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Zanzibar Beach Holidays | Best Beaches, Where to Stay & Travel Guide
Zanzibar beach holiday with white sand and turquoise Indian Ocean water
Zanzibar Travel Guide Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar Beach Holidays

Plan your Zanzibar holiday with a practical guide to the island's best beaches, where to stay, things to do, Stone Town, the best time to visit and how to combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari.

Zanzibar is an excellent choice for travelers looking for white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean water, Swahili culture, historic Stone Town and easy access to Tanzania safari experiences. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family holiday, beach escape or a safari-and-Zanzibar trip, the coast you choose can make a major difference to your experience.

Plan Your Island Holiday

Why Choose Zanzibar for Your Beach Holiday?

Zanzibar is an island destination of Tanzania known for its beaches, Indian Ocean coastline, marine experiences and distinctive Swahili culture. A Zanzibar beach holiday can be designed around complete relaxation or combined with sightseeing, food, water activities and wildlife safari.

The island has several different coastal areas rather than one single beach destination. Nungwi and Kendwa are popular choices on the north coast, while Paje and Jambiani offer a different southeast-coast atmosphere. Matemwe is another option for travelers looking for a quieter coastal setting.

For culture and history, add Stone Town to your Zanzibar itinerary. Many travelers combine one or two nights around Stone Town with several nights at a beach hotel or resort.

Zanzibar Beaches

Best Beaches in Zanzibar

Zanzibar's beaches have different personalities. Choose your area according to swimming, atmosphere, activities, nightlife, privacy and the type of accommodation you want.

Nungwi Zanzibar beach with white sand and clear ocean water

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi is one of Zanzibar's best-known beach areas and is a popular choice for travelers who want a combination of beach time, swimming, resorts, restaurants and excursions.

North Coast Good for swimming, resorts and sunsets
Kendwa style Zanzibar beach with turquoise Indian Ocean water

Kendwa Beach

Kendwa is another popular north-coast option, particularly attractive to travelers looking for a beautiful beach, sunset views and a resort-focused holiday.

North Coast Good for couples, swimming and sunsets
Zanzibar southeast coast beach suitable for a beach holiday

Paje Beach

Paje is known for its long sandy coastline, relaxed atmosphere and water activities. It is a popular choice for travelers looking for an active beach holiday.

Southeast Coast Good for water activities and relaxed stays
Zanzibar beach landscape for a relaxed island holiday

Jambiani Beach

Jambiani offers a quieter southeast-coast experience with a long coastline, local village atmosphere and a slower pace than some of Zanzibar's busier resort areas.

Southeast Coast Good for quiet stays and longer beach holidays
Quiet Zanzibar beach for a peaceful island holiday

Matemwe Beach

Matemwe on the northeast coast is suitable for travelers looking for a quieter beach setting, boutique accommodation and access to marine excursions.

Northeast Coast Good for couples, privacy and marine trips
Zanzibar spice and cultural experience near Stone Town

Stone Town

Stone Town is not primarily a beach-resort area. It is Zanzibar's historic and cultural center and works especially well as a one- or two-night addition before or after your beach stay. </