Best Beaches in Zanzibar 1

Best Beaches in Zanzibar

If you’re thinking of combining a safari with some time on a beach stop (or even a beach safari!) it might be a good idea to consider the best beaches in Zanzibar. Famous for its pristine floury white sands, soft ripples of green water and palm-fringed shoreline, when it comes to beaches Zanzibar does it best. Year-round you can expect warm welcoming waters to soothe your soul, wooden Dhows to drift past the horizon and be sure to spot some beautiful bold and bright birds flocking across the sky. The beaches of Zanzibar provide complete rest and rejuvenation, but if you want to step it up a notch you can also enjoy some watersport activity out on the small lapping waves.

As Zanzibar is a largely Muslim populated country there seems to be common confusion over what you can wear on the beach. If you are walking around Stone Town you should be sure to cover up with a loose-fitting shirt and long shorts, but on the shores of Zanzibar swimwear is perfectly acceptable, although topless bathing is unacceptable on any of Zanzibar’s beaches. So without further ado, here’s our pick of the best beaches Zanzibar has to offer:

Ras Nungwi Beach – For the Party Spirit

For those travelers who like to embrace a bit of party spirit after dark then the northern beach of Ras Nungwi will be sure to sweep you off your feet. Whilst the party vibe maybe a little more low key than many other island destinations, you have a complete choice of bars and clubs only a stone’s throw away from the sands. The tide remains at a consistent shift meaning that you can bathe around the clock without worrying about getting swept away by high tide. Ras Nungwi is one of the most popular beaches on Zanzibar so can be the perfect place for interacting with other travelers.

Paje Beach – For the Watersport Expert

Fast becoming one of the best kite surfing beaches in Zanzibar, Paje is gaining rolling popularity with young surfers and backpackers who trek to the soft white sands to soak up some action. The great year-round breeze means conditions are perfect for strapping kite and board to your body and picking up a fast ride on the glittering surface of the ocean. Again Paje is a great choice if you are looking to meet like-minded travelers and want to sip a cold beer in one of the beachside bars.

Kendwa Beach – For Desert Island Dreams

This beautiful beach seems like it was plucked from a tropical island dream, here all your expectations of desert islands can come true. Shimmering turquoise waters lap at your feet, wooden Dhows bob unobtrusively in the shallows and thatched umbrellas provide a cool respite from the flaming sun. Pack a picnic and sit back on the pearly white sands to soak up the big chill. You can also catch a full moon party on the sands of Kendwa when the stars are burning bright.

Kiwenga Beach – For the Bold and the Beautiful

Endless stretches of sand and designer boutique hotels make up this lavish and luxurious end of the island. It’s the place to be if you want to enjoy a little exclusivity and watch the shimmering blue horizon with a fresh fruit cocktail in hand. This little sweet spot is designed with pure elegance in mind, beautiful people stroll the sands and the lights glow from the local upper-class hotels offering plenty of amenities for those looking to splurge a little.

This guest blog post was written by Zanzibar beach expert Tom Powell, proprietor of luxury Zanzibari hotel based on the North-Eastern tip of the island in Nungwi, with stunning tropical garden surroundings, infinity pool and direct access to the stunning white sand beach.