Zanzibar coast. Zanzibar beaches: the most complete travel guide (photo) (map) (reviews)

Beach in the southeast of Zanzibar.
Here we stayed for the first two nights but did not swim.
The place is bad for swimming: the bottom is old coral slabs and when the sea gushes out, what is not visible under the water is exposed - sharp stones.
The surf is muddy from suspension of sand.

Somewhere not far from the coast, there are overgrown grass, so the beach is dotted with dried algae.
The sand is fine and white - coral sand, cool even in the dream.
Beach score = 3
It is possible to live here using the place as a base for traveling around the island.
You can't swim.

Paje beach

Page is located about 5 km north of Jambiani beach.
In fact, this is a continuation of the Jambiani beach, but there are no stones at the bottom.
The bottom is flat and shallow.
At low tide, knee-deep, at high tide, chest-neck.

The place is ideal for kiting.
First of all for training: good wind from the sea, shallow, no stones, sand.
There are two kite schools here.
You can rent a SUP and go paddling, which is what I did here.

Beach score = 4
You can live here, you can swim, you can eat - there are many restaurants around, the place can be used to travel around the island.
From here, the south of Zanzibar and the north are equidistant.

Good hotel by the sea - Arabian Nights Hotel - I can recommend. We booked a bungalow right on the beach.

Pingwe beach

The first thing that catches your eye on Pingwe Beach is the huge amount of grass on the shore and in the water.
Many expensive hotels... We didn't swim here, but they bring us here for snorkeling.
The place is called Blue lagune.
Parking and bathing entrance costs 2000.

If you order more than 8,000 food and drinks at a local restaurant, admission and parking are free.
A little further north opposite the village is The Rock restaurant.
It is located on a tiny piece of land 30 meters from the coast.
At low tide you can go there on foot, at high tide the guests are carried by a boat.
We visit the restaurant in the evening, during the day it is empty

Beach rating for appearance = 3
I didn't want to stop here.
We drove all the coast, looking for a place for the last night. The look for this place is not caught.

I go back to Paje beach and turn right to the west, skirting Chwaka bay- a large bay.
I leave for the Kitogani village and drive north, without turning anywhere.
The road bends Jozani chwaka bay national park where the red monkeys live.

They can be seen along the road - they sit in trees and hamster something, not paying attention to the cars.
They are not allowed to approach them, as the monkeys become aggressive and can bite. It is enough to take a photo of them from the car window.
Do not miss this place - there will be about 5 speed bumps in a row.

After this place there will be a butterfly park on the right.
We didn’t go, as these parks are in every country at every resort.
I wouldn't be interested.

We are going further north.
There will be pointers along the way Spicy farm - spice farm.
You can stop for 15 minutes and listen to a lecture showing plants.
Here are collected specimens that do not grow in Zanzibar: from India, Indonesia, Thailand.
These are vanilla, ginger, lemon grass, chili pepper, cloves, etc.

Everything can be smelled, touched and tasted.
After the end of the lecture, it is suggested to buy a set of spices, and after the purchase - to give a tip.
The most expensive set is 10 dollars, it is enough to tip 5000 shillings.

We are going further north.
In one place, namely near the village Kivunge, there is a checkpoint (there are many checkpoints on the roads, but the police there only wave their hand when they see my face.
Immediately fucked to the seat belts. The barrier was closed, so we had to stop.
We read morality for a long time and soared the brain. As a result, he gave 5000 shillings, the cop shut up and let go.

We are going further north.
The exits to the hotels start on the left. I leave on the first exit, drive 2 km along a country road and run into a parking lot.
Parking 1000. I pay without question because the loot in the car.
We go to the beach to the south Nungwi- Aivazovsky's picture is straight, but there is no storm.

Nungwi beach

Warmly.
The sand is soft and white.
The beach is very similar to the beach on Boracay Island.
The bottom relief is the same: in spite of the low tide it is deep enough.

The color of the water and its transparency, as well as the absence of waves, makes this place ideal for swimming.
Beach score = 5 - this is the best beach in Zanzibar.

However, fly in the ointment - there are so many hotels in this place that it is difficult to imagine how this place looks in season.
Difficulty parking, especially to the north, closer to the village Nungwi.

There are many restaurants in this place (Nungwi).
Some belong to all-inclusive hotels and at the entrance from the beach there are blacks in national costumes with clubs.
As I understand it, they are guarding the havchik from the local public, which runs around here selling glasses and freshly caught fish.

