Jambiani Beach
The many kilometres long strip of beach is one of the most popular resorts in Zanzibar.
The coastline is fringed by a coral reef stretching for several kilometres. The area between the coast and the reef consists of sandbanks, coral reefs and shallow water, which at low tide reveals a surprising variety of marine life.
What I liked about Jambiani:
- Spacious and very long beach ideal for walking or jogging
- the opportunity to experience local life with plenty of street-food
- cheap and good quality hotels
The longest beach in Zanzibar
Jambiani is the largest town on the east coast in length with over 5 km and has the longest beach on the whole island.
In reality, however, Jambiani Beach is much more than 5km long, as it also connects seamlessly to all the neighbouring beaches, with a continuous strip of sand stretching all the way to the resorts of Paje or Bwejuu.
Swimming is only possible at high tide, at low tide the sea recedes up to a kilometre from the shore.
On the beach many locals sell souvenirs, oranges, coconuts or other snacks.
There are several kitesurfing centres in the southern part of Jambiani.
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A walk around the local centre
Apart from the strip of hotels right on the beach, Jambiani is a very poor and local village, with a dirt road running through it.
This is lined with a large number of small stalls selling simple but good and cheap street food. You will also find shops selling beach equipment or mini-markets selling drinks and other small snacks.
Best hotels in Jambiani
Jambiani is primarily a resort for the solo traveler, as travel agencies don't offer many vacation packages and tours here.
Jambiani Beach is great for those looking for a quiet holiday in a relaxed and safe local town with plenty of shops and excursion offers.
We would recommend these hotels:
- Amka Guest House - a very cheap guesthouse by the beach with shared bathrooms and prices from 25 usd
- ZAN Paradise Beach **** - a beach front hotel with the best value for money
- Alma Boutique Hotel ***** - the most luxurious hotel in Jambiani in the quiet northern part of the town
How to get there
If you will be travelling around Zanzibar by public transport (dala-dala buses), the following routes will get you to Jambiani:
- 309 - Zanzibar Town (Kwerekwe)
- 630 - Michamwi, Dongwe, Paje, Makunduchi
Both routes run very frequently, on average once every 5-15 minutes.
Regular taxis or tuk tuks are also widely available in Jambiani, everywhere along the main road.
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