Best Beaches in Zanzibar: A Complete Guide

Zanzibar's coastline stretches over 600 kilometres, studded with white-sand beaches, coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. But not all beaches are created equal — the island's geography means conditions vary dramatically depending on which coast you choose and what the tide is doing. Here's your complete guide.

Nungwi — Best Overall Beach

Located on the northern tip of the island, Nungwi is Zanzibar's most popular beach and for good reason. It faces west, giving spectacular sunsets, and is one of the few beaches swimmable at any tide. The water is calm, clear and warm year-round.

• ✦Swimmable at all tides — no waiting for the tide to come in
• ✦Lively beach bar scene — perfect for socialising
• ✦Excellent base for snorkelling trips to Mnemba Atoll
• ✦Wide range of accommodation from budget guesthouses to 5-star resorts

Kendwa — Best for Sunsets

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is quieter and more relaxed. The famous Kendwa Rocks full-moon beach parties draw travellers from across the island. The beach is long, wide and dotted with sunbeds and small beach bars.

Paje — Best for Kite Surfing

On Zanzibar's East Coast, Paje is the undisputed kite-surfing capital of East Africa. The consistent south-easterly trade winds and shallow lagoon at low tide create near-perfect conditions. Non-surfers love it too — the beach is stunning, the vibe is bohemian, and the sunrises are extraordinary.

Matemwe — Best for Seclusion

If you want to feel like you have Zanzibar to yourself, head to Matemwe on the north-east coast. Long stretches of white sand, swaying palms and very few visitors. It's the perfect place to read a book, watch local fishermen bring in their catch, and forget the world exists.

Jambiani — Best for Authenticity

Jambiani is a traditional fishing village on the south-east coast. The beach is long and narrow, and at low tide you'll see local women tending their seaweed farms in the shallow water. Budget accommodation options are plentiful and the area feels genuinely local compared to the resort-heavy north.

Important: Understanding Zanzibar Tides

This is the most important thing to understand about Zanzibar's East Coast beaches. The tidal range here is enormous — up to 3 metres — which means at low tide the sea retreats hundreds of metres, leaving behind exposed coral and seagrass. Swimming becomes impossible. Always check tide times before planning your day.