15 best beaches to visit in Zanzibar

Prison Island
Prison Island

Island, Zoo, Sandy beach, For kids

A trip to the island, also known as Changuu, is a popular and enjoyable way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town. There's a beautiful beach, good snorkelling conditions, remnants of 19th century buildings and a colony of giant tortoises (changuu), after which the island got its Swahili name. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Stone Town" https://www.booking.com/city/tz/stone-town.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar-prison] The…

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Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi

Sandy beach, Cave

At the southern end of the island, 53 kilometres from Stone Town, is the pretty fishing village of Kizimkazi, famous among tourists for its dolphin watching trips. The village actually comprises two sites: Kizimkazi Dimbani, where you'll find the oldest standing mosque in East Africa and where most people go dolphin snorkelling, and Kizimkazi Mkunguni, where you can see several baobab trees, the oldest and largest of which are said to have been…

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Mangapwani
Mangapwani

Cave, Sandy beach

About 25 kilometres north of Stone Town is the village of Mangapwani with a beautiful clean beach and several caves. The name of the village means "Arabian Coast" and probably refers to one of the caves, which is actually a man-made cavern that was used to hide slaves after the trade with Oman was outlawed in 1845. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/beach/region/tz/zanzibar.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar…

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Sunrise in Jambiani
Jambiani Beach

Resort, Sandy 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. [btn "Compare Zanzibar holiday prices" http://cestujlevne.com/zajezdy/tanzanie/zanzibar?gad=p-zanzibar-jambiani] What I liked…

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Matemwi
Matemwe Beach

Sandy beach

The beautiful, palm-fringed beach around the fishing village of Matemwe is ideal for those looking for a quieter, more local resort. Swimming is only possible at high tide, while at low tide you can walk across the lagoon to the barrier reef a kilometre from the shore. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/beach/region/tz/zanzibar.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar-matemwe] Beach facilities The beach at…

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Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu Beach

Sandy beach

The beach north of the village of Bwejuu is highly regarded for its spaciousness. As in the neighbouring resort of Paje, the sea recedes very far at low tide, so swimming is only possible at high tide. There are several spots in the vicinity that are ideal for snorkelling. Most hotels rent bicycles to their guests, either for free or for a nominal fee. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/beach/region/tz…

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Nakupenda Sandbank
Nakupenda Sandbank

Sandy beach, Island, For kids

Nakupenda is a sand dune in the middle of the sea and a temporary island. During high tide, most of it disappears under the sea, while at low tide Nakupenda Sandbank is a spacious sandy beach. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Stone Town" https://www.booking.com/city/tz/stone-town.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar-nakupenda] When is low tide? Because Nakupneda Sandbank cannot be reached individually, you don't need to find out the tide times. …

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Nungwi Beach
Nungwi

Resort, Sandy beach, Zoo

Nungwi is the northernmost and in my opinion one of the best resorts in the whole of Zanzibar. The town offers the greatest shopping opportunities, great resorts, but also cheap small hotels. You'll experience truly local life in the slums (but safe), several animal farms and a huge range of excursions or water sports. [btn "Compare Zanzibar holiday prices" http://cestujlevne.com/zajezdy/tanzanie/zanzibar?gad=p-zanzibar-nungwi] What I liked…

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Kendwa
Kendwa

Resort, Sandy beach

Kendwa is a resort in the north of the island near the larger Nungwi and is one of Zanzibar's most luxurious holiday destinations. The local beach is definitely the nicest I have visited on Zanzibar and you can swim in the sea even during low tide, unlike the beaches on the east coast. There are also some great 5* resorts in Kendwa. [btn "Compare prices for Zanzibar holidays" http://cestujlevne.com/zajezdy/tanzanie/zanzibar?gad=p-zanzibar…

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Pwani Mchangani Beach
Pwani Mchangani

Sandy beach

Pwani-Mchangani is one of the many resorts on the east coast of Zanzibar. It lies between the other resorts of Matemwe and Kiwengwa and is one of the very quiet areas. There are several luxury resorts and budget apartments by the beach and Pwani Mchangani will satisfy those who prefer a quiet holiday. Swimming is only possible at high tide, while at low tide you can walk across the lagoon to the barrier reef a kilometre from the shore. [btn …

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Kiwengwa
Kiwengwa

Resort, Sandy beach

Kiwengwa is the largest and, in my opinion, the nicest resort on the northern half of Zanzibar's east coast. Of all the surrounding resorts, it has the largest facilities in the form of services such as mini markets, ATMs and restaurants, as well as the nicest beach. [btn "Compare Zanzibar holiday prices" http://cestujlevne.com/zajezdy/tanzanie/zanzibar?gad=p-zanzibar-kiwengwa] What I liked about Kiwengwa: Beautiful long beaches Plenty of…

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Pongwe
Pongwe

Sandy beach

The small resort of Pongwe lies only about 5 km south of Kiwengwa, one of the main beaches of the northeast coast. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/beach/city/tz/pongwe.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar-pongwe] Time seems to have stood still in Pongwe - life here moves at a very leisurely pace and the relaxed atmosphere is accentuated by the wide, horseshoe-shaped sandy beach lined with palm trees. In…

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Couples
Paje

Resort, Sandy beach

Paje is the busiest resort on the east coast and boasts the largest number of tourist services, excursions, restaurants and bars. After Nungwi in the north of the island, Paje is in my opinion the second busiest resort on Zanzibar. [btn "The cheapest last-minute holidays to Zanzibar" http://cestujlevne.com/zajezdy/tanzanie/zanzibar?gad=p-zanzibar-paje] Why did I like Paje? A lively resort full of shops, street bistros and bars Lots of…

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Dongwe
Dongwe

Sandy beach

Dongwe is a very quiet resort on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. You will find practically only hotels and resorts here and Dongwe is therefore ideal for a carefree week of relaxation by the sea. Swimming is only possible at high tide, while at low tide you can walk across the lagoon to the barrier reef one kilometre from the shore. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/beach/region/tz/zanzibar.en.html?aid…

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Mtende Beach
Mtende Beach

Sandy beach, Cliff, The Cove

Zanzibar is famous for its endless beaches that stretch for tens of kilometres along the coast. But even here you will find secret romantic beaches hidden among photogenic cliffs. Head to the very south of Zanzibar to discover the bustling but beautiful Mtende Beach. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/beach/region/tz/zanzibar.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar-mtende] Why visit Mtende Beach? The beach and…

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