Zanzibar Coastline

Beach Holidays

Zanzibar's Coastline

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of East Africa's finest beaches, but sand and surf vary depending on which side of the island you’re on. The east coast offers the most pristine beaches, while west Zanzibar offers gentler tides. On the northern coast of Zanzibar, the diving is superb. The south coast is home to the Menai Bay Conservation Area.

All the planning and conversations we had prior to our trip proved to be invaluable.
Justin and Tracy

There are noted differences between Zanzibar's various coastlines that are important to consider when choosing where to stay, particularly if you have an interest in activities such as diving.

On Zanzibar's east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides than it is on the east, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.

The south coast of Zanzibar encompasses the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection zone that works to protect the turtles that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys as well as a number of other primate and small antelope species. The lodges on this section of the coast are quieter and more secluded than those on the eastern and northern coastlines, but there's a trade-off; the southern beaches aren't, on the whole, quite as stunning.

The best areas for snorkelling and diving are at Nungwi and Matemwe on the north-eastern side of the Island, close to the Mnemba Atoll. Most of the hotels and resorts in this area have their own dive centres, or if not will organise diving or snorkelling trips for you at a private centre. The south-western coast also has its own unique attractions, such as dolphin viewing off Kizimkazi, though this has become very commercial in recent years and we generally don't recommend it.

We very rarely recommend that clients visit Zanzibar's west coast. Tides present less of a challenge here than on the east coast, but the hotels lack character and the beaches are not as pristine due the presence of a number of larger resorts just north of Stone Town. There are, however, a number of marvellous private island resorts located off the west coast, such as Fumba, which shouldn't be overlooked.

Where to stay?
Among our favourite Zanzibar properties are Breezes, Baraza and Mapenzi, representing the larger resorts, and Matemwe Beach Village, Mnarani, Ponwe, and Sunshine Hotel, representing the smaller lodges. More exclusive properties include Unguja Lodge, Fumba Beach, Matemwe Retreat and Mnemba Island.

But there are many more hotels to consider, so get in touch and let us help you plan your stay on Zanzibar. We have been visiting the island for over 25 years and know its beaches and hotels extremely well. We can advise on tides, the most suitable properties to match your budget, where the best diving is, and can help you secure the best rates.

Featured itineraries

Ngorongoro, Mahale, Selous and Zanzibar

10-day luxury Tanzania safari visiting Ngorongoro Crater, Mahale Mountains National Park, Selous Game Reserve, and the spice island of Zanzibar. This programme can be extended to 14 days to include the Serengeti. NB. Availability in Mahale is limited and seasonal - please contact our office for current rates and availability.

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Mwiba and Matemwe

Spend 3 days exploring the exclusive Mwiba Wildlife Reserve in the southern Serengeti followed by 4 nights on the northern coast of Zanzibar on this luxury safari & beach combo.

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Baraza Resort and Spa

A classic Zanzibar beach holiday retreat, Baraza Resort occupies a stunning spot on Bweju Beach on the south-east coast of the island.

Bluebay Beach Resort

Bluebay Resort is a medium-sized resort located on the eastern coast of Zanzibar, in Kiwengwa. One of our preferred four-star hotels on the island, it occupies an extended stretch of beach in an uncrowded area.

Breezes Beach Club

Breezes Beech Club is one of Zanzibar's original five-star beach resorts, and it remains one of the best. It enjoys a marvellous location on Bwejuu Beach, on Zanzibar's quiet south-eastern coast.

Fumba Beach

Fumba Beach is an small, stylish lodge situated on the little-visited Fumba Peninsula. It's a lovely, intimate retreat, with its own PADI dive centre.

Gold Zanzibar

Gold Zanzibar is a medium-sized 5-star resort with an enviable position on one of Zanzibar's finest and least tidal beaches, Kendwa.

Hotel Riu Palace

Opened in 2013, the Hideaway of Nungwi is one of Zanzibar's best upmarket beach resorts, offering stylish accommodation and a wonderful location on the north-west coast of the island.

Karamba

Situated in the fishing village of Kizimkazi, within the Menai Bay Conservation Area, Karamba Resort is a discreet retreat that stands out from the mega-resorts that dominate much of Zanzibar's coastline.

Kilindi

Kilindi is an intimate boutique resort located on Zanzibar's north-western coast. Once owned by Björn Ulvaeus (of Abba!), its stylish design combines Scandinavian cool with traditional Swahili motifs.

Matemwe Beach Village

Matemwe Beach Village is one of Zanzibar's very best mid-range resorts, with a wonderful location on the north-eastern coast of the island, and its own PADI dive centre.

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge (formerly Matemwe Bungalows) occupies a wonderful location on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, on a high coral cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and, in the distance, Mnemba Island.

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Matemwe Retreat

Matemwe Retreat is located on a beautiful stretch of private land opposite the Mnemba Atoll, with access to marvellous beach and reefs. This highly exclusive retreat has just four villas.

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Mbweni Ruins

Mbweni Ruins is an intimate resort situated in the upmarket garden suburb of Mbweni, 6km - or a 10 minute drive - from Stone Town.

Mnarani Beach Cottages

Mnarani Beach Cottages are located on Zanzibar's quiet northern coast, just outside the village of Nungwi. One of Zanzibar's best low-cost options, Mnarani offers lovely rooms and great beach access away from the crowds.

Ocean Paradise Resort

Ocean Paradise Resort is an upmarket beach resort with a fine location on Zanzibar's North East Coast, offering comfortable makuti-thatch rooms and a wealth of amenities.

Pongwe Beach Hotel

Pongwe Beach Hotel enjoys a peaceful location in a secluded cove on Zanzibar's less-developed eastern coast. A simple, unpretentious beach lodge, it enjoys access to a beautiful stretch of beach.

Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel

Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel occupies a marvellous location on Zanzibar's northernmost tip, where it enjoys privileged beach access and great diving from its on-site dive centre.

Shooting Star Lodge

Shooting Star Lodge is a stylish yet unfussy beach retreat situated on a coral cliff overlooking Kiwengwa Beach on Zanzibar's eastern coast. Family owned and run, it has a relaxed, easy atmosphere.

Sunshine Hotel

The Sunshine Hotel is a lovely, low-key beach resort situated on Matemwe Beach, on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar.

The Palms

The Palms is one of Zanzibar's most luxurious beach lodges, a lavish 6-room private beach retreat situated on the southeastern coast of the island, between sister lodges Baraza and Breezes Beach Club.

Unguja Resort

Unguja Resort is a small, discrete beach lodge situated in Kizimkazi, on the southernmost tip of Zanzibar, an area otherwise known as the Bay of 1,000 Dolphins.

Zawadi Hotel

Zawadi is a small luxury beach hotel which sits in a pretty cove on Zanzibar’s Michamvi peninsula.

There’s nothing more helpful than talking to people who know the realities of climbing in such an environment.
Mike and Joshua

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Featured itineraries

Ngorongoro, Mahale, Selous and Zanzibar

Mwiba and Matemwe

Ngorongoro, Mahale, Selous and Zanzibar

Mwiba and Matemwe

Accommodation

Baraza Resort and Spa

Bluebay Beach Resort

Breezes Beach Club

Fumba Beach

Gold Zanzibar

Hotel Riu Palace

Karamba

Kilindi

Matemwe Beach Village

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Retreat

Mbweni Ruins

Mnarani Beach Cottages

Ocean Paradise Resort

Pongwe Beach Hotel

Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel

Shooting Star Lodge

Sunshine Hotel

The Palms

Unguja Resort

Zawadi Hotel

At the Summit of Mount Stanley

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