We look at the menu and compare prices, as well as the menu itself (the menu should have a maximum of 2 sheets) and choose one of the restaurants.
There is South African wine on the menu.
A bottle of 30,000, we agree on 20,000 - you have to bargain everywhere and always in Zanzibar.
The dishes served do not cause any complaints: a warm salad with an octopus - like in Italy, only there is not enough olive oil.

After lunch we move further north.
In the village of Nungwi we turn left and run into a dive center.
Leaving the car at a dead end, we go to the beach.
There are a lot of people here, but again no one swims except the cows.
There is a lot of grass on the beach, although there are no waves.

Considered some of the best holiday destinations in the world. If you want to swim in the clear turquoise waters of the ocean and lie on the warm white sand - the best beaches in Zanzibar are for you. All resorts of the island can be conditionally divided into northern, eastern, southern and West Coast as well as beaches nearby. Activities include snorkelling, spear fishing and hunting. Let's take a look at the best swimming beaches in Zanzibar.

South coast

The beach at Fisherman's is considered to be the best in everything. Previously, it was possible to retire here among small bays, walk around ancient buildings and watch dolphins from the shore, but it was possible to spend the night only with the local population. Now the comfortable The Residence Zanzibar has been built on the beach. He has his own part of the beach, there are no merchants on it, there are no queues for sun loungers, besides, he is guarded around the clock. Not far from here is the oldest religious building in all of East Africa - the Shirazi Mosque. Please note that on southern beaches Zanzibar often has waves and strong currents, so it will be difficult to relax here with children.

The best beaches on the north coast of Zanzibar

1. Nungwi... Nungwi Beach is located 60 kilometers from Stone Town and is the most popular on the island. Here is a great opportunity to connect beach vacation with a vibrant nightlife. The main attraction of Nungwi is coral reef... This is one of best places for diving on the island. There is also a lighthouse here, where you can negotiate with the guard and for a small fee climb observation deck lighthouse. On the northern part of the cape there is an aquarium with sea turtles. The beach is ideal for families with children - the sand is soft and warm, the water is clear without currents and waves.
2. Kendwa... Kendwa Beach is separated from Nungwi by a high wooden pier, along which you can freely drive. This is a beach overlooking the island of Tumbatu, coral sand and luxurious palm trees. Kendwa is ideal for those who like to relax without comfort, because there are almost no cafes and hotels on it. Backpackers usually rest here with their tents and awnings.

North beaches east coast

1. Matemwe... Matemwe Beach is located 50 kilometers from Stone Town. Great method with powder-white sand, turquoise the purest water and a view of the Mnemba island. There are many expensive all-inclusive hotels. Italians come to Matemwe, so the staff speaks fluently italian... Prices per night from $ 150. On the beach, you will find large, air-conditioned, thatched bungalows in a traditional African style.
2. Kiwengwa... There used to be a small village here, now it is a whole resort complex of hotels, souvenir shops and bars. The complex is fully designed for the European tourist, there is a lot of music, dance floors and little privacy on the beach. The beach is suitable for young people without children.

East coast beaches

1. Uroa... The beach will be interesting for those who would like to get acquainted with the life of the local population. Here, at low tide, local women go ashore to collect shellfish and crabs. If you go from the beach to the village, be prepared for the fact that local children are very fond of European tourists and want to touch the "white" person for good luck. The beach is rather dirty due to the nearby seaweed farm and the constant low tide of the ocean 2-3 kilometers from the coast.
2. Chwaka... Chwaka occupies almost the entire part of the east coast. The Michamvi Peninsula is visible from the beach. During the colonial rule of Britain, almost all English offices and government bungalows were located here. Now the buildings look sad due to the lack of repair and restoration. The village has the largest fish market on the island, where you can buy fresh fish or, upon request, they will cook on coals in front of your eyes.
3. Jambani... Jambani Beach is very popular with locals and tourists. Here is the most pure water and sand without algae. The bottom is flat and shallow. The locals are very friendly. By the way, if you need a post office, there is a small post office in the village with twenty-five mailboxes. In souvenir shops, you can inexpensively buy kanga - an element of local clothing that is hand-woven by Jambani craftswomen. There are two kiting schools on the beach where you can rent a long board and swim in the surrounding area.

Nungwi is the extreme north of the island. The most extreme. But warm and lovely. Yes, this is "bounty" - turquoise water, snow-white sand. The best coral reefs and diving spots in Zanzibar. And also here - coconuts and bananas, plantations of which surround the beach .. The sea on the Nungwi beach is deep enough, so the ocean ebb is not felt strongly.

