Discover the 10 Most Beautiful Beaches of Zanzibar
With its crystal-clear waters, fine sand and lush nature, the island of Zanzibar (Unguja by its true name) is the dream of all lovers of paradise beaches! Planning to visit? Follow us as we introduce you to the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
With its crystal-clear waters, fine sand and lush nature, the island of Zanzibar (Unguja by its true name) is the dream of all lovers of paradise beaches! Planning to visit? Follow us as we introduce you to the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. On the agenda: swimming, snorkeling, water sports and sunsets...
1. Nungwi Beach: THE most beautiful beach in Zanzibar
The Nungwi beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar (and even one of the most beautiful beaches in the world according to CNN)! Located on the northern tip of the island, this beach was once a fishing village where traditional sailing boats were built – dhow boats with white sails, also known as 'dhow'. Today, it's the most popular beach and one of the most visited spots.
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Practical Information ● Access: 77GW+72, Nungwi 2651, Tanzania ● Best time to visit: the ideal period for swimming is between June and October (dry weather and pleasant temperatures). For kitesurfing, prefer December to March. ● Tides: swimming is possible directly from the beach, as the waters are quite deep (which is not always the case on other island beaches) ● Good to know: You can take a boat trip from Nungwi beach to admire the sunset at sea, while enjoying traditional songs and drums on board. A feast for the eyes and ears! |
2. Matemwe Beach
Still in the northeast of the island, discover one of the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar: Matemwe. Once again, you'll find all the ingredients for a paradise setting: crystal-clear waters, dazzling white sand and endless coconut groves.
Beyond being an excellent place to relax, Matemwe beach is also a hub for diving and snorkeling. Several diving sites (including Mnemba Atoll) are easily accessible from shore.
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Practical Information ● Access: 3996+H9, Pwani Mchangani, Tanzania ● To know: wear shoes to protect yourself from sea urchins while swimming ● Tides: at high tide, the beach has almost no sandbank. |
3. Mangapwani: the best place in Zanzibar for swimming
Mangapwani beach is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming. First, because it's less affected by tides. Second, because access to the water is gradual! It's also one of the rare beaches with no coral reefs along the shore.
On a darker note, this beach was once a place of slave trade… Several caves were used as hiding places by prisoners of the era. You can visit the coral cave in particular. Not far from the beach, you'll find World War II bunkers.
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Practical Information ● Bunker Access: 253P+V73, Unnamed Road, Mangapwani ● To know: the beach is known for its fishing activities. A great opportunity to watch fishermen at work! ● Tides: Mangapwani Beach is not subject to tide fluctuations. An ideal spot for swimming away from tourist crowds. |
4. Shangani Beach
Located 10 minutes from Stone Town, Shangani Public Beach is worth a quick stop to observe local life. At low tide, you can easily access this small sandbank, where fishermen clean their catch and collect shells…
So this isn't the best beach for swimming, but rather an authentic place where local families come to spend time by the water, just steps from the city. Its other advantage? The stunning sunset that colors the sky behind fishing boats and dhows!
Finally, note that Shangani beach is only a 2-minute walk from the Freddie Mercury Museum (the Queen singer was born in Zanzibar).
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Practical Information ● Access: R5QP+4C8, Zanzibar, Tanzania ● Museum Address: 57 Kenyatta Rd, Zanzibar ● Note: the museum is mainly for Queen enthusiasts who will delight in discovering the singer's handwritten notes and rare photographs. Plan for 30 minutes and €15 entry. |
5. Bwejuu Beach
Located on Zanzibar's southeast coast, Bwejuu beach is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and laid-back vibe. This quiet spot, boasting a long stretch of white sand, is equipped with tourist facilities. Perfect for swimming, it's also ideal for windsurfing, beach volleyball or beach soccer.
With stunning marine life, Bwejuu beach is also a recognized diving spot. Whether scuba diving or snorkeling, you can easily access its coral reefs and admire numerous tropical fish and sea turtles.
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Practical Information ● Access: Bwejuu TZ, 7111, Tanzania ● To know: 20 minutes away by car, don't miss Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (also called the "monkey forest") |
6. Paje Beach
A few kilometers north of Jambiani, don't miss Paje beach. On the village side, you'll love its peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. On the beach side, you'll be seduced by its paradise setting of fine sand, turquoise waters and coconut palms. Here too, tides are significant. So you can't swim all day long.
