Pwani Mchangani is a peaceful resort on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, between Matemwe and Kiwengwa.

When I visited Pwani Mchangani, it struck me as a good compromise between the two neighbouring areas.

It has more traditional beach resorts than Matemwe, but is significantly quieter and less built-up than Kiwengwa.

I’d choose it for a relaxing resort holiday, long walks along the beach and trips to Mnemba Atoll. On the other hand, it isn’t suitable for anyone looking for all-day swimming regardless of the tide, a lively nightlife or a wide choice of restaurants right on the doorstep.

View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar

Who is Pwani Mchangani a good choice for?

I would particularly recommend Pwani Mchangani to couples, families and travellers who want to stay right by the sea and spend most of their time at the hotel or on excursions.

Behind the beach lies a local village with a few small shops and restaurants, but don’t expect a tourist centre or a promenade.

The individual resorts and guesthouses are scattered along the coast, and the nightlife mainly takes place inside the hotels.

When booking, I would therefore look not only at the quality of the room, but also at the hotel restaurant, the swimming pool and the range of catering options. Half-board or all-inclusive makes more sense here than in livelier resorts.

Pwani Mchangani, Matemwe or Kiwengwa?

All three resorts have similarly long beaches and a pronounced low tide. They differ mainly in their atmosphere and the range of services on offer:

• Pwani Mchangani – the best compromise for a peaceful resort holiday, with a good selection of package holidays and individually booked hotels.
• Matemwe – has a more local feel, offers more small boutique hotels and is a more practical starting point for boat trips to Mnemba Atoll.
• Kiwengwa – choose this if you want more restaurants, shops, cash machines and other services outside the hotel.

If you want to spend the whole day swimming in the sea, I’d recommend Kendwu or Nungwi rather than the east coast.

Pwani Mchangani Beach

The beach at Pwani Mchangani is very long, wide and covered in fine white sand. It tends to be quieter than the beaches at Kiwengwe or Paje and is ideal for morning runs and long walks.

In my opinion, it’s at its most beautiful early in the morning at sunrise, when you’ll mainly come across fishermen and locals on the beach.

Access to the beach is free. However, sun loungers, parasols, swimming pools and other facilities in front of the resorts are reserved for hotel guests.

Tides, low tide and swimming

As is the case along the entire east coast, swimming here is significantly affected by the tides.

The best time for a swim is a few hours around high tide. At low tide, the sea recedes by hundreds of metres and it is usually not possible to swim near the shore.

The exposed lagoon is a fascinating place to walk around, as you’ll see seagrass, corals, shells and sea urchins. So be sure to take water shoes and check the tide times in advance.

I wouldn’t go to the barrier reef without a local guide. It lies far from the coast and the rapidly rising tide can make the return journey difficult.

Seaweed on the beach

In some sections I saw large amounts of sea grass and seaweed, whilst other parts of the beach were clean. However, the situation varies depending on the wind, currents and the season. Luxury resorts keep their sections of the beach clean; outside these areas, seaweed may remain on the sand for longer.

I therefore don’t consider the presence of seaweed a reason to give Pwani Mchangani a miss, but I wouldn’t count on the beach being perfectly clean every day. We compare other options in our article on the best beaches in Zanzibar.

Things to do and places to visit

There aren’t many tourist attractions in Pwani Mchangani itself. However, its location in the north-east of the island is convenient for trips both out to sea and inland.

• Mnemba Atoll – Zanzibar’s most popular snorkelling spot lies just off the coast near Matemwe. The trip includes a boat ride and snorkelling equipment.
• Issa Spice Farm – a small spice farm about 8 km inland, which I visited and would recommend as a less touristy alternative to the large farms near Stone Town.
• Matemwe – head here for a more local atmosphere, beachside restaurants or as a base for trips out to sea.
• Kiwengwa – a handy spot for shopping, an ATM or a wider choice of restaurants.

Larger resorts can arrange all excursions at reception. Before booking, however, I’d compare prices, check the agency’s reviews and see whether collection directly from the hotel is included in the price.

Compare trips to Mnemba Atoll

Where to stay in Pwani Mchangani

Pwani Mchangani offers large all-inclusive resorts, smaller beachfront hotels and more affordable accommodation in the village. The choice is wider than the resort’s peaceful character might suggest at first glance.

First, decide whether you want a package holiday including flights and transfers, or whether you’d prefer to book a hotel separately. Our main article on where to stay in Zanzibar will also help you choose the right area.

Holidays with a travel agency

A package holiday makes sense in Pwani Mchangani, particularly at the large all-inclusive resorts. The price includes your flight, checked-in luggage and an airport transfer, so upon arrival you won’t have to worry about an expensive taxi ride across half the island.

I’d particularly recommend taking a look at these hotels:

• Royal Mandarin Resort ***** – a large all-inclusive resort with several restaurants, a swimming pool, an entertainment programme and family rooms. A good choice if you want to spend most of your holiday on the resort grounds.
• TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar ***** – A well-established, sprawling resort with several restaurants, two swimming pools, a spa and sports facilities. Suitable for both couples and families.
• LUX* Marijani Zanzibar ***** – A smaller, boutique-style luxury resort. I’d recommend this for couples and anyone who prefers a more modern setting to a large all-inclusive complex.
• Palumbo Mnemba View Resort **** – A more affordable all-inclusive hotel on the northern edge of the area, towards Matemwe. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere and entertainment programmes.

Hotels for independent travellers

If booking independently, I would choose based on the location relative to the beach and the range of hotel facilities:

• TIANDE Boutique Hotel – a well-reviewed, smaller hotel with a swimming pool, a few minutes’ walk from the beach. In my view, this is the best option if you’re looking for a reasonable price and don’t need to be right on the beach.
• Mambo Ocean Resort – a popular hotel right on the beach with a swimming pool and restaurants. A good compromise between price, location and hotel facilities.
• LUX* Marijani Zanzibar ***** – The best choice for independent travellers looking for a luxury boutique resort and top-class service.

How to get to Pwani Mchangani

Pwani Mchangani is situated about 50 km from Zanzibar Airport. The journey by car takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the location of the specific hotel.

For package holidays, the airport transfer is usually included in the price. However, the coach may stop at several hotels along the way, which is why the journey sometimes takes longer than by private car.

If you’re travelling independently, the most convenient option is a pre-booked hotel transfer or a taxi. Taxis do not have meters, so make sure you agree on the price before getting in. If you plan to go on frequent excursions from Pwani Mchangani, you might also want to consider hiring a car.

Public transport is provided by dala-dala minibuses:

• 117 – towards Kiwengwa and Stone Town

Dala-dalas do not have a fixed timetable or set stops and are often overcrowded. I wouldn’t choose them if you’re travelling with large luggage. You can find more details in the article on transport in Zanzibar.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Zanzibar.