Zanzibar is a dream destination to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches that one finds there. However, this archipelago is full of many different beaches. The natural question to ask is therefore " but which beach should I choose? ».
I have spent two months to go around the archipelago of Zanzibar and i think i can you help choose la best beach according to your needs and desires.
Where is Zanzibar located?
Zanzibar, small island archipelago is located at off Tanzania in theIndian Ocean. Indeed, Zanzibar is approximately 60 km from the Tanzanian coast, it is therefore very easy and fast to get to this archipelago.
This archipelago is the favorite place chosen for vacationers looking for a idyllically in order to relax.
Indeed, Zanzibar is a heavenly place with its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Zanzibar is not only a place of relaxation and idleness. Indeed, for the most active, many activities are accessible. For example you can go to discovery of the seabed, visit prison island, swim with dolphins, visit Stone Town etc ...
When is the best time to go to the beach in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar enjoys a equatorial climate very pleasant all year round.
We find two rainy seasons:
- March to May
- October to December
The Zanzibar Archipelago can be visited throughout the year.
Nevertheless, the best times are:
- January and February
- July to September
However, be aware that these conditions vary widely.
Concerning myself, I spent two months at Zanzibar between late March and May.
The month of May was the less good. Indeed, I had a lot of rain. When it rains in Zanzibar, the roads are quickly impassable.
Also, know that when I went to Zanzibar, the month of May was the month of Ramadan. 98% of the inhabitants are Muslims in Zanzibar so the archipelago is slowing down during this month of May. As a result, a large number of establishments are closed during Ramadan.
However, May being the low season, this is the time when you can benefit from best prices.
Which beach to choose in Zanzibar?
There is no single answer to this question. Indeed, each person has different expectations during the holidays. Some people will want to find a beach allowing them to be calm, others will want enjoy nautical activities on the beach, others still prefer a beach with the best seabed etc.
The choice of a beach is therefore a personal choice according to individual wishes.
Which beach to choose for kitesurfing in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is an archipelago world famous for its weather conditions for kitesurfing. This is a very good spot to learn about Kite Surfing which is also very suitable for more experienced people.
It is possible to kitesurf on many beaches in Zanzibar. Indeed, you will find Kite surf schools all along the east coast from Zanzibar.
More precisely, the best beaches for kitesurfing are, from north to south:
- Kiwegwa
- Dongwe
- Paje
La most famous beach for kite surfing and where you will find a greater number of kite schools happens to be Paje. This is the favorite spot for kite surfers.
So don't hesitate to go and see for yourself.
However, conditions are also very good at Kiwegwa which is a little further north.
Which beach to choose for diving / Snorkeling
Zanzibar is a archipelago of islands recognized for its seabed. Indeed, there are magnificent seabed with well protected corals and incredible underwater fauna.
Unfortunately there is not a lot of beautiful seabed accessible from the beach in Zanzibar. Indeed, the beaches of Zanzibar are generally long stretches of fine white sands. To see the first corals it is often necessary to swim for a long time and far, which can be dangerous.
However, along the beaches you can still see some fish and many starfish.
About the diving and snorkeling, you will usually need to go on a boat trip.
You will find diving centers from most Zanzibar beaches. However, a large part of the centers are concentrated in northeast between Nungwi and Kiwengwa.
However, be aware that it is possible to access snorkeling from the beach when you are on the island of Mnemba. This small island located a few kilometers east of Zanzibar is a private island. By staying on this island you have the possibility of snorkeling without taking a boat.
If this is not your case, you will be forced to take a snorkeling excursion with a company to dive around this small island.
If you are interested in diving, I advise you to consult my article on best diving spots in Zanzibar.
What is the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is home to many beautiful beaches. Most are made up of long stretches of fine white sand with turquoise waters as well as many coconut palms.
The experience is unique to everyone.
Among most beautiful beaches from Zanzibar we find:
-
-
- Porcupine, in the north of the island which is probably the most touristic and lively beach
- Pingwi, to the south-east, with its restaurant in the middle of the water
- Matemwe, located in the northeast, attracts a number of tourists but still remains unspoiled
- Paje, in the south-east, where we find the most beautiful beaches that attract many tourists
- Jambiani, a small village south of Paje, a lively village that exudes authenticity
- Kiwegwa, located northeast just below Matemwe, welcomes many tourists to its beach which offers a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean.
