6 Breathtaking Zanzibar Beaches

Zanzibar’s coastline boasts 350 km of coral reefs, forming a colourful oasis for both marine species and mankind.

The country has been actively engaged in conserving these lovely spaces since the 1980s. As a result, you’ll find an abundance of unspoiled beaches when you visit these islands.

These are the Zanzibar beaches that form the perfect add-on to your Tanzanian safari.

1. Bwejuu Beach

Bwejuu stands out as one of Zanzibar’s most outstanding sandy playgrounds. This glorious stretch of palm-fringed excellence is just an hour and a half away from all the sights of Stone Town and a must-see while exploring the area.

You can’t help but experience utter relaxation in this peaceful, secluded destination, with all its surrounding attractions. These include:

-Dhow boat trips
-Bwejuu Village tours
-Scuba diving and snorkelling
-Reef safaris

Nearby, Jozani Forest beckons with scenes of natural beauty, rich folklore, rare birds, reptiles, and animals. It’s one of the few places worldwide where you might come across the red colobus monkey. According to UNESCO, Jozani Forest is a place of exceptional biodiversity.

There are several top-class Zanzibar resorts around Bwejuu Beach where you can immerse yourself in this abundance, namely:

-Baraza Resort and Spa
-The Palms
-Breezes Beach Club and Dive Centre

2. Kendwa Beach

Do you love the soothing feel of the warm Indian Ocean on your skin?

Kendwa is the best part of Zanzibar to visit if you want to indulge in all-day swimming and water sports. Unusually, both nearby Nungwi Beach and Kendwa have almost no low tide, so you don't need to walk miles to get to the water.

The area boasts several great resorts to cater to the crowds, including the magnificent Zuri Zanzibar Hotel.

This is a popular part of Unguja island, also known as Zanzibar Island. It has a good selection of bars and restaurants, yet retains a romantic, peaceful atmosphere, unlike bustling Nungwi.

3. Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is one of the liveliest places to visit in Zanzibar, offering a variety of evening entertainments. Here, the bars, resorts, hotels, and restaurants have a festive vibe, popular among fun-seekers.

If you're not wild about partying the night away, you'll still find an abundance of coral reefs to explore where dolphins, green turtles and even whale sharks come out to play.

Don't miss the chance to lap up one of Nungwi's famous sunsets with a dhow cruise at the end of the day. Hotel RIU Palace Zanzibar is a good choice for those wanting luxury accommodation a little distant from all the Nungwi action.

4. Kizimkazi Beach

For ultimate seclusion and an authentic Zanzibar experience, pick Kizimkazi Beach for a unique getaway on the south coast of Zanzibar.

Unlike its peers, Kizimkazi Beach features small intimate coves rather than vast expanses of sand, elevated above the ocean by a coral rag cliff.

At the village of Kizimkazi, you can participate in one of the best things to do in Zanzibar, namely, the opportunity to indulge in dolphin safaris among the ocean waves.

Please contact us if you want to enjoy responsible dolphin tourism in this area.

Due to its off-the-beaten-track location, there are few Zanzibar hotels on the beach in this area, but that doesn't mean you have a shortage of choices. Both The Residence Zanzibar and Unguja Lodge offer tropical gardens, beach access and family-friendly stays.

5. Matemwe Beach

Explore some of the most memorable experiences Zanzibar has to offer at this hotspot of scuba diving and cultural abundance.

Matemwe Beach is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for those wanting to immerse themselves in offshore abundance. It's just a short boat trip to Mnemba Atoll, which offers extraordinary experiences for divers of all proficiencies.

As you drift along this almost vertical coral wall, you're bound to come across Snappers, Moorish Idols, Sergeant fish, Trevallies, Napolean's, Groupers, and exceptionally curious dolphins.

The exclusive haven of Mnemba Island Lodge is world-famous for its luxury experiences and a top choice of A-list celebrities visiting Zanzibar. If you'd prefer a lower-key experience, Matemwe Lodge is a popular Zanzibar beach resort for scuba divers.

You'll also find several private villas in the area where you can enjoy customized experiences.

Onshore, you'll uncover quaint fishing villages just beyond the palm-fringed beach, where you can gain insights into traditional island-style life. Some of the cultural activities on offer include tours of Stone Town, Swahili cooking classes, and trips to Prison Island.

6. Michamvi Beach

Despite the large beach resorts in the area, Michamvi has an isolated air about it. The beach nestles on the central east coast of the island on its own peninsula, with two main parts:

Michamvi-Pingwe featuring palm-fringed beaches, coral lagoons, scenic coves and cliffs Michamvi-Kae facing the mangroves of Chwaka Bay. It's the best area in Zanzibar for remote experiences as well as great activities. SUP tours through the mangroves, surfing, and kite surfing are among the top attractions here.

Z-Hotel is a chic and popular boutique hotel with excellent dining and unique cocktail options. If you're looking for a more out-of-the-way stay, it's best to choose one of the more intimate resorts, like Kichanga Lodge or Konokomo Beach Resort.

Discover the Best Zanzibar Beaches

Zanzibar Beaches offer a host of opportunities for the romantic at heart, adventure seeker, and intrepid explorer.

Whatever you seek along these pristine stretches of sand, the best way to find it is with a tailored getaway to this tropical destination.

Browse our itineraries for inspiration on the best ways to make the most of your travels to Zanzibar, and get in touch to craft your customized African experience.