breathtaking sunset in Zanzibar.
Matemwe Beach
On the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, you will find this romantic, never-ending beach. It is said to be the longest beach in Zanzibar. Unlike many other beaches on the island, it has stayed untouched by tourism until recently and is still very peaceful and quiet. During low tide, you will have to walk quite a bit to get to the deeper water for a swim, but the scenery is spectacular. During high tide, Matemwe is the ideal beach and a real paradise. Here you can get close to nature and relax far away from it all, with just a few pristine fishing communities.
Paje Beach
This beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Paje is a beautiful soft white sandy beach with amazing views of the Indian Ocean. It is the best spot on the island for sailing or kite- and windsurfing, thanks to steady winds. There are plenty of water activities on offer or you can go for a long beach walk and discover the environment. In the afternoon, at high tide, you can swim in the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean. If you like some active adventure or just relax in the shade and enjoy the scenery, this is south-eastern part of the island is a dream location.
Kiwengwa
With exquisite beaches, this peaceful beach on the east coast is perfect for family getaways and unwinding with friends. A few of the fanciest hotels and resorts on the island you will find in Kiwengwa, where white stretches of sand seem to go on forever. The sand is powdery and the vegetation is lush green. It is well known for its low tides and idyllic ambience. At high tide, the waves come right up to the edge of the palm-covered land. Kiwengwa is extremely popular among Italian guests.
Nakupenda Beach
Hop on a boat to this amazing untouched paradise, 20 minutes away from Stone Town. Nakupenda Beach is a large sandbank in the middle of the sea, that forms at low tide. White sand, crystal clear azure water and breathtaking views. A great place to relax, sunbathe, swim or discover marine life around on a snorkelling trip. It is only 20 minutes away from Stone Town. Don’t forget to put on the sunscreen as there isn’t any shade cover on the island.
Read more about the tropical island Zanzibar. Or check a few of our sample itineraries to book for your next African safari.
Zanzibar has one of the best beaches in the world. The coral white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, flanked by barrier reefs, offer tropical island living at its best. Zanzibar island has about 25 beaches, sprinkled with fishing villages. Zanzibar’s best beaches are on the north and east coast of the island. We selected for you a list of the best beaches in Zanzibar.
Nungwi Beach
This is one of the best beaches on the island and is located in the far north of Zanzibar. Nungwi Beach has a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise water that gently rolls onto the beach. This lovely fishing village has a nature reserve for turtles where you can feed the turtles and even swim with them. It has become a real tourist centre with a number of good bars and restaurants. You can spend the entire day at the beach since the beaches in this northern part of the island are not as tidal.
Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach is an exotic white sandy beach with turquoise blue water, located in the northern coast of Zanzibar, about 3 kilometres from Nungwi. Compare to the popular Nungwi Beach, it is much quieter and therefore more private. You can relax, swim, sunbathe, go fishing, enjoy a walk on the beach or go on a beautiful dhow trip during the evening. Kendwa Beach is really laid back and undeniably the best place to see the breathtaking sunset in Zanzibar.
Matemwe Beach
On the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, you will find this romantic, never-ending beach. It is said to be the longest beach in Zanzibar. Unlike many other beaches on the island, it has stayed untouched by tourism until recently and is still very peaceful and quiet. During low tide, you will have to walk quite a bit to get to the deeper water for a swim, but the scenery is spectacular. During high tide, Matemwe is the ideal beach and a real paradise. Here you can get close to nature and relax far away from it all, with just a few pristine fishing communities.
Paje Beach
This beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Paje is a beautiful soft white sandy beach with amazing views of the Indian Ocean. It is the best spot on the island for sailing or kite- and windsurfing, thanks to steady winds. There are plenty of water activities on offer or you can go for a long beach walk and discover the environment. In the afternoon, at high tide, you can swim in the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean. If you like some active adventure or just relax in the shade and enjoy the scenery, this is south-eastern part of the island is a dream location.
Kiwengwa
With exquisite beaches, this peaceful beach on the east coast is perfect for family getaways and unwinding with friends. A few of the fanciest hotels and resorts on the island you will find in Kiwengwa, where white stretches of sand seem to go on forever. The sand is powdery and the vegetation is lush green. It is well known for its low tides and idyllic ambience. At high tide, the waves come right up to the edge of the palm-covered land. Kiwengwa is extremely popular among Italian guests.
Nakupenda Beach
Hop on a boat to this amazing untouched paradise, 20 minutes away from Stone Town. Nakupenda Beach is a large sandbank in the middle of the sea, that forms at low tide. White sand, crystal clear azure water and breathtaking views. A great place to relax, sunbathe, swim or discover marine life around on a snorkelling trip. It is only 20 minutes away from Stone Town. Don’t forget to put on the sunscreen as there isn’t any shade cover on the island.
Read more about the tropical island Zanzibar. Or check a few of our sample itineraries to book for your next African safari.
