Beaches in Zanzibar
Beaches in Zanzibar
Beaches in Zanzibar : Zanzibar Island is well known for hosting some of the best beaches in the world because of that, it is regarded as the best beach destinations in the world. Zanzibar Island is located off the coast of Tanzania spanning approximately 90 kilometers long and 40 kilometers, Zanzibar holds a mysterious charm that is felt throughout the archipelago which is surrounded by soft white sand, compelling atmosphere and crystal clear waters.
Zanzibar has a number of beaches and some of the great beaches on the island are as listed below
- NUNGWI BEACH
The breathtaking Nungwi Beach is listed among the Top 25 beaches in the world by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award 2018, Nungwi Beach is located on the North Coast of Zanzibar and is situated on a coast blessed with coral reefs making the beach an ideal spot for diving, snorkeling and swimming.
Nungwi Beach boasts mesmerizing blue waters and crystal white sands, and is an ideal beach for visitors seeking for peace and solitude as it is surrounded by stunning beauty and it has a quieter side where there are less crowds.
Nungwi Beach is ideal for solo travelers and offers visitors an opportunity to soak up in the vibe of the island and meet new people as well. Nungwi Beach boasts the most beautiful backdrop perfect for your vacation pictures, during your stay at the beach. You will spot locals’ boats floating on the open sea, visitors are also able to spot dolphins, sharks and green turtles at a certain interval of the year.
From the window or in a hammock at the balcony of your beach resort, you will enjoy the best views of the ocean and the coast. Some of the thrilling activities to take part in while at Nungwi Beach include a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat. The beach has a range of resorts, bars and restaurants with night life entertainment.
ACCESSING NUNGWI BEACH
Nungwi Beach is located approximately 58 kilometers away from the Stone Town and it is a drive of 1.5 hours. There are several car rental companies around the Stone Town where you can hire a vehicle to Nungwi Beach. There is also public taxis departing from the Stone Town Ferry Terminal.
BEST PLACES TO STAY AROUND NUNGWI BEACH
Nungwi Beach has a number of accommodation establishments dotted around the beach, among these accommodations include Hotel RIU Palace Zanzibar, The Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort, Ras Nungwi among others
- KENDWA BEACH
Kendwa Beach often referred to as The Little Sister of Nungwi Beach is one of the most popular and fascinating beaches in Zanzibar and it is quieter than Nungwi Beach in the North.
Kendwa Beach is located a few miles before Nungwi Village and 3 kilometers from Nungwi Beach, it is possible to walk along the beach from Nungwi to Kendwa beach during low tide.
Kendwa Beach has low tides which making it an ideal site for snorkeling, diving and swimming without having to chase the ocean a mile away, Kendwa Beach has a lot of fun activities to do during your stay such as volleyball on the sandy breach, beach soccer among others.
Kendwa Beach is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming and catching an awe-inspiring sunset, at the beach expect to see several marine creatures such as a colorful starfish which take refugee on the beach just off shore.
Kendwa Beach is famous for its active nightlife and Full Mooon Party which is celebrated during the full moon, this joy filled event attracts a lot of people from the island and is celebrated by playing several African beats and dancing extravaganza.
Kendwa Beach has several resturants and bars serving mouth-watering cuisines and beverages.
ACCESSING KENDWA BEACH
Kendwa Beach is located approximately 56 kilometers from Stone Town – the capital of Zanzibar Island, to get to Stone Town you can use public transport – the Dalla dalla from the Dalla Dalla station in Darajani. During your journey you can ask for a stopover t the Kendwa Rocks Junction, from the Kendwa Village Junction it is a walk of 15 minutes to the beach.
- KIWENGWA BEACH
Kiwengwa Beach is often refered to as the Little Italy of Zanzibar because of its long beach front occupied by Italian – run resorts and hotels, this peaceful paradise is located on the East Coast which is influenced by the low tide which makes it an ideal destination for travelers to swim in the shallow, crystal clear waters while enjoying a refreshing cold tropical drink.
Kiwengwa Beach is a great beach for family travelers on a holiday with kids, the beach has a range of accommodations with standard swimming pools and other facilities. At Kiwengwa Beach swimming is not possible especially at low tide.
ACCESSING KIWENGWA BEACH
Kiwengwa Beach is located approximately 46 kilometers from Stone Town – the capital of Zanzibar, to get there you can hire a car, use public transport or hotel/resort transport in a dalla dalla.
