7 of the Best Zanzibar Beaches and Resorts to Visit in 2024

Zanzibar’s beaches are the main lure of this African island paradise, whether you’re traveling from Tanzania to Zanzibar for some post-safari leisure, a calm beach holiday, or a romantic East Africa honeymoon.

Some of the island’s beaches are perfect for sunseekers looking for quality beach time, while others are perfect for thrillseekers looking to have their next adrenaline fix. Your beach choice also depends on the type of accommodation suited to your needs and level of luxury, as outlined by the top resorts and hotels in Zanzibar, including winners of The Luxury Hotel Awards.

Best Beaches in Zanzibar for 2024

With so many miles of white sand, how do you decide which beach is best for your Zanzibar vacation in 2024? From the kitesurfing haven of Paje to the quaint fishing culture found along Kizimkazi, the diversity of Zanzibar is exciting and enduring. 

1. Paje Beach: Best known for Kitesurfing & Diving

Paje Beach, on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, features everything a beautiful Zanzibar beach should have: huge expanses of white sand, palm trees swinging in the breeze, blue waters, and spectacular sunsets.

Paje Beach is well-known for its water activities. The superb kitesurfing conditions attract amateur and professional kite surfers from all over the world to this part of the island.

In addition, the clear, warm seas are ideal for scuba diving, with turtles, starfish, trumpet fish, moray eels, and other colourful marine species inhabiting the offshore reefs.

2. Bwejuu Beach: Best Known for Relaxation

Bwejuu is undoubtedly one of Zanzibar’s best beaches. This palm-lined white sand beach on the island’s southeast shore is about an hour and a half away from Stone Town.

It’s one of Zanzibar’s quietest areas, and a favourite choice for individuals looking for complete relaxation, tranquillity, and seclusion.

The area offers a variety of activities including mangrove forest and dhow boat cruises, and trips to Bwejuu town. Guests can enjoy reef safaris, snorkeling, diving, and visits to Stone Town. There’s also a day trip to Jozani Forest, known for the Red Colobus Monkey.

3. Nungwi Beach: Best Known for being a Lively Beach

Nungwi Beach, on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, is one of the island’s most beautiful and popular beaches, recently making TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018 list of the Top 25 Beaches in the World.

Nungwi is undoubtedly one of the island’s liveliest districts, with a diverse range of nighttime entertainment provided by several beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and pubs. This beach, though, isn’t only for partygoers.

The coral reefs off the coast of Nungwi are wonderful for diving and snorkelling, and you might even spot dolphins, green turtles, and whale sharks during certain times of the year. Nungwi Beach, which faces west, features some of Zanzibar’s spectacular sunsets, and a sunset tour on a traditional dhow sailing boat is a must.

4. Kizimkazi Beach: Best Known for Dolphin Safaris

On Zanzibar’s south coast, this little fishing community is made up of two settlements: Kizimkazi Dimbani to the north and Kizimkazi Mkunguni to the south. The coastline here is significantly different from the east coast’s typical palm-backed lagoon.

Dolphin safaris are popular in the village of Kizimkazi. If you’re visiting Kizimkazi, though, keep in mind that boat cruises that offer the chance to swim with dolphins are not recommended. Rather stick with guides that offer swimming with dolphins responsibly.

5. Michamvi Beach: Best Known for a Remote Coral Lagoon

Michamvi is a peninsula on the island’s central east coast. Michamvi feels remote and offers extensive areas of uninhabited beaches to explore, despite the presence of two huge beach resorts in the region.

Michamvi-Pingwe and Michamvi-Kae are the two portions of the peninsula. Michamvi-Pingwe sits on the eastern side, with a vivid coral lagoon and magnificent palm-fringed beaches nestled between steep coral-rag cliffs. Michamvi-Kae, on the western side, faces west towards Chwaka Bay.

6. Kendwa Beach: Best Known for Sunsets & Swimming

This best Zanzibar beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. This is one of the few beaches in Zanzibar where the tide does not significantly fluctuate.

This Zanzibar beach is also home to colourful starfish, which may be spotted just offshore (but be sure not to pick up these creatures or disturb them in their natural habitat).

The sunsets at Kendwa Beach are legendary, so be on the beach as soon as the sun begins to drop. The beach comes alive in a new way once the sun sets below the horizon, with nightlife and calm beach parties.

7. Matemwe Beach: Best known for Local Culture & Scuba Diving

The long, picturesque Zanzibar beach at Matemwe (Zanzibar’s longest beach) has some of the best sand on the island, and traditional fishing cottages can be found among the palm trees at the back of the beach, providing a fascinating glimpse into the local culture.

The world-famous island of Mnemba Atoll is located two kilometers offshore, just beyond the main reef, and is surrounded by pristine and easily accessible coral reefs. Matemwe Beach features some of the best diving and snorkeling on the island, as well as great kitesurfing and sailing.

Best Beach Resorts in Zanzibar for 2024

1. The Residence Zanzibar

The Residence Zanzibar’s 66 brown-tiled brick bungalows may not scream luxury, but the attention to detail in each one will. Natural coconut body items line the bathroom shelves, while fresh truffles line the bedside table.

Each cottage has a large wooden deck with a plunge pool. The Dining Room offers a wonderful selection of African, Omani, and Indian food, while the Pavilion delivers a variety of Middle Eastern cuisine by the pool. The resort overlooks a mile-long creamy-coloured beach that is daily combed clean

2. Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar

The owners of this beach resort in Zanzibar had all the timber furniture, Omani trunks, and brass lights handcrafted especially for their luxurious hotel.

Each of the 30 one or two-bedroom villas features a plunge pool overlooking the beautiful gardens or the secluded 240m Bwejuu beach. The spa has golden mosaic floors and offers services including facials and Thai massages. There’s also a kids club and tennis courts for burning off those big breakfasts and supper.

3. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

Located on Paje Beach, Zanzibar White Sands Luxury Villas is a World Luxury Hotels Continent winner for 2023 and offers a serene escape with its pristine white beaches and clear waters.

The resort boasts 11 private villas, each featuring a personal pool, butler service, and ample space for ultimate privacy.