resorts of zanzibar. The best beaches in the northern part of zanzibar
Nungwi- the best beach in Zanzibar. Located in the north of the island. It is a fairly large village with a good selection of hotels and relatively low prices for food and drink. There is a market, souvenir shops, an exchange office. There are 2 shops that sell alcohol. Every 100 meters there is a restaurant on the beach, where every day fishermen bring their catch (fish, squid, octopus). Right in front of you, seafood is cooked on the grill. There is a lot of competition for such establishments, so food prices are the lowest in Zanzibar. In general, Nungwi has a wide variety of cafes and restaurants, as well as national fast food, everything is very tasty and for any request. Everything is good here in terms of entertainment. Every day, on one of the beaches of Zanzibar, an evening beach party is arranged; there are two such places in Nungwi. The exact time and place of the party should be checked with the hotel guide or locals. The Indian Ocean on Nungwi Beach is warm, clean, transparent, deep in places. In addition, not far from this resort there are good places for diving. Unlike most other beaches in Zanzibar, there are no strong low tides here. Low cliffs hanging over white sand create a unique landscape.
Kendwa- the most expensive and one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming - the coast and the bottom are sandy here. It is located in the north, and the tides here are not very large. All beaches in Zanzibar are public and free, you can freely go to the beach of even the most expensive hotel. This popular beach is very beautiful: white fine sand, turquoise water and luxurious palm trees. It is well looked after - constantly cleaned and cleaned of algae. This is the widest beach in Zanzibar. It is quite crowded as there are large hotels around, as well as beach establishments where you can eat inexpensively. Water activities are organized on this beach. Tourists come here in the evenings specifically to watch the amazing sunsets.
Mangapwani- this is the closest beach to Stone Town, it is of extreme beauty, besides it is deserted. The indisputable advantage of the beach is that here, since this is the western coast of Zanzibar, the low tides are not very noticeable. Nearby are sights - chambers where slaves used to be hidden before being sent to other countries. The beach got its name from the word "mango", which means "merchant". The place is secluded and romantic. You need to know that the bottom on this beach is rocky, and it is advisable to take coral slippers with you for swimming.
Matemwe- Matemwe beach is located 50 kilometers from Stone Town. A magnificent place with snow-white, like powdered sugar, sand, turquoise clear water and a view of the island of Mnemba. If you describe the beach in two words - it is loneliness and serenity. There is no tourist infrastructure here, no shops, no souvenir shops and restaurants. The nearest fruit market is 2 km away. It takes 20 minutes by taxi to Nungwi. We recommend going here to those who are tired of the bustle of the city, the fast pace of life, people, those who just want to lie on the beach and drink cocktails. There are many expensive all-inclusive hotels here. On the beach you will find large air-conditioned thatched bungalows in traditional African style. The beach is fully exposed to the problem of strong low tides - the main disadvantage of the east coast of Zanzibar. The ocean goes to a distance of 1.5 kilometers. At this time, local residents go out to "hunt" for marine life. The bottom here is sandy and rocky, a lot of hedgehogs and algae. We recommend taking coral slippers with you.
Pwani Mchangani- Pwani resort is one of the best on the east coast of Zanzibar. Here, tourists will find all the necessary attributes of a paradise island - privacy, silence, peace, azure water, excellent beaches, comfortable hotels in a traditional African style, as well as excellent weather all year round. Nearby is a small village where you can buy fruits and souvenirs. There are no cafes and shops nearby, so tourists prefer to walk to Kiwengwi. The beach is fully exposed to the problem of strong low tides - the main disadvantage of the east coast of Zanzibar. The ocean goes up to 2 kilometers away.
Kiwengwa until recently it 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. There is a lot of music and fun here, but you can also find more or less secluded places - in small private boarding houses they still manage to maintain an authentic Zanzibar atmosphere of sincere cordiality and hospitality. Although in some parts of the coast there is a problem of strong low tides (up to 400 meters), this is one of the best beaches on the east coast of Zanzibar. It is very popular with tourists with children. many good hotels and good entry into the sea.
Uroa (Uroa)- Uroa Beach is located 40 km from Stone Town and is very authentic. Local peasants live here, so the coast is very colorful. In this area, the ocean is most subject to ebb and flow, so that during low tide during the day the ocean goes 2-3 km from the coast. At this time, local women come ashore to collect crabs and shellfish and grow seaweed plantations. Here you will also find a seaweed farm. Tourists go to this area mainly in order to live closer to the Stone Town, which they plan to visit often. Here are the cheapest hotels in Zanzibar.
Pingwe- located on the east coast of Zanzibar. Pinggu Beach is clean, snow-white, long, cafes and hotels are located along the coast. Nearby is the restaurant "The Rock". Photo Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa 5*.
Paje- the beach is located on the southeast coast of the island of Zanzibar. Despite the fact that at low tide it takes a very long time to go to the depth (up to 1 kilometer), this place still enjoys well-deserved popularity because of its beauty. The coast and bottom are sandy. In addition, kitesurfing is good here. This beach is considered active, designed for young people. Tourists from all over the world come here for skiing and nightlife. In the evenings, there are parties and discos on the beach. Also, this beach has a developed tourist infrastructure - many shops, cafes, souvenir shops and a mini market.
Beach Kizimkazi considered one of the best in all of Zanzibar. There are secluded bays, ancient buildings, from here you can watch dolphins, and if you're lucky, then swim with them, since here they are already accustomed to people. There are also luxurious hotels in which tourists spend all their time. Kizimkazi beach is located in the south of the island. It got its name from the nearby fishing village, which was once the capital of the island and still houses the oldest mosque in East Africa from the pre-Ottoman period Shirazi. But it is worth considering that the southern beaches of Zanzibar are more suitable for those who feel confident in the water, as there are often waves here. The beach is almost deserted. Low tides up to 500 m.
If you are looking for the perfect beach in Zanzibar, then look not into the distance, look at your feet.
There is a chance that in pursuit of the most beautiful view, you will miss not only the best sunset, but the ocean itself, which will consider itself superfluous on your celebration of life and simply leave, leaving behind warm puddles of salt water and crabs rushing to shelter. Just trust that all Zanzibar beaches are undeniably beautiful. And you will definitely find the right one for you, you just need to use the recommendations of Smart Trip.
South coast
Kizimkazi
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 shore, then, after the opening of the hotel at the southern tip of Zanzibar, luxury and comfort were added to all the advantages of Kizimkazi. A distinctive feature of the beach where it is located lies in absolute privacy. Here you will not be disturbed by annoying souvenir sellers that 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 in the morning to soak up the sun, because it is your own, and if there is suddenly not enough space under the sun, which, to be honest, has never happened since the opening of the hotel, the attentive staff will instantly organize everything you need.
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, is the oldest religious building not only in Zanzibar, but possibly in all of East Africa. Kufic writings on the walls Shirazi mosques 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 trefoil 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, just do not forget to take off your shoes before entering and put on clothing appropriate for the occasion (head, shoulders and knees must be covered), you will also be grateful if you leave and donate a few dollars to restore the temple complex.
north coast
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 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 barely coming from the bar is too noisy for you, then you always have a choice: move to the south coast in The Residence Zanzibar, where you will certainly not be disturbed.
The beach is located on the road southwest of Nungwi. The road is not entirely good for self-driving a car, especially considering that Zanzibar has right-hand traffic, but at the end of the road your efforts will be worthy of a reward: a snow-white beach with coral sand surrounded by palm trees and mystical views of Tumbatu Island. But that, unfortunately, is all. So the beach is suitable exclusively for lovers of recreation by "savages", 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, use Turn 1 as your guide, located about five kilometers from Nungwi. And yes, we warn you, the road goes through the village and is full of potholes, so be careful.
northeast coast
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 looms invitingly with outlines Mnemba island, 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
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 the 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, collecting 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.
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 have a bite of the freshest fish cooked in oil or on coals, according to your desire.
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 peaceful rustle of palm trees and shops within walking distance brighten up Bwejuu Beach's minor flaws.
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.
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 kanga weaving by the Jambani craftswomen, as well as replenish the supply of water.
Beach in the southeast of Zanzibar.
Here we stayed for the first two nights, but did not swim.
The place is bad for swimming: the bottom is old coral slabs, and when the sea ebb, what is not visible under water is exposed - sharp stones.
The surf is cloudy from a suspension of sand.
Somewhere not far from the shore, grass is overgrown, so the beach is strewn with dried algae.
The sand is fine and white - coral sand, cool even in the sun.
Beach rating = 3
It is possible to live here using the place as a base for trips around the island.
You can't swim.
Paje beach
Paje is located about 5 km north of Jambiani Beach.
In fact, this is a continuation of Jambiani beach, but there are no stones at the bottom.
The bottom is flat and shallow.
At low tide knee-deep, at high tide chest-neck.
