Zanzibar Beaches – Where to stay in Zanzibar. The archipelago of Zanzibar is a beautiful and unique destination that evokes images of Arabian nights and the indolence of the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar, a beautifully tranquil island that is only 15 minutes by plane from the mainland, is one of the finest beach locations in East Africa.

It is surrounded by coral reefs and featuring lovely beaches that are lined by enormous palm trees that stretch out in all directions. Zanzibar beaches are the obvious complement to a safari on the mainland of Tanzania. Or, should we say that a short safari is the obvious addition to your Zanzibar vacation? The stunning Selous National Park is less than an hour away from Zanzibar.

It can be difficult to decide where to stay in Zanzibar because there are so many hotels and so many tourist traps. It is necessary to have a talk with the locals in order to pick the wheat from the chaff and discover a beach lodge that is ideal for you. We have spent years traveling to and returning to the most untouched areas of the island, and as a result, we are able to direct you to the most suitable accommodations.

Even though Stone Town, the charming capital of the island, is where many tourists stay a night or two, the real draw of the island is its magnificent coral sand beaches, as well as the wonderful opportunities for snorkeling and diving that can find there. Although tourism has surpassed spice trafficking as the primary source of income, the islands have managed to preserve their traditional African allure in spite of the developments that have occurred over the past ten years. Zanzibar is a land apart, completely unique, and a destination that is a must-see for anybody.

The most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar are located on Zanzibar.

Kendwa and Nungwi Beach, located in North Zanzibar

The beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are really stunning; they are located on the only side of the island where the sea is always incredibly pure and the sand is brilliantly white. It is highly recommended that you choose to stay on Zanzibar’s northern beaches if you are searching for a beach experience that is reminiscent of the Indian Ocean.

Depending on the time of day, the rest of Zanzibar’s beaches (on the east coast, because the west coast really doesn’t give you much!) are tidal, which means that even while you might be able to sink your toes into the powdery sand, the sea might be a bit of a trip away. In spite of the fact that Nungwi and Kendwa are home to a number of large chains and a culture of backpackers, the beaches in this area are quite remarkable, and if you know where to search, you may find some truly remarkable lodging alternatives.

Finding a place to stay near Nungwi and Kendwa Beaches

The Zuri Zanzibar, which is a brand-new and thrilling addition to the beach resorts of Zanzibar, is among our favorite hotels. Along with the classics Diamonds La Gemma and Essque Zalu, we also have our favorites. They are all absolutely amazing value for money and are suitable for folks who like to be among a bustling atmosphere and on a lovely beach. If you choose to stay in either of these alternatives, you will have your own personal piece of solitude in a really entertaining part of the island.

North East Zanzibar, Matemwe, Zanzibar

Within a short distance to the east of Nungwi and Kendwa is where you will find Matemwe beach. Because of this, in contrast to beaches located further north, this one can experience tidal waves. Prior to the past several years, the region was largely unexplored by tourists; however, it is currently experiencing a certain amount of activity. However, when the tide is in, certain beach hotels provide an incredible opportunity to experience a slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean at an exceptional price.

The best places to stay at Matemwe Beach

The Sunshine Hotel, Matemwe Lodge, and Kasha are just a few examples of the well-established boutique accommodations that can be found in this area, which is located away from the bustling population. Sunshine is the hotel that we suggest the most. It is a somewhat more intimate version of the Pongwe Beach Hotel, which can be found below. Sunshine offers a wide variety of wonderful suites and villas at pricing points that are very reasonable. Nevertheless, when deciding between Sunshine and Pongwe, you must take into consideration the advantage of Pongwe’s beach, which is always in perfect condition…

Zanzibar’s East Pongwe Island

Pongwe is home to one of the few beaches on the east coast that is not affected by the tides. This is because it is situated in a concave break in the shoreline. As a result, if you enjoy going for lengthy walks along the beach, you might not be a good candidate for this option because you won’t be able to obtain a picture of the entire beach. However, it will provide you with a specific little slice of luxury in as much solitude as you can get on the island. When it comes to Zanzibar accommodations, Pongwe is without a doubt the greatest option for those who do not have a very large budget.

