Zanzibar is famous for its endless beaches, which stretch for many tens of kilometres along the entire coastline.

But even here you’ll find secret, romantic beaches tucked away amongst picturesque cliffs. Head to the very south of Zanzibar, where you’ll discover the bustling yet beautiful Mtende Beach.

Don’t expect a secluded beach or a spot for a leisurely day’s swimming, though. Mtende is well-known; organised day trips arrive here during the day and the bay itself is very small. It works best as a stop-off for one to two hours whilst travelling through the southern part of the island.

Compare trips to Mtende Beach

Why visit Mtende Beach?

The beach and the entire southern coast lookcompletely differentfrom the rest of Zanzibar.

The dramatic and rugged coastline is shaped by cliffs up to 15 metres high, which form narrow coves – and Mtende Beach is situated in one of them.

The beach is only about 15 metres wide and, although it is popular with tourists, thanks to its secluded location there aren’t usually as many people here as one might think.

At high tide, Mtende Beach is very narrow, but at low tide you can walk as far as 100 metres from the shore without getting your feet wet.

You can hire a sun lounger right on the beach, but the prices are very high (up to 20 usd per day).

Between the car park and the beach, there are souvenir shops and expensive tourist restaurants.

Tides and swimming

The appearance of Mtende Beach changes significantly throughout the day. Before you go, check the tide times for Zanzibar and plan your visit according to what you want to do on the beach.

• At low tide, the beach is at its widest, the rocks are exposed and you can walk further out from the cliffs. This is the best time for taking photographs and exploring the coastline, but the sea is usually too far out for swimming.
• As the tide comes in, conditions are best for a combination of swimming and a stroll along the beach.
• At high tide, the water reaches almost to the cliffs. You can still swim, but only a narrow strip of sandy beach remains, and sometimes it practically disappears.

If your main aim is photography, I’d arrive about an hour before low tide. For swimming, I’d choose the period between low and high tide.

Entrance fees and beach facilities

There is a small local fee to enter the area, usually around 2 000 tzs per person. Payment is by cash only. Parking is free about 150 metres from the beach.

Between the car park and the entrance, you’ll find several souvenir stalls and simple restaurants.

There is usually a limited number of sun loungers available on the beach itself, but make sure you agree on the price before using one. It’s best to bring your own drinks, sun protection and cash with you.

Mobile signal is weak or non-existent in this part of the island. Download an offline map in advance and don’t rely on card payments.

How to get there

There is no public transport to Mtende Beach, so you have only three transport options:

• a hire car
  • the beach is barely signposted and mobile coverage is poor in southern Zanzibar, so we definitely recommend downloading offline maps
  • map of the route by car from Jambiani / Stone Town
  • Free parking is available about 150 metres from the beach
  • Read about our experience of hiring a car in Zanzibar
• An organised tour through a local travel agency
  • The easiest way
  • Trips often include stops at other places, such as Jozani Forest
  • Prices for full-day trips are around 70 usd
  • Always book all your trips in Zanzibar via getyourguide.com
• by taxi
  • You must always agree with the taxi driver on a time for them to pick you up from the beach, as there’s no guarantee there’ll be taxis available in the car park
  • Prices are quite high – from Jambiani around 35 usd, from Stone Town around 80 usd one way

Beachfront hotels

There are several hotels within 1 km of Mtende Beach.

Stay here if you’re looking for a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts, in the countryside of Zanzibar and close to small beaches nestled beneath the cliffs.

• Eden Rock Zanzibar – a small local hotel right on the beach with sea views
• Monkey Mountain Lodge – an eco-resort with fantastic reviews, set amidst Zanzibar’s natural landscape

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Zanzibar.