-
-
- Porcupine
-
- Pingwi
-
- Matemwe
-
- Matemwe
-
- Paje
-
- Jambiani
-
- Kiwengwa, Zanzibar
-
- Paje
Zanzibar offers a great possibility of beaches which are all more beautiful than the others. So you have the choice if your only criterion is beauty.
Which beach to choose in Zanzibar to be peaceful?
To get toured the island for 2 months, I must tell you that peace and quiet are not necessarily obvious things to find on the beaches of Zanzibar. Indeed, there are many tourists and many locals who will take a moment to try to sell you something on the beach.
Of all the beaches I've been to, I think Jambiani was the most peaceful place to quietly enjoy its magnificent beach. The water is turquoise, the sand fine and white and the temperature is extremely pleasant.
Is there a tidal beach in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar located in the eastern Indian Ocean inevitably subject to the phenomenon of tides. This phenomenon makes the beaches difficult to pass during certain hours of the day.
At low tide, the ocean recedes for hundreds of meters which implies walking for a long time to be able to reach the water or simply waiting for the tide to rise.
Be aware that sometimes it is necessary wait between 4 and 6 hours for the water to rise.
The entire Zanzibar archipelago is affected by this phenomenon but it is more attenuated at the northwest end of the island. (Kilindi) where the sea drop is very important which limits the effect of the tides.
For conclude, Zanzibar offers many possibilities in terms of beach. Choosing one is therefore not an easy thing. I advise you not to stay on one beach but to take the opportunity to see several. But depending on the time you have and according to your desires and needs, the choice of beach varies as I just explained to you.
Still, no matter which beach you choose, you won't be disappointed. The beaches are magnificent on Zanzibar.
Similar items
Zanzibar, an archipelago of paradisiacal islands in Tanzania offers much more than beautiful beaches. Lots of activities are possible in Zanzibar.
There are many hotels to stay on Zanzibar. This article will help you make your choice according to your desires and your budget.
When you set off to discover a new country and new cultures, it is better to know how to dress to respect the locals as well as possible.
If you liked this article, you may like some articles on the same theme:
- Zanzibar: is it dangerous?
- Learn the basics of Swahili
- Which beach to choose in Zanzibar?
- How to go to Zanzibar?
- What to do in Tanzania?
- Traveling alone in Zanzibar?
- What is the religion in Tanzania?
- Zanzibar or Mafia Island?
- My humanitarian travel experience in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar: which beach to choose?
- Zanzibar: is it dangerous?
- The visit of Prison island to Zanzibar
- Visit Stone Town in Zanzibar
- Where to swim with dolphins in Zanzibar?
- Pemba or Zanzibar?
- The best diving spots in Zanzibar
- What to do in Pemba?
- What to do in Mafia?
- How to go to Pemba?
- Where to stay in Pemba?
- Zanzibar in 4 days: what to do?
- One week itinerary in Zanzibar
- 10 Day Zanzibar Itinerary
- 2 week itinerary in Zanzibar
- 2 week itinerary in Tanzania
- 3 week itinerary in Tanzania
- Traveling in Tanzania on a low budget
French
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Thank you very much for your feedback. Currently in Zanzibar, your blog helps me to see more clearly. I stay in Paje for 6 days, but I must admit I was disappointed with the beach because there is still a lot of seaweed there. The beach at Prison Island, on the other hand, was incredible even if it was small, with quite a few boats moored on the shore.
Thank you for your comment and I'm glad my blog can help! This is the goal 🙂
Yes indeed it is true that with high and low tides, the algae tend to rise to the edge of the beaches. Unfortunately it is true on almost all the beaches. if you are in Paje I advise you to spend a short day in Jambiani, it is right next door and there may be a little less seaweed ...
Hello. Pasaré este febrero 15 días in Tanzania, from los cuales 7 días los dedicaré in Zanzibar, y no sabemos dónde hospedarnos ya que veo muchas opiniones distintas respecto a las mismas zonas. Playas turquesas, para nadar, con poco turismo y poco Viento? Qué me aconsejas? Kendwa, Jambiani, Matemwe? Gracias !!!
Hello. Gracias por tu mensaje.Hay muchas playas in Zanzibar. Depende en qué meses going to go to Zanzibar? Hay mucho comeso in Paje y también in Jambiani. Pero Jambiani no hay mucho mucho turistas .. Me gusta mucho Jambiani y Matemwe !! 🙂