Mzungu Zanzibar guide
Where to stay in Zanzibar
14 incredible destinations. One island. Find the one that's right for you.
The complete guide to Zanzibar's 14 best beach destinations: compare beaches, swimming conditions, atmosphere, accommodation, restaurants and local experiences.
High-tide view from the vegetated coral-rag headland at Pingwe on the Michamvi peninsula, looking along a turquoise lagoon with two small boats and a thatched stilt building on the far shore. Photo: Наумов Андрей (Andrey Naumov), CC BY-SA 4.0
Last reviewed by our editors on 12 October 2026
The single biggest decision in planning a Zanzibar holiday is not which hotel to book — it is which part of the island to stay in. The north-west has easy, all-day swimming and sunsets; the east coast has dramatic tides, wide lagoons and village life; Stone Town is history, food and culture.
This guide compares 14 destinations honestly, including who each one does not suit, and points you to restaurants and places to stay that our community knows and rates. The order ranks general suitability for most beach holidaymakers — how easy each place makes swimming, eating out and getting around — not absolute beauty or quality. A peaceful honeymoon might be perfect in Pongwe, and Stone Town would rank first for culture.
Join Mzungu Zanzibar to save places, review restaurants and stays, and ask locals for advice. The guide itself is free to read.
Which part of Zanzibar is right for you?
Every destination at a glance. Filter by what matters to you, then compare two or three side by side. These are our editors' judgements from local knowledge and recent traveller reviews — not scores.
All 14 destinations. Tick up to three to compare them side by side.
| Compare | Destination | Swimming | Tides | Atmosphere | Nightlife | Restaurants | Budget | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Kendwa | Excellent | Low | Moderate | Medium | Moderate | $$ | Swimming, Families, Couples, Honeymoons | |
| 2.Nungwi | Excellent | Low | Lively | High | Excellent variety | $$ | First-time visitors, Solo travellers, Nightlife, Restaurants | |
| 3.Paje | Tide-dependent | Strong | Lively | Medium | Excellent variety | $ | Kitesurfing, Cafés, Remote working, Solo travellers | |
| 4.Jambiani | Tide-dependent | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Moderate | $ | Village life, Peace and quiet, Couples, Families | |
| 5.Matemwe | Tide-dependent | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Limited | $$ | Couples, Honeymoons, Diving, Snorkelling | |
| 6.Michamvi | Tide-dependent | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Moderate | $$$ | Couples, Honeymoons, Sunsets, Peace and quiet | |
| 7.Kiwengwa | Tide-dependent | Strong | Moderate | Low | Limited | $$ | Families, Resort holidays, Couples, Luxury stays | |
| 8.Bwejuu | Tide-dependent | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Moderate | $ | Peace and quiet, Couples, Village life, Budget stays | |
| 9.Pongwe | Good at high tide | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Limited | $$ | Couples, Honeymoons, Peace and quiet, Nature | |
| 10.Pwani Mchangani | Tide-dependent | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Limited | $$ | Families, Couples, Resort holidays, Peace and quiet | |
| 11.Dongwe | Tide-dependent | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Limited | $$$ | Honeymoons, Luxury stays, Couples, Peace and quiet | |
| 12.Kizimkazi | Tide-dependent | Moderate | Peaceful | Low | Limited | $$ | Nature, Wildlife, Sunsets, Peace and quiet | |
| 13.Uroa | Tide-dependent | Strong | Peaceful | Low | Limited | $ | Budget stays, Resort holidays, Peace and quiet, Families | |
| 14.Stone Town | Limited | Moderate | Lively | Medium | Excellent variety | $$ | Culture, Restaurants, Shopping, Walkability |
Compare side by side
Tick two or three destinations in the table, or pick a pairing above.
The 14 destinations
The order ranks general suitability for most beach holidaymakers — how easy each place makes swimming, eating out and getting around — not absolute beauty or quality. A peaceful honeymoon might be perfect in Pongwe, and Stone Town would rank first for culture.
- #1
Kendwa
Best overall for a classic Zanzibar beach holiday
A broad, west-facing beach where you can swim for most of the day, with big sunsets and a relaxed resort feel.
- Swimming
- Families
- Couples
- Honeymoons
- Swimming
- Excellent
- Atmosphere
- Moderate
- Budget
- $$
- #2
Nungwi
Best for restaurants, activities and nightlife
Zanzibar's liveliest beach village, with the widest choice of restaurants, bars, dive centres and boat trips.
- First-time visitors
- Solo travellers
- Nightlife
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Excellent
- Atmosphere
- Lively
- Budget
- $$
- #3
Paje
Best for kitesurfing, cafés and a sociable atmosphere
A long white-sand beach and lagoon that is a world-class kitesurfing spot, with cafés, beach bars and an international crowd.
- Kitesurfing
- Cafés
- Remote working
- Solo travellers
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Lively
- Budget
- $
- #4
Jambiani
Best for village life and a peaceful beach holiday
A long, palm-lined village beach with fishing boats, seaweed farms and small boutique hotels — quieter than Paje but close to it.
- Village life
- Peace and quiet
- Couples
- Families
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $
- #5
Matemwe
Best for tranquillity, diving and romance
A long, quiet, palm-lined coast opposite Mnemba Atoll, with boutique hotels and some of Zanzibar's best diving close by.
- Couples
- Honeymoons
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $$
- #6
Michamvi
Best for romantic scenery and sunsets
A narrow peninsula with two very different sides: sunset bars on Kae's bay, and boutique hotels and The Rock on Pingwe's Indian Ocean shore.
- Couples
- Honeymoons
- Sunsets
- Peace and quiet
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $$$
- #7
Kiwengwa
Best for families and resort holidays
A long white-sand coast lined with established resorts, popular with all-inclusive and family holidays and with a strong Italian influence.
- Families
- Resort holidays
- Couples
- Luxury stays
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Moderate
- Budget
- $$
- #8
Bwejuu
Best for peace near Paje
A broad, palm-fringed beach just north of Paje — quieter and more village-like, with Paje's cafés a few minutes away.
- Peace and quiet
- Couples
- Village life
- Budget stays
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $
- #9
Pongwe
Best for seclusion and intimate beach retreats
A small, sheltered bay with a handful of beachfront hotels — about as close to a desert-island feel as Zanzibar gets.
- Couples
- Honeymoons
- Peace and quiet
- Nature
- Swimming
- Good at high tide
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $$
- #10
Pwani Mchangani
Best for quieter resort holidays
A quieter north-east stretch between Matemwe and Kiwengwa with comfortable beachfront resorts and a traditional village behind them.
- Families
- Couples
- Resort holidays
- Peace and quiet
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $$
- #11
Dongwe
Best for private villas and luxury accommodation
A quiet strip between Bwejuu and Michamvi Pingwe with exclusive beachfront hotels, private villas and romantic dining.
- Honeymoons
- Luxury stays
- Couples
- Peace and quiet
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $$$
- #12
Kizimkazi
Best for nature, remote stays and sunsets
Fishing villages, rocky coves and remote lodges on Zanzibar's southern tip — known for dolphins and quiet sunsets.
- Nature
- Wildlife
- Sunsets
- Peace and quiet
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $$
- #13
Uroa
Best for affordable, peaceful resort holidays
A traditional village on the central east coast with good-value resorts, very quiet evenings and dramatic tides.
