What to do
Zanzibar Beaches: Which to Choose (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje)
What sets the beaches apart is the tide: choosing the right area matters more than choosing the beach.
By Luciano Baetz · Updated · 3 min read
Of all the Zanzibar beaches, the most popular are Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, Kiwengwa in the north-east, and Paje and Jambiani in the south-east. The big difference between them is the tide: in the north the sea stays steadier, while on the east and south-east coasts the tide pulls the water back and transforms the beach through the day. That is why choosing the area matters more than choosing the beach.
What is the best Zanzibar beach for swimming?
For swimming at any time, the best Zanzibar beaches are Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, where the water does not retreat much with the tide. On the east and south-east coasts the beach is beautiful, but at some hours of the day the water is far away. Before you book, ask the hotel for the high-tide times.
Nungwi
At the northern tip of the island, it is one of the best-known beaches, with white sand, turquoise water and sunsets. A good choice if you want to swim at any hour. The Riu Jambo, the Riu Palace Zanzibar and the Riu Palace Swahili are here.
Kendwa
Right next to Nungwi, on the north-west coast, it is a long white-sand beach known for a sea that barely changes with the tide and a lively atmosphere at the end of the day.
Kiwengwa
On the north-east coast, this is resort territory. The Meliá Zanzibar and the TUI BLUE Bahari are here. As on the whole east coast, the tide affects swimming, so ask the hotel for the best times.
Paje, the kitesurfing capital
On the south-east coast, Paje is Zanzibar's kitesurfing capital. At low tide it leaves wide stretches of sand and little water, so it is a beach for walking, sport and watching the kites rather than swimming at any hour.
Jambiani
A fishing village on the east coast, with quiet beaches and traditional boats. A simple, relaxed atmosphere, far from the big resorts.
Pingwe and The Rock
At Pingwe on the east coast stands the restaurant perched on a rock in the sea, known as The Rock. It is one of Zanzibar's most famous views and worth a visit for a meal or photos, keeping an eye on the tide.
When to go to Zanzibar's beaches
The sea is warm all year, but the clear skies and lower humidity of the dry season, June to October, make the beach far more pleasant. March, April and May, with the long rains, are the months to avoid. More detail in our guide to the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Which beach should you choose?
| You want… | Choose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming at any hour | Nungwi and Kendwa | Steadier sea |
| A big resort with lots to do | Kiwengwa | Tide affects swimming |
| Kitesurfing | Paje | Low tide pulls the water far back |
| A village and quiet | Jambiani | Few resorts |
- Wear water shoes on rocky areas and where there are sea urchins, especially at low tide.
- Protect yourself from the sun: radiation near the equator is very strong, even under cloud.
- Away from resort beaches, dress more modestly in the villages.
- Do not leave valuables unattended on the sand.
