Discover Zanzibar best beaches, scattered along the coastline of this East African paradise. Zanzibar is famous for its stunning coastal spots with soft white sands and clear blue waters full of sea life.
Among the top picks is Nungwi Beach, great for nightlife and water fun. Kendwa Beach has beautiful sunsets, and Paje Beach is a hit with kite surfers. If you want a calm atmosphere, check out Bwejuu and Jambiani beaches.
Try snorkeling, scuba diving, or take a boat ride to explore colorful coral reefs. Besides the amazing beaches, Zanzibar’s cool mix of cultures makes the island experience even better.
Zanzibar
best beaches have something for everyone – adventure, relaxation, and a taste of local culture, making your island getaway unforgettable.
KENDWA BEACH
Kendwa Beach is located on Zanzibar’s northwest, specifically on Unguja Island. Stone Town is approximately 61.7 miles away, and Zanzibar Airport is 66.2 km away. Considered the best beach in Tanzania and the Zanzibar Islands, Kendwa is an ideal spot for various activities like diving, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is renowned for its stable tides, providing a unique experience. The Full Moon Party at Kendwa Beach, held at the Kendwa Rocks Hotel monthly, is famous worldwide.
How to get to Kendwa Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Kendwa Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Kendwa Beach:
- Beachfront Kendwa
- Tropicana Kendwa Beach Hotel
- Dream Of Kendwa Beach Villa
Luxury lodging:
- Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
- Zuri Zanzibar
- Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
- Zanzibar’s Kendwa Rocks
NUNGWI BEACH
Situated in Zanzibar’s northern region, Nungwi Beach is around 62.9 kilometers from Stone Town and 67.4 km from Zanzibar Airport. It’s listed as one of the top beaches in Africa by CNN Travel. Nungwi is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, nightclubs, restaurants, and various activities like diving, horseback riding, and snorkeling. It’s also a great place to start making acquaintances, with the added attraction of beautiful sunsets. Nungwi beach is listed on Top Travelers Choice Beach in Africa – TripAdvisor 2023. This is one of the nearby snorkeling locations.
How to get to Nungwi Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Nungwi Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Nungwi Beach:
- Magharibi House
- Malaika House
- Makofi Guest House
- Cocobello Zanzibar
- Kivulini Lodge & Restaurant
- Cocoa Guest House
- Greens Nungwi
Luxury lodging:
- Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
- Essque Zalu Zanzibar
- Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
MATEMWE BEACH
Matemwe Beach, on Zanzibar’s northeastern shore, is about 48.7 kilometers from Stone Town and 53.2 km from Zanzibar Airport. Known for its excellent snorkeling, it’s a favorite spot, especially for tours to Mnemba Island. Fishing is prohibited, providing a chance to view marine life like green turtles, Titan triggerfish, and more.
How to get to Matemwe Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Matemwe Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Matemwe Beach:
- Miramont Retreat Zanzibar
- Mohammed Bungalows and Restaurant
- Zanzibar House
- Sele’s Bungalows
Luxury lodging:
- Matemwe Lodge
- Matemwe Retreat
- Tamani Villas
KIWENGWA BEACH
Kiwengwa Beach is located in Zanzibar’s Eastern region, with Zanzibar Airport 45.7 km away and Zanzibar City 43.3 km away. Known for its long and white sandy beach, it’s often referred to as “Little Italy” due to the Italian tourist presence. Kiwengwa is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and kiteboarding.
How to get to Kiwengwa Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Kiwengwa Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Kiwengwa Beach:
- Baridi Villa
- Mama Njoe Lodge
- Blue Marlin Village
Luxury lodging:
- Melia Zanzibar
- Sultan Sands Island Resort
- Kiwengwa Beach Resort
- VOI Kiwengwa Resort
MICHAMVI BEACH
Michamvi Beach, on the Michamvi peninsula’s East Coast, is approximately 63.7 km from Stone Town, and Zanzibar Airport is 64.6 km away. Divided into Michamvi Pingwe and Michamvi Kae, it features the famous Rock Restaurant and offers activities like snorkeling, diving, and exploring the limestone cave, Cuza Cave.