- Budget stays
- Resort holidays
- Peace and quiet
- Families
- Swimming
- Tide-dependent
- Atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Budget
- $
- #14
Stone Town
Best for history, culture and food
The UNESCO-listed old town of Zanzibar City: carved doors, markets, rooftop restaurants and the Forodhani waterfront.
- Culture
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Walkability
- Swimming
- Limited
- Atmosphere
- Lively
- Budget
- $$
Find your Zanzibar
Answer five questions and discover which part of Zanzibar suits you best. The matching is simple and transparent: each answer earns destinations points from the same labels you see in the comparison table.
Your top three will appear here
0 of 5 questions answered.
Where everything is
Pins mark the approximate centre of each area. Tap one for a summary and a link to its guide. For individual restaurants and hotels, use the community's Explore Map and directory listings.
- 1. Kendwa · North-west coast
- 2. Nungwi · Northern tip
- 3. Paje · South-east coast
- 4. Jambiani · South-east coast
- 5. Matemwe · North-east coast
- 6. Michamvi · South-east peninsula
- 7. Kiwengwa · North-east coast
- 8. Bwejuu · South-east coast
- 9. Pongwe · Central east coast
- 10. Pwani Mchangani · North-east coast
- 11. Dongwe · South-east coast
- 12. Kizimkazi · South and south-west coast
- 13. Uroa · Central east coast
- 14. Stone Town · West coast (Zanzibar City)
1. North-west coast
Kendwa
Best overall for a classic Zanzibar beach holiday
Kendwa is one of the easiest places in Zanzibar to enjoy swimming throughout much of the day. The beach is broad, sunsets are excellent and the atmosphere is generally relaxed. However, visitors wanting numerous independent restaurants and nightlife venues may prefer Nungwi, a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride to the north.
Why people love it
The water stays deep enough to swim at almost every state of the tide, which is rare in Zanzibar. The sand is wide and soft, the beach faces west so the sun sets straight over the sea, and you can walk for a long way along the shoreline between beach bars and hotels.
What makes it different
Compared with the east coast, the tide here makes far less difference to your day — you rarely have to plan a swim around a tide table. Compared with Nungwi next door, Kendwa is calmer and more spread out, with fewer independent restaurants and a more resort-led feel.
Who should stay here
First-time visitors who mainly want a beach holiday, families who want easy sea swimming, couples and honeymooners who want sunsets on the doorstep, and anyone who would rather not think about tides.
Who might not enjoy it
Travellers who want a village atmosphere, lots of independent places to eat within walking distance, or very quiet nights. Kendwa is not remote, and on full-moon party nights it is anything but quiet.
What visitors often misunderstand
"Kendwa" on a booking site can mean a hotel right on the sand or one several minutes' walk inland up the hill behind the beach. Check whether a property is genuinely beachfront before you book. Beach vendors ("beach boys") selling excursions are part of life here; a polite, firm "no thank you" is normally enough.
The beach
Wide white sand with gentle, mostly swimmable water through much of the tidal cycle. Beach bars and watersports operators line the central stretch. Sunsets are the main event most evenings.
Eating out and exploring
Most visitors eat in hotels and beach bars, with a growing number of independent restaurants and cafés along Kendwa's main road. For a wider choice, Nungwi's restaurants are a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride away.
Full-moon parties
Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel hosts a well-known monthly full-moon party. It is a big, loud night that draws people from across the island; if you are staying nearby and want quiet, check the date before you book.
Where to eat in Kendwa
Fisherman Local Restaurant
Local Zanzibari and seafood · $
Kendwa back street, inland from the beach
Why we recommend it: A plain back-street restaurant that reviewers repeatedly say beats the beach restaurants on food and value. Recent diners praise fresh seafood curry, grilled octopus and prawn masala at very fair prices. Expect a simple setting and some waiting.
Best for: Lunch, Dinner, Seafood, Budget
Organzibar
Organic, healthy café food, juices and smoothies · $$
Kendwa main road
Why we recommend it: A small organic restaurant that cooks without seed oils, adds no sugar to its juices and aims to source most of its menu from its own farms. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh food, standout juices and friendly staff. It serves breakfast through to dinner, with takeaway and delivery.
Best for: Breakfast, Lunch, Healthy food, Vegetarian
Disclosure: Organzibar is connected to the people behind Mzungu Zanzibar.
Listed as cash only — check before you go.
More places to eat in Kendwa from our directory
Where to stay in Kendwa
Zuri Zanzibar
Luxury resort · $$$
On the beach — Kendwa's north-west coast, with easy swimming for most of the day.
Worth considering: A high-end eco-resort with thatched bungalows, suites and ocean-front villas with private pools, set on its own stretch of Kendwa beach.
Suits: Couples and design-minded travellers; ocean-front villas with private pools suit families and groups
Run Zuri Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
Luxury resort · $$$
On the beach
Worth considering: A luxury beachfront property where suites sit on the sand and villas have private hot tubs, with a spa and large pool.
Suits: Couples and honeymooners; families too, with a kids' club and children's pool
Run Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel
Beach hotel · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: A long-running beach hotel with rooms from simple bandas to beach bungalows, a beach bar and a dive centre. It hosts Kendwa's monthly full-moon party — great if you want it, loud if you don't.
Suits: Sociable travellers and party-goers who want to be on the sand
Sunset Kendwa Beach Hotel
Hotel · $
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: Reviewers consistently praise the beach, food and bar; a recent review describes the rooms as worn and due for renovation.
Suits: Budget-conscious travellers who put the beach ahead of polish
No source we found confirmed a beachfront position — check the room location when booking.
More places to stay in Kendwa from our community
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Kendwa— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
2. Northern tip
Nungwi
Best for restaurants, activities and nightlife
Nungwi sits on the northern tip of the island and has the most going on of any beach destination in Zanzibar. Swimming along the main north-west-facing beach is good for much of the day, and you are never short of somewhere to eat, drink or book a trip. The price of that choice is a busier, more commercial atmosphere.
Why people love it
Choice. Dozens of restaurants and bars, dive and snorkelling centres, sunset dhow cruises and day trips all start here. It is easy to meet people, and you can eat somewhere different every night without needing a car.
What makes it different
Nungwi is still a working fishing village: wooden dhows are built and repaired by hand near the beach, and fishing boats come and go around the headland. That working village sits right alongside a busy tourist strip.
Who should stay here
First-time visitors who want options, solo travellers, groups of friends, divers and snorkellers, and anyone who wants an active holiday with good food and some nightlife.
Who might not enjoy it
Anyone looking for peace and seclusion, or who finds persistent beach sellers wearing. Nungwi is the busiest beach area on the island.
What visitors often misunderstand
Beach conditions change around the headland. The west-facing side near the village centre is the classic swimming beach; the east side and the northern point have more coral, rock and tidal variation. Some sections of beach become narrow at high tide, so a "beachfront" hotel may have little sand at the top of the tide.
The beach
Good, deep-water swimming along the main north-west beach for much of the day. Narrower sand at high tide in places, busier near the village centre, quieter towards the ends.
Eating out and exploring
The best restaurant choice of any beach destination in Zanzibar, from local cafés and seafood grills to hotel restaurants and sunset bars. Booking ahead is wise for popular places in high season.
Quieter or busier?
Hotels near the village centre and main beach put you closest to restaurants and bars. Properties towards Kendwa in the south-west or around the eastern side of the headland are usually quieter, at the cost of a walk or short ride into the action.
Where to eat in Nungwi
Mama Mia
Italian: pizza, pasta, seafood and gelato · $$
Nungwi beachfront
Why we recommend it: A long-running beachfront Italian with a terrace and tables on the sand, popular at sunset. Reviewers praise the pizza, seafood dishes and gelato, and the generous portions. Prices are above average for Nungwi and it gets busy at peak times.
Best for: Sunset, Dinner, Families
Sexy Fish
Seafood with African and European influences · $$$
Nungwi beach, at The Z Hotel
Why we recommend it: A dinner-only seafood restaurant at The Z Hotel, with tables on the sand or on an upper deck facing the sea. Recent reviewers consistently praise the seafood, the elegant setting and the friendly staff. It is one of Nungwi's special-occasion choices; booking is recommended.
Best for: Romantic dinner, Seafood, Special occasions
More places to eat in Nungwi from our directory
Where to stay in Nungwi
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
All-inclusive resort · $$$
On the beach
Worth considering: An all-inclusive resort with four outdoor pools, a children's pool, swim-up bar and spa.
Suits: Families and couples who want an all-inclusive
Run Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Turaco Nungwi Resort
Resort · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: Guests consistently praise its position on one of the best beaches in the north. Formerly a DoubleTree, it is also listed as Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco.
Suits: Couples and families wanting a branded resort on a strong beach
Run Turaco Nungwi Resort? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Luxury resort · $$$
Beach position not verified — On the shoreline with a jetty, but the water in front is tidal and not ideal for swimming.
Worth considering: A five-star resort with a large infinity pool, a private jetty and multi-bedroom villas, plus a shuttle to Kendwa beach.
Suits: Couples and families who care more about the pool and service than sea swimming
Run Essque Zalu Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Nungwi House
Guesthouse · $
Short walk to the beach
Worth considering: Reviewers praise the friendly staff, the included breakfast and the value.
Suits: Budget travellers and backpackers
Run Nungwi House? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Nungwi— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
3. South-east coast
Paje
Best for kitesurfing, cafés and a sociable atmosphere
Paje is the social heart of the south-east coast. Its wide, shallow lagoon makes it one of the best kitesurfing spots in East Africa, and around that has grown a lively village of cafés, guesthouses, beach bars and co-working-friendly places. It is a fun, easy-going base, as long as you understand the tide.
Why people love it
The colour of the lagoon, a young and international crowd, plenty of independent cafés and restaurants, and the ease of meeting people. Kitesurfers come for flat, shallow water and consistent seasonal winds.
What makes it different
Paje has the most independent cafés and the most sociable atmosphere of any beach village on the east coast. It also has some of the most dramatic tidal changes: at low tide the sea can retreat a very long way across the sand and seaweed farms.
Who should stay here
Kitesurfers and people who want to learn, younger travellers, solo travellers, couples who like a lively village, and digital nomads staying a while.
Who might not enjoy it
Anyone who wants to swim whenever they like, or who wants silence at night. Development has been rapid and some properties are close to bars or building work.
What visitors often misunderstand
The lagoon is very shallow for much of the day. At low tide you may walk a long way to reach water deep enough to swim, and in the windy kite seasons the beach can feel breezy rather than still. Calm, deep-water swimming is far easier on the north-west coast.
The beach
Very wide, bright white sand and a shallow turquoise lagoon. Swimming is best around high tide. In the kite seasons, part of the lagoon is busy with kitesurfing schools.
Eating out and exploring
Excellent choice for a beach village: coffee shops, healthy cafés, local restaurants, pizza and beach bars, many within walking distance along the beach and the sandy village streets.
Wind and kite seasons
The kitesurfing seasons follow the trade winds: the north-east Kaskazi roughly from December to March and the stronger south-east Kusi roughly from June to October. Outside those months the water is calmer and the village quieter.
Where to eat in Paje
Mapacha Food Court
Street-food court: seafood, pizza, sushi, falafel, salads and bakery · $
Paje main roundabout, on the main road
Why we recommend it: A casual food court on Paje's main roundabout where several stalls cook different cuisines to order. Recent reviewers praise friendly staff, fair prices and generous portions. It is a good choice for groups with mixed tastes, and for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diners.
Best for: Lunch, Dinner, Groups, Vegetarian
ZanziBarista
Speciality coffee, brunch, seafood and cocktails · $$
Paje beachfront
Why we recommend it: A coffee shop, restaurant and beach bar right on Paje beach, from breakfast through to evening drinks. Reviewers consistently praise the sea view, warm and efficient staff and the seafood, and many come back daily for coffee. It costs a little more than places nearby.
Best for: Breakfast, Coffee, Remote working, Sundowners
More places to eat in Paje from our directory
Where to stay in Paje
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
Villa resort · $$$
On the beach
Worth considering: A small resort of villas with private pools in gardens facing its own stretch of beach, with a spa and an on-site kite school, about a 10-minute walk from Paje village.
Suits: Couples and families wanting a private-pool villa; some room types are adults-only
Run Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Paje by Night
Garden bungalow hotel · $$
Short walk to the beach — Around 70–100 m from Paje beach.
Worth considering: A long-established bungalow hotel in a jungle-like garden with a pool, yoga classes and a sister kite school on the beach; its pizza nights and Swahili dinners are frequently praised.
Suits: Kitesurfers, yoga travellers and budget-conscious couples
Recent reviews flag unreliable wi-fi — not ideal for remote work.
Run Paje by Night? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Aluna Paje
Hotel · $$
Short walk to the beach
Worth considering: Praised for its staff, cleanliness and pool; recent reviews are mixed on the food.
Suits: Couples and friends who want to be near Paje's shops and restaurants
Run Aluna Paje? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Mr Kahawa Boutique Hotel
Boutique hotel and café · $$
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: Known for its beach café in the heart of Paje beach, with coffee and healthy breakfasts on a sea-view terrace and rooms close by.
Suits: Kitesurfers and coffee lovers who want to be in the middle of Paje's beach scene
Listings mix the beach café rooms with nearby 'Lofts' about 200 m from the beach — check which you are booking.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Paje— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
4. South-east coast
Jambiani
Best for village life and a peaceful beach holiday
Jambiani stretches for several kilometres along the south-east coast and still feels like a village first and a resort second. Fishermen and seaweed farmers work the lagoon, hotels are mostly small, and evenings are calm. It is a lovely base for a slower, longer stay.
Why people love it
Its authenticity and calm. You can watch village life on the beach, walk for miles at low tide, and eat at relaxed beach restaurants without the bustle of the north. Paje's cafés and bars are a short ride away when you want them.
What makes it different
Jambiani is long and linear, so the experience changes along its length. The northern end is closest to Paje and has more places to eat; the central village is the most traditional; the southern stretch is quieter and more spread out.
Who should stay here
Couples, families who are happy with tide-dependent swimming, independent travellers, and anyone staying a week or more who wants a peaceful village atmosphere.
Who might not enjoy it
Travellers who want nightlife, or who need to swim at any time of day. Visitors who want everything within a short walk should stay towards the northern end.
What visitors often misunderstand
The tide here is strong. At low tide the lagoon drains a long way out, with seaweed farms and rock pools exposed. That is part of the charm for many visitors, but it is not a swim-whenever-you-like beach.
The beach
Long white sand, fishing boats and seaweed farming in the lagoon. Best swimming around high tide; low tide is for walking and exploring.
Eating out and exploring
A good range of relaxed beach restaurants and local places strung along the coast road, though they are spread out. Many visitors combine Jambiani with occasional evenings in Paje.
Where to eat in Jambiani
Fadhil Restaurant
Local Zanzibari and seafood · $
Jambiani village, a short walk from the beach
Why we recommend it: A small family-run restaurant in a village alley, with a handwritten daily menu and a few tables on a sand floor. Reviewers praise the seafood, large portions and fair prices. Service is slow, so locals advise ordering a few hours ahead; no alcohol is served.
Best for: Dinner, Local food, Seafood, Budget
Our research found few reviews from 2025–26. Please confirm it is open before making a special trip.
Ocean Boho House Restaurant
International with fresh seafood and good vegetarian options · $$
Jambiani
Why we recommend it: A guesthouse restaurant with bohemian décor, a lush garden and live music. Reviewers praise fresh ingredients that work for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and good value. Service is usually warm and attentive.
Best for: Dinner, Vegetarian, Live music
More places to eat in Jambiani from our directory
Where to stay in Jambiani
Mwezi Boutique Resort
Boutique resort · $$
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: A small resort of bungalows with pools; guests praise the staff and a garden setting where red colobus monkeys are often seen.
Suits: Couples wanting a quieter alternative to Paje
Sources disagree on whether it is beachfront or a five-minute walk away.
Run Mwezi Boutique Resort? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Passion Boutique Hotel Zanzibar
Adults-only boutique hotel · $$
Short walk to the beach — About two minutes' walk to Jambiani beach.
Worth considering: A minimalist adults-only boutique hotel with a pool and spa that reviewers rate among the best in Jambiani.
Suits: Couples (adults only)
Run Passion Boutique Hotel Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Red Monkey Lodge
Lodge · $
On the beach
Worth considering: A small lodge directly on the beach beside a patch of forest, with a beachfront restaurant.
Suits: Budget and laid-back travellers who want to be right on the sand
Run Red Monkey Lodge? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
More places to stay in Jambiani from our community
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Jambiani— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
5. North-east coast
Matemwe
Best for tranquillity, diving and romance
Matemwe is a long, peaceful stretch of the north-east coast where traditional village life carries on beside a string of boutique hotels. Its big draw is the sea beyond the reef: Mnemba Atoll, a short boat ride away, is one of the most popular diving and snorkelling areas in Zanzibar.
Why people love it
Quiet beaches, turquoise water at high tide, beautiful sunrises over the reef, and easy access to Mnemba-area dive and snorkel trips.
What makes it different
It is calmer and more romantic than the north-west, with a strong local village presence and fewer visitors walking the beach. Most hotels are small and intimate.
Who should stay here
Couples and honeymooners, divers and snorkellers, and anyone who wants peace and is happy to eat mostly where they are staying.
Who might not enjoy it
Visitors who want nightlife, lots of independent restaurants, or swimming at any time of day.
What visitors often misunderstand
The tide drops a long way on this coast. At low tide the lagoon becomes sand, seagrass and pools, and swimming means waiting for the water to come back or using the hotel pool. Restaurants are mostly inside hotels.
The beach
Long, palm-lined white sand with village fishing activity. Swimming is best around high tide; low tide exposes a wide reef flat.
Eating out and exploring
Limited outside the hotels, though there are a few small independent and local restaurants. Plan to eat at your own hotel most nights, and book other hotels' restaurants ahead.
Mnemba responsibly
Mnemba Atoll is a marine conservation area. Choose an operator that keeps boats off the reef, limits group sizes and briefs you not to touch or feed marine life.
Where to eat in Matemwe
Marlin Restaurant
Swahili and local seafood · $
Matemwe village
Why we recommend it: A small local restaurant with a Swahili menu that reviewers often call a hidden gem. They consistently praise the fresh seafood — the octopus in particular — friendly service and very good value. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Best for: Lunch, Dinner, Local food, Seafood
Reported to be cash only.
Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas Restaurant
Seafood and international · $$
Matemwe beachfront
Why we recommend it: A beachside lodge restaurant with live music on set nights. Recent reviewers praise the seafood, the breakfasts, the friendly staff and the relaxed setting.
Best for: Beachfront dinner, Breakfast, Live music
More places to eat in Matemwe from our directory
Where to stay in Matemwe
Matemwe Attitude
Adults-only boutique resort · $$$
On a cliff or rocky shore — The original lodge sat on coral rag above the lagoon; some new villa categories are described as seafront.
Worth considering: The former Matemwe Lodge, sold by Asilia and relaunched in November 2025 as an adults-only villa resort with a sustainability focus (no minibar, a bulk shop, screen-free rooms), overlooking the lagoon towards Mnemba Atoll.
Suits: Couples and adults wanting a quiet, eco-minded stay facing Mnemba
Reopened under its new name in November 2025, so independent reviews are still few. Older guides and reviews call it Matemwe Lodge.
Run Matemwe Attitude? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel
Boutique hotel · $$
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: Praised for lush gardens with baobabs, attentive staff and good-value food; reception books Mnemba snorkelling trips.
Suits: Couples, honeymooners and families
Run Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas
Small beachfront hotel · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: A small beachfront hotel with two pools and a spa; staff can arrange snorkelling boats that pick up from the beach in front.
Suits: Couples and small groups wanting a small, private stay
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
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6. South-east peninsula
Michamvi
Best for romantic scenery and sunsets
Michamvi is the peninsula at the northern end of the south-east coast. It is really two places. Michamvi Kae faces west into Chwaka Bay and is known for sunset beach bars; Michamvi Pingwe faces east to the open Indian Ocean and is home to boutique hotels and the famous restaurant on a rock. Both are quiet and scenic, and both suit couples.
Why people love it
Sunsets over the bay at Kae, and the dramatic east-facing coastline at Pingwe. It feels remote and romantic while still being within reach of Paje.
What makes it different
It is one of the few places on the east coast where you can watch the sun set over the water — on the Kae side. The Pingwe side is about sunrises, coral-fringed coast and romantic dinners.
Who should stay here
Couples and honeymooners, travellers who want scenery and calm, and anyone happy to use taxis for excursions.
Who might not enjoy it
Families who want easy swimming and things to do nearby, and travellers without a budget for taxis — it is spread out and fairly remote.
What visitors often misunderstand
Kae and Pingwe are on opposite sides of the peninsula. They are not an easy beach walk from each other; treat them as separate places joined by a short drive. Both have tidal swimming.
The beach
Kae: a shallow, west-facing bay with sunset bars, very shallow at low tide. Pingwe: an east-facing ocean beach with a reef and strong tidal changes.
Eating out and exploring
Moderate. Kae's sunset bars and Pingwe's hotel restaurants cover most needs, and The Rock is a destination in itself. Expect to use taxis between them.
Michamvi Kae
West-facing bay, sunset views, beach bars, a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Go for an afternoon and stay for sunset.
