Beaches in Zanzibar

Beaches in Zanzibar

Beaches in Zanzibar  : Zanzibar is one of the best known beach destinations in world, the island is also a great tourism destination located off the coast of Tanzania, the island spans approximately 90 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago made up of two major islands that are Unguja and Pemba island with Stone Town as the historical capital city, this prominent city has impressive cultural heritage and history which dates back to the 19^th century. Zanzibar Generally reflects a mixture of diverse cultural influence from Arabian, Indian, Persian and European cultures. Because of this, the Island was recognized as a world Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.

 Zanzibar is a perfect tropical getaway from travelers seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life or looking for a relaxing retreat after a safari in Tanzania’s national parks and reserves. If you are looking for this kind of adventure, beaches in Zanzibar are the best option. Zanzibar consists of beautiful crystal white sand beaches with blue waters and palm trees making a perfect tropical getaway, beaches in Zanzibar are as follows

 NUNGWI BEACH

Nungwi beach is a breathtaking beach in Zanzibar located on the North Coast of Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach is a vibrant beach possessing mesmerizing turquoise waters and white sands and it is listed among the Top 25 beaches in the world in the Trip Advisor’s traveler’s choice Award 2018. The beach is situated on the coast blessed with coral reefs ideal for diving, snorkeling and swimming.

Nungwi Beach is an ideal beach for travelers seeking peace and solitude surrounded by the Island’s stunning beauty as it is has a quieter  side where there are less crowds, the beach is also ideal for solo travelers as you will get to soak up the vibe of the island and meet new people during your stay.

Nungwi Beach provides some of the most beautiful backdrop perfect for your vacation pictures along with the locals’ boats floating on the open sea, during your visit you will be able to spot dolphins, sharks and green turtles at a certain interval of the year. You will also enjoy best views of the ocean and the coast while relaxing in your hammock, you can also take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat.

 Nungwi Beach has numerous resorts, bars and restaurants with a variety of night life entertainment which you will enjoy.

Nungwi beach Zanzibar

 ACCESSING NUNGWI BEACH

Nungwi beach is located about 58 kilometers away from the Stone Town “the main capital city of Zanzibar” and it is a drive of approximately 1.5 hours. As a traveler, you can hire a car from the numerous car rental companies in Stone Town to Nungwi Beach. You can also use a public tax from Stone Town Ferry Terminal.

BEST PLACES TO STAY AROUND NUNGWI BEACH

Hotel RIU Palace Zanzibar is one of the best places to stay around Nungwi Beach, this beachside spa resort is situated about 3 kilometers from Nungwi Beach offering a peaceful and private atmosphere from the lively beachfront. Guest rooms at Hotel RIU Palace Zanzibar have private terraces and stunning views over the lush garden and Indian Ocean.

Other accommodations include

·        The Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort

·        Ras Nungwi

2. KENDWA BEACH

Kendwa Beach is a one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Zanzibar usually referred to as the “the little sister of Nungwi Beach” but it is quieter than Nungwi beach in the North, the beach is located just a few miles before Nungwi Village and 3 kilometers from Nungwi (it is possible to walk along the beach from Nungwi to Kendwa during low tide).

Kendwa Beach does not have much high and low tides making it an ideal site for snorkeling, diving and swimming without having to chase the ocean a mile away. At Kendwa Beach there are lots of fun activities to do during your visit such as volleyball on the sandy beach, beach soccer among others. This beach is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming and catching awe-inspiring sunset, expect to see several Aquatic creatures such as colorful starfish taking refuge on the beach just offshore.

kendwa beach zanzibar

Kendwa Beach is famous for its active nightlife, the Full Moon party is celebrated at Kendwa Beach. This joyous event is celebrated with the locals by playing several African beats and dancing extravaganza. The beach comprises of several restaurants and bars serving mouth-watering cuisines and beverages

ACCESSING KENDWA BEACH

Kendwa Beach is located about 56 kilometers from Stone Town the capital of Zanzibar Island, to get to Kendwa Beach you can take public transport – the dalla dalla at the Dalla dalla station in Darajani. As you drive in the dalla dalla ask the conductor to stop at the Kendwa Rocks Junction, from the Junction Kendwa Village and the beach is about 15 minute walk.

3. KIWENGWA BEACH

Kiwengwa Beach dubbed as the Little Italy of Zanzibar because of its long beach front occupied by Italian-run resort hotels, Kiwengwa Beach is a peaceful paradise located on the East Coast which is heavily influenced by the low tide, which makes it an ideal destination for travelers to wide in the shallow, crystal clear waters and enjoy the refreshing cold tropical drink.

Kiwengwa Beach is a great beach for family travelers with kids, the beach has major hotel establishments with standard swimming pools and facilities. Unfortunately swimming at Kiwengwa beach is not always possible especially at low tide.

