Best beaches in Zanzibar - African Maldives! We will tell you where the ebb and flow are less pronounced and where it is better to relax with children. Which beaches have more comfortable service and a beautiful coast.
Zanzibar is always warm and the swimming season lasts all year round. The air temperature does not drop below + 21 ° С, and the water in the ocean is warmed up to +25 ... + 28 ° С. Most precipitation is in April-May and November - during this time there are fewer tourists.
All 40 beaches of the island are free. Sunbathing with your own towel or mat is not forbidden anywhere. A set of two sun loungers and a sun umbrella costs 10,000 TZS.
Exchange rate: 1000 Tanzanian shillings (TZS) ≈ 31 RUB.
Take a look: How to go to Tanzania now - there you will find fresh reviews of tourists, conditions of entry in case of a pandemic and prices for tours. See also the list of open countries.
Kendwa
This is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. Kendwa has elite hotels, which is why the luxurious place is called the resort of millionaires. The advantages of Kendwa are a wide strip of sand, rows of coconut trees, a gentle entrance to the ocean and a developed infrastructure. Tourists like that there are no sea urchins on this beach and that the ebb and flow are not expressed. The downside is that the water is often cloudy due to the abundance of scooters and boats.
The beach has sun loungers and parasols, souvenir shops, a diving center, several restaurants and bars. There are many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Rent a jet ski, ride a banana boat, play beach volleyball, and take the time for an exciting ocean cruise by motorboat or sail!
The best hotels on the beach:
- Palumbo Kendwa 3 *
- Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel 3 *
- Sunset Kendwa Beach 2 *
Nungwi
A half-hour walk from Kendwa is Nungwi, which is considered the most party beach in Zanzibar. Alcohol is sold here with might and main, and the fun does not subside until the morning. There are restaurants, cafes, hotels and guest houses along the coast.
Nungwi is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for tide-free swimming. There is a picturesque coral reef not far from the coast, where there are always many divers. Rent a trendy motorcycle, parachute behind a boat, go snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and sailing.
The best hotels on the beach:
- Amaan Nungwi Beach 3 *
- Langi Langi Beach Bungalows 3 *
Nakulenda
The popular Nakupenda Beach is located on the west coast of the island, next to Stone Town. This is a small sandy island that can accommodate 200-300 vacationers. During strong tides, the sandy coast is completely submerged.
Nakulenda is famous for its emerald-blue ocean, clean sand, beautiful coral reef and gentle entry into the sea. Minus one - there is no vegetation on the island, so there is nowhere to hide from the scorching sun.
All infrastructure is imported. Tourists are brought here by boats from nearby hotels. The journey by sea takes 20-30 minutes. Local residents also live on the sidelines. While vacationers are swimming, snorkeling and diving, guides and assistants prepare lunch for them. If you want to visit the beach alone, arrive early in the morning.
The best hotels on the beach:
- Nakupenda Beach Villas 3 *
- Zanzibar Magic Boutique 4 *
Jambiani
Picturesque Jambiani Beach is located on the southeast coast of the island, far from resort villages, so there are few tourists here. Jambiani in Zanzibar is a beach where it is better to relax for lovers of silence.
The seabed is lined with coral slabs. You need to be careful - you can step on sharp stones! A little to the side from the coast, there are overgrowths of algae, therefore, during high tides, part of the algae is carried to the beach. We advise you to swim in slippers!
Although there is no developed infrastructure on Jambiani, it is interesting to come to this beach with children. At low tide, the water moves away from the coast for hundreds of meters, and the bottom is completely exposed. Watch nimble crabs, beautiful stars and spiny sea urchins!
The best hotels on the beach:
- Nur Beach 3 *
- Jambiani Villas 4 *
Paje
5 km north of Jambiani, on the eastern coast of the island is a popular beach with a wide coastline. Paje is loved for its clean sand, a large area of shallow water and the shade of casuarine pines. There are sea urchins - go into the water in special shoes!
Paje is the best beach in Zanzibar for kite fans. Scooter rental is organized on the shore, there is a diving center and two kite schools. Sailboats take diving and snorkelers to the reef. There are hotels and bungalows, restaurants and cafes near the beach, so it is convenient to stay in Paj for a few days.
The best hotels on the beach:
- Arabian Nights 3 *
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa 5 *
Matemwe
An unusual beach is located on the northeast coast of the island. On Matemwe it is so shallow that you can swim only at high tide. At low tide, the water level drops by 2 m, and the ocean recedes very far.
Near the beach there are well-groomed lawns, expensive hotels and small bungalows equipped with air conditioning. Nearby there is a village where Maasai peasants and fishermen live. Tourists from Italy like to rest on Matemwe, so the staff of local hotels speaks fluent Italian.
The best hotels on the beach:
- Zanzibar Retreat 3 *
- Villa Kiva Resort and Restaurant 3 *
Uroa
The TOP of the best beaches in Zanzibar rightfully includes Uroa Beach, which is located 40 km from Stone Town, in the east of the island. Here you can appreciate the movement of the Indian Ocean. At low tides, the bottom is exposed for 2-3 km. Local residents rush to the shore and, before the water rises, collect edible shells and other seafood for their table and sale in the market.
Near the beach, seaweed plantations have been created, which also employ women. The male population is busy serving tourists. Local men take tourists to other islands of the archipelago and invite those who wish to go fishing.
The entrance to the water at Uroa is gentle, there are no sea urchins at the bottom, so this beach can be recommended for families with children. At low tide, walk along the seabed and look for colorful shells! Find out about holidays with children in Zanzibar.
The best hotels on the beach:
- Uroa White Villa 3 *
- Uroa Bay Beach Resort 4 *
Uroa beach panorama
Kiwengwa
One of the most beautiful resorts in Zanzibar is located in the east of the island. There are ebb and flow on Kiwengwa, but the water recedes from the coast by only 0.5-1 km. Vacationers love the velvet sand, the blue-turquoise color of the water, the spreading palms and the clear seabed. The beach is so good that many people compare it to the Maldives.
Kiwengwa has all the necessary infrastructure. You can easily rent sun loungers and parasols, find toilets and showers with fresh water, cafes, restaurants, small markets and souvenir shops. One of the important advantages of Kiwengwa is lower housing prices than other resorts in Zanzibar.
The best hotels on the beach:
- Zanbluu Beach 4 *
- Kiwengwa Beach Resort 4 *
See this informative and pleasantly edited video about holidays in Zanzibar now, with a pandemic. It has become wildly popular on YouTube - over two million views in one month! You will learn about getting a visa at the airport, walk around the island, look at Nungwi Beach and learn about the prices on the island:
See also overview of all main beaches Zanzibar and find out about ebb on the island:
