Beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania

South coast

Kizimkazi

According to COMPUTERDO, Kizimkazi Beach is rightfully considered the best place to relax in all of Zanzibar. And if not so long ago the area attracted travelers with secluded bays, ancient buildings and the opportunity to watch dolphins in Kizimkazi Mkunguni without swimming far from the coast, then, after the opening of The Residence Zanzibar hotel on the southern tip of Zanzibar, luxury and luxury were added to all the advantages of Kizimkazi comfort. A distinctive feature of the beach where The Residence Zanzibar is located lies in absolute privacy. Here you will not be disturbed by annoying sellers of souvenirs, which abound on the northern coast. The beach is guarded around the clock, so only hotel guests can get on the white sand washed by the waters of the emerald lagoon. So you don’t even need to take a sunbed from early morning to soak up the sun.

When you get tired of sunbathing, you can take a walk to the fishing village of Kizimkazi, from which the name of the beach came from. The territory of the village is notable for the fact that here, in Kizimkazi Dimbani, there is the oldest religious building not only in Zanzibar, but possibly in all of East Africa. Kufic inscriptions on the walls of the Shirazi mosque date back to 1107, it was rebuilt several times, but the mihrab (a niche in the wall indicating the direction where the Kaaba in Mecca is located) in the form of a shamrock remained inviolable for many centuries. It is quite difficult to find a place of worship for an Islamic relic on your own, so it makes sense to ask for help from the locals, who will be happy to guide you to the shrine. Women are allowed to enter the mosque

North coast

Nungwi

Nungwi, located approximately 60 kilometers north of Zanzibar Town, is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, offering an excellent location for travelers looking to combine a beach holiday with a vibrant nightlife. The main attractions of Nungwi are considered to be worthy of the attention of sophisticated deep-sea diving enthusiasts, a coral reef, this is one of the best places for diving in Zanzibar, a lighthouse where you can climb inside for a small fee to the caretaker, as well as an aquarium with sea turtles at the northern tip of the cape. But keep in mind that the nightlife in Zanzibar means the calm atmosphere of an evening bar, where people come to have a glass of beer or enjoy a cocktail, and not frantic dancing until the morning. However, even if the music

Kendwa

The beach is located on the road southwest of Nungwi. The road is not entirely good for self-driving, especially considering that Zanzibar has right-hand traffic, but at the end of the road your efforts will be worthy of a reward: a white-sand coral sand beach surrounded by palm trees and mystical views of Tumbatu Island. But that, unfortunately, is all. So the beach is suitable exclusively for lovers of “savage” recreation, since it is problematic to find any more or less decent cafes, and even more so bars. If you are going to spend no more than a day on the beach, then bring drinks and a lunch box with you. If you decide to stay longer, then the bare minimum you need will be found in the nearest hotel where you decide to stay, of your choice. The place still retains the status of a backpacker legend to this day. Kendwa Beach is separated from Nungwi by a high wooden pier, La Gemma Dell`Est, and if you are just moving from one beach to another, then it is quite possible to use it. In case you want to get to Kendwa from Zanzibar Town, then use the first turn located approximately five kilometers from Nungwi as a guide. And yes, we warn you, the road goes through the village and is full of potholes, so be careful.

Northeast coast

Matemwe

The village of Matemwe is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, about 50 kilometers from Stone Town. The closer to the ocean, the more and more the hilly terrain of the northeast coast appears to your gaze, and here and there, at a small distance, the reflections of the ocean tantalizing the overheated imagination of the traveler gleam. But now you are approaching your cherished goal, and at your feet is a magnificent snow-white beach washed by turquoise water, and in the distance the island of Mnemba looms invitingly, which can be easily reached by renting one of the fishing boats. Matemwe itself is a medium-sized village, with thatched buildings and many street fishmongers from whom you can buy some catch for lunch or dinner.

East Coast

Kiwengwa

The beach is located approximately 40 km northeast of Stone Town. This is one of the favorite holiday destinations in Zanzibar for Italian tourists. Until recently, Kiwengwa was a small village, but at present, resort complexes built on the site of peasant houses have already stretched along the entire coast, almost absorbing the authentic atmosphere of an African village in the mouth of music and entertainment designed for a European tourist. However, if you want to get your share of peace and tranquility from relaxing on Kiwengwa beach, then you can stay in one of the private guesthouses that still manage to maintain an authentic Zanzibar atmosphere of sincere cordiality and hospitality.

Uroa

Uroa Beach, located 40 kilometers from Zanzibar Town, will primarily be of interest to those who like to observe the life of the local population. In this area, the ocean is most subject to ebbs and flows, so while the ocean “has not left”, you can swim well, but as soon as the water level begins to drop, local women pour out onto the shore, who collect crabs and shellfish in shallow water, representing an entertaining spectacle for vacationers. As they say, you can endlessly look at how others work. But if suddenly you get tired of sunbathing and acting as a “guard”, then go for a walk in the village, where dozens of curious children’s eyes will be watching you.

Chwaka

40 kilometers from Zanzibar Town is the beach of Chwaka and the village of the same name, together occupying most of the east coast. Lying on the shore, you can watch how the Michamvi peninsula shines through in the haze of the horizon, separated from Zanzibar by a small bay. From the side of the island you are surrounded by the remains of the former British supremacy. During the colonial rule of Britain in Zanzibar, it was here that numerous English offices and government villas were located. But after the revolution in 1964, all the buildings were nationalized and today they are a very deplorable sight, collapsing and constantly demanding not only the attention of tourists, but also construction services. In addition to its past, the place is curious and the largest fish market on the island, where you can spend time with interest and eat the freshest fish,

Bwejuu

The beach, located in the large village of Bwejuu, is about 55 kilometers from Zanzibar Town, and three kilometers north of Paje. You can move from beach to beach on the Zanzibar public transport dala-dala, whose route passes through Bwejuu and Paje. Buildings made of coral stone, covered with straw, which stretched along the entire coastline, give a special picturesque flavor to the beach. For lovers of silence, the beach may seem a little noisy, but the soothing rustle of palm trees and shops within walking distance brighten up the minor flaws of Bwejuu Beach.

Paje

Paje is a sleepy little fishing village on the east coast of Zanzibar, nestled between Bwejuu in the north and Jambiani in the south, about 50 kilometers along the main road from Stone Town. It is easy to get here by your own car or public transport, and here is the most beautiful beach on the east coast. Along the beach stretches a village with pretty stone houses and several hotels on the coast. Part of the beach is occupied by Paje Palace, a private residential complex, richly decorated with red tiles shimmering in the sun, surrounded by snow-white stone walls. There is also a small menagerie, which contains peacocks, flamingos and a camel.

Jambani

The beach is located about 40 kilometers from Zanzibar Town, stretching a couple of kilometers south of the coast of Paje. The name of these places comes from the word “jambiya”, which in Swahili means daggers, which were found in large quantities, apparently left over from the first Arab settlers. But, despite the formidable name, the villagers are very friendly, and the beach of the same name effectively stands out among others with the purity of the sand and clear waters. If you suddenly want to immediately send home a postcard with views of Jambani Beach or a parcel with souvenirs from the Muhy store, then in the village you can find a tiny post office with twenty-five mailboxes flaunting along the building. By the way, in the souvenir shop you should pay attention to the kangas weaving by the Jambani craftswomen, as well as replenish the supply of water.

Beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania