The archipelago of Zanzibar consists of 2 main islands: Unguja and Pemba. Unguja is by far the most populous and more famous of the islands, also commonly known just as Zanzibar Island. This list of Zanzibar beaches is from the main Zanzibar Island.
Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just 25 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. It's easy to either take a short plane ride or a ferry from the capital Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar.
How To Find the Best Accommodation Deals in Zanzibar
Most of the popular search engines (Booking.com, Agoda, etc) have a range of accommodation options in Zanzibar. However, we recommend you start your search with Hotels Combined.
We used Hotels Combined, which is a meta-aggregator, that combs all the popular booking sites to find the best price, to find some great deals near each beach. Check them out below!
Ras Nungwi
The Northern tip of Zanzibar is special. Unlike the East and West coastlines, the top island location is blessed by not having to deal with high and low tides. This makes Nungwi a perfect place if you are looking to swim around the clock without have to walk far out to sea to chase the ocean.
Nungwi is known for it's party atmosphere, yet it's not to be compared with party beach destinations elsewhere in the world. There are a number of bars and clubs, but the entire atmosphere remains Zanzibari style, chilled out and low key.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Nungwi
A budget double room can be had for about $25US, breakfast is included.
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Hotels Combined
Get a budget double bungalow with a balcony and sea view for about $45, breakfast is included.
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Hotels Combined
Kendwa
Adjascent to Nungwi, within walking distance, is Kendwa – probably my personal favorite beach on Zanzibar. It's a little more laid back and a little less happening than Nungwi, which makes it a premiere place to lazy around.
The day's are passed by relaxing on the beach, taking dips in the perfectly turquoise water and catching shade under a banda (small shade hut). When the sun begins to set, there's always a friendly game of beach volleyball or football amongst whoever happens to be there at the time.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Kendwa
A “king room” with 2 king beds can be had for about $60US a night. So if you can get some friends together, this could be a fairly cheap option.
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Hotels Combined
Ok so rooms here aren't super cheap, but among the cheapest on this beach. Depending on time of year, rooms can be had for $75 – $90US and breakfast is included.
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Hotels Combined
Paje
One of the more popular Southeastern beach towns on Zanzibar is Paje. It's a great place to visit if you enjoy swimming in the ocean but also interacting with other travelers. There's a good selection of bungalows, small restaurants, and beach bars.
Paje is one of the better areas on the island to go if you are interested in learning how to SCUBA dive, or practicing other water sports like windsurfing or kite surfing.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Paje
This well liked place has dorms starting at about $17US per bunk, per night, and double rooms for about $40 ($25 for a single). Breakfast is included.
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Hotels Combined
Another very well liked spot, complete with a swimming pool, has bunks in dorms starting at about $20US per night. Doubles with shared bath, $44, and doubles with private bath, $55. Breakfast included.
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Hotels Combined
Bwejuu
Just North of Paje, is the seaweed fishing village of Bwejuu. It's not the most pleasant beach on the island in terms of swimming, but it has a truly unique form of natural beauty. If you are looking for a quiet beach town without even having to consider interacting with others, Bwejuu is a choice beach.
The thing I love most about Bewjuu is the swaying palm trees that are so lanky they look like they could snap off, but instead remain limber, dancing to the Zanzibari wind.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Bwejuu
Helwa Zanzibar Beach Bungalows
Rooms at this small guesthouse go from $45 – $65US depending on single or double occupancy. Breakfast is included.
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Hotels Combined
A stay in this relatively new villa goes for about $60US per night for a double room with private bath.
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Hotels Combined
Kiwengwa
The Northeastern coast also has some of the best Zanzibar beaches. A few of the fanciest hotels on the island have claimed spots near Kiwengwa, where pure stretches of sand seem to go on forever.
Kiwengwa is a fantastic beach if you are looking to splurge a little and enjoy the exclusive peace of Zanzibar.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Kiwenga
You can get a single room on this beachfront property for $25US or a double for $30US per night. Breakfast is included, and even a small mini market on site.
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Hotels Combined
Room prices here are between $30 – $40US for a standard double room, based on single or double occupancy. Breakfast is included, and they have car rental available for more exploring.
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Hotels Combined
The entire island of Zanzibar is filled with natural beauty everywhere you look. No matter which beach you choose, you can be assured you'll be surrounded by that laid back island attitude that is the spirit of Zanzibar.
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Puertoricoistheplace says
July 6, 2011 at 4:01 amBeautiful choices indeed! Thanks for sharing!
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Mark Wiens says
July 6, 2011 at 3:13 pmNo problem! Glad you liked it!
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Mark Wiens says
July 6, 2011 at 3:13 pmNo problem! Glad you liked it!
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saddam fuad says
November 10, 2011 at 9:54 amalot bro i realy like it bt i”ll be there
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Mark Wiens says
July 6, 2011 at 3:13 pmNo problem! Glad you liked it!