Michamvi Pingwe
East-facing ocean coastline, boutique hotels and romantic dining. Home to The Rock restaurant, built on a rock just offshore: you walk out at low tide and may be taken by boat at high tide. It is one of the most photographed restaurants in Zanzibar, so booking ahead is strongly advised, especially for lunch in high season. Reviewers rave about the setting more consistently than the food, and prices are high.
Where to eat in Michamvi
Kae Funk Sunset Beach Bar
Beach bar: drinks and simple food · $$
Michamvi Kae, on the west-facing sunset side
Why we recommend it: Go for the sunset rather than the food. Reviewers consistently praise the view, the beach setting and the party atmosphere with DJs, while rating the food as ordinary. It can be crowded and service slow.
Best for: Sunset, Drinks, Nightlife
Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel & Restaurant
Italian (house-made pizza and pasta), seafood and Baladin craft beer · $$
Michamvi Pingwe beach (east side)
Why we recommend it: A beachfront hotel restaurant from the Italian Baladin brewery, serving its craft beer on draught alongside house-made pizza, pasta and seafood. Recent reviewers praise the varied menu and quality ingredients and describe it as a romantic dinner spot. It is a few steps from The Rock.
Best for: Lunch, Romantic dinner, Craft beer
Some listings give Michamvi Kae as its postal area, but it is on the Pingwe side, not at Kae's sunset beach.
More places to eat in Michamvi from our directory
Where to stay in Michamvi
JAZ Elite Aurora
All-inclusive resort · $$$
On the beach — Kae side: on Michamvi Kae beach, the west-facing sunset bay. Pingwe is a short drive away.
Worth considering: A large five-star all-inclusive that opened in September 2025, with several pools, a kids' club, an aqua park and a long jetty with restaurants and bars.
Suits: Families and couples wanting a large new all-inclusive
Run JAZ Elite Aurora? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel
Boutique hotel · $$
On the beach — Pingwe side (east-facing), not at Kae.
Worth considering: Just a dozen bungalows and suites; guests praise the large rooms, friendly staff and a quiet beach, with The Rock a few steps away.
Suits: Couples wanting a small, quiet, sociable hotel
Run Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
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7. North-east coast
Kiwengwa
Best for families and resort holidays
Kiwengwa is resort country: a long, beautiful stretch of the north-east coast where most visitors stay in larger hotels, many of them all-inclusive. Italian tour operators have long been active here, and you will notice it in the food and the entertainment programmes.
Why people love it
Big pools, kids' clubs, watersports and everything on site. The beach is long and white, and the resorts make it easy to relax without organising anything.
What makes it different
There is no single compact centre to wander around. Life happens inside the resorts, which makes Kiwengwa simple for families and organised holidays but less interesting for independent explorers.
Who should stay here
Families, all-inclusive visitors, and anyone who wants an organised, low-effort resort holiday.
Who might not enjoy it
Independent travellers who want to walk to local restaurants and bars, and anyone who wants to swim in the sea at any time of day.
What visitors often misunderstand
The tide drops a long way here too. At low tide the sea can be some distance out across the reef flat, so the resort pool does most of the swimming work for children.
The beach
Long white sand with a wide reef flat at low tide. Good for walks and high-tide swims; resorts typically offer watersports.
Eating out and exploring
Mostly in resorts. A handful of independent places exist along the coast road, but you will usually need a taxi to reach them.
Where to eat in Kiwengwa
La Capannina Zanzibar
Italian: homemade pasta, pizza and seafood · $$
Kiwengwa (easy to miss from the road)
Why we recommend it: A small Italian restaurant whose owners and Italian chef reviewers describe as warm and attentive. Diners consistently praise the fresh homemade pasta, pizza and desserts, at prices seen as reasonable for the quality. It fills up, so book ahead for dinner.
Best for: Dinner, Romantic dinner, Italian
One listing showed it as temporarily closed despite July 2026 reviews. Please confirm before visiting.
La Base JungleKite
Italian and seafood · $$
Kiwengwa beachfront
Why we recommend it: A beachfront terrace restaurant at the JungleKite kitesurfing school that welcomes non-kiters too. Recent reviewers praise the Italian dishes, the seafood and the owners' hospitality. It is a relaxed lunch spot with a view of the kites.
Best for: Lunch, Beachfront, Watching kitesurfers
More places to eat in Kiwengwa from our directory
Where to stay in Kiwengwa
Meliá Zanzibar
All-inclusive resort · $$$
On the beach — Some rooms are a fair walk from the beach.
Worth considering: A large five-star resort fronting a coral reef, with a private beach area, a restaurant on a jetty and new private villas.
Suits: Families and couples wanting a large five-star all-inclusive
Run Meliá Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Mvuvi Boutique Resort
Boutique resort · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: Highly rated for staff, food and snorkelling off the property, on a quieter part of the beach.
Suits: Couples and snorkellers wanting a quieter stretch of Kiwengwa
Run Mvuvi Boutique Resort? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar
All-inclusive resort · $$$
On the beach — Between Kiwengwa and Pwani Mchangani.
Worth considering: The former Dream of Zanzibar, rebuilt and reopened by TUI in 2021, with three pools, several restaurants and a spa.
Suits: Couples and families wanting a mid-size all-inclusive
Run TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Kiwengwa— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
8. South-east coast
Bwejuu
Best for peace near Paje
Bwejuu sits just north of Paje on the same long south-east coast. It shares Paje's white sand and turquoise lagoon but is noticeably calmer, with coconut palms, a village feel and a handful of boutique hotels and beach restaurants.
Why people love it
Long beach walks, space, palm trees and peace — with the option to pop into Paje for cafés, kitesurfing or a night out.
What makes it different
It offers the south-east coast's scenery without Paje's crowds and noise, and is a little closer to Michamvi Pingwe and The Rock.
Who should stay here
Couples, beach walkers, and visitors who want a quiet south-east base within easy reach of Paje.
Who might not enjoy it
Anyone who wants nightlife on the doorstep or the freedom to swim at any time of day.
What visitors often misunderstand
Swimming is tide-dependent, just as in Paje and Jambiani. At low tide the lagoon is very shallow and you will walk a long way to reach deeper water.
The beach
Broad white sand, coconut palms and a shallow lagoon; best swimming around high tide.
Eating out and exploring
A modest choice of beach restaurants and hotel dining, with Paje's much wider selection a short taxi or bike ride away.
Where to eat in Bwejuu
Leo Beach Bar & Restaurant
Seafood, grills and local Zanzibari dishes · $
Bwejuu beachfront, by The African Paradise Beach Hotel
Why we recommend it: A casual beachfront spot whose reviewers single out the grilled fish, octopus and lobster, along with good cocktails and fresh juices. The welcome is warm and prices reasonable. It has fewer reviews than longer-established places, so treat it as a promising casual choice.
Best for: Lunch, Casual dinner, Seafood
Sahari Zanzibar
European, Asian and Zanzibari · $$
Bwejuu beachfront
Why we recommend it: A boutique-hotel restaurant with dinner tables set around the pool and on the beach. Reviewers praise the friendly staff, the seafood platter and the pizza, and say dietary requests are handled well. It is pricier than the local places in Bwejuu or Paje.
Best for: Romantic dinner, Beachfront, Dietary requirements
Where to stay in Bwejuu
Breezes Beach Club & Spa
Resort · $$$
On the beach — Some rooms are a walk from the sea; the resort sits on the Bwejuu–Dongwe stretch.
