I would recommend Jambiani to travellers who are looking for a long beach, a quieter atmosphere and a glimpse into everyday life in Zanzibar.

Small hotels and restaurants line the coast, whilst just a few streets away the local village continues.

Don’t expect the usual kind of swimming from morning till night, though. At low tide, the sea recedes hundreds of metres and the beach transforms into a vast sandy plain dotted with small pools, seaweed farms and exposed corals. It is precisely these dramatic tides that are Jambiani’s most distinctive feature, but also the main reason why the resort won’t be to everyone’s taste.

What I liked about Jambiani:

• a spacious and very long beach, ideal for walks or a run
• the chance to experience local life with plenty of street food
• affordable, good-quality hotels

Jambiani or Paje?

Jambiani and Paje lie on the same coastline and are linked by an unbroken stretch of white sand. Both places experience strong tides and are ideal for kitesurfing. However, the atmosphere is different.

Jambiani is quieter, more spacious and feels more like a local village. I’d choose it for relaxation, long walks and smaller hotels. Restaurants and amenities are scattered along several kilometres of coastline.

Paje is livelier and more practical. It has a more centralised centre, a wider selection of restaurants, bars, kitesurfing schools and evening entertainment. It’s better suited to solo travellers and anyone who wants to meet other people easily.

On a shorter trip, I wouldn’t stay in both resorts. They’re close to each other and offer a similar type of beach, so you can easily explore the other one on a tuk-tuk trip.

The longest beach in Zanzibar

At over 5 km long, Jambiani is the largest town on the east coast and boasts the longest beach on the whole island.

In reality, however, Jambiani Beach is much longer than 5 km, as it merges seamlessly with all the neighbouring beaches, and the continuous stretch of sand extends all the way to the resorts of Paje and Bwejuu.

Tides: when is it best to go for a swim?

Comfortable swimming at Jambiani is mainly possible during high tide and for a few hours either side of it. The water is warm and the entry into the sea is very gradual, but even at high tide, do not expect the depth to increase rapidly.

At low tide, the sea recedes by hundreds of metres; at its lowest point, it recedes by almost a kilometre.

You can forget about a normal swim for a few hours. The time of high tide shifts every day, so check the tide table in advance and don’t rely on the same time as the previous day.

If the sea is the main reason for your trip and you want to swim at any time of day, I’d recommend Kendwa or Nungwi rather than Jambiani.

What to do on the beach at low tide

Low tide isn’t just a disadvantage. The coastline is completely transformed at low tide, and you can spot small fish, crabs, starfish and other creatures in the shallow pools. You’ll also see local women working on seaweed farms.

I’d go with a local guide for a longer walk towards the coral reef.

In places, the seabed is covered with sharp corals and sea urchins, so water shoes are very practical. Also, keep an eye on the incoming tide and don’t pull marine creatures out of the water just to take a photo.

Walks, a run and the sunrise

Jambiani is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for long walks and a jog.

At low tide, the sand is firm and you can walk several kilometres in either direction.

The coastline faces east, so it’s well worth getting up at least once to watch the sunrise. For sunsets over the sea, however, Kendwa is a better choice.

On the beach, you’ll find vendors selling coconuts, fruit, souvenirs and day trips. Sun loungers usually belong to hotels or restaurants; independent public hire services are not common. Entry to the beach is free.

Kitesurfing and other activities

Consistent winds, shallow waters and plenty of space make Jambiani a great spot for kitesurfing. You’ll find several schools, mainly in the southern part of the village. Complete beginners will appreciate the shallow lagoon, whilst more experienced riders can venture further out to sea.

Neighbouring Paje offers an even wider choice of schools and a livelier kitesurfing community.

The nearest day-trip destination is Kuza Cave, a natural cave with crystal-clear water where you can swim. You can walk there from some parts of Jambiani, though a tuk-tuk is more practical from the more distant hotels.

Jambiani is also a good base for trips to Jozani National Park, The Rock restaurant or Mtende Beach.

You can book a trip on the spot or online. It’s common to haggle over prices on the beach; before paying, make sure to confirm the transport, the duration of the trip, the entrance fee and what’s included. Booking online makes sense if you want to check the organiser’s reviews and cancellation terms in advance.

Compare trips and activities from Jambiani

You can find further inspiration in our guide to things to do in Zanzibar.

A stroll through the local town centre

Apart from the strip of hotels right on the beach, Jambiani is a very poor, local village, through which a dusty track runs.

