The archipelago of Zanzibar consists of two main islands: Unguja and Pemba. Unguja (aka Zanzibar Island) is the most populated and famous. This list of top Zanzibar beaches is from Zanzibar Island. Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just 15 miles (25 km) off the coast of mainland Tanzania.
It's easy to take a short plane ride or a ferry from the capital Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar.
Best Accommodation Deals in Zanzibar
Most 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, which searches all the popular booking sites to find the best price. We've included some fantastic deals near each beach below.
Table of Contents
Zanzibar Beaches
1. Ras Nungwi Beach
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 the perfect Zanzibar beach if you are looking to swim around the clock without having to walk far out to sea to chase the ocean.
Nungwi is known for its party atmosphere, yet it's not to be compared with party beach destinations elsewhere in the world. There are many bars and clubs, but the atmosphere remains Zanzibari style, chilled out, and low-key.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Nungwi
- Lighthouse Guesthouse—A double room can be had for about $25. Breakfast is included.
- Mabwe Roots Bungalows—Get a budget double bungalow with a balcony and sea view for about $45. Breakfast is included.
Related: Night Market in Zanzibar
2. Kendwa Beach
Adjacent to Nungwi, within walking distance, is Kendwa—probably my favorite beach on Zanzibar. It's a little more laid-back and a little less happening than Nungwi, which makes it a premier place to laze around.
The days 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
- Royal Palm Kendwa—A "king room" with two king beds costs about $60 a night. If you can get some friends together, this could be a reasonably cheap option.
- Mocco Beach Villa—Okay, so rooms here aren't super cheap but among the most affordable on this beach. Depending on the time of year, rooms can be had for $75 - $90, and breakfast is included.
Related: How To Enjoy Stone Town
3. Paje Beach
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 and 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 to if you want to learn to SCUBA dive or practice other water sports like windsurfing or kite surfing.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Paje
- Summer Dream Lodge—This well-liked place has dorms starting at about $17 per bunk per night and double rooms for about $40 ($25 for a single). Breakfast is included.
- Demani Lodge Zanzibar—Another well-liked spot, complete with a swimming pool, has bunks in dorms starting at about $20 per night. Doubles with shared baths are $44, and doubles with private bathrooms are $55. Breakfast is included.
Related: Nungwi Village in Zanzibar
4. Bwejuu Beach
Just North of Paje is the seaweed fishing village of Bwejuu. Although it's not the most pleasant beach on the island for swimming, it has a truly unique natural beauty. If you are looking for a quiet beach town without even having to consider interacting with others, Bwejuu is a choice beach.
What I love most about Bewjuu are the swaying palm trees that look so lean they could snap off but remain limber, dancing to the Zanzibari wind.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Bwejuu
- Helwa Zanzibar Beach Bungalows—Rooms at this small guesthouse range from $45 to $65, depending on whether you stay single or double. Breakfast is included.
- Villa Bwejuu—This relatively new villa offers a double room with a private bath for about $60 per night.
5. Kiwengwa Beach
The Northeastern coast also has some of the best Zanzibar beaches. A few of the island's fanciest hotels have claimed spots near Kiwengwa, where simple stretches of sand seem to go on forever. Kiwengwa is a fantastic beach if you want to splurge a little and enjoy the exclusive peace of Zanzibar.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Kiwenga
- Sipano Beach Lodge—This beachfront property offers a single room for $25 or a double for $30 per night. Breakfast is included, and a tiny mini-market is on site.
- Family Beach Bungalows—Room prices range between $30 and $40 for a standard double room, based on single or double occupancy. Breakfast is included, and a car rental is available for exploring the area.
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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Are you planning a trip to Tanzania? When you book a small-group tour with G Adventures, include Zanzibar in your itinerary.
Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar is a 12-day trip from Arusha to Stone Town. Go on safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.
Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Zanzibar Adventure is an 11-day tour that includes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African continent, followed by a relaxing stay on the beaches of Zanzibar.
East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives is a 19-day trip from Kampala, Uganda, to Stone Town, Zanzibar. Highlights include gorilla trekking, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar beaches.
Puertoricoistheplace says
Beautiful choices indeed! Thanks for sharing!
Mark Wiens says
No problem! Glad you liked it!
Mark Wiens says
No problem! Glad you liked it!
saddam fuad says
alot bro i realy like it bt i''ll be there
Mark Wiens says
No problem! Glad you liked it!
TheWorldExplorers says
Zanzibar 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!
Dave says
Sweet. I'd love to get to Tanzania too!
Dave says
Sweet. I'd love to get to Tanzania too!
saddam fuad says
u r welcome bro hope u will enjoy
matee says
hello 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
Vicky says
Cool, this has got me really excited for my trip to Zanzibar in June. Can't wait to try scuba diving and kitesurfing!
Nina says
So true, i was in Kiwengwa and Ras Nungwi during my trip. Unforgettable places and having a paradise beach almost to myself - priceless!
Jola says
Hello 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!
Armands Balodis says
I am a bit jealous. I would love to be in a beach like in the photos above instead of sitting in the office.
Nuria says
Hi! 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
Gkongo says
How many beach boys you want Ms. Nuri?
Fredrick says
I look forward to being in Zanzibar today and assess your take. Thanks for the information.
sele says
that is our place, you are wll come to any questions please
wilfredo vives says
Thanks 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.
Samson says
Hi 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]
Bernard says
Hi 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
King Delanoir says
Myself 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
leevan says
Hi
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.
Ali Nahhas says
Thank you for sharing this! This helps with my choice!
Kenny Grindall says
Here'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.
David says
I 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.
Hery says
I 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!
Kemal says
Planning to go see soon. Thanks!
Rhoda says
Planning to go this easter wish to enjoy there can i get a company i dont know anything