17 best beaches in Zanzibar

If many believe that Africa is an uncomfortable continent for recreation, then Zanzibar refutes this opinion 100%. The strange name is familiar to Russian tourists from early childhood from the famous fairy tale about Doctor Aibolit. Those who have been here in reality are completely delighted with the endless beaches with silk sand, the turquoise of the Indian Ocean and amazing sights. The Zanzibar archipelago, consisting of 75 islands, is part of the state of Tanzania as a semi-autonomy.

The largest of them is the island of Zanzibar (Unguja), with the city of the same name, in whose airport planes from all over the world land. Nature has awarded Tanzania with outstanding "masterpieces" - the highest mountain in the world - Kilimanjaro, the famous Serengeti reserve and the largest lake - Victoria. The main wealth of the archipelago is the beaches of Zanzibar, captivating with their amazing beauty and quality of coral sand.

Nungwi

A luxurious 2 km long white sand beach is located in the north of Zanzibar, in the village of the same name. According to some tourists, Nungwi is the best beach in Tanzania. Fine, like flour, the sand gives the feeling of velvet - it is so soft. The entrance to the ocean is ideal - there are no stones, algae, the bottom is gently sloping and even.

The beauty of the sea is mesmerizing with its turquoise hues. Ebb and flow do not spoil the coast, you can always swim. No wonder many newlyweds arrange wedding ceremonies here. Relaxing here with children is a great pleasure: the optimal width of the strip, rocks and trees provide natural shade, there are many sun loungers. There is no need to walk with children to the water for a long time, the sand is always clean. A variety of hotels, from hostels to upmarket establishments, offer accommodation at varying prices.

Conventionally, the Nungwi coast can be divided into 3 parts. The quietest and most secluded of them is the southern one, where there is a good selection of hotel facilities. More lively and noisy - the central part with shops, restaurants, diving schools. The northern part is home to popular restaurants, souvenir shops and the exit to the Nungwi village.

Kendwa

Northwest of Nungwi (2 km) there is Kendwa Beach and the village of the same name. It is distinguished by the rapidly developing resort infrastructure here. Over 2 decades, luxury hotels have sprung up on the coast, where there was once a guest house, and the resort has been unofficially called "the beach of millionaires."

Wealthy businessmen, movie celebrities and politicians began to come here, and it costs them nothing to rent a room at a fabulous price. Ideal golf courses are equipped for them, exclusive dishes and delicacies are prepared. Exotic palm trees line the sugar-white sand, which is lined with extravagant palm-leaf umbrellas and plush sun loungers.

In addition to large luxury hotels, there are budget bungalows here. Bicycle rental is open, a lot of different water, land and air transport, on which excursions are made. Kendwa is a great place for a quiet secluded rest, relaxation against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

Paje

One of the most beautiful beaches, Paje, is located 100 km from Nungwi to the southeast of Zanzibar. It was chosen by families with children because of the shallow water (knee-deep 300-400 m from the coast) even at high tides. A small child can safely swim without special supervision. The enchanting beauty of the surrounding area is also an important factor in choosing Paje. The warm turquoise surface of the water is almost always clean, without algae and waves, the bottom is sandy. Rest here is truly heavenly.

A thick layer of sand resembles a pillow - it is so soft, in some places there are scattered small shells on it. Mesh hammocks nestled in the trees provide real bliss. Lying on them, it is good to sunbathe: deciduous crowns protect from sunburn, allowing you to tan evenly. Tourists with any wallet and taste can choose a suitable accommodation option for them. There are enough hotels from guesthouses for 2 thousand rubles to elite apartments for 30 thousand per night. Fans of kitesurfing and cycling come here.

Matemwe

Solitude and desolation are the main advantages of Matemwe Beach, located on the east coast of Zanzibar. Anyone who is tired of city noise, hustle and bustle, problems with business, human communication, in this paradise of peace and quiet, will rest from everything in body and soul. A wide strip of white, like flour, sand, palm groves, endless ocean and heavenly space will give the feeling of paradise on earth. Local exoticism will enrich with new impressions.