Kendwa Beach

This is also the north of the island of Zanzibar - and also the "Maldives". There are many hotels for every taste. The beauty of the beach is not inferior to Nungwi, although the water can sometimes become unclear for a short time due to the peculiarities coastline. The ebb and flow are already felt, but not yet felt strongly.

Kiwengwa beach

Kiwengwa is already more northeast of Zanzibar. It is noisy, fun and quite difficult to find secluded places here. The beaches are very clean, as well as the ocean.

Kizimkazi beach

Kizimkazi Beach, undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, is located in the south of the island. Waves are not uncommon here. Lovers of quiet and secluded relaxation will like deserted romantic coves. Well, and a highlight: here you can not only watch, but if you're lucky, and swim with dolphins!

Paje beach

Seaweed plantations undermine the landscape of this beach a little. But where they are not there, you will find the same snow-white sand. There is also a menagerie with peacocks, flamingos and camels. Page Beach is located in the southeast of Zanzibar.

If you are looking for the perfect beach in Zanzibar, look not into the distance, look under your feet.
There is a possibility that in pursuit of the most beautiful view, you will miss not only the best sunset, but also the ocean itself, which will consider itself superfluous on your celebration of life and simply leave, leaving behind warm pools of salt water and crabs hurrying to shelter. Just believe that all Zanzibar beaches are undeniably beautiful. And you will definitely find your own, you just have to use the recommendations of Smart Trip.

South coast

Kizimkazi

Kizimkazi Beach is considered to be the best vacation spot in all of Zanzibar. And if not so long ago, the area attracted travelers with secluded bays, ancient buildings and the opportunity to watch dolphins in Kizimkazi Mkunguni without swimming far from the coast, then, after the opening of the hotel on the southern tip of Zanzibar, luxury and comfort were added to all the advantages of Kizimkazi. A distinctive feature of the beach, where it is located, lies in absolute privacy. Here you will not be disturbed by the pesky souvenir sellers that abound on the north coast. The beach is guarded around the clock, so only hotel guests can get to the white sand washed by the waters of the emerald lagoon. So you don't even need to take a sun lounger in the early morning to soak up the sun, because it is your own, and if there is not enough space in the sun, which I must admit, it has never happened since the opening of the hotel, the attentive staff will instantly organize everything you need.
When you get tired of sunbathing, you can take a walk to the fishing village of Kizimkazi, from which the name of the beach comes. The territory of the village is notable for the fact that here, in Kizimkazi Dimbani, the oldest religious building is located not only in Zanzibar, but, possibly, in all of East Africa. Kufic graffiti on the walls Shirazi Mosque dated to 1107, it was rebuilt several times, but the mihrab (a niche in the wall indicating the direction where the Kaaba is located in Mecca) in the form of a shamrock remained intact for many centuries. It is quite difficult to find a place of worship for an Islamic relic by ourselves, so it makes sense to seek help from local residents who will gladly guide you to the shrine. Women are allowed to enter the mosque, just do not forget to take off your shoes and wear appropriate clothes before entering (head, shoulders and knees must be covered), you will also be grateful if you donate a few dollars when leaving for the restoration of the temple complex.

North coast

Nungwi, about 60 kilometers north of Zanzibar Town, is one of the most popular tourist places on the island, offering an excellent location for travelers looking to combine a beach holiday with a vibrant nightlife. The main attractions of Nungwi are considered to be worthy of attention For the more sophisticated diving, the coral reef is one of the best diving spots in Zanzibar, a lighthouse to climb in for a small fee for the caretaker, and a sea turtle aquarium at the northern tip of the promontory. But we must take into account that night life in Zanzibar means the calm atmosphere of the evening bar, where people come to have a glass of beer or enjoy a cocktail, rather than frantic dancing until the morning. However, even if the music just coming from the bar is too noisy for you, then you always have a choice: move to the south coast to The Residence Zanzibar, where no one will bother you.

The beach is located on the road southwest of Nungwi. The road is not quite good for driving a car on your own, especially considering that Zanzibar has right-hand traffic, but at the end of the journey, your efforts will be worthy of a reward: a snow-white beach with coral sand surrounded by palm trees and mystical views of island tumbatu... But this, unfortunately, is all. So the beach is suitable exclusively for those who like to rest by "savages", since it is problematic to find any more or less decent cafes, and even more so bars here. If you are going to spend no more than a day on the beach, then bring your drinks and lunch box with you. Decide to stay longer, then the very minimum of what you need will be found in the nearest hotel where you decide to stay, of your choice. The place to this day retains the status of a legend of backpackers.
Kendwa Beach is separated from Nungwi by a high wooden pier La Gemma Dell'Est and if you just move from one beach to another, then it is quite possible to use it. In case you want to get to Kendwa from Zanzibar Town, take the first exit, located about five kilometers from Nungwi as a guide. And yes, we warn you, the road runs through the village and is full of bumps, so be careful.