How to get to Michamvi Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Michamvi Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Michamvi Beach:
- Zeru Zeru Lodge
- Michamvi Spirit Lodge
- Milele Lodge
- Mount Zion Lodge
- Barefoot Zanzibar
Luxury lodging:
- Konokono Beach Resort
- Isaraya Water Villas
- Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
- Ras Michamvi Beach Resort
PONGWE BEACH
Pongwe Beach is located on the East coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, with Stone Town 38.3 km away and Zanzibar Airport 40.7 km away. Known for its soothing winds and tranquil atmosphere, it’s an excellent option for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
How to get to Pongwe Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Kiwengwa Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Pongwe Beach:
- Kaure Sand beach
Luxury lodging:
- Uroa Bay Beach Resort
- Palumboreef Beach Resort
- Paradise Beach Resort
BWEJUU BEACH
Bwejuu Beach is located in the western region of Unguja Island, between Michamvi Beach and Paje Beach. Stone Town is 52.0 kilometers away, and Zanzibar Airport is 52.9 km away. Known for its tranquility, it’s an ideal beach for relaxation, particularly for families, friends, or couples on honeymoon.
How to get to Bwejuu Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Bwejuu Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Bwejuu Beach:
- The African Paradise Beach House
- Mellow Moods Guest House
- Fontaine Garden Village
- Tsunami Village
Luxury lodging:
- The Palms Zanzibar
- Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar
- Sahari Zanzibar
- Indigo Beach Zanzibar
PAJE BEACH
Paje Beach is situated on Zanzibar Island’s South East coast, halfway between Jambiani and Bwejuu beaches. Stone Town is 49 km away, and Zanzibar Airport is 49.8 km away. It is renowned as the best beach in the Zanzibar Islands for kiteboarding and offers various other activities such as snorkeling, diving, and tours to Jozani Forest.
How to get to Paje Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Paje Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Paje Beach:
- Amanda Beach House
- Take It Easy
- Summer Dream Lodge
- New Jambo Beach Bungalows
- Simba Garden Lodge
- Nakupenda Paje Villa
Luxury lodging:
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa
- Kisiwa On The Beach Resort
JAMBIANI BEACH
Jambiani Beach is situated on the southern shore of Zanzibar Island. Stone Town is 54.7 km away, and Zanzibar Airport is 55.6 km away. It offers a variety of nearby restaurants, clean white sand, and is an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
How to get to Jambiani Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Jambiani Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Jambiani Beach:
- Mbuyuni Beach Village
- Kimte Beach Lodge
- Vanilla House
- Blue Earth Bungalows
- Kacho Guest House
- Mfombwi Lodge
Luxury lodging:
- Reef and Beach Resort Zanzibar
- Jambiani Villas
- Fun Beach Hotel
- Blue Moon Resort
- Sharazad Boutique Hotel
KIZIMKAZI BEACH
Kizimkazi Beach is located on the southern tip of Zanzibar Island, in the Kizimkazi Fishers community. Both the airport and Stone Town are roughly 60.2 kilometers away. Known for its boat rides to swim with dolphins and snorkeling, it’s less crowded with tourists.
How to get to Kizmkazi Beach?
You can reserve a ride from the airport to Kizmkazi Beach with us!
Budget lodging options at Kizmkazi Beach:
- Caveman Lodge
- Promised Land Lodge
- Zanzibar Blue Dolphin Bay
Luxury lodging:
- The Residence Zanzibar
- Unguja Lodge
DONGWE BEACH
Dongwe Beach is located in the southeast of Zanzibar, between Bwejuu and Michamvi beaches. It offers a tranquil atmosphere with lined palm trees, making it an excellent place for various water activities.
NAKUPENDA BEACH
Nakupenda Beach is a 20-minute boat ride from Stone Town. It’s listed on TripAdvisor’s Top Travelers Choice Beach in Africa for 2020. Known for snorkeling and as a spot to unwind for friends, families, and couples.
Nakupenda beach is listed on Top Travelers Choice Beach in Africa – TripAdvisor 2020. This is one of the nearby snorkeling locations. Best spot to unwind for friends, families, and couples.
MNEMBA ISLAND BEACH
Mnemba Island, situated on the northern and eastern coasts of Zanzibar Island, offers a private beach with fine, clear sand. It’s perfect for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and swimming with dolphins and whale sharks.
PRISON ISLAND BEACH
Prison Island, known for giant tortoises, also has a small yet ideal beach for sunbathing and various activities, including snorkeling.
CHUMBE ISLAND BEACH
Chumbe Island, on Unguja Island’s southwestern shore, is a natural coral park with a beach offering activities like snorkeling, diving, walking through the forest, and visiting historical landmarks.
FUMBA BEACH
Fumba Beach, situated on the west coast of Zanzibar Island’s Fumba Peninsula, is well-known for the Safari Blue Trip, offering activities like snorkeling, swimming, and visiting Kwale Island.