Worth considering: A Swahili-style resort in gardens with a spa and themed dinners.
Suits: Couples and families wanting a classic half-board resort
Run Breezes Beach Club & Spa? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Sahari Zanzibar
Boutique hotel · $$$
On the beach
Worth considering: An upmarket hotel with a full-service spa, two restaurants and a private beach; recent guests praise the quiet setting.
Suits: Couples wanting a quiet, upscale beachfront stay
Run Sahari Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Evergreen Bungalows
Guesthouse · $
On the beach
Worth considering: Simple cabins directly on the beach.
Suits: Budget travellers
Well reviewed, but by only a handful of guests so far.
Run Evergreen Bungalows? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
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9. Central east coast
Pongwe
Best for seclusion and intimate beach retreats
Pongwe is a quiet little bay on the central east coast with just a few small hotels on the beach. It is the place to come if you want a book, a hammock and almost nothing else.
Why people love it
Seclusion, beautiful tropical scenery and an intimate scale. Many guests barely leave their hotel, which is the point.
What makes it different
The bay is more sheltered and enclosed than the long open beaches around it, giving it a calm, private feel.
Who should stay here
Couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants complete relaxation.
Who might not enjoy it
Families who need entertainment, travellers who want to explore restaurants, or anyone who would feel isolated.
What visitors often misunderstand
It is still the east coast: swimming changes with the tide, and at low tide the water retreats. Choose a hotel whose position on the bay suits how you want to swim.
The beach
A small, picturesque bay with white sand; the best swimming is around high tide.
Eating out and exploring
Limited. Expect to eat at your hotel or neighbouring hotels; independent restaurants are few.
Where to eat in Pongwe
The Island – Pongwe Restaurant
Seafood-led international · $$$
Just off Pongwe beach
Why we recommend it: A restaurant on a small coral-rock islet just off Pongwe beach, open to non-residents for lunch and dinner. Reviewers consistently describe the setting as spectacular and praise the fresh, well-presented seafood. Be ready to get your feet wet or take a boat at high tide.
Best for: Lunch, Romantic dinner, Views
Pongwe Beach Hotel restaurant
Daily-changing seafood and Swahili cooking · $$
Pongwe beachfront
Why we recommend it: The hotel's oceanfront kitchen builds its menu around the morning catch and local produce. Its Swahili buffet and beach barbecue nights are open to non-residents who book ahead. Reviewers describe a quiet setting and helpful service.
Best for: Swahili buffet, Beach barbecue, Dinner
Buffet and barbecue nights are from the hotel's own website; check the current schedule when booking.
Where to stay in Pongwe
Tikitam Palms Boutique Hotel
Boutique hotel · $$
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: Guests praise the warm staff, themed dinners, spa and garden grounds where monkeys and bushbabies visit.
Suits: Couples wanting a calm, high-service boutique stay
Run Tikitam Palms Boutique Hotel? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Hotel · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: A relaxed hotel set in a private cove on Pongwe beach, with a restaurant that cooks around the daily catch.
Suits: Couples wanting a simple, secluded cove
Run Pongwe Beach Hotel? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Pongwe Bay Resort
Small resort · $$
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: A small resort with an infinity pool and ocean-view dining, praised for its staff and seafood.
Suits: Couples focused on relaxation
Reviews from 2025 are mixed on upkeep and cleanliness.
Run Pongwe Bay Resort? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Pongwe— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
10. North-east coast
Pwani Mchangani
Best for quieter resort holidays
Pwani Mchangani lies between Matemwe and Kiwengwa on the north-east coast. It is mostly a resort coast, with a handful of established hotels along a beautiful beach and a traditional village inland.
Why people love it
A calm, comfortable resort holiday on a lovely stretch of beach, without the larger crowds of Kiwengwa or the activity of the north.
What makes it different
It is quieter than Kiwengwa and less boutique than Matemwe — a middle ground for people who want resort comforts in a peaceful setting.
Who should stay here
Families and couples who want to relax at a good beachfront resort.
Who might not enjoy it
Anyone who wants restaurants, nightlife or a village to wander in the evening.
What visitors often misunderstand
Like the rest of this coast, the tidal range is large; at low tide the sea retreats far over the reef flat.
The beach
Long, beautiful white sand with extensive tidal changes; swimming is best around high tide.
Eating out and exploring
Limited outside the resorts. Plan to eat where you stay and take a taxi for the occasional night out.
Where to eat in Pwani Mchangani
Blue Moon Villa Restaurant
Italian and African, with a focus on seafood · $$
Pwani Mchangani, a few minutes' walk from the beach
Why we recommend it: A guesthouse restaurant a short walk from the sea. Reviewers consistently praise the lobster, octopus, prawns and mixed fish grill, and say the quiet setting suits families. Service and value both get strong marks.
Best for: Lunch, Dinner, Seafood, Families
The Breeze (TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar)
Seafood-focused à la carte · $$$
Pwani Mchangani beachfront, at TUI BLUE Bahari
Why we recommend it: The resort's speciality restaurant for candlelit dinners. Reviewers praise the seafood platter, fish of the day and attentive staff. It opens for dinner on set nights and needs a reservation.
Best for: Romantic dinner, Special occasions, Seafood
We could not confirm that non-residents can book. Ask the resort before planning a visit.
Where to stay in Pwani Mchangani
LUX* Marijani Zanzibar
Luxury resort · $$$
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: A five-star resort that recent reviewers rate as the best in Pwani Mchangani, with consistent praise for the beach and service.
Suits: Couples and families wanting polished five-star service
Run LUX* Marijani Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa
All-inclusive resort · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: An all-inclusive with loungers by the pool and on the beach. Many partial-sea-view rooms are up a hill with dozens of steps — ask for a lower room if that matters.
Suits: Families and groups wanting good-value all-inclusive
Run Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Pwani Mchangani— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
11. South-east coast
Dongwe
Best for private villas and luxury accommodation
Dongwe is a short, quiet stretch of the south-east coast between Bwejuu and Michamvi Pingwe. It is known for upmarket resorts and private villas, and for privacy.
Why people love it
Exclusive accommodation, quiet beaches and a strong sense of privacy — ideal for a honeymoon or a special trip.
What makes it different
There is little village life to speak of along the beach: this is a coast of luxury hotels and villas, with Paje and The Rock within reach by taxi.
Who should stay here
Honeymooners, luxury travellers and couples on a romantic escape.
Who might not enjoy it
Budget travellers, families wanting entertainment, or anyone who wants to stroll out to independent bars.
What visitors often misunderstand
Luxury does not change the tide. Swimming is tide-dependent, so the hotel pool matters.
The beach
Quiet white sand and a shallow lagoon, with swimming best around high tide.
Eating out and exploring
Mainly in hotels, which tend to have strong restaurants. A few independent places nearby; The Rock and Paje are a taxi ride away.
Where to eat in Dongwe
Blue Pontile Dongwe
Italian-Mediterranean seafood · $$$
Dongwe, at the end of Dongwe Club's jetty
Why we recommend it: A restaurant at the end of Dongwe Club's long jetty over the lagoon. Reviewers consistently praise the setting, the shellfish pasta and the lobster, and describe it as romantic. Staff are often called attentive and welcoming.
