Best Beaches In Zanzibar Tanzania

Many tourists search for the best beaches in Zanzibar, Tanzania to enjoy the warm sun and turquoise ocean water. These locations offer soft white sand and perfect conditions for swimming or kite surfing all day long. You can visit the north for deep water or the east for quiet villages.

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Planning your trip around the right shoreline will make your holiday much more enjoyable.

These are the Best Beaches in Zanzibar, Tanzania

The island of Zanzibar has many miles of beautiful coast to explore. You will find that each area has its own special feel and activities. Some beaches are great for big parties and others are perfect for quiet rest. Most people enjoy the warm Indian Ocean water which stays nice all year round. You can see many colorful fish and local boats while you walk on the sand. Here are the top ten spots for your next beach holiday on the island.

1. Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is located at the very north tip of the island. It is one of the few places where the tide does not go out far. This means you can swim in the ocean at any time of the day. The water is very deep and clear which is great for jumping in. You can also see traditional dhow boats being built by the local people right on the sand. This area has many restaurants that serve fresh seafood and tropical fruit juices.

• Daily sunset cruises on wooden boats.
• Snorkeling trips to see bright coral reefs.
• Visit to the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond.
• Fresh grilled fish served on the beach.
• Lively nightlife with music and dancing.

2. Kendwa Beach

Kendwa is right next to Nungwi and shares the same beautiful deep water. The beach here is very wide and has very soft white sand. It is famous for the Full Moon Party which happens every month. You can find many luxury resorts and small bungalows along the shore. The water stays a bright blue color even when it is cloudy. It is a very social place where you can meet many other travelers from different countries.

• Volleyball games on the wide sand.
• Nightly beach bonfires with local music.
• Clear water for seeing starfish.
• Parasailing over the blue ocean.
• Luxury spa treatments near the waves.

3. Paje Beach

Paje Beach is the center for kite surfing in Zanzibar Tanzania best beaches. The wind here is very steady and the water is flat for a long way. When the tide goes out, you can walk for miles on the sand. You will see local women farming seaweed in the shallow water during low tide. This area has a very young and energetic vibe. It is perfect for people who want to stay active during their vacation.

• World-class kite surfing schools for beginners.
• Seaweed center tours to learn about local soap.
• Long walks during the low tide hours.
• Beach bars with swings instead of chairs.
• Snorkeling in the small pools on the reef.

4. Jambiani Beach

Jambiani is a very long and old fishing village with a quiet beach. It feels very authentic because you live among the local people. The water here is very shallow and has many shades of turquoise. You can take a traditional boat to the reef for snorkeling. There are many small guest houses that offer a homey feeling. It is a great spot to see the real culture of the island while you relax.

• Cultural village walks with local guides.
• Traditional fishing trips with local men.
• Eating octopus curry in local cafes.
• Watching the sunrise over the ocean.
• Cycling along the hard sand at low tide.

5. Matemwe Beach

Matemwe Beach is located on the northeast coast of the island. It has the longest strip of sand in Zanzibar. From here, you can see the famous Mnemba Atoll across the water. Many people stay here to go on diving and snorkeling trips to the atoll. The beach is very quiet and has many tall palm trees for shade. It is a perfect place for people who want to avoid large crowds of tourists.

• Short boat rides to Mnemba Island.
• Dolphin watching tours in the morning.
• Private dinners on the sand.
• Bird watching in the coastal forest.
• Looking for shells at low tide.

6. Michamvi Beach

Michamvi is a hidden gem on a large peninsula in the east. It is the only place on the east coast where you can see the sunset. This happens because the beach faces a large bay instead of the open sea. The water is very calm and looks like a giant blue mirror. There are many mangroves nearby that you can explore by boat. It is a very peaceful area with a very unique landscape for photos.

• Sunset drinks at the famous Kae Funk bar.
• Canoeing through the green mangrove forests.
• Walking around the tip of the peninsula.
• Watching the moon rise over the palm trees.
• Quiet meditation on the empty sand.

7. Bwejuu Beach

Bwejuu is one of the most quiet beaches in Zanzibar Tanzania. It has been voted as one of the best in the world by many magazines. The beach is lined with palm trees that lean toward the water. You will not find many shops or loud music in this area. It is a place where you can truly disconnect from the busy world. The local village is very friendly and you can see the daily life of the farmers.

