The small resort of Pongwe lies just about 5 km south of Kiwengwa, one of the main beaches on the north-east coast.

In Pongwe, it is as if time has stood still – life here flows at a very leisurely pace, and the relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by the wide, horseshoe-shaped sandy beach fringed with palm trees.

View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar

I’d choose Pongwe for relaxing at a hotel, peaceful walks and a holiday without the hustle and bustle of the evening. I wouldn’t choose it if you want to try different restaurants every day, go shopping or go for a swim regardless of the tide. Apart from the hotels, there are almost no tourist facilities here.

Is it worth staying in Pongwe?

In my opinion, Pongwe is a good choice, particularly for couples and travellers who want to spend most of their holiday by the pool, on the beach or in the hotel gardens. There aren’t large crowds in the bay and, compared to bustling resorts, it feels very intimate.

Before booking, bear in mind that:

• swimming in the sea depends on the tide
• Pongwe has no promenade or real tourist centre
• the choice of restaurants and shops outside the hotels is very limited
• you’ll need to travel elsewhere for day trips, shopping and nightlife
• The hotel’s location and facilities are more important here than in a typical seaside resort

Pongwe, Kiwengwa or Matemwe?

The individual resorts on the east coast look similar, but offer different types of holiday.

• ChoosePongwe for its small, secluded bay, privacy and relaxing hotel atmosphere.
• Kiwengwa lies just a few kilometres to the north and has significantly more restaurants, shops, cash machines and excursion options.
• Matemwe has a longer, open beach, a more local atmosphere and a better location for trips to Mnemba Atoll.
• Dongwe offers a similarly peaceful resort holiday, but with a wider choice of luxury hotels.

If swimming at any time of day is your top priority, I’d recommend Kendwu or Nungwi instead.

Pongwe Beach and swimming

Pongwe Beach is one of the most photogenic of Zanzibar’s smaller beaches.

The sandy cove is sheltered by the surrounding headlands, so at high tide the sea is usually calmer here than on the long, open beaches of the east coast.

In the middle of the cove stands a long jetty with a bar.

Other sun loungers, swimming pools and beach bars belong to individual hotels and are generally reserved for their guests only. Do not expect to find public showers or sun lounger hire on the beach.

When is the best time to go for a swim in Pongwe?

The best time for a swim is roughly two hours before high tide and two hours after. The water comes close to the shore and the shallow cove is pleasant even for less experienced swimmers.

At low tide, the sea recedes by hundreds of metres and normal swimming is not possible. The sandy and coral seabed of the lagoon is exposed, and you can walk across it. Take water shoes with you to protect against sea urchins and sharp pieces of coral.

I wouldn’t go out to the barrier reef without a local guide. It’s a long way from the shore and the incoming tide can be fast. What’s more, tide times change every day, so check them in advance and, when choosing accommodation, opt for a hotel with a swimming pool.

Seaweed on the beach

The amount of seaweed depends on the wind, currents and the time of year. The bay can be almost clear one day, and the next day a larger build-up may appear on the shore. Hotels clean their sections of the beach, but a perfectly clean sea cannot be guaranteed on the east coast.

We compare other options in our guide to the best beaches in Zanzibar.

Things to do in Pongwe

Pongwe isn’t a resort brimming with attractions. The main focus of your stay is the beach, the pool and relaxation. Some hotels hire out kayaks or paddleboards and can organise snorkelling, fishing or a trip on a traditional dhow.

For a wider choice of excursions, you can head to Kiwengwa. Other popular day-trip destinations include Jozani National Park, home to the gorillas, and The Rock restaurant on the south-east coast.

When booking an excursion on the beach, always confirm the total price, transport, duration of the programme and whether the price is in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings in advance. If you want to know the terms and conditions before you arrive, compare offers online.

Compare excursions in Zanzibar

Where to stay in Pongwe

In Pongwe, you should choose your hotel more carefully than in Paje or Nungwi. There are few restaurants and amenities in the vicinity, so you’ll often end up eating at the resort itself. With more expensive hotels, I’d therefore recommend comparing not only the room and the beach, but also the type of catering, the swimming pool and the prices of drinks at the hotel.

You can find further advice on choosing an area and type of hotel in the article ‘Where to stay in Zanzibar’.

Holidays with a travel agency

Pongwe is ideal for a package holiday, as both transfers and meals are included in a single package. However, the range of specific hotels on offer changes frequently.

• TOA Hotel & Spa Zanzibar ***** – a modern resort right on the beach; I’d choose this for a comfortable, traditional all-inclusive holiday.
• The Island Pongwe Lodge **** – an exceptionally small boutique hotel with six villas on a small island, which you can reach on foot or by boat depending on the tide; the best choice for privacy and an exceptional getaway for two.

Hotels for independent travellers

Booking independently offers a wider choice of smaller hotels and cheaper rooms. I would recommend the following options:

• Santa Maria Coral Park **** – a simple local hotel right by the sea for travellers who are mainly looking for good value and aren’t expecting a luxury resort.
• Pongwe Beach Hotel – an intimate hotel with a small number of rooms, a swimming pool and a very peaceful location; the best balance of atmosphere and comfort.
• Karibu Beach Resort ***** – A more modern beachside resort with a swimming pool and a higher standard of accommodation, suitable for a comfortable, independently organised holiday.

Compare hotel prices in Pongwe

How to get to Pongwe

Pongwe is situated on the east coast, approximately 35 to 50 km from Zanzibar Airport, depending on the location of the specific hotel. The journey by car takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

If you’re travelling with a travel agency, a coach transfer is usually included in the package. If you’re travelling independently, the most convenient option is a pre-booked hotel transfer or a taxi. Tuk-tuks are mainly used for shorter journeys to Kiwengwa and the surrounding villages.

Pongwe is also served by the dala-dala bus:

• 223 – towards Uroa, Stone Town and, on some services, Kiwengwa as well

The service does not run to a reliable timetable, and not every journey covers the full route. Therefore, if you’re travelling with a large suitcase, I’d only recommend using the dala-dala if the low price is more important to you than comfort.

To explore the island, you can use a taxi or hire a car. We describe our practical experiences and how the local buses work in the chapter on transport in Zanzibar.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Zanzibar.