Zanzibar's archipelago consists of two main islands: Unguja and Pemba. Unguja (aka Zanzibar Island) is the most populous and best known. This list of top Zanzibar beaches is from Zanzibar Island. Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just 15 miles (25 km) off the coast of mainland Tanzania.
It's easy to take a short flight or a ferry from the capital, Dar Es Salaam, to Zanzibar.
Best Accommodation Deals in Zanzibar
Most 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 searches all the popular booking sites to find the best price. We've included some fantastic deals near each beach below.
Zanzibar Beaches
1. Ras Nungwi Beach
The Northern tip of Zanzibar is special. Unlike the East and West coastlines, this top island location is blessed with no high or low tides. This makes Nungwi the perfect Zanzibar beach 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, but it's not comparable to party beach destinations elsewhere in the world. There are many bars and clubs, but the atmosphere remains Zanzibari-style: chilled out and low-key.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Nungwi
- Lighthouse Guesthouse-You can get a double room 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.
Related: Night Market in Zanzibar
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.
You spend your days 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 costs about $60 a night. If you can get some friends together, this could be a reasonably cheap option.
- Mocco Beach Villa-Okay, so rooms here aren't super cheap, but they're among the most affordable on this beach. Depending on the time of year, rooms can be $75-$90, and breakfast is included.
Related: How To Enjoy Stone Town
3. Paje Beach
Paje is one of the more popular Southeastern beach towns on Zanzibar. It's a great place to visit if you enjoy swimming in the ocean and 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 to if you want to learn to SCUBA dive or practice 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 well-liked spot, complete with a swimming pool, has bunks in dorms starting at about $20 per night. Doubles with shared baths are $44, and doubles with private bathrooms are $55. Breakfast is included.
Related: Nungwi Village in Zanzibar
4. Bwejuu Beach
Just North of Paje is the seaweed fishing village of Bwejuu. Although it's not the most pleasant beach on the island for swimming, it has a truly unique natural beauty. If you are looking for a quiet beach town without even having to consider interacting with others, Bwejuu is a good choice.
What I love most about Bwejuu is the swaying palm trees that look so lean they could snap off, yet remain limber, dancing in the Zanzibari wind.
Where To Stay in Zanzibar: Bwejuu
- Helwa Zanzibar Beach Bungalows-Rooms at this small guesthouse range from $45 to $65, depending on whether you stay single or double. Breakfast is included.
- Villa Bwejuu-This relatively new villa offers a double room with a private bath for about $60 per night.
5. Kiwengwa Beach
The Northeastern coast also has some of the best Zanzibar beaches. A few of the island's fanciest hotels have claimed spots near Kiwengwa, where simple stretches of sand seem to go on forever.
Kiwengwa is a fantastic beach if you want to splurge a little and enjoy Zanzibar's exclusive peace.
Where To Stay in Zanzibar: Kiwengwa
- Sipano Beach Lodge-This beachfront property offers a single room for $25 or a double for $30 per night. Breakfast is included, and a tiny mini-market is on site.
- Family Beach Bungalows-Room prices range between $30 and $40 for a standard double room, based on single or double occupancy. Breakfast is included, and car rentals are available for exploring the area.
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.
***
Are you planning a trip to Tanzania? When you book a small-group tour with G Adventures, include Zanzibar in your itinerary.
Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar is a 12-day trip from Arusha to Stone Town. Go on safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.
Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Zanzibar Adventure is an 11-day tour that includes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, followed by a relaxing stay on the beaches of Zanzibar.
East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives is a 19-day trip from Kampala, Uganda, to Stone Town, Zanzibar. Highlights include gorilla trekking, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar beaches.
