Whether you’re heading from Tanzania to Zanzibar for some post-safari relaxation, a peaceful beach vacation, or a romantic East Africa honeymoon, the beaches are the major draw of this African island paradise.
However, how can you choose which beach is best for your Zanzibar holiday when there are so many kilometers of white sand to choose from?
7 of Zanzibar’s Best Beaches
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1. Paje Beach:
Best for Kitesurfing & Diving Paje Beach, on the southeast coast, has all the characteristics of a stunning Zanzibar beach: vast stretches of white sand, palm palms that sway in the wind, clear seas, and breathtaking sunsets.
The excellent kitesurfing conditions at Zanzibar’s Paje Beach draw both amateur and expert kite surfers from across the world to this area of the island.
Paje Beach is widely recognized for its water sports. With turtles, starfish, trumpet fish, moray eels, and other vibrant marine creatures populating the offshore reefs, the clear, warm waters are also perfect for scuba diving.
2. The Best Beach for Relaxation Is Bwejuu
Unquestionably, Bwejuu is one of Zanzibar’s top beaches. Stone Town is around an hour and a half’s drive from this white sand beach with palm trees on the southeast coast of the island.
It’s one of Zanzibar’s quietest neighborhoods and a popular choice for anyone seeking total relaxation, peace, and privacy.
A few of the excursions and activities offered in the region include a mangrove forest and dhow boat ride, a journey to the nearby village of Bwejuu, a reef safari, snorkeling and diving, a trip to Stone Town, or a day trip to the Jozani Forest, which is home to the Red Colobus Monkey.
3. Nungwi Beach, which is renowned for its lively atmosphere
One of the most stunning and well-liked beaches on the island is Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, which was recently included in TripAdvisor’s list of the Top 25 Beaches in the World as part of its Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018 program.
Undoubtedly, one of the island’s liveliest areas is Nungwi, where a variety of beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars offer nocturnal entertainment. However, this beach isn’t only for partygoers.
The coral reefs off the coast of Nungwi are excellent for diving and snorkeling, and depending on the season, you could even see dolphins, green turtles, and whale sharks.
A sunset cruise in a traditional dhow sailing boat is a must to see Zanzibar’s breathtaking sunsets, which can be seen from Nungwi Beach, which faces west.
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4. Dolphin safaris are the main draw of Kizimkazi Beach
This little fishing village is located on the south coast of Zanzibar and is comprised of the towns of Kizimkazi Dimbani and Kizimkazi Mkunguni.
The shoreline here is very different from the traditional palm-backed lagoon of the east coast.
Popular in the village of Kizimkazi are dolphin excursions. However, bear in aware that boat tours that allow you to swim with dolphins are not advised if you’re in Kizimkazi.
Instead, stay with tour operators who provide responsibly swimming with dolphins.
The remote coral lagoon at Michamvi Beach is its main draw.
On the island’s central east coast lies a peninsula called Michamvi. Despite the existence of two enormous beach resorts, Michamvi has a rural vibe and provides large expanses of undeveloped beaches to explore.
Both Michamvi-Pingwe and Michamvi-Kae make up the peninsula. On the eastern side is Michamvi-Pingwe, which boasts a stunning palm-lined beach, a coral lagoon, and sheer coral-rag cliffs.
On its western side, Michamvi-Kae looks westward toward Chwaka Bay.
6. Kendwa Beach is renowned for its swimming and sunsets
The greatest beach in Zanzibar is great for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. One of the few beaches in Zanzibar with little tidal fluctuations is this one.
Additionally, colorful starfish may be found on this Zanzibar beach near offshore (but be sure not to pick up these creatures or disturb them in their natural habitat).
Be on the beach as soon as the sun starts to set to see the renowned sunsets at Kendwa Beach. Once the sun has dropped below the horizon, the beach comes to life in a different way with nightlife and relaxed beach parties.
7. Matemwe Beach: Popular for Scuba Diving & Local Culture
Some of the greatest sand on the island can be found on Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar’s longest beach, which also offers a fascinating look into the native way of life with its traditional fishing huts hidden amid the palm trees.
Two kilometers offshore, just beyond the main reef, lies the famed island of Mnemba Atoll, which is encircled by beautiful and reachable coral reefs.
On the island, Matemwe Beach offers some of the greatest diving, snorkeling, sailing, and kitesurfing.
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The Zanzibar Islands’ top beach resorts
1. Zanzibar’s Tulia Unique Beach Resort
The Best Luxury Romantic Beach Resort 2020 was chosen by the Luxury Hotel Awards to be this stunning beach resort in Pongwe on the island’s east coast.
To access your private patio with views of tropical plants or a pristine private beach, pass through your lovely room.
Before a yoga session or an hour-long full-body massage, which are both included in the hotel rate, indulge in a cold beer from the minibar or a cup of Nespresso coffee.
2. The Residence Zanzibar
This House 66 brown-tiled brick bungalows in Zanzibar may not immediately scream luxurious, but each one’s meticulous attention to detail will.
The bathroom cabinets are stocked with coconut body products, while the bedroom table is topped with fresh truffles.
A sizable wooden terrace with a plunge pool is present in each cottage. The Pavilion serves a range of Middle Eastern cuisine beside the pool, while the Dining Room has a delicious assortment of African, Omani, and Indian cuisines. The hotel has a view of a mile-long, creamy-colored beach that is regularly cleaned.
3. The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar
To guarantee you have a stress-free stay, Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar has made this problem-free philosophy its guiding principle.
Just 20 rooms and villas make up this little resort on Zanzibar’s east coast, which is surrounded by 12 acres of tropical gardens.
The Seaview Villas stand out because they include an additional outdoor shower and a private terrace with views of Dongwe’s expansive white sand beach.
Remove your sandals and make your way to the nearby coral reef to go snorkeling with the vibrant fish.
4. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Zanzibar
If you stay at the Zanzibar location of a well-known hotel chain, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Zanzibar Nungwi, the hotel blends the ancient and the new.
This Zanzibar beach resort offers first-rate services and amenities, such as an outdoor freshwater pool, a fitness center, live entertainment, and an opulent spa.
Five minutes away from the hotel’s palm-leaf roofs, on the lovely beach, local fisherman and dhow builders practice their age-old trades.
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5. Next Paradise Boutique Resort
While many individuals prefer spending the entire day lounging by the pool, not everyone does.
At this Zanzibar beach resort, which is located to Zanzibar Extreme Water Sports, the place to experience the wildest thrills of the Indian Ocean, you may do all of that and more.
Try water skiing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, or jet-ski safaris near Mnemba Island and the protected coral reefs. The hotel includes 25 suites and villas with sea views and four pools where you may unwind while sipping a glass.
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6. Zanzibar’s Baraza Resort & Spa
All of the wood furnishings, Omani trunks, and brass lamps were created exclusively for this Zanzibar beach resort by the proprietors.
The 30 one- or two-bedroom villas each have a plunge pool with views of the lovely gardens or the seclusion of the 240-meter Bwejuu beach.
The spa provides treatments including facials and Thai massages and features golden mosaic floors. For burning off those substantial breakfasts and dinners, there is also a kids club and tennis facilities.