This is lined with a large number of small stalls selling simple but tasty and inexpensive street food. You’ll also find shops selling beach gear and mini-markets stocked with drinks and other light snacks.

Where to stay in Jambiani

Jambiani is mainly home to smaller hotels, apartments and bungalows. There are few large all-inclusive resorts, which is an advantage for independent travellers but limits the choice of traditional package holidays.

• Northwards towards Paje – more restaurants, kitesurfing schools and easier access to Paje; Kuza Cave is also nearby.
• Central Jambiani – the best balance between the beach, restaurants and local life.
• The southern part – the most peaceful, but with fewer amenities and longer journeys to restaurants or day trips.

Holidays with a travel agency

The range of package holidays to Jambiani is significantly smaller than that to Nungwi, Kendwa or Kiwengwa.

Nevertheless, a package holiday makes sense if you want flights, checked-in luggage, an airport transfer and meals all included in one price.

This hotel appears most frequently in the listings:

• A small resort right on the beach: Sea View Lodge **** – an intimate complex with bungalows, a swimming pool and a restaurant by the sea. I’d choose it for a peaceful holiday, rather than for the wide range of entertainment on offer at a large resort.

A hotel for those travelling independently

Booking independently offers a much wider choice in Jambiani. I would choose a hotel based on the specific type of stay I’m looking for, not just on the number of stars.

• Lower prices away from the beachfront: Aurora Boutique Hotel Jambiani – a smaller hotel with a swimming pool, about 400 metres from the beach. Suitable for travellers who want to save money and don’t mind a short walk to the sea.
• Beach and water sports: The Loop Beach Resort – a hotel right on the beach with a swimming pool and facilities for an active holiday. I’d choose this one for kitesurfing, diving and other water sports.
• A peaceful holiday for two: Passion Boutique Hotel Zanzibar – Adults Only – An intimate, adults-only hotel right by the sea. A good choice for couples who don’t want a large resort.
• Ultimate comfort: Alma Boutique Hotel ******* – a luxurious, smaller hotel in the quieter northern part of Jambiani. Suitable for travellers seeking privacy, high-quality service and more modern facilities.

You can find further information on other areas, approximate prices and practical advice in the chapter on accommodation in Zanzibar.

How to get to Jambiani

Jambiani is situated on the south-east coast of Zanzibar. The journey by car from Zanzibar Airport takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Transfer included in the package

On a package holiday, the transfer between the airport and the hotel is usually included in the price.

The journey is made by coach or minibus, and may take longer due to stops at other hotels.

Taxi or hire car

If you’re travelling independently, the most convenient option is a taxi or a pre-arranged hotel transfer. Taximeters are not used, so please confirm the final price before setting off.

The fare from the airport should not exceed 65 usd.

Jambiani is a long village and some hotels are situated several hundred metres from the main road. You should therefore give the driver the exact name or location of your accommodation, not just the name of the village.

If you want to explore the south and east coasts without joining organised tours, it may be worth hiring a car in Zanzibar.

Dala-dala bus

Jambiani is served by two main routes:

• 309 – connects Jambiani with the Kwerekwe terminal in Zanzibar City,
• 630 – runs along the east coast via Makunduchi, Jambiani, Paje, Dongwe and Michamwi.

Route 309 does not terminate directly in the historic centre of Stone Town, but at the Kwerekwe terminus. When travelling from Stone Town or the airport, you should therefore allow for an additional local bus or a taxi to the terminus.

Dala-dalas run frequently during the day, usually every 5 to 15 minutes, but they do not have a fixed timetable and depart as and when they are full. Fares are paid in cash in Tanzanian shillings. This option is inconvenient if you are travelling with a large suitcase.

Be inspired by our experiences of travelling around Zanzibar:

• All about car hire
• How to travel by taxi and public transport

How many days to spend in Jambiani

When travelling around the island, I’d stay in Jambiani for 3 to 4 nights. You’ll have time to enjoy the beach at both high and low tide, visit Kuza Cave and go on an excursion around the south-east of the island.

A whole week in Jambiani is ideal for those who are mainly looking for peace and quiet, walks and small hotels, and don’t mind planning their swimming around the tides.

For a more varied trip, I’d combine a stay here with a visit to Stone Town and a few nights in Kendwa or Nungwi, where you can swim at any time of day.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Zanzibar.