ACCESSING KIWENGWA BEACH

Kiwengwa Beach is located 46 kilometers from Stone Town the capital of Zanzibar, to get to the beach you can use car hire, hotel transport and public transport (dalla dalla).

4. PONGWE BEACH

Pongwe Beach is a remote beach thus being an ideal place to relax and unwind, the beach offers a feeling of being from the bustling and hustling from the more commercial beaches of Zanzibar. Pongwe Beach provides enough space and is ideal if you are seeking privacy and intimacy or a romantic date with your loved one. The beach is also perfect for snorkeling and diving, also there are fewer restaurants  

ACCESSING PONGWE BEACH

Pongwe Beach is located approximately 56 kilometers from the Stone Tow and to get there you can board a dala dala.

pongwe beach

Note: due to t he remoteness of the beach, the dalla dalla’s routes are not operated on a daily basis. Because of this it is better to hire a taxi.

5. PAJE BEACH

Paje Beach is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar and a lively destination ideal for travelers in of a memorable beach vacation and thrilling adventures such as sailing and kite surfing, Paje beach emits a laid back vibe with abundance of beach bar, like the Kiwengwa beach, swimming is often impossible to swim in the pristine waters. However, one can take a swim in one of the beach resorts and hotels along the shores of the beach.

ACCESSING PAJE Beach

Paje Beach is situated in a one hour drive from Stone Town to Paje (60 kilometers), you can use a hire a private from Stone Town or use public taxi (Dalla dalla).

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6. KIZIMKAZI BEACH

Kizimkazi Beach is a beautiful little fishing village located on the south coast of Zanzibar consisting of 2 adjoining settlements that are Kizimkazi Dimbani to the north and Kizimkazi Mkunguni to the south, this beach is very local and low key with a coastline that is very different from the classic palm-backed lagoon of the east coast.

Kizimkazi Beach is famous for swimming and spotting dolphins, here the coast has a coral rag cliff that elevates the waterfront above the ocean and the beaches take the form of small coves rather than broad expanses of sand.  Kizimkazi Beach and village has a record of high tides and during the times of high tides the beach is not fully functional, during the times of low tide the ocean can be far way.

The Kizimkazi Village is famous for dolphin safaris, during your visit you can join boat trips offering you an opportunity to have a swim with dolphins, you can also visit the oldest mosques on the East African Coast (Dimbani Mosque since 1107 AD).

ACCESSING KIZIMKAZI BEACH

Kizimkazi Beach is situated 60 kilometers from Stone Town and to get there you can hire a taxi or take a public transport (dala dala).

Accommodation at Kizimkazi Beach

Kizimkazi Beach has several best resorts offering accommodation to travelers, these include The Residence Zanzibar AND Unguja Lodge among others.

7. JAMBIANI BEACH

Jambiani Beach is a beautiful beach lying on the southern parts of Zanzibar, the beach is an ideal location to get acquitted with the locals and it is a home to several restaurants and lively bars always filled with a mixture of locals and tourists. Jambiani Beach is a lively beach with exquisite turquoise waters and white sand, the beach is an ideal site for snorkeling, however it is difficult to swim during low tides.

At Jambiani Beach you will be able to spot fishermen and seaweed farmers at work.

jambiani beach

ACCESSING JAMBIANI BEACH

Jambiani Beach is located approximately 56 kilometers from Stone Town, to get to the beach you can take a dalla dalla.

Zanzibar is characterized by amazing beaches, most of which still have the untouched local feel and amazingly clear waters. As one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, it offers a myriad of breathtaking views, water-based activities, and all round exciting moments.

8.     BWEJJU BEACH

Bwejju Beach is a beautiful isolated beach located on the southeast corner of Zanzibar, the isolated location of this beach allows best conditions for a relaxing retreat. During you visit  to Bwejju Beach you get to enjoy incredible scenes of the local fishermen returning from sail with their catch of the day in their wooden dhow boats, you can also engage in playing soccer with local kids and collecting seaweed.

The waters of Bwejju Beach are great for swimming during low tide and ideal for reef safaris (walking to the reef without getting wet), the beach has a quiet and extremely long stretch of beach where you can do snorkeling.

Getting to Bwejju Beach

Bwejju Beach is located about 53 kilometers from Stone Town and to get their you can take a taxi or dalla dalla to Bwenju.

bweju beach

9.     MATEMWE BEACH

Matemwe Beach is the longest beach in Zanzibar located in Matemwe a section of coastline on the northeast of Zanzibar, the beach has some of the finest sand on Zanzibar Island and the beach is fringed with palm trees. At the same beach you will find traditional fishing villages which will give you an insight into the local culture,

There is Mnemba Atoli – a world famous island for scuba diving situated about 2 kilometers offshore just beyond the main reef, the island is surrounded by pristine and very accessible coral reefs.

The area around Matemwe Beach is best for diving, kite surfing, sailing and snorkeling

Accommodation at Matemwe Beach

Matemwe Lodge is one of the best accommodations at Matemwe Beach.