A characteristic feature of Matemwe is strong ebb tides, when the water leaves for almost 2 km. Tourists who cannot swim at this time enjoy watching the villagers catch octopuses on the shallows with special sticks. Some people prefer to buy the catch and cook in hotels afterwards. Matemwe is more suitable for adults: in many places there is a lot of algae, sea urchins are often found. Mostly clean areas of the beach are located near individual hotels. Almost all hotel establishments have swimming pools, given the peculiarity of the ocean coast.

Kigomani

To the north of Matemwe is the edge of the pristine nature of the coast - Kigomani Beach. It seems that, at first glance, there is still no civilization here. Bungalows, beach umbrellas with palm-leaf roofs, long, pointed boats on the shore reinforce the impression of the primitiveness of this place. Here, indeed, the tourist infrastructure is only picking up the pace of development. So far, apart from a few luxury resort hotels, there are very few inexpensive hotels, and there are no entertainment establishments.

But those who want to plunge headlong into the ocean exotic will like it here. A good strip with soft sand almost without stones, in the water only occasionally there are algae. In the morning and evening, at high tide, you can swim and bathe in plenty. At low tide, many make a 700-meter dash to the barrier coral reef. Kigomani is a calmly measured romantic getaway, when you feel like a Robinson of the 21st century.

Mnemba

In the vicinity of Kigomani there is a delightful corner of the coast - Mnemba. Opposite the atoll, this beach is rumored to be the best spot for diving and snorkeling. The stunning transparency of the water, the incredible beauty of corals, a huge amount of ocean fauna of the most fantastic colors make you freeze with delight. It is a great pleasure to walk on the clean white sand. It is so small that it seems that the legs are drowning in flour.

Travelers like a quick start to the depth - it is convenient to swim. There are no sea urchins, which are pretty annoying on other beaches. Excellent diving conditions attract deep explorers here. Tourists from other locations are only allowed to dive in the morning hours. Therefore, diving enthusiasts try to settle in Mnemba hotels in order to dive during the day and even at night. Fishing organized by the hotel staff is also good. Athletes praise local dive instructors for their attention and help.

Pwani Mchangani

Near Mnemba is the village of Pwani Mchangani with the beach of the same name with the same dazzling white sand. The tide leaves clumps of algae on it, giving the strip a sloppy look.The ability to swim and swim here also depends on the ebb and flow cycles. When the water leaves, exposing the algae, the villagers collect them for some of their own purposes.

It is interesting to watch the fishing process when local men go out into the ocean on authentic wooden boats with dhow sails. Pwani Mchangani is ideal for a measured, lazy holiday. Tourists love to walk at low tide to the reef, located 1.5 km from the coast. Here, in a natural aquarium, they watch scurrying fish, starfish, hedgehogs and other fauna - a magical picture.

In the local all-inclusive hotels, prices are high (from € 100), designed for Europeans, in particular, Italians. There are guesthouses and bungalows (45 €). Infrastructure is concentrated in hotels; there are no cafes, restaurants, shops, except for souvenir shops. If you want privacy and relaxation - then you are here.

Kiwengwa

The unearthly beauty of ocean views with a snow-white ribbon of the coast, boundless turquoise water makes Kiwengwa Beach one of the most beautiful places in the east of the island. Couples in love, newlyweds come here for the weekend to capture the best moments of life against a stunning backdrop. Now that many good hotels have appeared here, Kiwengwa has become especially popular with European tourists.

Italians make up the majority of them, so the inscriptions in public places are in Italian. Kiwengwa is in no way inferior to the famous Maldivian beaches in natural qualities. Local hotels also strive to create a high level of service and decorate the territory.

A special African identity in the form of hammocks suspended from trees, wooden boats, residents in bright national clothes add to the charm. Many souvenir tents, water entertainment centers are located on the coastline under the spreading trees. There are also solid wooden sun loungers.

