Beaches of Zanzibar

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Zanzibar is a tropical archipelago found just a few miles from Tanzania Mainland.

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• Best & Top Beaches of Zanzibar (TANZANIA) to visit and stay

1. KENDWA BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

The beach is located on the Northwest part of Zanzibar (Unguja Island). About 66 .2 kilometres from Zanzibar Airport and 61.7 kilometres from Stone Town. Kendwa beach is considered as the best beach in Zanzibar Islands and Tanzania as a whole. The perfect beach for swimming, snorkelling, diving and sunbathing and many more. The beach is the home of different colored starfishes which make an unforgettable snorkelling experience for snorkelers. The ocean tides at Kendwa beach didn’t change compared to other beaches, this is the unique feature of this beach. Full Moon Party is one of the activities to find here. Kendwa Beach is known for its Full Moon Party which takes place each month at the Kendwa Rocks Hotel, which is considered among the best full Moon Parties in the world.

2. NUNGWI BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Nungwi beach is located on the North part of  Zanzibar (Unguja Island).  It is about 67.4 km from Zanzibar Airport and 62.9 km from Stone Town. It has been listed among the best beaches in Africa by CNN Travel for the year 2017.Nungwi beach is the most famous and legendary of the beaches in Zanzibar. Many people and activities; Night clubs, Restaurants, and adventurous activities like swimming, snorkelling, swimming with turtles, Horse riding, Kayaking, Sky dive, and Diving, Nungwi is a popular place for dive centres in Zanzibar. And if you are a sole traveller, Nungwi beach is a place to start meeting new friends. Maasai and Beach Boys call this place an office; they sell their handworks and tours to the tourists. Also at the west part of Nungwi beach, you can experience the best sunset cruising with Dhow or Catamaran.

3. MATEMWE BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

Matemwe beach is located on the North East coast of Zanzibar. It is about 53.3 km from Zanzibar Airport and 48.7 km from Stone Town (Zanzibar City). If you are looking for the best snorkelling spot in Zanzibar, then you should go to Mnemba Island snorkelling trip at Matemwe beach. This place is famous for snorkelling. Fishing, at this place is forbidden, that is why you can see different beautiful sea creatures like Green turtles, Indo – Pacific sergeant, Titan triggerfish, Twibaranemonefish, Moorish Idol and so on. You can also spot dolphins while snorkelling, but it is not hundred percent and you have to go early in the morning. Matemwe beach is not huge and famous like Kendwa beach, Nungwi or Paje and Jambiani beaches. But this is an amazing beach in Zanzibar for snorkelling.

4. PWANI MCHANGANI BEACH (ZANZIBAR ISLAND)

Pwani Mchangani beach is located on the North East Part Zanzibar Island. About 47.8 km from Zanzibar Airport and 43.3 km from Stone Town. This is the windiest beach in Zanzibar which is perfect for Kite boarding activities. You can also do other things like swimming, sunbathing, going game fishing and diving, plus also Kite boarding.  It is highly recommended to stay on Paje Beach if it is your interest to do Kiting. This is because there are more Kiting schools than Pwani Mchangani.

5. KIWENGWA BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Kiwengwa beach is located on the East part of Zanzibar (Unguja Island). It is about 45.7 km from Zanzibar Airport and 43.3 km from Zanzibar City. This is among the best beaches to stay in Zanzibar, the whitest and longest beach on the west of Unguja Island. Perfect beach for swimming, sunbathing, Kiteboarding and so on.  Kiwengwa beach is sometimes called the ‘’Little Italy’’ because the beach is occupied by Hotels and resorts which receive a lot of tourists from Italy. You will find so many local beach boys selling some goods to the tourists on the beach.

6. UROA BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Uroa beach is located on the East part Zanzibar (Unguja Island). About 40.7 km from Zanzibar Airport and 38.3 kilometres from Stone Town. If you are planning only staying in the Hotel or just walking around the hotel’s beach, it might be option for you. Uroa beach is a very quiet beach; the wind here is so relaxing and amazing. There are not too many beach activities, like other beaches. But, if you are really interested in beach walking, meeting new friends, doing some activities like Night clubs, Diving, snorkelling  etc, this may not be the best option for you. You should go to other beaches like Kendwa and Nungwi beaches.

