The best beaches in Zanzibar include Nungwi and Kendwa in the north for swimming and sunsets, Paje and Jambiani on the east coast for kite surfing and laid-back vibes, and Matemwe, Pongwe, and Kiwengwa for quiet, scenic escapes near coral reefs. Each beach offers a unique experience depending on tides, activities, and travel style—making Zanzibar one of Africa’s most diverse beach destinations.
If you’re searching for the best beaches in Zanzibar, you’re not just looking for white sand—you’re looking for the right beach for your travel style.
Zanzibar Island is blessed with some of the most breathtaking beaches in East Africa, but here’s the insider truth: every beach feels different depending on location, tides, activities, and atmosphere.
As a local tour operator, we at Go Smart Zanzibar Tours help travelers experience Zanzibar beyond generic lists. Some beaches are perfect for swimming all day, others shine at low tide with lagoon walks, while a few are famous for kite surfing, snorkeling, or romantic sunsets.
In this ultimate guide, we break down Zanzibar’s best beaches by experience, focusing on traveler favorites like Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe, Mtende, Kiwengwa, and Pongwe. You’ll learn where to swim, when tides matter, which beaches are quiet or lively, and how to plan beach days that actually match your expectations.
Let’s explore Zanzibar—one beach at a time
Table of Contents
Where Are the Best Beaches in Zanzibar Located?
Zanzibar’s best beaches are spread across the north and east coasts, each offering a distinct experience shaped by tides, reefs, and culture.
Zanzibar Island (Unguja) has over 25 beaches, but not all are equal. Geography plays a big role:
- North Coast – Best for swimming & sunsets (minimal tides)
- East Coast – Best for lagoons, kite surfing & culture (visible tides)
- Northeast Coast – Quiet beaches & snorkeling near reefs
Understanding this difference is key to choosing the best beach for you, not just the most photographed one.
Why Are Nungwi and Kendwa Considered the Best Beaches in Zanzibar?
Nungwi and Kendwa are considered the best beaches in Zanzibar because they offer calm, swimmable water all day, powdery white sand, vibrant sunsets, and easy access to tours and nightlife.
Nungwi Beach – Best Overall Beach in Zanzibar
Best for: Swimming, first-time visitors, sunsets, excursions
Location: Northern tip of Zanzibar
Nungwi is Zanzibar’s most famous beach—and for good reason. Unlike much of the island, tides barely affect swimming, meaning you can jump into the ocean at almost any time of day.
Highlights:
- Crystal-clear water all day
- Traditional dhow boats & fishing culture
- Lively beach restaurants and bars
- Easy access to snorkeling & sunset cruises
From a local perspective, Nungwi is ideal if you want convenience + beauty without compromise.
We often recommend Nungwi for travelers with limited time who want “the full Zanzibar experience” in one place.
Kendwa Beach – Best Beach for Sunsets & Relaxation
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, sunset lovers
Location: Just south of Nungwi
Kendwa offers the same swimmable waters as Nungwi—but with a calmer, more spacious feel. It’s known for its wide beaches, golden sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere.
Why travelers love Kendwa:
- Less crowded than Nungwi
- Soft sand perfect for long walks
- Ideal for romantic evenings
- Famous full-moon beach nights (optional fun)
If you want beauty without the buzz, Kendwa is a top-tier choice.
Which Zanzibar Beaches Are Best on the East Coast?
The best east coast beaches in Zanzibar are Paje, Jambiani, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, and Matemwe, known for turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and cultural village life.
The east coast faces the Indian Ocean directly, creating stunning visuals—but also stronger tides. At low tide, the ocean retreats dramatically, revealing lagoons, seaweed farms, and reef flats.
Paje Beach – Best Beach for Kite Surfing & Young Travelers
Best for: Kite surfing, digital nomads, budget travelers
Paje is energetic, international, and adventurous.
Why Paje stands out:
- One of Africa’s top kite surfing destinations
- Affordable beach hotels & hostels
- Cafés, beach bars, and nightlife
- Shallow lagoons at low tide (great visuals)
Paje is not about luxury—it’s about movement, energy, and community.
We often combine Paje with Stone Town or Nungwi for balance.
Jambiani Beach – Best for Culture & Long Beach Walks
Best for: Slow travel, couples, authentic village life
Jambiani feels like Zanzibar before mass tourism.
What makes it special:
- Long, uncrowded shoreline
- Seaweed farming culture
- Friendly local villages
- Peaceful, natural environment
Jambiani is ideal if you want to disconnect and live like a local, even for a few days.
Matemwe Beach – Best Beach Near Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling
Best for: Snorkeling, quiet escapes, reef views
Location: Northeast Zanzibar
Matemwe is a hidden gem for travelers who prioritize nature over nightlife.
Why Matemwe is unique:
- Closest beach to Mnemba Atoll
- Excellent snorkeling & diving
- Less tourist traffic
- Authentic fishing village backdrop
Most Mnemba snorkeling trips depart near Matemwe—we arrange early pickups for calm waters.
Kiwengwa Beach – Best for Resort Comfort & Families
Best for: Families, all-inclusive resorts, comfort
Kiwengwa blends accessibility with beauty.
Top reasons to choose Kiwengwa:
- Long, sandy beach
- Calm waters at high tide
- Family-friendly resorts
- Central east-coast location
This is a great beach if you want comfort, safety, and easy logistics.
Pongwe Beach – Best Quiet Luxury Beach in Zanzibar
Best for: Honeymooners, privacy, boutique hotels
Pongwe is one of Zanzibar’s most peaceful beaches.
Why Pongwe feels exclusive:
- Sheltered bay with calmer waters
- Very few hotels
- No crowds or beach sellers
- Ideal for total relaxation
This is where travelers come to slow down completely.
