The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Zanzibar (and When to Go)
Zanzibar has dozens of white-sand beaches, but they are not all the same. On the east coast the tide goes out for hundreds of metres, while in the north you can swim all day. Here are our seven favourites, chosen by our local team.
1. Kendwa: swim all day, sunset every night
Kendwa has almost no tide, soft white sand and one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. It is also where we run our transparent kayak, jetski, jetcar and FlyDress photo shoots.
2. Nungwi: the lively northern tip
Nungwi is full of energy: beach bars, traditional dhow builders and sunset boats. It is the perfect base for Mnemba trips and for swimming with sea turtles in the natural lagoon.
3. Matemwe: calm and wild
A long, quiet beach on the north-east coast with a view of Mnemba Atoll. At low tide, local women collect seaweed and the rock pools are full of life.
4. Paje: the kitesurf capital
Strong, regular winds and a shallow lagoon make Paje one of the best kitesurf spots in Africa. Lots of colourful beach bars too.
5. Jambiani: authentic village life
Jambiani is a long fishing village with turquoise water and seaweed farms. It is calm, friendly and authentic, and Osseliche is opening a new base there very soon.
6. Michamvi Pingwe: the famous rock
Home of the restaurant built on a rock in the sea, reachable on foot at low tide and by boat at high tide. Book a table in advance.
7. Nakupenda sandbank: a beach in the middle of the sea
No trees, no buildings, just white sand surrounded by turquoise water off Stone Town. Our Prison Island + Nakupenda trip includes fresh fruit and a barbecue on the sand.
When to go?
June to October: dry season, sunny and pleasant, the best time for most travellers.
December to February: hot, calm sea, great for diving and snorkelling.
April and May: long rains, quieter and cheaper.
Tip: on the east coast, check the tide times before you plan a swim. In Kendwa and Nungwi you can swim at almost any time.
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