7. PONGWE BEACH

Pongwe beach is located next to Uroa beach before you arrive at Kiwengwa beach. It looks similar to Uroa beach, its village’s occupations are the same; they are small – scale fishers, they use traditional ways of fishing. Pongwe beach is where you can find Rock Restaurant like the Rock Restaurant in Michamvi, which is called the Island.

8. MICHAMVI BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Michamvi beach village is found on the Michamvi Peninsula East Coast of Zanzibar (Unguja Island). About 64.6 km from Zanzibar Airport and 63.7 km from Stone Town. Because of its Peninsula, Michamvi beach is divided into two parts; Michamvi Pingwe on the East part and Michamvi Kae on west. Michamvi Pingwe Beach is where the famous the Rock Restaurant is found. The Rock Restaurant is the popular restaurant in Zanzibar which is found on the rock, during high tides, it is surrounded by water and during low tides it becomes dry and you can’t even imagine if the water will surround this beautiful rock. The restaurant is famous on instagram photos about Zanzibar. They have both tables for vegetarian and non vegetarians, you only need to book your table before you arrive at this Restaurant.  And Michamvi  Kae is the west part of Michamvi Peninsula,  this is the only beach in Zanzibar southeast where you can see the Sunset. If you have enough budget you can book your stay at Isaraya Water Villas at Konokono Beach Resort, these are the luxurious overwater villas which are only found at Michamvi beach in Zanzibar.

9. BWEJUU BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Bwejuu beach is located in western part of Unguja Island, sometimes known as Zanzibar, between Michamvi beach on the north and Paje beach on south.  About  52. 9 km from Zanzibar Airport and 52.0 km from Stone Town City.  Bwejuu beach is a best choice if you want to visit Zanzibar for relaxation; this is the quietest beach, no too many activities compared to other populated beaches. This is the ideal beach when you are coming from Tanzania mainland for safaris and now it is a time for relaxation with family, friends, or couples. Also, if you are coming to Zanzibar for Honey moon, Bwejuu beach is a choice for you.

10. PAJE BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

This beach is located on the South East Coast of Zanzibar Island (Unguja). Located between Bwejuu beach and Jambiani beach. About 49.8 km from Zanzibar Airport and 49.0 km from Stone Town.  Paje beach is considered as the best beach for Kiting in Zanzibar Islands. If you are interested in Kiting for your Holiday, it is highly recommended to stay at this beach. Not only Kiting sport, but also a great place for snorkelling, diving and other activities. There are plenty of local stores where you can go and buy fruts, local foods, or handworks like sculptures and paintings. Paje beach is among the best Holiday destinations for Kiting in African continent. Also, you can buy different tours and excursions; Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, snorkelling trips, Stone Town tour, spice tours and so on.

11. JAMBIANI BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Jambiani Beach is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island (Unguja). About 55.6 km from Zanzibar Airport and 54.7 km from Stone Town.  Clean and white sand beach with various local restaurants you can find at this beach. Beautiful beach for swimming during high tides but it is difficult during low tides. Ideal beach for snorkelling and diving, there are different species of tropical fishes like seahorses, coral trout, job fish, Trevallies etc. Jambiani beach is featured with seaweed women farmers; you may find them when you walk on a beach especially during low tide time. Cuza cave is the must visit place when you stay at Jambiani beach Zanzibar. This is the ancient limestone cave with crystal clear turquoise water for swimming. You can participate in various activities in the cave like local drumming, dancing, and traditional cooking class. This place is visited by different tourists from different other beaches, not just Jambiani beach.

12. KIZIMKAZI BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Kizimkazi beach is located on the southern part of Zanzibar for swimming with Dolphins, so many tourists book their boat trips to swim with the wild dolphins and snorkelling. This is the local fishermen village with not too many Hotels, Bars, or restaurants compared to all other beaches in Zanzibar. Also, the history of  Dimbani Mosque at Kizimkazi village is another thing that Kizimkazi is known for, this Mosque was built in 1107 by Shirazi Settlers.

13. MTENDE BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

This is the smallest beach in Zanzibar found at the Eden Rock Zanzibar Hotel in Makunduchi at Mtende village.

14. MNEMBA ISLAND BEACH (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Mnemba island is a private island located on the north-eastern – east coast of Zanzibar Island (Unguja) in Matemwe village. The beach is private, with super white and clean sands. Swimming with Dolphins, Whale sharks, Diving, Snorkelling, Fishing, and Sunbathing, all you can do at Mnemba Island. You can book your stay at Mnemba Island via And Beyond web site. If you are only interested in snorkelling near this beautiful coral private island, there is availability of a daily trip to Mnemba Island for Snorkelling.