Is Mtende Beach (Mtende / Metende) One of the Best Beaches in Zanzibar?
Mtende Beach is one of Zanzibar’s most dramatic and unique beaches, known for its cliffs, hidden lagoon, and raw natural beauty, best visited at low tide.
Mtende Beach (often spelled Metende) is not your typical swimming beach—it’s an experience.
What makes Mtende special:
- Cliff-surrounded lagoon
- Turquoise water at low tide
- Minimal development
- Incredible photography spot
We recommend Mtende as a half-day adventure, combined with Jozani Forest or Salaam Cave.
Which Zanzibar Beach Is Best for Swimming?
Best swimming beaches in Zanzibar:
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Pongwe (high tide)
- Kiwengwa (high tide)
If swimming is your priority, north coast beaches win due to minimal tidal change.
Which Zanzibar Beach Is Best for Couples & Honeymooners?
Top romantic beaches:
- Kendwa – sunsets & calm
- Pongwe – privacy
- Matemwe – quiet ocean views
- Jambiani – long walks & authenticity
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar Beaches
Best months: June to October, December to February
Avoid (heavy rain): April–May
Tides matter year-round—this is why local planning makes a difference.
We help guests plan beach days around tide schedules.
Safety & Cultural Tips for Zanzibar Beaches
- Dress modestly near villages
- Respect fishermen & seaweed farmers
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Swim in designated areas
- Book excursions with licensed operators
Zanzibar is safe—but respect goes a long way.
FAQ About the Best Beaches in Zanzibar
What is the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar?
There is no single “most beautiful” beach in Zanzibar because beauty depends on what you value most.
That said, Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, and Pongwe are consistently ranked as the most beautiful due to their combination of white sand, clear water, and natural surroundings.
Nungwi is ideal if you want postcard-perfect views with constant swimming.
Kendwa is famous for wide beaches and unforgettable sunsets.
Matemwe stands out for its reef views and proximity to Mnemba Atoll.
Pongwe offers raw, untouched beauty with very few visitors.
As local operators, we always advise travelers to choose beauty based on experience, not photos alone.
Which beaches in Zanzibar are best for swimming?
The best swimming beaches in Zanzibar are Nungwi and Kendwa, located on the north coast. These beaches experience very little tidal change, meaning you can swim comfortably throughout the day.
On the east coast, beaches like Kiwengwa, Pongwe, and Matemwe are excellent for swimming during high tide, but at low tide the ocean recedes significantly.
Expert tip:
If swimming is a top priority, stay in the north—or plan east coast swims around tide schedules with a local guide.
How do tides affect Zanzibar beaches?
Tides play a major role in Zanzibar, especially on the east coast.
At low tide, the ocean can recede hundreds of meters, exposing coral flats and seaweed farms.
At high tide, the water returns, creating stunning turquoise lagoons.
This is not a disadvantage—it’s part of Zanzibar’s charm. Low tide allows:
Lagoon walks
Cultural encounters with seaweed farmers
Unique photography opportunities
Understanding tides is one of the biggest reasons travelers benefit from local planning.
Which Zanzibar beach is best for couples and honeymooners?
For couples and honeymooners, the best beaches are those offering privacy, calm water, and scenic views.
Top romantic beaches include:
Kendwa – sunset views and romantic beach dinners
Pongwe – secluded, boutique-style luxury
Matemwe – peaceful reef-facing coastline
Jambiani – long, quiet walks and authentic village life
Many honeymooners choose to combine two beaches—for example, Kendwa for sunsets and Matemwe for tranquility.
Which Zanzibar beaches are best for families with children?
Families generally prefer beaches with:
Calm swimming areas
Easy access to hotels and medical facilities
Minimal strong currents
The most family-friendly beaches are:
Kiwengwa – resort-style comfort and safety
Kendwa – shallow, calm water
Nungwi – reliable swimming and activities
We always recommend choosing accommodations with shaded areas and planning excursions during cooler hours for children.
Is Zanzibar safe for beach vacations?
Yes, Zanzibar is considered very safe for tourists, including families and solo travelers.
Beach safety tips from locals:
Swim in recommended areas
Avoid isolated beaches late at night
Dress respectfully near villages
Use licensed guides for excursions
Beaches like Nungwi, Kendwa, Kiwengwa, and Paje are well-developed and regularly visited, adding to overall safety and comfort.
Which beach in Zanzibar is best for snorkeling?
The best snorkeling experiences are found near coral reefs, not directly from every beach.
Top snorkeling areas include:
Matemwe (closest beach to Mnemba Atoll)
Pongwe (sheltered reef zones)
Organized trips to Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve
Most of the best snorkeling is accessed by boat, which is why guided excursions offer the safest and clearest conditions.
When is the best time of year to enjoy Zanzibar beaches?
The best time to enjoy Zanzibar beaches is:
June to October – dry, cooler, and very comfortable
December to February – hot, sunny, ideal for swimming
The rainy season (April–May) has fewer visitors but limited beach time.
From experience, beach conditions remain excellent year-round when activities are planned properly.
How do I choose the best beach in Zanzibar for my trip?
Choosing the best beach depends on:
Your travel goals (relaxation, adventure, romance)
Swimming preferences
Length of stay
Tide tolerance
Local advice:
Many travelers make the mistake of staying in one location. A split stay (north + east coast) delivers the best overall Zanzibar experience.
Can I visit multiple Zanzibar beaches in one trip?
Absolutely. Zanzibar is compact, and moving between beaches is easy with proper planning.
Popular combinations include:
Nungwi + Matemwe
Kendwa + Jambiani
Kiwengwa + Stone Town
At Go Smart Zanzibar Tours, we specialize in custom itineraries that allow travelers to experience multiple beaches without stress.
Contact Us