Zanzibar’s amazing beaches

Exotic Zanzibar is a true paradise island with white, powder-like sand, thatched parasols, swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters.

But where should you stay on the island? And what about the tides?

With its picture-postcard beaches, Zanzibar welcomes you to the most wonderful beach holiday in fairy-tale surroundings, no matter which beach you choose to stay at.

Below, you can read about the tides and the beaches that belong to the resorts we use for our combinations with Zanzibar and safari.

Tides in Zanzibar

We get a lot of questions about the tides in Zanzibar and which beach to choose based on this. It is important to point out that the entire island is affected by tides, i.e. the change between high tide and low tide.

The extent to which a beach is affected by the tides is determined by the seabed, which indicates how far you can walk out before it gets deep.

On the beaches that are least affected by tides:

• It gets deep relatively quickly,
  so even when it’s low tide, you can still swim.

This is especially true of the northern beaches, such as Kendwa and Nungwi.

On the beaches that are most affected by tides:

• The seabed is flatter,
  so when it’s low tide, you have to walk out a long way before it gets deep, making it very child friendly.

• It is a really special experience to walk far out on the sea bed and find starfish, small fish and coral.

This is especially true of the beaches in the east, and also in the south and west to a certain extent

Note that the tide is a continuous process, so it will not be low tide all day.

Kendwa Beach

Just three kilometres from the northernmost tip of the island, in the north-western part of Zanzibar, is Kendwa Beach. The beautiful beach enjoys an idyllic location and offers a wide range of activities as well as a festive vibe in the evening.

• The beach in Kendwa is not as affected by tides as some of Zanzibar’s other beaches, as the water gets deep relatively quickly. This means that you are guaranteed the best conditions around the clock if you dream of swimming all day long in the lovely sea.

• If you like a challenge and speed, you can take kite surfing lessons. On the beach in Kendwa, you have every opportunity to enjoy a fun, active and experience-packed day.

• Located in the north-west, Kendwa is known for its legendary sunsets, so if you’re dreaming of a romantic moment on the beach, Kendwa is the best choice for you.

The resort we use at Kendwa:

• Zuri Zanzibar

Nungwi Beach

At the northernmost tip of Zanzibar is Nungwi Beach. Nungwi Beach is not only one of Zanzibar’s best beaches, but one of the most beautiful in all of Africa, too.

• It is possible to swim around the clock at Nungwi Beach as the beach is not as affected by the tides due to the sea bed. This makes for ideal conditions for beach guests who like to bathe.

• If it is your dream to snorkel in Zanzibar, Nungwi is considered the best place on the island to do so straight from the beach. There’s not as much to see here as on a day trip out to one of the islands around Zanzibar, but you’ll still have the opportunity to experience the colourful fish up close.

• Nungwi Beach is popular and one the island’s most lively areas, which means lots of activities with restaurants and bars and, at times, a lot of people, too.

The resorts we use at Nungwi Beach:

• Z Hotel Zanzibar
• Riu Palace Zanzibar
• Sandies Baobab Beach
• Langi Langi

Kiwengwa Beach

Kiwengwa Beach is a beautiful, long beach in north-east Zanzibar. It is also known as “Little Italy” due to the cosy Italian atmosphere that prevails there.

• On the beach, you will find several different water sports activities, such as windsurfing and kayaking. Here, you have every opportunity to swim in the sea, be active and have fun.

• If you fancy scuba diving and experiencing the fascinating undersea world, several different diving centres offer diving tours. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced diver, there’s an adventure-packed dive for you.

• In addition to activities at sea, Kiwengwa Beach also offers pure relaxation and enjoyment. Soak up the warm rays of the sun as you read a good book or look out over the beautiful, long beach.

Resorts we use at Kiwengwa Beach:

• Sultan Sands
• Bluebay Beach Resort
• Ocean Paradise Resort
• Diamonds Mapenzi Beach

Pingwe Beach

The gem of a beach that is Pingwe Beach is located on the Michanwi Peninsula on the east coast of Zanzibar. Unlike many of Zanzibar’s beaches, Pingwe Beach is a more remote beach which is not overrun with amenities.

• Pingwe Beach is a veritable oasis of relaxation where you can enjoy a lovely beach holiday and wind right down. When the tide goes out, you can go for a lovely, long walk in the soft sand.

• When visiting Pingwi Beach, you should try the famous restaurant, “The Rock”, located on a rock in the water off the beach. At low tide, you can walk through the shallow water to the restaurant, while you may need to swim there or take a water taxi at high tide.

• Like many of Zanzibar’s other east-facing coasts, Pingwe Beach offers excellent conditions for water activities, such as kite surfing. At Pingwe Beach, you can enjoy a fun, action-packed day in the waves of blue.

The resort we use at Pingwe Beach:

• Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

Paje

The beautiful Paje beach is located in south-east Zanzibar. The beach has excellent wind conditions perfect for fun and challenging water activities.

• It is a veritable paradise for kite surfers. If you love being active and would like to learn to kite surf, this is the best place. The beach’s many kite schools are ready to help you learn the entertaining sport and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

• The beach in Paje also offers other fun water activities such as stand up paddle (SUP), snorkelling and kayaking. You have every opportunity to try some challenging and enriching activities on and in the azure waters here.

• If you’re more into relaxation and sunbathing, Paje is, of course, ideal for that, too. Enjoy the beautiful beach, the stunning views and the sound of the ocean waves. You can also go to the beach in the morning and experience some amazing sunrises.

The resort we use at Paje Beach:

• Mahali Zanzibar

Jambiani Beach

South of Paje is the 7-kilometre-long sandy beach, Jambiani Beach. Like the beach in Paje, Jambiani Beach is ideal for those who want to be active on the water. This is due to the good conditions offered by the tides and wind here.

• At low tide, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the beach and cool your feet off in the shallow water as you go.

• If you like being active, you can enjoy the sea at high tide and the beach’s typical side winds, which provide optimal conditions for wind or kite surfing, or sail out on the beautiful sea in inflatable boats.

• If you head to the northern end of the beach, you can make a stop at Kuza Cave – a nice little destination. It’s a beautiful grotto with the clearest of water, where you can enjoy a cool dip. Remember to bring water shoes though, as it’s quite rocky here.

The resort we use at Jambiani Beach:

• Spice Island Hotel & Resort

Kizimkazi Beach

Situated on the south-west side of the island is Kizimkazi Beach – a pristine paradise where you can enjoy a luxurious end to your safari. If you dream of staying in one of Zanzibar’s most peaceful areas, Kizimkazi Beach is the beach for you.

• Like other beaches in the south, Kizimkazi is affected by the island’s tides, but here it means that the beach has far fewer visitors as there are fewer hotels with further between them. This contributes to the sense of peace and tranquillity that pervades at this particular beach.

• The Kizimkazi area is known for its dolphins, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see them from the shore.

• If you fancy exploring, you can visit the charming fishing village of the same name, which, among other things, houses one of the oldest functioning Shirazi mosques in East Africa.

The resort we use at Kizimkazi Beach:

• The Residence

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller