Best beaches in zanzibar Changing your privacy settings

Nungwi is the extreme north of the island. The most extreme. But warm and lovely. Yes, this is a "bounty" - turquoise water, snow-white sand. The best coral reefs and diving spots in Zanzibar. And here - coconuts and bananas, plantations of which surround the beach .. The sea on Nungwi beach is deep enough, so the ocean ebb is not felt strongly.

Kendwa Beach

This is also the north of the island of Zanzibar - and also the "Maldives". There are many hotels for every taste. The beauty of the beach is not inferior to Nungwi, although the water can sometimes become unclear for a short time due to the peculiarities coastline. The ebb and flow are already felt, but not yet felt strongly.

Kiwengwa beach

Kiwengwa is more of the northeast of Zanzibar. It is noisy, fun and quite difficult to find secluded places. The beaches are very clean, as well as the ocean.

Kizimkazi beach

Kizimkazi Beach, undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, is located in the south of the island. Waves are not uncommon here. Lovers of quiet and secluded relaxation will like deserted romantic coves. Well, and a highlight: here you can not only watch, but if you are lucky, and swim with dolphins!

Paje beach

Seaweed plantations undermine the landscape of this beach a little. But where they are not there, you will find the same snow-white sand. There is also a menagerie with peacocks, flamingos and camels. Page Beach is located in the southeast of Zanzibar.

Considered some of the best holiday destinations in the world. If you want to swim in the clear turquoise waters of the ocean and lie on the warm white sand - the best beaches in Zanzibar are for you. All resorts of the island can be conditionally divided into north, east, south and west coasts, as well as beaches nearby. The list of activities includes snorkeling, spear fishing and hunting. Let's take a look at the best swimming beaches in Zanzibar.

South coast

The beach at Fisherman's is considered the best in everything. Previously, it was possible to retire here among small coves, walk around ancient buildings and watch dolphins from the shore, but it was possible to spend the night only with the local population. Now the comfortable The Residence Zanzibar has been built on the beach. He has his own part of the beach, there are no merchants on it, there are no queues for sun loungers, and he is guarded around the clock. Not far from here is the oldest religious building in all of East Africa - the Shirazi Mosque. Please note that the southern beaches of Zanzibar often have waves and strong currents, so it will be difficult to relax here with children.

The best beaches on the north coast of Zanzibar

1. Nungwi... Nungwi Beach is located 60 kilometers from Stone Town and is the most popular on the island. Here is a great opportunity to combine a beach holiday with a vibrant nightlife. The main attraction of Nungwi is the coral reef. This is one of the best diving spots on the island. There is also a lighthouse where you can negotiate with the guard and for small fee go up to the observation deck of the lighthouse. On the northern part of the cape there is an aquarium with sea turtles. The beach is ideal for families with children - the sand is soft and warm, the water is clear without currents and waves.
2. Kendwa... Kendwa Beach is separated from Nungwi by a high wooden pier, along which you can freely drive. This is a beach overlooking the island of Tumbatu, coral sand and luxurious palm trees. Kendwa is ideal for those who like to relax without comfort, because there are almost no cafes and hotels on it. Backpackers usually rest here with their tents and sheds.

The beaches of the northeast coast

1. Matemwe... Matemwe Beach is located 50 kilometers from Stone Town. A magnificent place with icy white sand, turquoise clear water and a view of Mnemba Island. There are many expensive all-inclusive hotels. Italians come to Matemwe, so the staff is fluent in Italian. Prices per night from $ 150. On the beach, you will find large, thatched bungalows with traditional African air conditioning.
2. Kiwengwa... There used to be a small village here, now it is a whole resort complex of hotels, souvenir shops and bars. The complex is fully designed for the European tourist, there is a lot of music, dance floors and little privacy on the beach. The beach is suitable for young people without children.

East coast beaches

1. Uroa... The beach will be interesting for those who would like to get acquainted with the life of the local population. Here, at low tide, local women go ashore to collect shellfish and crabs. If you go from the beach to the village, be prepared for the fact that local children are very fond of European tourists and want to touch the "white" person for good luck. The beach is quite dirty due to the nearby seaweed farm and the constant low tide of the ocean 2-3 kilometers from the coast.
2. Chwaka... Chwaka occupies almost the entire part of the east coast. From the beach you can see the Michamvi Peninsula. During the colonial rule of Britain, almost all English offices and government bungalows were located here. Now the buildings look sad due to the lack of repair and restoration. The village has the largest fish market on the island, where you can buy fresh fish or, upon request, they will cook on coals in front of your eyes.
3. Jambani... Jambani Beach is very popular with locals and tourists. It has the purest water and sand without algae. The bottom is flat and shallow. The locals are very friendly. By the way, if you need postal officethen there is a small post office in the village with twenty-five mailboxes. In souvenir shops, you can inexpensively buy kanga, an element of local clothing that is hand-woven by Jambani craftswomen. There are two kiting schools on the beach where you can rent a long board and swim in the surrounding area.