The place is ideal for kiting.
For training, first of all: good wind from the sea, shallow, no stones, sand.
There are two kite schools here.
You can rent a SUP and swim with a paddle, which is what I did here.
Beach rating = 4
You can live here, you can swim, you can eat - there are many restaurants around, the place can be used for trips around the island.
From here, the south of Zanzibar and the north are equidistant.
A good hotel on the beach - Arabian Nights Hotel - I can recommend. We booked a bungalow on the beach itself.
Pingwe beach
The first thing that catches your eye on Pingwe Beach is a huge amount of grass on the shore and in the water.
Lots of expensive hotels. We did not swim here, but they take snorkeling here.
The place is called blue lagoon.
Parking and entrance for swimming costs 2000.
If you order more than 8000 food and drinks at a local restaurant, entrance and parking are free.
Just north of the village is The Rock restaurant.
It is located on a tiny piece of land 30 meters from the coast.
At low tide, you can paddle there on foot; at high tide, a boat takes guests.
We visit the restaurant in the evening, during the day it is empty
Beach Appearance Rating = 3
I did not want to stay here.
We drove all over the coast, looking for a place for the last night. This place didn't catch my eye.
I go back to Paje beach and turn right to the west, around Chwaka Bay- big bay
I leave for the village of Kitogani and drive north, without turning anywhere.
The road goes around Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park where red monkeys live.
They can be seen along the road - they sit in trees and hamster something, not paying attention to cars.
They are not allowed to approach them, as the monkeys become aggressive and can bite. It is enough to take a photo of them from the car window.
Don't miss this place - there will be about 5 speed bumps in a row.
After this place, there will be a butterfly park on the right.
We didn’t go in, since these parks are in every country at every resort.
I wouldn't be interested.
We go further north.
There will be signs along the way. Spicy Farm - spice farm.
You can stop for 15 minutes and listen to a lecture showing plants.
Here are collected specimens that do not grow in Zanzibar: from India, Indonesia, Thailand.
These are vanilla, ginger, lemongrass, chili pepper, cloves, etc.
Everything can be smelled, touched and tasted.
After the end of the lecture, it is offered to buy a set of spices, and after the purchase - to give a tip.
The most expensive set is 10 dollars, it is enough to give a tip of 5000 shillings.
We go further north.
In one place, namely near the village Kivunge, there is a checkpoint (there are a lot of checkpoints on the roads, but the police there only wave their hands when they see my face.
Immediately fucked up to the seat belts. The barrier was closed, so we had to stop.
For a long time they read morality and soared the brain. As a result, he gave 5,000 shillings, the cop shut up and let go.
We go further north.
On the left, the exits to the hotels begin. I drive down the first exit, drive 2 km along a country road and run into a parking lot.
Parking lot 1000. I pay no questions asked, as there is loot in the car.
Going south to the beach Nungwi- just a picture of Aivazovsky, but there is no storm.
Nungwi beach (Nungwi beach)
Warm.
The sand is soft and white.
The beach is very similar to the beach on Boracay island.
The same bottom topography: despite the low tide, it is deep enough.
The color of the water and its transparency, as well as the absence of waves, make this place ideal for swimming.
Beach rating = 5 - this is the best beach in Zanzibar.
However, a fly in the ointment - there are so many hotels stuck in this place that it's hard to imagine how this place looks like in the season.
Difficulties with parking, especially to the north, closer to the village Nungwi.
This place (Nungwi) has many restaurants.
Some belong to all-inclusive hotels and at the entrance from the beach there are blacks in national costumes with clubs.
As I understand it, they are guarding the snack from the local public, which roams here selling glasses and freshly caught fish.
We look at the menu and compare prices, as well as the menu itself (the menu should have a maximum of 2 sheets) and choose one of the restaurants.
There is South African wine on the menu.
A bottle of 30,000, we agree on 20,000 - you have to bargain everywhere and always in Zanzibar.
The dishes served do not cause any complaints: a warm salad with octopus - like in Italy, only there is not enough olive oil.
After lunch we move further north.
In the village of Nungwi we turn left and run into a dive center.
Leaving the car at a dead end, we go out to the beach.
There are a lot of people here, but again, no one bathes except cows.
There is a lot of grass on the beach, although there are no waves.
Kizimkazi beach
Kizimkazi Beach is considered one of the best in all of Zanzibar. This is a beach of extreme beauty and impressive size. Here you will find secluded bays, ancient buildings, if you are lucky you can watch dolphins, or even swim with them, as here they are already accustomed to people. There are luxurious hotels and simpler hotels here.