- PONGWE BEACH
Pongwe Beach is a more remote beach at Zanzibar Island making it an ideal spot for relaxing from the bustle and hustle from the surrounding more commercial beaches of Zanzibar.
Pongwe Beach is ideal for visitors seeking for privacy and intimacy, the beach is perfect for visitors on a honeymoon or a romantic date. The beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving.
ACCESSING PONGWE BEACH
Pongwe Beach is located approximately 56 Kilometers from the Stone Town and to access this paradise, you can board a dala dala.
Caution: due to the remoteness of Pongwe Beach, dalla dalla’s routes are not operated in a daily basis. Because of this, it is advisable to hire a taxi instead of a dalla dalla.
- PAJE BEACH
Paje Beach is a lively beach and one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, the beach is an ideal destination for sailing and Kite surfing. Paje Beach has a laid back vibe with abundance of entertainment sports such as the beach bars.
Swimming at Paje Beach is often impossible in the pristine waters, however one can take a swim in swimming pools of beaches lodges and hotels along the shores of the beach.
ACCESSING PAJE Beach
Paje Beach is situated in about one hour driver from Stone Town to Paje (60 Kilometers), to get to the beach you can use public tax (Dalla dalla) or hire a private car from Stone Town.
- KIZIMKAZI BEACH
Kizimkazi Beach is a little fishing village located on the south coast of Zanzibar with 2 adjoining settlements of Kizimkazi Dimbai to the north and Kizimkazi Mkunguni to the south. This beautiful beach is very local and low key with a coastline that is very different from other beaches in Zanzibar.
Kizimkazi Beach is famous for swimming and spotting dolphins, the coast around this beach has a coral rag cliff that elevates to waterfront above the ocean. The beach takes a form of small coves rather than broad expanses of sand.
Kizimkazi Beach and village has a record of high tides and during the times of high tides the beach is not fully functioning and during the times of low tide, the ocean can be far away.
The Kizimkazi village is a famous destination for dolphin safaris, during the visit you can boat trips offering you an opportunity to swim with dolphins. You can also visit the oldest mosques on the East Africa Coast (Dimbani Mosque since 1107 AD).
ACCESSING KIZIMKAZI BEACH
Kizimkazi Beach is located 60 kilometers from Stone Town and you can access the beach using a hired car or public transport (dala dala).
Kizimkazi Beach is situated 60 kilometers from Stone Town and to get there you can hire a taxi or take a public transport (dala dala).
- JAMBIANI BEACH
The beautiful Jambiani Beach is situated on the southern parts of Zanzibar Island, the beach is a spot for the both local and foreigners. Jambiani Beach is a lively beach with a collection of restaurants and bars which are always filled with locals and tourists, the beach is an ideal site for snorkeling though it is difficult to swim during low tides.
ACCESSING JAMBIANI BEACH
Jambiani Beach is situated approximately 56 kilometers from The Stone Town, to get to the beach you can use a dalla dalla. .
- BWEJJU BEACH
Bwejju Beach is an isolated beach located on the Southeast corner of Zanzibar, the isolated location of this beach gives tourists a chance to enjoy incredible scenes of the local fishermen returning from sail with their catch of the day in their wooden dhow boats. During you stay at the beach you can engage in playing soccer along the beach with local kids and collect seaweed.
Bwejju Beach is great for swimming during the low tide, collect seaweed and is an incredible site for reef safaris offering visitors a chance to walk to the reef without getting wet. Bwejju has an extremely long stretch of beach where snorkeling can be done.
Accessing Bwejju Beach
Bwejju Beach is located about 53 kilometers from Stone Town and one can get there using a taxi or dalla dalla.
- MATEMWE BEACH
The spectacular Matemwe Beach is the longest beach in Zanzibar located in Matemwe in the north East of Zanzibar, this beach is noted for having some of the finest sand on Zanzibar Island and it is fringed with palm trees.
At Matemwe Beach you will find traditional fishing villages which will give you a local experience and insight in the culture of the local people.
The area around Matemwe Beach the best site for some of the marine activities on Zanzibar Island such as diving, Kite Surfing, sailing and snorkeling.
The Mnemba Atoli situated approximately 2 kilometers offshore just beyong the main reef is a world famous site for scuba diving, the Island is surrounded by pristine and accessible coral reef.
Beaches in Zanzibar are great destinations to visit for a beach holiday, honeymoon or a family holiday.