Last revised: July 2017

Zanzibar is the king of beach and sea recreation. It is worth going here for this. Beach holidays in Zanzibar are recognized as one of the best in the world. If you dream of swimming in the purest turquoise ocean, rather shallow and calm, lying on snow-white, like powdered sugar sand, walking along the endless deserted coast, your next vacation should take place in Zanzibar.

The beach resorts of Zanzibar can be roughly divided into four main areas: north coast, east coast, Stone Town beaches, south coast, west coast, beaches of small islands around Zanzibar. We will not dwell on the latter, since we will do it in separate publication... And now we are talking about the beaches of the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago.

Complete map of Zanzibar with beaches. All the beaches of Zanzibar are named after the settlements in which they are located.

Below you will see a map with the most famous beaches of Zanzibar.

Best beaches in Zanzibar

The best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming (for those who do not want to fight the waves and depth) I think are Kendwa and Nungwi. If you choose the best of the best, then this is definitely Kendwa and Nungwi. They are located in the north, so the low tide is not so critical here. Although the eastern Bu-Boo-Bu can also be ranked among the beaches of Zanzibar without ebb tides. However, he loses to them because of the rocky bottom. Although it is fair to say that no place can do without ebb tides. It's just that somewhere they are more noticeable, there the water leaves as much as 2 km, and somewhere less pronounced. Well, now about all the beaches in order.

Also, readers often ask us about where the widest beach in Zanzibar is. We answer: we did not carry out such calculations, but they are not required, because almost all the beaches of Zanzibar are quite long and wide. But again, Kendwa and Nungwi differ for the better in this respect, since there is also perfect sand, respectively, the area where you can comfortably sit is very large. But there are always more tourists on these beaches. Therefore, we recommend booking a hotel on Kendwa or Nungwi, as well as on Boo Boo Boo: you can familiarize yourself with the options for booking website .

Beaches near Stone Town

Stone Town is the old center of the island in the city of Zanzibar. This is a bustling and dirty city in the Arabian style, with numerous markets, cafes, souvenir shops and hotels. It is always hot and bustling here. We will tell you about Stone Town in a separate publication, and now we will note that, in our opinion, although there are quite good sandy beaches in the city and nearby, there is still a port, a capital, a transit point, and therefore we can swim in Stone Town. not recommended. This city is best used for excursions.

Bububu beach

Bububu Beach lies north of Stone Town, but not very far from it, about half an hour's drive. This is the first worthwhile beach on your way and one of the most secluded on the island. There are several hotels almost at the water's edge, the path to which runs through local villages with all the flavor that comes from here.

During our trip to Zanzibar, we stayed at the hotel exactly on the Bububu beach, so we can tell a lot about it that you will not find in any tourist avenue.

This beach is very diverse. For example, in a small lagoon there is an excellent hotel Hakuna Matata. The lagoon here is clean, moderately shallow, moderately deep, with many marine life. At low tide, the water completely leaves it, so you can walk from the lagoon to the common beach. Although "general" is said rather boldly, since there are practically no people on the beaches around the lagoon. You can sometimes notice a couple of people 500 meters away from you. And you may not notice anyone. Or see a herd of cows.

In my opinion, a significant plus of Bububu beach is that the tide is not strong here, only a few meters, and therefore you do not have to wander 2 kilometers in the heat in search of water.

The disadvantage of Bububu beach is that the bottom is rocky in places. You have to try to find the sand. Although it is he who is present in the lagoon. But you will only swim in it if you stay at Hakuna Matata.

An exotic element of the beach around the lagoon is the mangrove trees that rise directly above the water.

In general, if you are looking for an eco-friendly and secluded holiday, then this is the place for you.

Mangapwani beach

Mangapwani Beach is a beach of extraordinary beauty, moreover, deserted. Another indisputable advantage of the beach is that here, as this is the west coast of Zanzibar, the ebb is not very noticeable.