Best for: Romantic dinner, Sunset, Special occasions
Where to stay in Dongwe
Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat
Luxury villas · $$$
On the beach
Worth considering: Just a handful of free-standing villas, each with a plunge or rooftop pool, all-inclusive dining and a private butler, plus a beach spa.
Suits: Honeymooners and small groups wanting an exclusive villa
Run Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar
All-inclusive villa resort · $$$
On the beach — On the Bwejuu–Dongwe beach.
Worth considering: A fully inclusive villa resort with spa and gym in lush gardens; some 2025 reviewers felt the food and rooms were dated for the price.
Suits: Couples and families wanting fully inclusive villa luxury
Run Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar
Beach resort · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: A beach hotel on Dongwe beach praised for its service.
Suits: Couples and families wanting mid-range beach value
Run The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Dongwe— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
12. South and south-west coast
Kizimkazi
Best for nature, remote stays and sunsets
Kizimkazi is at the southern end of the island, a pair of traditional fishing villages (Dimbani and Mkunguni) and a rocky, cove-lined coast. It is remote and unhurried, with lodges that make the most of the views.
Why people love it
A sense of being off the beaten track, beautiful sunsets from west-facing spots, and the chance to see dolphins in the wild.
What makes it different
It has small coves and rocky sections rather than one long beach, and conditions vary enormously from one property to the next. The village of Kizimkazi Dimbani is also home to one of the oldest known mosques in East Africa.
Who should stay here
Independent travellers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants a few quiet nights somewhere different.
Who might not enjoy it
Visitors who want a classic sandy beach holiday, nightlife or plenty of restaurants.
What visitors often misunderstand
Dolphin trips here are popular, but some operators chase pods and encourage swimmers to jump in on top of them, which stresses the animals. If you go, choose a responsible operator who keeps a distance, limits time with the pod and never lets boats box the dolphins in.
The beach
Varies by property: small sandy coves, rocky shore and tidal flats. Check photos and reviews of the exact beach before booking.
Eating out and exploring
Limited — mostly lodge restaurants and a few local places in the villages.
Responsible dolphin watching
Early-morning boat trips leave from Kizimkazi to look for bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Good practice: no chasing, no cutting across a pod's path, short viewing times and no forced swim-with sessions.
Where to eat in Kizimkazi
Fahari Off The Grid
Caribbean-influenced seafood, with vegan and gluten-free options · $$
Kizimkazi Mkunguni beach
Why we recommend it: A beachfront restaurant where every table faces west for the sunset. Reviewers praise the ceviche, tacos and tuna, the from-scratch sauces and warm hosts. It has a strong sustainability focus.
Best for: Sunset, Dinner, Lunch, Vegan
Opening days have changed several times — check before you go.
Kameleon Blue Bar & Restaurant
Italian and Mediterranean, plus Swahili dishes · $$
Kizimkazi, about 13 minutes' walk from the beach
Why we recommend it: A garden bar and restaurant with a pool at a small, independent arts lodge. Reviewers praise the seafood platter and the Zanzibari calamari curry, and several recommend the Swahili dishes. It hosts live-music evenings.
Best for: Dinner, Live music, Relaxed drinks
Roads nearby are unlit; take a taxi after dark.
Where to stay in Kizimkazi
Promised Land Lodge
Lodge · $
On the beach
Worth considering: A friendly, good-value lodge right on the ocean; rooms are basic but clean and the food is praised, though breakfast and pool upkeep draw complaints.
Suits: Budget travellers and dolphin-trip visitors
Run Promised Land Lodge? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar
Resort · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: A remote beachfront resort with pools, a spa and a private beach; guests praise the staff and ocean views. The access road is bumpy.
Suits: Couples and families wanting a remote, quiet resort
Run Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Unguja Lodge
Lodge · $$
Beach position not verified
Worth considering: Large private villas with ocean views; recent guests praise the staff but say the villas need renovation.
Suits: Couples wanting very large villas with ocean views
A January 2026 review reports new ownership and planned renovation.
Run Unguja Lodge? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Kizimkazi— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
13. Central east coast
Uroa
Best for affordable, peaceful resort holidays
Uroa is a traditional fishing village on the central east coast. Its resorts often offer good value, it is relatively close to Stone Town and the airport, and evenings are very quiet.
Why people love it
Value for money, a calm atmosphere and a central location that makes day trips easy.
What makes it different
It is less developed than Kiwengwa to the north and less sociable than Paje to the south — a simple, peaceful resort base.
Who should stay here
Budget-conscious travellers who want a resort holiday, and families who mainly use the hotel pool.
Who might not enjoy it
Anyone who wants independent restaurants, nightlife or swimming at any time of day.
What visitors often misunderstand
Tidal changes are dramatic; at low tide the sea can be a long way out. Beachfront swimming conditions vary between properties.
The beach
Wide white sand with a large tidal range; best swimming around high tide.
Eating out and exploring
Limited. A few local and beach restaurants exist, but most visitors eat at their resort.
Where to eat in Uroa
Zan Taste Restaurant
Local Zanzibari, seafood, juices and smoothies · $
Uroa village
Why we recommend it: A small, locally run spot praised for octopus, fresh fish, juices and smoothies at low prices for the area. Staff are consistently described as friendly.
Best for: Lunch, Local food, Budget
Reported to be cash only and closed on Mondays. We could not find dated reviews from the last year.
Where to stay in Uroa
JAZ Amaluna
Adults-only all-inclusive · $$$
On the beach
Worth considering: An adults-only all-inclusive on Uroa beach facing a calm lagoon.
Suits: Couples (adults 16+)
Run JAZ Amaluna? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa
All-inclusive resort · $$$
On the beach
Worth considering: A five-star all-inclusive on Uroa beach with a spa and watersports.
Suits: Couples and families wanting premium all-inclusive
Not the original Dream of Zanzibar in Kiwengwa, which is now TUI BLUE Bahari.
Run Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Jaz Adonia Beach Resort
All-inclusive resort · $$
On the beach
Worth considering: The long-running resort formerly called Uroa Bay Beach Resort, now operated by Jaz. Recent reviews praise the restaurants, pools and large rooms; billing and service consistency are the recurring complaints.
Suits: Families and value-seeking couples
Older sites still list it as Uroa Bay Beach Resort. Strong currents and sea grass have been reported on this stretch.
Run Jaz Adonia Beach Resort? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Uroa— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
14. West coast (Zanzibar City)
Stone Town
Best for history, culture and food
Stone Town ranks last here only because this is a beach comparison. For culture, history and food it would rank first. It is the historic heart of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow lanes, merchants' houses and carved wooden doors, and it is well worth a night or two at the start or end of a trip.
Why people love it
Wandering the lanes, the famous carved doors, the markets, rooftop dinners at sunset and the evening food stalls at Forodhani Gardens on the waterfront.
What makes it different
It is a city, not a beach resort. The appeal is architecture, history, shopping and food, with Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences layered over centuries of trade.
Who should stay here
Anyone interested in culture and history, food lovers, shoppers, and visitors with an early or late flight who want a short stay close to the airport.
Who might not enjoy it
Visitors who want a beach holiday. The town's shoreline is not a place to swim and sunbathe, and it can be hot, busy and noisy.
What visitors often misunderstand
Stone Town should not be marketed as a beach destination. Allow one to three nights and then head to the coast. The lanes are a maze — that is half the fun — but a local guide on the first day helps you get your bearings and understand the history.
