Zanzibar Top Destinations

Best time to visit All year-round
Capital Zanzibar
Population 1.89 Million
Area 2,461km²

Introducing Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, about 25-50km from Tanzania's African mainland. It consists of many small islands. The major islands are Unguja/Zanzibar Island, the largest Island and two small islands, Pemba Island and Mafia Island. Zanzibar is a tropical paradise well known for its stunning powdery white sand beaches, turquoise oceans, and tropical palm trees.

Overview

Zanzibar Safari Experience

The Zanzibar Islands are a top destination for unwinding and relaxing. If you fancy a quiet holiday, the islands have stunning remote spots that offer peace and tranquility. For those seeking exhilarating experiences, Zanzibar is an excellent destination for an action-packed beach holiday. Many activities keep you engaged throughout your holiday, including cultural experiences, snorkeling, kite surfing, fishing, dhow boats, scuba diving, bespoke Island tours, conservation project tours and swimming.

Accommodation in Zanzibar ranges from all-inclusive, budget, boutique hotels, luxury resorts, eco-friendly lodges, beachfront properties and luxury beach villas. Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination, and the holidays are a fraction of what you would pay in the Maldives. The island provides excellent value for money for both mid-price and all-inclusive holidays. The island is a perfect gateway for couples, honeymooners, families, groups, and solo travellers. The Zanzibar cultures are diverse, and the island has a rich history. The buildings in Stone Town have stunning architectural designs dating back to the colonial era, and the Zanzibari people are very welcoming.

zanzibar safari map
bwejuu beach

Bwejuu Beach

Bwejuu Beach is on the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island and is 1.5 hours from Stone Town.it is a picturesque powdery white sand beach with tropical palm trees firmly rooted to the ground. Conde Nast Traveler chose Bwejuu Beach among the top 30 beaches in the world.

Bwejuu Beach is one of the quietest beaches on Zanzibar Island and a popular choice if you seek serenity, relaxation and privacy. There are various exciting activities and excursions, which include a visit to Stone Town, snorkelling, fishing and diving, a visit to a local village, Bwejuu, a trip to Jozani Forest, home of the Red Colobus Monkey, and a dhow boat trip.

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kendwa beach

Kendwa Beach

Kendwa Beach is one of the best beaches on the northwest coast of Zanzibar Islands. It is famous for its dazzling powdery white sandy beach and striking sunsets. Kendwa Beach is perfect if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing time in Zanzibar. You can participate in various activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, sky diving, sunset cruises and beach volleyball.

If you are a thrill seeker, we challenge you to take on beach sky diving at Kendwa Beach. Other excursions include a day trip to Stone Town, Spice Farm, Prison Island and local markets near Kendwa Beach, where you can experience local cultures, try new foods and buy souvenirs. Adding a safari to your package, such as Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is possible. Many places accept credit card payments, but it is always advisable to bring cash if you want to make payments to a location that doesn’t accept cards.

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kizimkazi beach

Kizimkazi Beach

Kizimkazi Beach is a fishing village on the southwest coast of Zanzibar. The beach has little bays, unlike other beaches on the east, which have large stretches of sand. It is less congested with an authentic and unique atmosphere. Kizimkazi is home to bottle-nosed and spinner dolphins. It is a stunning beach with a beautiful coral reef and magnificent tropical fish. The beach is famous for Dolphin Tours. Board a traditional dhow boat and set sail as you explore the waters of the Indian Ocean. If you are lucky enough, you will spot the dolphins at a far distance.

You can get close up to 10 metres away and enjoy these amazing creatures' sleek and grey as they jack-knife through the waters and display their unique talent for jumps and twists. The downside is that there are no guarantees of seeing the dolphins. However, you can enjoy sailing, swimming and snorkelling in the clear, warm waters. Though dolphin tours are a popular activity in Kizimkazi, you must know that boat cruises offering a chance to swim with the dolphins are not recommended, even though there are no restrictions in place that govern dolphin tourism. The tour takes approximately 3 hours.

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mafia island

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is the third largest archipelago located 150km (93 mi) southeast of Tanzania's Mainland. It is a small island measuring 30 miles (50km) in length and 10 miles(15 km) across the widest point. Main Town is Kilindoni, located northwest. Utende, in the southeast, is the most popular tourist attraction and is best for luxury lodges and divers. The island is rarely visited, is much more serene than Pemba, and is considered a more eco-friendly destination. Mafia Island is a remote, undeveloped tropical paradise with powdery white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. It is a haven for scuba diving nature lovers and a fantastic destination for an adventurous traveller seeking a thrilling holiday. Experiences include scuba diving, fishing, sea kayaking, snorkelling, and wildlife viewing. Explore the untamed wilderness on foot and come face to face with indigenous monkeys, flying foxes, lizards and squirrels. The island has over 120 bird species. The warm and safe waters of the inland bays and lagoons are perfect for novice or experienced divers. Sea life creatures include whale sharks, rays, hawksbill turtles, giant groupers, and giant clams, among other reef fish.

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matemwe beach

Matemwe Beach

Matemwe Beach is 50km northeast of Zanzibar and an hour's drive from Stone Town. It is known as the longest beach in Zanzibar. It is a powdery white sand beach with swaying tropical palm trees. The immaculate beach offers buttermilk sand to caress the soles of your feet. The beach is well known for its unique Mnemba Island, a popular spot for snorkelling and diving in Zanzibar. It is also famous for its high-spirited fishing communities and a fantastic gateway for relaxation.

Though not a perfect beach for swimming, it is less crowded if you seek privacy and relaxation. Matemwe Beach has phenomenal coral reefs and mind-blowing sunrise in the morning. When visiting Matemwe Beach, you can participate in various activities, which include snorkelling, kite surfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, sailing and dolphin tours. Accommodation in Matemwe ranges from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. Other excursions include a Blue safari trip, Mnemba dolphins & snorkelling, Stone Town Tour, Nakupenda Sandbank,

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michamvi beach

Michamvi Beach

Michamvi Beach is located on the Middle East coast of Zanzibar Island in a remote and uninhabited area. The powdery white sand palm-fringed and blue waters beach is perfect for romantic and relaxing holidays. It is located along the peninsula and divided into Michamvi Kae and Michamvi Pingwe. Michamvi-Kae, or Kae Beach, is located on the west side towards Chwaka Bay.

It has powdery white beaches, barrier reefs, mangrove trees and tropical palm trees all the same, and the tide goes out hundreds of meters. The beach is more secluded and offers spectacular sunset views. It is an incredible place for your holiday if you seek serenity and relaxation.

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mnemba island

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island is a small island about 3km off the north coast of Unguja. It is almost triangular, about 500 meters in diameter and 1.5 km in circumference, surrounded by an oval reef, declared a marine conservation area. A romantic getaway island is famous for scuba diving activities and occasional sightings of dolphins and turtles. November and March are perfect for calm conditions and maximum visibility. It is a privately owned island, and non-guests have an exclusion zone of 200 meters. The best time to visit Mnemba Island is during the dry season from July to October when the weather is warm and there is less rainfall. The dry season allows excellent snorkelling, diving and beach relaxation on the most pristine island.

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nakupenda sandbank

Nakupenda Sandbank

“Nakupenda” means I love you in the English language. Nakupenda Beach is about 30 minutes from Stone Town. Using a boat, you will arrive at the underwater world of Nakupenda Sandbank, a mind-blowing beach and a place to unplug and enjoy. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar. The sandbank is surrounded by pristine turquoise waters with countless colourful sea creatures and schools of fish that flourish among the stunning coral reefs and underwater plants forming the barrier reef ecosystem.