Pongwe

The beach of the same name is located in the small cozy Pongwe Bay in the very center of the east coast of the island. A wide, clean strip of sand is bordered by tall, spreading palms and brightly flowering shrubs. Rows of sun loungers are installed under the mushroom umbrellas. Despite the fact that Pongwe is 35 km from the airport, there is no crowding here. The desolation of this almost wild place is explained not only by the high tide, but also by the presence of stones and algae at the bottom.

There are a dozen good hotels located along the edges of the bay and not crowded with tourists. Cozy African-style bungalows and villas are surrounded by palm trees. Sightseeing tours are organized from the hotels. Calm and peaceful rest, silence, tranquility, contemplation of the surrounding beauty - the basis of the stay of vacationers. Each of those present here feels himself the ruler of the world in the midst of endless space.

Michamvi

A wide strip of white sandy Michamvi beach is located on the shore of a large bay (25 km long) near the village of the same name. A real civilization has not yet reached it - there are practically no asphalt roads in the district. Despite this, there is a wide variety of hotels here: from modest bungalows and campgrounds to luxurious 5-star establishments. Accommodation prices range from $ 40 to $ 300 per night. From hotels you can go on boat trips, fishing.

Michamvi is always calm and uncrowded from November to March. Tourists during this period are frightened off by the huge amount of algae brought by the ocean at high tide. At low tide, when the water recedes very far, the algae decompose, interfering with the passage into the sea and emitting an unpleasant smell of rotting grass. In general, the picture looks great: the blue of the ocean merges with the blue of the sky, green palms against the whiteness of the sand, cozy umbrellas, endless space. But it is better to come here from April to October.

Jambiani

In the southern part of the east coast of Zanzibar, there is a marvelous piece of paradise captivating with serene tranquility, stunning beauty of the ocean and exotic nature - Jambiani. There are never strong waves here - they are broken by a reef towering 2 km from the coast. Therefore, the water near the coast is very warm, up to + 30 °. The bottom is sandy, without stones, but the presence of sea urchins spoils bathing, as does the seaweed farm. There are no stones on the coastal strip, the sand is excellent. There is no entertainment industry - no noisy discos, restaurants and bars.

Almost 50 hotels of various levels are open on the first line. Sections of the beach belonging to expensive hotels are thoroughly cleaned of algae. Even the water is cleared of hedgehogs and algae - the ocean is transparent. Beach areas of budget establishments cannot boast of perfect cleanliness. If funds do not allow you to rent a room for $ 300, then you have to put up with algae and hedgehogs. But here are cheap water and land excursions. Dolphin tour, snorkeling on authentic sailboats, sightseeing, visiting the Monkey Park will bring great pleasure.

Makunduchi

One of the southernmost beaches, Makunduchi, is located next to Jambiani and is similar in many ways. The same wide strip of soft white sand, the same strong ebb, but much less stones and algae. The coast is surrounded by lush greenery in the form of palm trees, various shrubs, among which hotels are located.

There are not so many of them here, but you can choose a suitable accommodation option without any problems. The hotels of the Resort chain, distinguished by their special comfort and beauty, are not as expensive as in other places. At low tide, the ocean leaves almost 2.5 km, you can go far, exploring the bottom: shells, corals, algae. Swimming at high tide is a real pleasure, the water is quite warm, there are few algae, and there are no sea urchins.

Enough strong wooden sun loungers under the umbrellas. The corresponding infrastructure is only in hotels, all excursions around the surroundings are organized there. You can rent scooters, bicycles, ride to neighboring beaches. Locals sell fruits from stalls in the village or right by the coast.

Kizimkazi

The Kizimkazi beach bordering Makunduchi to the south is even more deserted than the others. Although the low tide is weaker, there are coastal rocks, sea urchins and algae abound. Mostly tourists from other places come here to go on boats in search of dolphins. It is opposite Kizimkazi that these amazing mammals are most often seen.