In addition, there are attractions nearby. These are the chambers where slaves used to be hidden before being sent to other countries.

The beach got its name from the word "mango", which means "merchant". Yes, yes, it meant slavers. Although they traded not only in labor.

Mkokotoni beach

We were on this beach during the day, in a fishing village. In principle, the beach makes a good impression, in one of the towns there are masters who can give you a tour. During our visit, there was a strong low tide on the beach, so we did not appreciate the delights of swimming. We can say that the bottom is sandy and rocky, there are algae.

Kendwa Beach

It is considered one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, but reviews about it are conflicting. Sometimes there is muddy water here. We can say with confidence that the beach is really dirtier than the same Bububu. But the sand is white and the water is usually turquoise.

There are also quite a lot of people here, as there are large hotels around. On the other hand, it is possible to eat inexpensively due to the high competition between beach establishments.

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach (or Nangwi) is the extreme northern point of the island and is considered the best diving spot and one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Zanzibar. The water here is truly turquoise. Much more turquoise than Bububu. And snow-white sand.

The road to Nungwi passes through banana plantations and coconut groves.

From here you can go on sea excursions, including the island of Mnemba.

The main attractions of Nungwi are considered to be the coral reef.

Matemwe beach

This is a beach near the village of Matemwe on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, about 50 km from Stone Town. Matemwe itself is a medium-sized village with thatched buildings and many street fishmongers from whom you can buy some catch.

Kizimkazi beach

Kizimkazi Beach is considered one of the best in all of Zanzibar. There are secluded bays, ancient buildings, from here you can watch dolphins, and if you're lucky, then swim with them, as here they are already used to people.

There are also luxury hotels here.

Kizimkazi beach is located in the south of the island. It got its name from the nearby fishing village, which houses the oldest operating Shirazi mosque in East Africa.

But it is worth considering that the southern beaches of Zanzibar are more suitable for those who feel confident in the water, as there are often waves here.

By the way, the eastern beaches of Zanzibar are also distinguished by larger waves than the western ones. We can say that it is almost always calm on the west coast.

Kiwengwa beach

The beach is located approximately 40 km northeast of Stone Town. Here, instead of a village, large resort complexes have sprung up that completely swallowed up the coast. There is a lot of music and fun, but you can also find more or less secluded places.

Uroa Beach and Paje Beach

These two beaches are located at a considerable distance from each other, but in many respects have similar characteristics. Uroa beach, 40 km from the capital, is very authentic. Local peasants live here, so the coast is very picturesque. But in this area, the ocean is most susceptible to ebb and flow, so during low tide during the day, the ocean goes 2-3 km from the coast. At this time, local women come ashore to collect crabs and shellfish and grow seaweed plantations. Here you will also find a seaweed farm.In general, it should be noted that due to the presence of a village and a fish market near the beach, the beach is quite dirty.

Paje beach is located in the South-East of the island. There are also plantations of seaweed, however, it seems to us that the beach is cleaner than its brother. Here you will also find white sand, as in many other parts of Zanzibar. But we would not recommend swimming in those areas where there are plantations. There, sharp sticks are driven into the sand: step on this one - it will not seem a little.

Chwaka Beach

Chwaka beach and the village of the same name are 40 km from the capital. During the colonial rule of Britain, Zanzibar was home to numerous English offices and government villas. But after the revolution in 1964, all buildings were nationalized and are now in decline.
In addition to its past, the place is also interesting with the largest fish market on the island, where you can spend time with interest and have a snack with freshly prepared products.

The beach is littered with fishing boats and seashells and is rather dirty. It is worth looking at it, but not staying here for a beach holiday.

Pingwe Beach

The beach is quite decent, located on the east coast of Zanzibar. Although we were here during the day, the tide was found negligible. Although in Zanzibar, in this regard, there is no day after day: one day the ebb tide can be huge, and on the other - barely perceptible. Pingu Beach is clean, snow-white, long, there are few people, although there are cafes and hotels along the coast.

Michanwi Pingwe

Located next to the previous one on the east coast. The bottom of the ocean is rocky and sandy, the tides are strong. This beach, or rather, the area not far from it, is famous for the original restaurant The rock ("The Rock"). This is an expensive restaurant serving seafood and cocktails. At low tide, you can walk to it, and at high tide, it is in the water, so people take boats there. As you can imagine, it was at this time that he looks as romantic as possible.