Nungwi beach
This is the extreme northern point of the island, considered the best place for diving, as there is a rich coral reef that will interest even experienced divers. The beach is so striking in its beauty, white as flour, sand and truly turquoise water, that it’s hard to look away, you think that this is how Paradise should look like. Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach is a wide strip of fine, flour-like coral sand. Tropical palm trees line the coast. There are no attractions on this beach, so why, if the endless ocean beckons you to relax, forget about all the problems and enjoy life. Matemwe beach
This is a beach near the village of Matemwe on the northeast coast of Zanzibar. A magnificent snow-white beach washed by turquoise water, and in the distance mystical views of the island of Mnemba. The water here is clean, a gentle entrance and a lot of marine life. Kiwengwa Beach
Here, on the site of the village, large resort hotels have grown for different tastes and budgets, but all of them are united by Zanzibar hospitality and cordiality. Music and fun, life is in full swing, but if you wish, you can find more secluded places. The service is designed for European tourists. The beach is clean and striking in its tropical beauty. Uroa beach
Uroa beach is located 40 km from the capital. Very colorful and authentic place. It is especially interesting for tourists who want to see the life of the local population. In this area, the ocean is most subject to ebb and flow. At this time, local women come ashore to collect crabs and shellfish and grow seaweed plantations. Here you can also visit a seaweed farm. Very close to the village and the fish market. Chfaka beach
The place is curious with the largest fish market on the island, where you can spend time with interest and have a bite to eat dishes from freshly caught seafood. It is also here that abandoned villas from the time of British rule. The beach is strewn with shells. Bwejuu beach
Beach near a large village of the same name. Buildings made of coral stone under thatched roofs, which stretch along the entire coastline, give a special touch to the beach. For lovers of peace, relaxation and tranquility, the beach may seem a bit noisy. Paje beach
Paje beach is located in the South-East of the island, a small fishing village. There are plantations of sea kale, the beach is clean and with white sand, like on many other beaches of Zanzibar. Jambani beach
The beach boasts clean sand and clear waters. Here tourists will find all the attributes of a paradise island - azure water, white fine sand and the special atmosphere of Africa. In Zanzibar, you can find beaches that are attractive for recreation literally everywhere, almost all of them are covered with white sand and surrounded by dense thickets of tropical plants. The most popular beach on the island is Kizimkazi. It is located on the south coast and is ideal for families. Despite its huge popularity, the white sandy beach is never crowded, and all thanks to its impressive scale. The beach is characterized by a very calm and peaceful atmosphere, there are no noisy entertainment venues and numerous sellers with souvenirs, only magnificent nature and gentle sea.
Travelers who are planning to relax in the northern part of the island should pay attention to Nungwi beach, it is the exact opposite of the calm Kizimkazi. The beach is sure to appeal to active tourists, the choice of entertainment here is simply huge. The beach has an old lighthouse with an observation deck, an excellent aquarium and a water sports center. In the immediate vicinity of the coast there is an amazingly beautiful coral reef that attracts thousands of diving and snorkeling fans to these places. Another important distinguishing feature of the sandy beach is its close proximity to popular nightclubs and bars; a lot of young people always rest on the beach.
Nearby is the wild Kendwa beach, which is one of the most inaccessible on the island. It is very difficult to get to it on your own, the road passes through very difficult places. Travelers who are not afraid of obstacles will have the opportunity to relax on a surprisingly quiet and beautiful beach. The sand that covers it in appearance resembles sugar, which is why the water near the coast also seems snow-white. Going on vacation, be sure to take with you all the necessary accessories and water.
On the territory of a small fishing village of the same name is Matemwe beach. It will appeal not only to fans of a serene pastime, but also to fishing enthusiasts who can rent all the necessary gear and accessories from local residents. Matemwe beach is not distinguished by first-class equipment and a large selection of entertainment, but in the village everyone can visit a picturesque restaurant, as well as buy fresh seafood and interesting souvenirs from local residents.
There are also attractive beaches on the east coast of Zanzibar, including Kiwengwa. A few years ago, this place was a miniature fishing village, and today Kiwengwa is an excellent resort, the advantages of which will be appreciated by lovers of comfort. The beach is well equipped with colorful sun loungers and original straw umbrellas. The beach is characterized by a very lively atmosphere, music and fun will absorb visitors from the first minutes. The resort is perfect for families with children; young travelers will not be bored either.