However, there are avid fans of this beach. At low tide, rocky grottoes are exposed, attracting the attention of travelers, taking pictures with pleasure against their background. To make your stay here more comfortable, it is worth staying in all-inclusive hotels ($ 300). But there are guesthouses, cheaper bungalows ($ 30-40). There are no shops, except for 2 souvenir shops, there are no restaurants, cafes or canteens.

Those who want to feel like aborigines can rent a fishing hut from local residents, who are distinguished by friendliness ($ 20). Kizimkazi attracts tourists with its solitude, the opportunity to practice snorkeling, dolphins, and an excursion to the Miza Miza caves.

Zanzibar Town Beach

In the capital of the island, Zanzibar Town, there is a long (5 km) strip of white sand with a very convenient gentle entry into the water. There are no stones and algae on it, which contributes to a comfortable rest.The low tide in these places practically does not cause discomfort - they are weak compared to other beaches. But here there is no such virgin purity, which is present on the coast distant from the center. The city is quite densely populated, and locals are frequent visitors here. Here you will not be able to lie alone and serenely on a sunbed.

Fishing boats are moored almost everywhere, and various vessels are anchored further away. Among the not very numerous hotels, there are expensive resorts and cheap hostels. Colonial-style hotel design is an attractive factor for Europeans. Among the popular entertainment here are boat trips, boats, snorkeling, fishing. The beach is located in the prestigious district of Mazizini, densely landscaped and environmentally friendly.

Stone Town Beach

An ancient stone city, as the locals call it, Stone Town is a vibrant tourist destination. People come here not only for a beach holiday, tourists wander with interest along the narrow streets, inspecting ancient buildings. Colorful restaurants, souvenir shops, shops also attract their attention. Stone Town Beach is small in length, but with a wide strip of yellowish sand, without stones. There are no ebb tides on it, and, accordingly, no algae.

However, for a comfortable long stay there are not the best conditions - the port is nearby. Passenger, cargo and recreational craft moor at numerous berths. On the first line there are expensive luxury hotels, further from the coast there are many inexpensive hotels for budget prices. Judging by the reviews, the hotels are not inferior in terms of the level of service to European ones, and the colonial style of decoration is very attractive to tourists. Cheap hotels do not have luxury, but they are clean and comfortable.

Boo Boo Boo

On the west coast, 15 km from Stown Town, there is one of the best beaches on the island - Bububu. The beauty of the surrounding landscapes cannot leave anyone indifferent: charming lagoons, calm ocean turquoise, white sand, lush green mangroves. Weak ebbs do not cause much inconvenience. In some places there is a sandy strip and the bottom is just perfect, in some places the bottom is rocky. Some trees hang in tents directly above the water, in their shade you can sunbathe.

Several hotels are on the first line, they always have free rooms. Even in the high season, it is not crowded here. For those who are looking for solitude and silence, Bububu is a completely suitable place. It is interesting to observe the life and life of the peasants in the surrounding villages. They mainly raise cattle. Not far from Bububu is the Cheetahs Rock petting zoo. The picturesque bottom with exotic inhabitants attracts snorkelers.

Mangapwani

The best beach on the west coast is famous for its luxury hotels and excellent entertainment infrastructure. Nature has concentrated irresistible beauties here, and man has supplemented them with man-made wonders in the form of luxury hotels and various attractions. There are no algae on the white, like refined sand, the strip shines with purity.

Even the umbrellas and sun loungers on Mangapwani are distinguished by their particular sophistication and elegance. The undoubted advantage of the beach is that it is not crowded, an aristocratic calm rest, an idle bliss for vacationers is guaranteed. These places are also known for their unusual sights - 2 grotto caves associated with the sad era of the slave trade in Africa. In one of them, created by the forces of nature, there is a rather deep lake.

Here, slavers kept their captives before being sent overseas when human trafficking was officially banned. The second grotto was created by the hands of forced people and is a gloomy room dug in the ground. A wooden platform divides the height of the structure, reinforced with pillars - the slaves were housed in it in 2 floors in inhuman conditions. The Mangapwani Caves, a symbol of a shameful past, are popular with tourists.

Zanzibar beaches on the map