• Relaxing in a hammock under a tree.
• Reading a book with the sound of waves.
• Collecting beautiful sea shells.
• Yoga classes on the sand at dawn.
• Star gazing on clear nights.

8. Pongwe Beach

Pongwe is a small cove that is protected by an outer reef. This makes the water very calm and perfect for swimming without waves. The sand is tucked into a crescent shape between rocky points. It feels very private and exclusive for the guests staying there. There are only a few hotels in this area, so the beach is never crowded. You can find many small sea creatures in the calm pools near the rocks.

• Swimming in a protected natural lagoon.
• Kayaking in the calm bay water.
• Looking for colorful fish in the shallows.
• Romantic walks on the curved sand.
• Fresh juice service under palm fronds.

9. Kiwengwa Beach

Kiwengwa is often called "Little Italy" because it is popular with Italian travelers. The beach is very wide and has many large resorts with big pools. You can find many shops selling local art and colorful African clothes. The water is very shallow for a long way out to the reef. It is a very busy area with many things to see and do every day. You will find many bars that play music and serve cold drinks on the sand.

• Shopping for souvenirs in the local market.
• Joining a water aerobics class in the sea.
• Walking to the reef at very low tide.
• Eating pizza and pasta near the ocean.
• Dancing to local bands in the evenings.

10. Nakupenda Sandbank

Nakupenda means "I love you" in the Swahili language. This is a beautiful sandbank that appears in the ocean near Stone Town. You can only visit it during the day when the tide is low. The sand is perfectly white and the water is clear blue all around you. Most people take a boat trip here to have a seafood barbecue on the sand. It is a very magical experience to be in the middle of the ocean on a tiny island of sand.

• Boat trip from the Stone Town harbor.
• Huge seafood lunch cooked on the sand.
• Snorkeling in the deep water around the bank.
• Taking photos of the white sand and blue sky.
• Swimming in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Other Good beaches in Zanzibar Tanzania

1. Kizimkazi Beach: This beach is located in the south and is famous for dolphin tours in the morning. The shore is rocky in some places but the water is full of marine life. You can visit the oldest mosque in East Africa in the nearby village. It is a very quiet area that feels very different from the northern beaches. You will love the green trees and the friendly local atmosphere here.

2. Mangapwani Beach: This is a very quiet and historic spot on the western coast of the island. It is known for the coral caves that were used long ago for storing spices and other goods. The beach is small and very private with many tall trees growing near the water. You can enjoy a very peaceful day away from the main tourist areas. It is a great place to learn about the history of the island today.

3. Chwaka Beach: Chwaka is a large bay that is very important for the local fishing industry. You can see hundreds of small boats coming in with their catch every single day. The beach is very wide and is perfect for seeing how the local people live and work. You can buy fresh fish right from the boats for a very low price. It is a very authentic and busy place that shows the real Zanzibar life.

4. Prison Island Beach: This is a small island that you can reach by boat in twenty minutes from Stone Town. It has a beautiful small beach with very clear water for swimming and snorkeling. The island is famous for the giant tortoises that live there and are very old. You can feed the tortoises and take photos with them before you go for a swim. It is a very popular day trip for families and groups of friends.

5. Fumba Beach: Fumba is the starting point for the famous Safari Blue boat trip in the south. The beach is surrounded by large baobab trees and rocky cliffs that look very beautiful. You can explore the hidden coves and small sandbanks that appear when the tide goes down. It is a very natural area with many birds and small sea animals in the water. The sunset from Fumba is very pretty and quiet every single evening.

6. Chumbe Island Beach: This is a private island that is part of a protected marine park for nature. The beaches are very small and are surrounded by the healthiest coral reefs in the region. You can stay in eco-friendly huts that use solar power and rain water for the guests. The number of visitors is limited to keep the nature safe and quiet all the time. It is a paradise for people who love the ocean and want to protect it.

Conclusion

Exploring the best beaches in Zanzibar Tanzania, will make your tropical holiday a dream come true. You can choose the deep water of Nungwi or the windy shores of Paje for your fun. These locations offer the most beautiful white sand and clear water in the whole of East Africa. Make sure to visit several different beaches in Zanzibar, Tanzania to see the full beauty of the island. Your trip will be full of sun, sea, and very happy memories today.