Every coast of Zanzibar has its own character — and its own tides. A local guide to choosing the right beach for you.
Zanzibar’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean, but they are not all the same. The biggest difference is the tide. On the north coast, around Nungwi and Kendwa, the tidal range is small, so you can swim at almost any time of day. On the east and south-east coasts, the sea retreats a long way at low tide, revealing shallow lagoons, rock pools and seaweed farms — beautiful for walking, but swimming is best around high tide.
Atmosphere matters too. Nungwi is lively, with beach bars and sunset crowds; Matemwe is peaceful; Paje is the island’s kitesurfing centre; and the south-east around Bwejuu and Michamvi is quiet and secluded. Stone Town is not a beach destination at all, but a wonderful place to spend a night or two exploring history, markets and food.
Below we describe each area and the properties we recommend. If you are combining Zanzibar with a safari, we will suggest the right coast for the season and your style.
At the northern tip of the island, Nungwi has a lively atmosphere, beach bars and some of Zanzibar’s best sunsets. The tidal range is small, so swimming is possible most of the day. Traditional dhows are still built on the beach. We recommend the adults-only Riu Palace Zanzibar.
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa has a wide, white beach and calm water that is swimmable at almost any time. It is a little quieter than Nungwi and also faces west for sunsets.
On the north-east coast, Matemwe and Kiwengwa have long, peaceful beaches and a relaxed village feel. Matemwe is close to Mnemba Atoll, so snorkelling and diving trips are easy. The tides are noticeable.
On the east coast, Paje has a wide, shallow lagoon and steady winds that make it one of the best-known kitesurfing spots in East Africa. It has a laid-back, sociable feel, with beach cafés and guesthouses.
South of Paje, Jambiani is a long, traditional village where seaweed farming is part of daily life. It is quiet and authentic, with a beautiful turquoise lagoon at low tide.
The south-east coast is the island’s most peaceful corner, with boutique resorts and long, empty beaches. Baraza Resort & Spa on Bwejuu Beach has private-pool villas and a kids’ club. Michamvi, on a peninsula, also has west-facing sunsets.
Zanzibar’s historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: carved wooden doors, markets, mosques, palaces and the evening food market at Forodhani Gardens. Spend a night or two here at the start or end of your stay. See our Stone Town and spice tours.
| Area | Coast | Tides | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nungwi | North | Small | Lively | Swimming, sunsets |
| Kendwa | North-west | Small | Relaxed | Swimming, sunsets |
| Matemwe | North-east | Noticeable | Peaceful | Quiet stays, Mnemba |
| Paje | East | Large | Sociable | Kitesurfing |
| Jambiani | South-east | Large | Village life | Authentic, quiet |
| Bwejuu & Michamvi | South-east | Large | Secluded | Honeymoons, families |
Zanzibar is warm all year. The best beach weather is from June to October and December to February. The long rains fall from around March to May, and the short rains in November. Winds on the east coast are strongest from around June to September and December to February — ideal for kitesurfing at Paje.
Further reading on Zanzibar’s history and nature.
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Ask on WhatsAppNungwi and Kendwa in the north, where the tidal range is small and the sea is swimmable most of the day.
The east coast has a wide, shallow reef, so at low tide the water retreats a long way. Swimming is best around high tide.
The north coast for easy swimming, or a family-friendly resort such as Baraza with a kids’ club and pools.
A night or two is wonderful for history and food, but it is not a beach destination — combine it with a stay on the coast.
Tell us what you are looking for, and we will suggest the right coast and hotel for you.
