Looking for the best beach in Zanzibar? We spent 12 nights in Zanzibar and stayed at each of the 3 main beaches to determine which was the best. Each beach really offers something unique, this is what we found!
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Paje Beach – is this the best beach in Zanzibar?
Our first stop in Zanzibar and honestly it really has a place in our hearts. We stayed right on the beachfront at The Nest which was great! (Read my full review of our stay at The Nest to check it out)
Paje is a big long stretch of sand. It’s quite windy most of the day, everyday so it’s a Mecca for kite surfers and you’ll see this happening all day. The was even a kitesurfing competition, locals and tourists alike were showing off their crazy skills.
The beach
The most important thing! What’s the beach like here? The sand is nicely compacted, long and wide it’s a great walking beach! We strolled along it daily. The wind is pretty constant here, it’s a kite surfing Mecca so that makes sense. It picks up around 8am or so most days and can get pretty full on (and perf ect for kiting of course). the water is clear and a nice shade of blue, it’s also very clean we didn’t see any rubbish in the water or on the beach.
Where to stay
We loved The Nest, it was a beautiful escape on the beach. Check out our blog on The Nest to see what it was like. We had such a great time there. It is perfectly positioned for kitesurfing and romantic stays for couples!
Where to eat and drink
This is an easy one for us, if we weren’t eating at The Nest vegetarian restaurant we were at Mr Kahawa. Sitting with our toes in the sand the food was great, cocktail happy hour was incredible value for 10,000 and water views.
Shopping
There’s lots of souvenir shopping here, walk back to the main road behind mr Kawasaki and you’ll find the outdoor shopping mall. Prices are pretty good but you can barter also.
Our best beaches in Zanzibar rating 8/10 Pros- local vibes and kitesurfing Cons-really windy and big swing tides
Who is it best for? Anyone who either loves kitesurfing, wants to try it or loves a local vibe and good, long walking beach.
Kendwa Beach – is this the best beach in Zanzibar?
Wa is renowned for being the best beach on Zanzibar. I can see why it earned this reputation, there’s one spot that I rate this highly, but more on that below. It’s got a more touristic vibe, lots of tour guides around as well as sun beds to rent.
The beach
The most beautiful beach we found on Zanzibar was at Kendwa. It’s the stretch right in front of the hotel Zuri Zanzibar. The water if perfectly turquoise and the sand is soft and white. It’s quieter and other than people walking back and forth the only thing you’ll need to watch out for is the security guards. They patrol this stretch to make sure no one comes too close to the hotels sun beds and area. They can be pushy, making you leave or move if they think you are too close. Stay near the waterline and near the clump of green trees and you should be fine. We spent a day here on the sand and loved it.
There is a lot to do on Kendwa Beach, lots of horse riding on the beach, transparent kayak with drone photos, snorkelling trips, watersports and sailing trips.
Where to stay
If you can afford to stay at Zuri Zanzibar then it looks stunning and has the best beach right out front. We stayed at 2 hotels here, a cheaper one called Sun Sand Sea Bar which was fine. Book a room which are nicer. The breakfast is outstanding, its extensive range of options is sure to have something for everyone.
We also stayed at Sunsets Kendwa which was excellent! The rooms, staff, beach beds and cocktail happy hour made it a winner. They serve the best cocktails on the beach and I loved the Kendwa Sunset. They also do a buffet dinner with a show that’s really affordable and well rated!
Where to eat and drink
For a local meal head to Abby’s Sea food & Local Restaurant. This local family run kitchen dishes out simple yet tasty meals while you sit with your feel in the sand. This is in the local area so it’s rustic but worth it to support the sweet people.
Sunsets Kendwa has the best cocktails and their Swahili Sunset BBQ Dinner can’t be beat! If you’re looking for a grocery store head to the main road behind Sunset Kendwa and you’ll find Kendwa Mini Market it’s the cheapest and best grocery, we went for ice-cream each night and to stock up on snacks.
Shopping
There is a souvenir shopping area but it’s small, if you are visiting other beaches I’d probably buy there. You’re free to barter though and the Maasai boys are always willing to do deals.
Our best beach in Zanzibar rating 8/10 Pros-one spot that’s a great swimming beach, best cocktail spot Cons-touristy vibes
Who is it best for? Anyone who wants an easy holiday. Everything is there, all the activities are accessible, anyone who wants to stay on the beach.
Nungwi North Beach – is this the best beach in Zanzibar?