15. FORODHANI BEACH (ZANZIBAR STONE TOWN)

This is the beach near Forodhani Garden in Stone Town. The popular beach in Zanzibar for locals who live around Zanzibar City, it is crowded with young locals, Children and tourists especially during the weekend and everything before the sunset. You can go watching local boys performing acrobats and capoeira during the evening. It is free and they are very friendly with tourists. Forodhani beach is a departure place to the Prison Island.

16. NAKUPENDA BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

Nakupenda Sunbank is about a 20 minutes boat trip from the Stone Town. Nakupenda beach is listed on Top Travellers. Choice Beach in Africa – TripAdvisor 2020. This is one among snorkelling spots near Stone Town. Best place to chill for Couples, Families, and Friends.

17. PRISON ISLAND BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

Prison Island is famous for the Giant Tortoises.  Small but perfect beach for sunbathing, playing with families, couples and so on. Also you can do snorkelling at the prison island in case you go.

18. CHAPWANI ISLAND BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

Chapwani is a private Island surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, it is located near Stone Town, about 20 minutes boat trip from the coast of Zanzibar Stone Town.  Chapwani Island is also known as Grave Island, this is because of the existence of graves of casualties from the First World War. This is a private Island, so there is no crowd like any other beaches in Zanzibar. Best place for swimming and snorkelling, sunbathing. In order to get to Chapwani Island, you must first book your stay through their web site.

19. DONGWE BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

Dongwe beach is between Bwejuu and Michamvi beaches in Zanzibar southeast. This is a small beach which gives you a real Indian Ocean feel.  Beautiful lined palm trees which gives amazing relaxing shadows for travellers. This beach is so relaxing; there are huts you can go to relax and hide from the shiny sun during the day. You can also look trips to snorkelling, Diving, Kayaking, Paddle boarding, going to Cuza cave, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, and so on.

20. CHUMBE ISLAND CORALPARK (UNGUJA ISLAND)

Chumbe Island is a natural coral park Island of Zanzibar located on the South -western coast of Unguja Island about 8 miles from the coast. This is a 16 acre stunning marine Island park which includes beautiful natural coral reefs sanctuary and forest. Its beach is not too big but there are a lot of other amazing things to do like snorkelling, Diving, Forest walking, going to see coconut crabs during the night, intertidal walks during the night, intertidal walks during the low tide,  Historical monuments. Chumbe Island beach is a small beach of Zanzibar with a lot of activities. Also you can go relaxing on the beach. There are beach huts and swimming beds special for guests who relax on the beach. Even though the beach is small, Chumbe Island beach is not overcrowded because this is a private Island.

21. BAWE ISLAND BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

Bawe Island is located about 5 miles off the west coast of Zanzibar Island. It is an approximately 30 minute’s boat ride from Stone Town. Bawe has a heaven beach in Zanzibar Archipelago with pristine white sands, turquoise calm water, and lined with natural good looking trees. A lot of fascinating fish species, coral reefs which give a paradise experience for snorkelers and divers. You can book Bawe Island with just one Villa or an entire Island. If you are visiting Zanzibar with a group of friends, families, then Bawe Island is best for you.

22. FUMBA BEACH (ZANZIBAR)

Located on Fumba Peninsula, west coast of Zanzibar Island (Unguja). This beach is famous for Safari Blue Trip and here is a starting point where tourists get on the traditional boats and start their trip toward Menai Bay Conservation Area. There are so many activities on this trip like swimming, snorkelling, sandbank relaxing, visiting Kwale Island and having seafood lunch with tropical fruits.

23. FANJOVE PRIVATE ISLAND

Fanjove Private Island is a tiny island paradise lying a Kilometre north – east of Zanzibar Island. Host to the celebrated Fanjove Private Island Lodge and spectacular beaches, this intimate island is the epitome of exclusivity and privacy off the Tanzanian coast. Beyond its natural beauty, Fanjove Private Island Lodge and spectacular beaches, this intimate island is the epitome of exclusivity and privacy off the Tanzanian coast. Beyond its natural beauty, Fanjove Private Island is committed to positive impact tourism, striving to contribute to the well – being of local communities and the environment. The Island’s initiatives include sustainable practices, community engagement, and conservation efforts, ensuring that your visit leaves a positive mark on both the destination and its people.