The archipelago of Zanzibar consists of two 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, which combs all the popular booking sites to find the best price.
We've included some great deals near each beach below.
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 a perfect place 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 entire 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.
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 can be had for about $60 a night. So if you can get some friends together, this could be a reasonably cheap option.
Mocco Beach Villa – Ok 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 – $90US, and breakfast is included.
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 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
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 very well liked spot, complete with a swimming pool, has bunks in dorms starting at about $20 per night. Doubles with shared bath, $44, and doubles with private bathroom, $55. Breakfast included.
4. Bwejuu Beach
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 lean 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 – $65 depending on single or double occupancy. Breakfast is included.
Villa Bwejuu – A stay in this relatively new villa goes for about $60 per night for a double room with private bath.
5. Kiwengwa Beach
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 simple 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
Sipano Beach Lodge – You can get a single room on this beachfront property for $25 or a double for $30 per night. Breakfast is included, and even a small mini market on site.
Family Beach Bungalows – Room prices here are between $30 – $40 for a standard double room, based on single or double occupancy. Breakfast is included, and they have car rental available for more exploring.
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.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking uses and recommends:
- Skyscanner for researching flights
- Hostelworld for booking hostels
- Airbnb for renting rooms and homes
- Rail Europe for train passes
- World Nomads for travel insurance
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Beautiful choices indeed! Thanks for sharing!
No problem! Glad you liked it!
No problem! Glad you liked it!
alot bro i realy like it bt i”ll be there
No problem! Glad you liked it!
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!
Sweet. I’d love to get to Tanzania too!
Sweet. I’d love to get to Tanzania too!
u r welcome bro hope u will enjoy
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
Cool, this has got me really excited for my trip to Zanzibar in June. Can’t wait to try scuba diving and kitesurfing!
So true, i was in Kiwengwa and Ras Nungwi during my trip. Unforgettable places and having a paradise beach almost to myself – priceless!
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!
I am a bit jealous. I would love to be in a beach like in the photos above instead of sitting in the office.
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
How many beach boys you want Ms. Nuri?
I look forward to being in Zanzibar today and assess your take. Thanks for the information.
that is our place, you are wll come to any questions please
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.
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]
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
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
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.
Thank you for sharing this! This helps with my choice!
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.
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.
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!
Planning to go see soon. Thanks!
Planning to go this easter wish to enjoy there can i get a company i dont know anything