Bwejuu beach

The beach in the large village of Bwejuu is 55 km from Stone Town and 3 km north of Paje. Coral stone buildings under thatched roofs that stretch along the entire coastline give a special flavor to the beach. For lovers of silence, the beach may seem a little noisy.

Dongwe Beach

Dongwe Beach is located in the east of Zanzibar Island. It is beautiful, but the tide is strong and the bottom is not only sandy, but also stone. Much will depend on the right choice of hotel and location.

Pwani Resort is one of the best on the east coast of Zanzibar. Here tourists will find all the attributes of an island paradise - azure water, comfortable hotels in traditional African style.

Also watch the video to help you understand that a beach holiday in Zanzibar is a heavenly holiday.

If you want the sea and sun, but still doubt what to choose, choose a beach vacation in Zanzibar - you will not regret it!

The most energetic, most active, the youngest beach in Zanzibar is Paje beach. People come here from all over the world for only one thing - for the best kiting in the world.

Paje beach:

• Ocean
• Hotels
• Infrastructure
• The best excursions and activities

So, let's go over each item in more detail. But I will make one important note, Paget beach is located two kilometers from Jambiani beach. Both the ocean and the sand are identical here with the exception of minor differences.

Ocean

Like the rest of the island, Paget Beach is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The water here is bright emerald. the same as on Jambiani. The water leaves about one and a half kilometers. But there is no seaweed farm and no seaweed and no sea urchins. The water is clean and clear.

Just like in Jambiani, there are no waves and the ocean is very calm. But the wind, according to kiters, is the best on the entire coast of Africa.

Beach

Wide, long, sandy. The sand is fine as flour, pleasant to the touch. The beach, unlike the neighboring Jambiani, is clean without algae and seaweed along its entire length. The peculiarity of this beach from others is that there are very few restaurants with wi-fi, and on all other beaches of the island, about 70-80% of all restaurants have free wi-fi. For some, this will be a big disadvantage, while others will not even notice.

Hotels

As with all other beaches, there are hotels for every taste and budget. But since vacationers in Page are mostly young people who come for kiting, and who are less picky about living conditions and other additional services, there are much more budget hotels up to $ 50 for a double room.

There are fewer hotels on the first line than anywhere else, this is due to the fact that there are numerous kiting schools and catering establishments on the first line. Look for hotels on this beach by the link at the very end of the article.

Infrastructure

Despite the fact that Jambiani and Pazhe beaches are nearby and the ocean itself and the beach, in principle, do not differ from each other, there are certain differences in the infrastructure.

• There are many more souvenir shops and small shops in Page, there is even a semblance of a mini market
• There is a grocery store in Page where you can buy non-perishable food and cold soft drinks
• Since there are mainly young people among vacationers, there are night parties and discos here, this is a more party beach

Prices

This beach cannot be called expensive, on the contrary, due to the large number of young people who cannot afford to eat lobsters and lobsters every day, the entire tourism industry has adjusted itself to the demand of this particular category of tourists.

The best tours and activities on Paje beach

Here you will be offered absolutely all excursions existing in Zanzibar. Some of them, due to their geographical location, will have one of the lowest prices on the island:

• Jozani Forest (Monkey Park), 15 km from Paget
• Kiting - Paje beach is the capital of kiting in Zanzibar, 90% of tourists come here for this
• Dolphin tour (Kizimkazi beach, which is very close, about 20-25 km). Cheap price due to the proximity of Kizimkazi beach.

Morning on the beach of Paget

In conclusion: The main purpose of the trip to Paje beach is kiting. Yes, there is something else to do without kiting, but the photo above shows that everyone has only kitesurfing in their heads.

A fair and soft wind for you !!!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: below are the main resources without which you can not organize your vacation in Zanzibar (just add what you need to your bookmarks):

Flight: - the cheapest tickets to Zanzibar via Istanbul, Dubai, Doha or Muscat.

Ready tours: - tours to Zanzibar from 60,000 rubles. (You can find direct charter Moscow - Zanzibar)

Hotels: - hotels on the island with 50% discounts, work with Booking, Ostrovok, Trivago.

Villas, bungalows and hotels on the first line: - there are exclusive options at great prices.

Car rental: - the world leader in car rental, in Zanzibar too.

Extended medical insurance: - cooperate directly with the Zanzibar Hospital and Clinic. When buying insurance free online consultation doctor 24/7 on your journey!

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