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TheWorldExplorers says
July 12, 2011 at 2:31 pmZanzibar is one of the first stops on our trip RTW. Thank you for the tips I’ll have to check it against the place we are staying!
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Dave says
July 12, 2011 at 3:58 pmSweet. I’d love to get to Tanzania too!
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Dave says
July 12, 2011 at 3:58 pmSweet. I’d love to get to Tanzania too!
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saddam fuad says
November 10, 2011 at 9:55 amu r welcome bro hope u will enjoy
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matee says
February 7, 2012 at 3:34 amhello kindly wanted to know the best month i could come to visit zanzibar.Am looking at a month that is not too hot.thank u
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Vicky says
April 5, 2012 at 12:39 pmCool, this has got me really excited for my trip to Zanzibar in June. Can’t wait to try scuba diving and kitesurfing!
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Nina says
April 8, 2012 at 4:43 amSo true, i was in Kiwengwa and Ras Nungwi during my trip. Unforgettable places and having a paradise beach almost to myself – priceless!
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Jola says
May 17, 2012 at 11:37 pmHello Mark,
There is 8 of us coming to Zanzibar after the Kilimanjaro Expedition in September/October this year.
My guide has booked a hotel named casa del mar, which I don’t like at all!
I have been checking other hotels that would have a nice swimable beach, nice palm trees, scuba diving, and other activities.
Would you help us find a nicer hotel in the price range up to $300US?
Thank you!
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Armands Balodis says
July 24, 2012 at 5:22 amI am a bit jealous. I would love to be in a beach like in the photos above instead of sitting in the office.
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Nuria says
October 15, 2012 at 6:11 amHi! We,re trying to chose between kiwegwa and nungwi, but we’re not sure. We are looking for relaxing not beach boys bothering around and amazing dips. Could you recommend us? Thanks
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Gkongo says
January 15, 2013 at 6:04 pmHow many beach boys you want Ms. Nuri?
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Fredrick says
April 30, 2013 at 12:48 amI look forward to being in Zanzibar today and assess your take. Thanks for the information.
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sele says
April 30, 2013 at 1:38 amthat is our place, you are wll come to any questions please
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wilfredo vives says
July 21, 2013 at 5:17 pmThanks Mark for taking your time to show to others places like Zanzibar.
Our family( and especially my wife and me) love to spend our holidays in Zanzibar. We have been going there for six consecutive years and have special memories of Blue Bay hotel where we stayed for the past 5 trips to Zanzibar. I am going (most probably soon to leave Africa) but I will always keep fond memories of Zanzibar. It is really a place to rest and enjoy warm waters and quite decent food.
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Samson says
July 28, 2013 at 5:45 pmHi Mark Wiens , you deserve a reward for your perfect description about what somebody can enjoy in Zanzibar and it`s all true. Well done and thank and you !!
I live in Zanzibar and can agree with you of all you said [redacted]
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Bernard says
October 25, 2013 at 1:15 amHi I was in zanzibar last year and it was great I booked a blue ocean trip and hire a motorbike with a beach boy called verimark but lost his number can any body help me with his Selfoon number
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King Delanoir says
May 8, 2014 at 6:28 pmMyself and a few friends having lunch at Nungwi———-which restaurant or bar were you and your friend seated in. can you recommend please as i want to seat on that same spot as i plan a trip to zanzibar, i mean the picture where the u and ur pal are on table 5
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leevan says
November 19, 2015 at 11:13 amHi
Seen ur videos on YouTube as well. I’m gonna be in Stone town for 4 nights and then 5 nights in Kiwengwa next month. Your information is valuable. Keep up the good work.
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Ali Nahhas says
July 2, 2016 at 11:44 pmThank you for sharing this! This helps with my choice!
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Kenny Grindall says
July 14, 2016 at 5:19 amHere’s nothing to do with beaches, but… for the record, Tanzania’s capital city is Dodoma, not Dar es Salaam. Dar was previously the capital for a very long time, however.
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David says
July 31, 2016 at 10:13 amI would call this everything but not a well researched article….Zanzibar is never just 25 km of the mainland (when you talk about Unguja island which is the case here) and as someone mentioned here before, Dar Es Salaam is not the capital. Also, the archipelago of Zanzibar contains 4 main islands. I don’t like smart-assing but I like plain false information a lot less. Anyway, enjoy the beaches and try it with less beer for dinner (!) especially in a Muslim country my friend.
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Hery says
November 15, 2016 at 11:50 pmI like your post witch you share us. This location is very beautiful. I am looking same blog from a long time. your blog give a helpful information. Thank you for sharing this!
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Kemal says
February 22, 2017 at 3:15 pmPlanning to go see soon. Thanks!
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Rhoda says
April 6, 2017 at 7:00 amPlanning to go this easter wish to enjoy there can i get a company i dont know anything