Northeast coast

Matemwe Village is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, approximately 50 kilometers from Stone Town. The closer to the ocean, the more and more the hilly terrain of the northeastern coast appears to your gaze, and here and there at a short distance the glare of the ocean that teases the fiery imagination of the traveler gleams. But now you are approaching the cherished goal, and at your feet there is a magnificent snow-white beach washed by turquoise water, and outlines looming invitingly in the distance island Mnemba which can be easily reached by renting one of the fishing boats. Matemwe itself is a medium-sized village with thatched buildings and many street fishmongers from whom you can buy some catch for lunch or dinner.

East Coast

The beach is located approximately 40 km northeast of Stone Town. This is one of favorite places holidays in Zanzibar for Italian tourists. Kiwengwa was recently a small village, but nowadays, resort complexes, built on the site of peasant houses, stretched along the entire coast, almost absorbing the authentic atmosphere of an African village in the throat of music and entertainment designed for a European tourist. However, if you are looking for a sense of peace and tranquility at Kiwengwa Beach, then you can stay at one of the private guesthouses that still manage to maintain the authentic Zanzibar atmosphere of sincere cordiality and hospitality.

Uroa

Uroa Beach, located 40 kilometers from Zanzibar Town, will primarily be of interest to those who like to observe the life of the local population. In this area, the ocean is most susceptible to ebb and flow, so while the ocean is not "gone" you can swim well, but as soon as the water level begins to drop, local women pour out on the shore, collecting crabs and shellfish in shallow water, which is an entertaining sight for vacationers. As the saying goes, you can endlessly watch how others work. But if you suddenly get tired of sunbathing and acting in the role of "overseer", then go for a walk in the village, where dozens of curious children's eyes will be watching you.

40 kilometers from Zanzibar Town is Chwaka Beach and the village of the same name, which together occupy most of the east coast. Lying on the shore, you can watch the Michamvi Peninsula, separated from Zanzibar by a small bay, shine through in the haze of the horizon. From the side of the island, you are surrounded by the remains of former British supremacy. During the colonial rule of Britain, Zanzibar was home to numerous English offices and government villas. But after the revolution in 1964, all buildings were nationalized and today they represent a very deplorable sight, collapsing and constantly demanding not only the attention of tourists, but also construction services.
In addition to its past, the place is also curious with the largest fish market on the island, where you can spend time with interest and have a snack with the freshest fish cooked in oil or charcoal, if you wish.

The beach located in the large village of Bwejuu is approximately 55 kilometers from Zanzibar Town, and three kilometers north of Paje. You can move from beach to beach in Zanzibar public transport dala- dala, whose route passes through Bwejuu and Paje. Coral stone buildings, covered with thatch, which stretch along the entire coastline, give a special picturesque flavor to the beach. For lovers of silence, the beach may seem a little noisy, but the pacifying rustle of palms and shops within walking distance brighten up minor disadvantages of Bwejuu Beach.

Paje

Paje is a sleepy small fishing village on the east coast of Zanzibar, located between Bwejuu in the north and Jambiani in the south, about 50 kilometers along the main road from Stone Town. It is easy to get here by your own car or public transport and here you will find the most beautiful beach east coast. A village with pretty stone houses and several hotels on the coast stretches along the beach. Part of the beach is occupied by Paje Palace, a private residential complex richly decorated with red tiles shimmering in the sun, surrounded by snow-white stone walls. There is also a small menagerie, which contains peacocks, flamingos and a camel.

The beach is located about 40 kilometers from Zanzibar Town, stretching for a couple of kilometers south of the coast Paje. The name of these places comes from the word "jambiya", which in Swahili means daggers, which were found in large quantities, apparently from the first Arab settlers. But, despite the formidable name, the villagers are very friendly, and the beach of the same name effectively stands out among others for the purity of the sand and clear waters... If you suddenly want to send home a postcard with views of Jambani Beach or a package with souvenirs from the Muhy store, then in the village you can find a tiny post office with twenty-five mailboxes flaunting along the building. By the way, in the souvenir shop it is worth paying attention to the kanga, which the Jambani craftswomen weave, and also to replenish the water supply.