The best places to stay at Pongwe Beach

Regarding the beach and hotels that offer an excellent value for the money, Pongwe is the sole destination to take into consideration in this region. Despite the fact that it is not ultra-luxurious and has a quirky appearance, it does offer additional benefits, such as private pools in the sea view suites, at an extremely affordable price. When you visit Pongwe, you won’t have to worry about the low tide that affects some of the beaches in Zanzibar; instead, you’ll have access to beaches composed of white sand and waters that are turquoise in color.

Located in South East Zanzibar, Paje and Dongwe

When compared to the Northern regions, Paje offers a greater variety of lodging options that we are more inclined to recommend. Both Paje and Dongwe, which are located on the island’s mid-east coast, have beaches that are long and expansive, giving them the feel of the traditional Indian Ocean. However, the water in these beaches can be tidal. However, you will have access to a number of extremely luxurious and private options, and as a result, some of our most cherished destinations for a supremely indulgent Indian Ocean paradise can be found in this region.

You can get accommodations at Paje and Dongwe Beaches.

Located in Paje, White Sands Villas is a true gem of a luxurious place to stay. The name of this resort pretty much says it all: its luxuriously spacious villas offer a refuge that is uncluttered, uncomplicated, and yet superbly furnished. These homes are privately encircled by wonderful sandy gardens. Unlike White Sands, Breezes is located in Dongwe, and in contrast to White Sands, it is larger and more affordable, but it is perfect for families because it provides all of the modern conveniences that a family vacation on the Indian Ocean could possibly require.

Echo Beach is the antithesis of arrogant Indian Ocean luxury and is suitable for certain individuals. If you are looking for an atmosphere that is as laid-back as Breezes, you need not seek any further. In addition to being among the most luxurious hotels on the island, the sibling properties of Baraza and The Palms are also among the most luxurious hotels on the island.

Our top recommendation for families who are looking for the best that the island has to offer is Baraza, which features 36 bungalows, each of which comes with its own private plunge pool. The Palms, which is located next door, has only six rooms and provides a more personal experience, making it an excellent choice for couples who wish to have peace and quiet to themselves. Choosing any of these would be an excellent choice for a luxurious vacation in Zanzibar or for a honeymoon in Zanzibar.

East and West Zanzibar, Jambiani, and South (South!) Zanzibar

Due to the fact that there are continuously good winds, Jiambani is an excellent location to come if you are looking for the greatest kite surfing on the island. Our preferred hotels, on the other hand, are located further up the road, in the direction of Paje and Dongwe. As you travel further south, the beaches become less noticeable, and then as you travel up the west coast, with the exception of Stone Town, there aren’t any beaches that can be compared to those in the west.

Additional Reading Regarding Beach Vacations in Zanzibar Although it is located to the north-east of Zanzibar Island, Pemba is an island that is still easily accessible from Dar es Salaam. Pemba is located in the country of Tanzania. Those who are looking for a more exciting getaway and a place to get away from the more popular beaches will find Pemba to be their ideal destination. The coral reefs that encircle Pemba in the turquoise ocean are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, despite the fact that Zanzibar is typically more well-known for its stunning beaches.

Have a look at the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar – South East Islands Chapter, North Coast Islands Chapter, and East Coast Islands Chapter, which was written by one of our directors, Annabel. While we are working hard to make our website as comprehensive as possible, if you would like some additional background information, you can read it. It is possible that some of the information may be slightly out of date because the most recent version was released in 2005; but, in general, it is as comprehensive as they come.

There is further information on where to stay in Zanzibar that can be found on our blog. If what you have read here is not sufficient (which we hope it is!), then you should check it out.

Our knowledge extends beyond Zanzibar and Tanzania alone!

The most effective way to acquire additional information about Tanzania is to give us a call and have an objective conversation with us. Although we have a strong affinity for Tanzania, we also have a strong affinity for the rest of Africa and have specialists in all of the major safari countries. We would appreciate it if you could send us an email or give us a call if you are still unsure about where you would like to go.