Historic town
Beaches and coast
Zanzibar beaches
White sand, warm water and coral reefs around Unguja.
- Zanzibar
- Best: Jul–Oct, Dec–Feb
Overview
- North coast
- Nungwi, Kendwa
- East coast
- Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi
- From the airport
- About 1–1.5 hours by road
Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, is ringed by white-sand beaches. In the north, Nungwi and Kendwa have deeper water for swimming at most tides.
On the east coast, Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi have wide lagoons with large tides, ideal for kitesurfing; at low tide local women farm seaweed on the flats.
Reefs around Mnemba Atoll offer snorkelling and diving, and Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park protects the endemic Zanzibar red colobus.
- Mnemba Atoll
Snorkelling and diving among turtles and reef fish.
- Kitesurfing at Paje
Steady trade winds across a shallow lagoon.
- Jozani Forest
Zanzibar red colobus monkeys found nowhere else.
Things to do
- Snorkelling and diving
With licensed dive centres.
- Kitesurfing
Lessons and rentals on the east coast.
- Jozani Forest visit
Guided walk to see red colobus.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Best June to October and December to February. April and May are rainy, and some hotels close.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Costs
Beaches are free. Marine areas, Jozani Forest and boat trips charge their own fees, usually included by tour and dive operators; Zanzibar does not publish a combined schedule online.
Getting there
- By roadFrom Zanzibar Airport or Stone TownAbout 1–1.5 hours
Transfers to the north and east coasts.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- On the east coast the sea goes out a long way at low tide; check tide times before swimming.
- Swimwear is for the beach and hotel; cover up in villages.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Which Zanzibar beach is best?
Nungwi and Kendwa for swimming at all tides; Paje and Jambiani for kitesurfing and quieter village life.
Do I need travel insurance for Zanzibar?
Yes. Foreign visitors must buy Zanzibar's US$44 inbound insurance before arrival unless they hold a mainland Tanzania policy, which also covers Zanzibar.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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