This is a pretty quiet beach located in the most local area. This rustic stretch of beach is within a community housing area. It’s best to be respectful when visiting and make sure to wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees for both genders. The community of mud brick homes are very basic and rustic, people here work hard and showing sensitivity passing though is appropriate. You’ll see the non touristy, authentic side of Zanzibar, away from the flashy hotels. It is also close to the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium.
The beach
It’s a long stretch but at high tide the water comes up so far it’s hard to walk around. There was also a lot of rubbish on the beach here at the time we visited. It didn’t look like the best swimming beach but it was possible to swim especially in front of Kibanda Lodge and Beach Club which we highly recommend.
Where to stay
There’s hotel called Zanzicrown Hotel which is reasonably priced we think is the best stay in this area.
Where to eat and drink
We loved the Fish Market Local Restaurant. You’ll find it right on the beach and sitting on the sand eating fish and watching local fishermen bring in their catch was a highlight. There’s also a fish market right behind the restaurant to check out. We also went to Kibanda Lodge and Beach Club and the food here is excellent. We rate this very highly, read more about it in the Nungwi West section.
Shopping
There’s not a huge amount here but a small smattering of huts. It’s a quiet area that has more locals than tourists.
Our best beach in Zanzibar rating 5/10 Pros-best fish restaurant, very quiet Cons-lots of rubbish on the beach, not the best swimming beach.
Who is it best for? Anyone who wants a more remote experience but still not too far from the other main areas of Nungwi.
Nungwi West – is this the best beach in Zanzibar?
This area is what I think of as the main Nungwi Beach area. It’s got a bit of everything and makes for an easy stay. We loved this area as it was so accessible.
The beach
The beach here has a lot of options. There’s the main public swimming beach which is great at high tide. We stayed a night at the Nungwi Local Boats Port (next to Mama Mia Restaurant) which was fine but when the tide comes up, it comes in with force due to the shape of the beach. The public swimming beach is the better option here. At low tide you can also walk down to the Kendwa Beach in front of Zuri Zanzibar from here. Make sure to get back before the tide turns or you’ll be stuck with a taxi or taxi boat to get back.
Where to stay
There’s lots of options here! If you want an all inclusive package go with Riu Palace Zanzibar – All Inclusive. It’s located on a gorgeous stretch of beach and you don’t need to stray far for anything.
We stayed at Kibanda Lodge and Beach Club and honestly this is my pick out of all the hotels we tried in Zanzibar. Kibanda Lodge and Beach Club is located just off the beach, about a 5 minute walk away but it really doesn’t matter because they have their own beach club! We chose the full board option which gave us our room, breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as beach club access and a free taxi shuttle there and back. It’s incredibly good value and incredibly good!
The rooms are aesthetically pleasing and clean. The food is excellent, they catered for my gluten free needs perfectly at every meal and the beach club was comfortable and perfect for lounging in the sun and swimming as the tide came up. When the tide was low we walked out to watch the ladies collecting seaweed. You can also purchase a drinks package for your stay. I really recommend this hotel as you get the best of all worlds. Spend the day at their beach club (we stayed until sunset most days) or walk down to the beach outside Zuri Zanzibar or the public swimming beach at Nungwi. All the options are available to you!
We also loved staying at Nungwi Getaway which was beachfront also at the public swimming beach and served a great breakfast.
Where to eat and drink
If you’re staying at Kibanda Lodge and Beach Club you will likely be eating there. The food is great and they cater well for gluten free! If not try Mama Mia Restaurant is the most popular place to eat in this area and overlooks the sea. For drinks head to the Nanasi Beach Club Zanzibar. They have a beautiful view of sunset over the sea.
Shopping
There’s a lot of shopping here, the long road full of souvenir stalls winds along the main street. You can also walk along the beach at low tide and find sellers who have set up shops long the cliff face beach areas. They move when the tide rises but it’s a fun place to shop!
Our best beach in Zanzibar rating 10/10 Pros-good swimming beach, lots of decent accomodation options, walkable to Kendwa or Nungwi north beach areas. Cons-tide gets too high to walk along the beach to Kendwa at high tide, don’t get stuck halfway like we did!
Who is it best for? This is the most complete area to stay. It’s for anyone who wants a full experience. You really have the best of all options at this location.
We loved staying at as many of the different beaches in Zanzibar as possible, we definitely have to come back to try out some other locations. The island is big so there’s lots of areas to cover. I’ve made a blog up with all the tips we wished we knew before visiting Zanzibar, check it out so you’re ready to go!
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