Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in the the Indian Ocean, is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rich culture, and underwater life. It includes two main islands—Unguja (commonly “Zanzibar Island”) and Pemba—along with many smaller islets. This guide provides detailed descriptions of the top beaches, highlights, best times to visit, activities, and practical travel tips.
Beach Regions & Highlights
1. Nungwi (North Zanzibar, Unguja Island)
Highlights & Character
- One of the most popular and developed beach areas.
- Sand is soft, white, and the water is calm and clear.
- Vibrant village life, restaurants, bars, night markets.
- Good choice for both relaxation and lively beach nightlife.
Best Time to Visit
- June to October, and January to February — favorable weather, minimal rain.
- Avoid the heavy short rains (November–early December).
Activities & Attractions
- Snorkeling and scuba diving in nearby reefs.
- Boat trips and sunset cruises.
- Fishing trips.
- Local village visits and cultural interactions.
2. Kendwa (Northwest, Unguja Island)
Highlights & Character
- Very close to Nungwi, but slightly more relaxed and quieter.
- Excellent for swimming even at low tide (unlike many Zanzibar beaches where low tide makes reaching the reef difficult).
- Sunset parties are common on Kendwa Rocks, with occasional full-moon beach parties.
Best Time to Visit
- Same as Nungwi: June–October and January–February are ideal.
Activities & Attractions
- Beach parties and live music.
- Snorkeling, kayaking.
- Relaxation, spa, wellness resorts.
3. Paje & Jambiani (East Coast, Unguja Island)
Highlights & Character
- Known for long stretches of powdery beach and turquoise lagoons.
- Stronger winds, making them a kitesurfing hotspot.
- More laid-back, village atmosphere with guest-houses and eco-lodges.
Best Time to Visit
- June–October (cool, dry season).
- Also December to February is good, though short rains may occur.
Activities & Attractions
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing (especially Paje).
- Snorkelling, especially at high tide.
- Beach walks, traditional dhow sailing trips.
- Seaweed farm tours in Jambiani — see local women harvesting seaweed.
4. Bwejuu & Matemwe (East & Northeast, Unguja Island)
Highlights & Character
- Quiet, luxurious, ideal for peaceful, romantic getaways.
- Secluded beaches, upscale lodges and boutique resorts.
- Some coral reefs offshore, good snorkelling options.
Best Time to Visit
- June–October, and January–February generally best.
- Outside these months, expect occasional rains and rougher seas.
Activities & Attractions
- Snorkelling and scuba diving (especially around coral reefs and Mnemba Atoll).
- Spa/rest and wellness.
- Private beach dinners, romantic walks.
5. Mnemba Atoll (Offshore islet northeast of Unguja)
Highlights & Character
- One of Zanzibar’s most exclusive snorkelling & diving destinations.
- Coral reef is rich in marine life: turtles, reef fish, dolphins.
- Usually accessed via resort bookings or day-trip operators.
Best Time to Visit
- June–October, and fairly good in January–February.
- Water visibility tends to be excellent in dry months.
Activities & Attractions
- Snorkelling & scuba at pristine reef settings.
- Marine life viewing (sea turtles, reef sharks, rays).
- Dayboat excursions, dhow trips.
6. On the Island of Pemba
Highlights & Character
- Less developed than Unguja, more remote and wilderness character.
- Rugged coral coastline, hidden coves, dense mangroves.
- Ideal for travellers wanting isolation, diving, and nature.
Best Time to Visit
- June–October is the safest bet to avoid heavy rains.
Activities & Attractions
- World-class diving and snorkelling with dramatic drop-offs and reefs.
- Walking in forest, mangrove tours.
- Small village visits; local fishing life experience.
Seasonal & Weather Considerations
| Season | Months | Weather Characteristics | Impacts for Beach Experience |
| Dry Season (Long) | June – October | Hot, dry, low humidity, calm seas | Best overall time for beaching, diving, calm waters |
| Short Dry / Peak Warm | December – February | Warm, occasional short storms | Good beach time; short rains possible but usually brief |
| Short Rains | November – early December | Some rain, humid | Occasional showers; may disrupt beach plans |
| Long Rains | April – May | Heavy rains, strong winds | Many resorts slow down or close; rough seas, limited visibility |
- During low tide on many east coast beaches, the sea recedes far, making it difficult to walk directly to deeper water; timing your beach visit around high tide is helpful.
- Water clarity and visibility for snorkelling/diving tends to be best during the dry season.
- Winds are stronger during some months (especially on the east coast), which is great for wind sports but may cause choppy seas for swimming at times.
Travel Tips & Practical Advice
- Accommodation choices
- Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury beachfront resorts.
- On popular beaches (Nungwi, Paje), book well in advance during June–October.
- Getting around
- Matatus, local buses, and taxis are common on Unguja.
- For remote beaches, transfers may involve 4×4 vehicles or boats.
- Health & Safety
- Pay attention to tides — at low tide beach access to deeper water may be limited.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral ecosystems.
- Mosquito protection is wise, especially near dusk.
- Be cautious of strong currents—swim where lifeguards or local guidance is available.
- Cultural respect
- Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — dress modestly when moving away from beach resorts or entering villages.
- Ask permission before photographing locals.
- Try local cuisine (seafood, Swahili dishes) and experience cultural performances (Taarab music).
- Activities beyond relaxing
- Snorkelling, scuba diving, dhow cruises, sunset sails.
- Visit Stone Town (UNESCO site) for culture, architecture, spice tours.
- Spice farms, local markets, fishing village tours.
- Dolphin tours, turtle conservation visits.
Zanzibar is considered one of the most special beach destinations in the world because it combines stunning natural beauty with deep cultural heritage and unique marine life. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes Zanzibar’s beaches truly exceptional:
1. Pristine White Sand and Turquoise Waters
- The beaches of Zanzibar are world-famous for their powdery white coral sand that stays cool even under the hot tropical sun.
- The Indian Ocean waters around the islands are crystal clear and turquoise blue, offering postcard-perfect views.
- Many beaches—like Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and Bwejuu—look like paradise year-round, making them ideal for swimming, photography, and relaxation.
2. Exceptional Marine Life and Coral Reefs
- Zanzibar is surrounded by some of the richest coral reef ecosystems in East Africa.
- Mnemba Atoll, in particular, is one of the top diving and snorkelling sites in the world—home to turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, rays, and hundreds of fish species.
- Divers often encounter bottlenose dolphins and green turtles, while snorkelers can explore shallow lagoons full of colorful coral gardens.
3. Perfect Conditions for Water Sports
- The island’s east coast beaches, especially Paje and Jambiani, are globally known for kite surfing and wind surfing thanks to their steady trade winds and flat lagoons.
- Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and deep-sea fishing are available across the islands.
- Sunset dhow cruises on the Indian Ocean are a signature Zanzibar experience.
4. Stunning Sunsets and Romantic Atmosphere
- On the west and north coasts (like Nungwi and Kendwa), you can enjoy magnificent ocean sunsets directly over the horizon — perfect for photography or romantic evenings.
- Many resorts offer private beach dinners, candlelit setups, and sunset cocktails, adding to the romantic charm.
5. Year-Round Tropical Climate
- Zanzibar enjoys warm tropical weather all year, averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F).
- Even during the rainy seasons, showers are often brief and followed by sunshine, keeping the islands lush and vibrant.
6. Cultural & Historical Richness
- Zanzibar isn’t just about beaches — it’s also known as the “Spice Island” for its clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg plantations.
- The Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends Arab, Indian, Persian, and African influences in its architecture, food, and traditions.
- This cultural depth gives Zanzibar a unique atmosphere that combines beach relaxation with historical exploration.
7. Marine Conservation and Ecotourism
- Zanzibar supports marine conservation programs, including turtle sanctuaries and coral reef protection efforts.
- Many lodges and eco-resorts emphasize sustainable tourism, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious travellers.
8. Unique Cuisine and Local Flavour’s
- The island’s food reflects its history as a spice trading hub — fresh seafood, Swahili curries, spiced rice, and tropical fruits dominate the menu.
- “Zanzibar Mix,” grilled lobster, and coconut-based sauces are must-try delicacies.
- Beachfront restaurants often serve freshly caught fish straight from the ocean.
9. Diversity of Beach Experiences
- Nungwi & Kendwa: Vibrant, lively, and great for nightlife and swimming.
- Paje & Jambiani: Ideal for kitesurfing, laid-back, and bohemian.
- Bwejuu & Matemwe: Quiet, romantic, and luxurious.
- Pemba Island: Wild, remote, and perfect for adventure seekers.
10. Easy Accessibility
- Zanzibar is just a short 15-minute flight or 2-hour ferry from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- The island has an international airport (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport) that connects with Dubai, Nairobi, Doha, and Europe — making it easy to reach from anywhere.