However, this beach has all the conditions for water sports. It's actually THE kitesurfing spot par excellence. During low tides, you'll also encounter fishermen, seaweed farmers and shell collectors!
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Practical Information ● Access: PGJP+QJ Paje, Tanzania ● To know: tides are very low in the morning, so you need to go further out to swim. Beware, it's recommended to wear beach shoes, as the risk of stepping on sea urchins is high at this time of day! ● Best time to visit: between June and October for swimming, and December-February for kitesurfing |
7. Pingwe Beach
In northeast Zanzibar, Pingwe beach is a haven of peace. Its coral barrier located 1 km from shore creates a sort of natural pool that will delight all swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts – an opportunity to spot clownfish, starfish and lionfish.
This beach is also renowned for its famous restaurant set on a small rocky islet in the middle of the sea. Called 'The Rock Bar Restaurant', this restaurant is accessible on foot (at low tide) and by boat or swimming (at high tide). One thing is certain, this unique and photogenic establishment is a must-see during your visit to Zanzibar.
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Practical Information ● Access: RGX9+H8X, Michamvi, Tanzania ● To know: difficult to swim at low tide ● Activities: snorkeling, restaurant, observation of natural lagoons at low tide |
8. Michamwi Beach
If you're looking for THE beach to watch the sunset during your visit to Zanzibar: head to Michamwi beach! Located opposite Chwaka Bay, it's the ideal place to end your day gently. One tip? Don't miss the Kae Funk Sunset Beach Bar; known for its great vibe.
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Practical Information ● Access: VF4Q+MQ5, Michamvi Kae, Tanzania ● To know: ideal place for a honeymoon and taking beautiful photos ● Activities: beach renowned for the beauty of its sunrise and sunset over Chwaka Bay ● Tip: stop in Stone Town, just one hour away by car. |
9. Jambiani Beach
Located in the southeast of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, Jambiani beach is a perfect compromise between local life and dream landscapes. Indeed, this fishing village is known for its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere, far from the large resorts in the north of the island.
Note that, like most bays on the island, the beach is subject to tidal constraints, which may force you to walk quite far to reach the water. An opportunity to observe scenes of local life with fishermen and shell collectors. You can also meet the women who harvest seaweed for the cosmetics and food industries.
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Practical Information ● Access: MGJW+XQJ, Jambiani, Tanzania ● Best time to visit: June to October (and December to March for kitesurfing) ● Main activities: swimming, observation of local life, seafood restaurant |
10. Kizimkazi Beach: the most beautiful beach in southern Zanzibar
Located at the far south of Unguja Island, Kizimkazi Beach is the main beach of the village of the same name. Smaller than most surrounding beaches (and less touristy), it stands out for its authentic atmosphere.
The clear waters of Kizimkazi are home to colonies of dolphins close to the coast. Boat trips allow you to observe them. Our tip? Go early in the morning – when dolphins are most active!
Finally, know that Kizimkazi is renowned for its commitment to nature protection. With no urbanization or industrial pollution, this charming fishing village maintains a thriving ecosystem! In the absence of light pollution, it also offers a night sky perfect for stargazing.
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● Practical Information ● Access: Kizimkazi Mkunguni, Tanzania ● To know: the beach is located in a rocky area surrounded by cliffs, where it's possible to enjoy beautiful hikes. |
Dreaming of discovering the most beautiful beaches on the island? Discover our Zanzibar: a beach paradise itinerary! A 12-day journey to paradise to discover all the treasures of the archipelago…
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Zanzibar beach has no tides?
First, it's important to know that no beach in Zanzibar is completely unaffected by tides. Indeed, the island is strongly influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun and therefore experiences quite marked tides – which rhythm local life. The areas with the least water variation are located on the north coast, particularly around Nungwi and Kendwa.
What is the best side of Zanzibar to enjoy the beaches?
Less subject to wind and large tidal variations, the north and northeast coast of Zanzibar are the shores most suited for swimming, relaxation and beach activities. You'll also find more preserved and less crowded beaches, ideal for enjoying the peace or spending time with family. The northeast coast is ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving.