Nakupenda Sand Bank is the perfect place for a day visit for honeymooners as the site gives romantic vibes. Travellers Choices listed the sandbank as the second-best beach in Africa in 2022 on Trip Advisor. Activities include swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sandbank. Enjoy your favourite seafood meals and tropical fruits. The Nakupenda sandbank trip takes approximately 3 hours. Bring your swimming gear, sunscreen and a hat.

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nungwi beach

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is on the northwest tip of the Indian Ocean Coast. The beach is hailed as one of Zanzibar's best and most popular beaches. The beach appeared in the top 25 beaches of the world in Trip Advisor’s Traveller Choice Awards in 2018 and was number one in Trip Advisor's Best Beaches of 2023 in Africa. With captivating turquoise waters and powdery white sand, Nungwi Beach offers the most beautiful backdrop for your holiday selfies. Nungwi Beach is an excellent choice for an action-packed beach holiday vacation with plenty of water sports, nightlife and restaurants

The island's stunning beauty surrounds Nungwi Beach. You can relax by the poolside reading your favourite book, sip your favourite cocktail under a palm tree or swing in a hammock as you enjoy the stunning ocean views. Nungwi Beach is one of the liveliest areas in Zanzibar islands for partygoers, with scores of beach resorts, hotels and restaurants. There is a profusion of mouth-watering food options. You can explore other restaurants and beach bars in your surroundings to savour your favourite seafood menu, including lobster, snapper and giant prawns. The cuisines at Nungwi restaurants range from French cuisine to classic Italian and local specialities. The Chef Baker and Munira are perfect for local cuisine.

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paje beach

Paje Beach

Paje Beach is on the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island. It is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. Paje Beach is famous for its water sports and thrilling adventures. Some activities include sailing, kite surfing, and scuba diving. The tropical warm water of the Indian Ocean and the stunning coral reef are havens for seal life creatures such as starfish, moray eels, trumpet fish, sea turtles, and other colourful marine creatures.

Paje is endowed with stunning natural scenery. The beach itself is a long stretch of white sand bordered by palm trees and dotted with thatched-roof beach bars and bungalows. The offshore coral reef serves as a barrier, creating a lagoon-like area that is safe for swimming and ideal for various water activities. Paje is Zanzibar’s kite surfing capital, especially popular between June and October and then again from December to February when the winds are most reliable. Beginners and experts alike will find something to enjoy here, with many kite surfing schools and rental shops available. Other activities include snorkeling, diving, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is also popular for dolphin tours.

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pemba island

Pemba Island

The Pemba Island is small and more natural compared to Zanzibar Island, with a population of 400,000 and a size of 988km square as it is less developed. The capital is Chake Chake. Pemba Island is perfect for a tranquil and authentic island holiday experience. Pemba is a paradise for diving, birdwatching, beach lovers and big game fishing.

The blue and green island offers a green wonderland pleading to be explored but also an underwater renowned as one of the world's diving and snorkelling mecca. Beneath the tropical waters, you will unearth a supernatural world for sea divers and fishermen alike. The aloofness takes you back in time, revealing a glimpse of past marine life before human encroachment. The Pemba channel feeds the surrounding waters with life and lures sea creatures, including reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse and game fish. If you are a fishing enthusiast, you can embark on a single-day or multi-day deep-sea fishing trip.

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pongwe beach

Pongwe Beach

The Pemba Island is small and more natural compared to Zanzibar Island, with a population of 400,000 and a size of 988km square as it is less developed. The capital is Chake Chake. Pemba Island is perfect for a tranquil and authentic island holiday experience. Pemba is a paradise for diving, birdwatching, beach lovers and big game fishing.

The blue and green island offers a green wonderland pleading to be explored but also an underwater renowned as one of the world's diving and snorkelling mecca. Beneath the tropical waters, you will unearth a supernatural world for sea divers and fishermen alike. The aloofness takes you back in time, revealing a glimpse of past marine life before human encroachment. The Pemba channel feeds the surrounding waters with life and lures sea creatures, including reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse and game fish. If you are a fishing enthusiast, you can embark on a single-day or multi-day deep-sea fishing trip.

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