The beach
Not a swimming destination. Enjoy the waterfront at sunset, and take a boat trip (for example to Prison Island) for time on the water.
Eating out and exploring
Excellent: rooftop restaurants, historic tea houses, local Zanzibari cafés and the Forodhani night food market.
What to see
The carved Zanzibar doors throughout the old town, Darajani market, the Old Fort, the Forodhani waterfront at sunset, the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former slave market (with its memorial and exhibition), and the town's museums and old merchants' houses.
Where to eat in Stone Town
Lukmaan Restaurant
Zanzibari canteen: biryani, pilau, curries, fried fish and fresh juices · $
Stone Town old town
Why we recommend it: Widely described as one of the best places in Stone Town for authentic local food at low prices. You choose from counters of curries, fish and meat and pay up front. It is busy and hurried; check prices before ordering.
Best for: Lunch, Local food, Budget
Cash only.
6 Degrees South
Modern grill: seafood platters, steaks and coconut fish curry · $$
Shangani waterfront, Stone Town
Why we recommend it: A waterfront grill and wine bar in Shangani whose rooftop terrace is popular at sunset. Recent reviewers praise the seafood platters, sea views and lively atmosphere. Service can be slow when busy and terrace seating is limited, so book ahead.
Best for: Sunset, Cocktails, Dinner
More places to eat in Stone Town from our directory
Where to stay in Stone Town
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Luxury hotel · $$$
On the beach — On the seafront, but this is a town shoreline, not a swimming beach.
Worth considering: Stone Town's leading hotel, in a historic mansion on the seafront with an oceanfront infinity pool and spa, a short walk from Forodhani Gardens and the Old Fort.
Suits: Luxury travellers and couples
Run Park Hyatt Zanzibar? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Emerson Spice Hotel
Boutique hotel · $$$
Inland — In the old town's lanes.
Worth considering: A characterful boutique hotel in a restored historic house, known for its rooftop Tea House restaurant with views over Stone Town (dinner reservations essential).
Suits: Couples and culture lovers wanting historic character
Run Emerson Spice Hotel? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Dhow Palace Hotel
Heritage hotel · $$
Inland — Central Stone Town.
Worth considering: A restored merchant's house with a courtyard pool and rooftop terrace. It is alcohol-free and some rooms are small.
Suits: Mid-range travellers who value Swahili character and a central location
Run Dhow Palace Hotel? List it on Mzungu Zanzibar.
Price categories are relative ($ budget-friendly, $$ mid-range, $$$ upper range); we do not quote nightly rates, which change constantly.
Know this part of Zanzibar?
Residents and recent visitors keep this guide honest. Share what you know about Stone Town— posts go through the community's usual moderation, and our editors review suggestions before anything changes here.
Understanding Zanzibar's tides
Why the north-west is easiest for swimming
Kendwa and the western side of Nungwi face the sheltered channel between Zanzibar and the mainland. The sea floor drops away fairly quickly, so even at low tide there is usually water deep enough to swim within a short walk of the sand.
Why the east coast changes so much
Most of the east coast — from Matemwe and Kiwengwa down to Paje and Jambiani — is protected by a reef some way offshore. Between the beach and the reef is a wide, shallow lagoon. Zanzibar's tidal range is large, so twice a day much of that lagoon drains, leaving sand, seagrass, seaweed farms and rock pools, and the sea can be hundreds of metres away.
What to expect at low tide
Low tide is a time for walking, not swimming: you can wander out across the flats, watch seaweed farmers and fishermen at work, and look into pools. Wear reef shoes, watch for sea urchins, and never walk out to the reef edge without local advice — the tide comes back faster than people expect.
Beachfront does not always mean easy swimming
A hotel can be right on the sand and still have little or no swimmable water for several hours a day. If swimming in the sea whenever you like matters, choose the north-west coast, or pick an east-coast hotel with a good pool and plan your sea swims around high tide.
How to check the tides
Tide times shift by roughly 50 minutes each day, and the biggest ranges come around full and new moon (spring tides). Check a tide table for the week you are visiting — Mzungu Zanzibar has its own Tides & Weather page — and ask your hotel when the best swimming hours are.
Conditions vary even within one destination
Sand banks, reef gaps, headlands and channels mean two hotels a few hundred metres apart can have quite different water. Nungwi's west side and its eastern headland are a good example. Look at recent guest photos taken at different times of day before you book.
When to visit Zanzibar
| Months | In short | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Hot, generally drier | Hot and humid with mostly sunny days. The north-east Kaskazi wind brings a kitesurfing season to the east coast. A popular time to visit. |
| March | Increasing rain risk | Still hot, with showers becoming more likely as the month goes on. Fewer visitors and often lower prices. |
| April–May | Main rainy season | The long rains (masika): heavy downpours, high humidity and rougher seas. Some hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks. Quietest and cheapest time to visit. |
| June–August | Generally drier and breezier | Cooler, drier weather and the south-east Kusi trade wind — the main kitesurfing season. A busy time, especially in July and August. |
| September–October | Generally pleasant | Warm, mostly dry and still breezy early on. Many people consider this one of the best times for a beach holiday. |
| November | Short-rain period | The short rains (vuli) usually bring brief showers and storms rather than days of rain. Often good value. |
| December | Popular holiday period | Hot, with the short rains easing. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks: book well ahead. |
These are typical patterns, not guarantees. Zanzibar's weather varies from year to year, and the rains can start early, arrive late or be lighter or heavier than usual.
Seven things to know before choosing accommodation
1.Tides decide your swimming
On the east coast the sea can disappear for hours at low tide. If daily sea swimming is a priority, stay in Kendwa or Nungwi, or plan around high tide and choose a hotel with a pool.
2.Beachfront is not the same as swimmable
Ask what the water is like in front of the hotel at low tide, not just whether it is on the beach. Some beachfront hotels sit on rocky shore or coral cliffs with steps or a jetty down to the water.
3.Wind is a feature, not a fault
The trade winds that make Paje and the south-east a kitesurfing hotspot also make some beaches breezy for weeks at a time. Great for staying cool; less good if you want glassy water.
4.Seaweed comes with the territory
Seaweed farming is an important income for women in east-coast villages such as Paje and Jambiani, and natural seaweed washes up seasonally. Some beaches look less pristine for a few weeks of the year; respect the farms and do not walk through them.
5.Check what is within walking distance
In Nungwi, Paje and Stone Town you can walk to dozens of restaurants. In Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, Dongwe and Uroa you may eat mostly at your hotel. Decide which suits you before choosing between half-board and room-only.
6.Travel times are longer than the map suggests
Roads are slow and speed bumps frequent. As a rough guide, the airport to Stone Town is about 15–20 minutes, to Paje about an hour, and to Kendwa or Nungwi about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes; north to south-east is close to two hours.
7.Hotels in the same village can be very different
Within one destination, position matters: beachfront or inland, sandy beach or rocky shore, near the bars or at the quiet end. Read recent reviews for the exact hotel rather than relying on the village's reputation.
Suggested itineraries
Five nights
Pick one base and stay put: Kendwa for easy swimming and sunsets, or Nungwi for more restaurants and activities. Day trips to Stone Town or Mnemba are easy to arrange from either.
Seven nights
Four nights in Kendwa or Nungwi, then three nights in Paje or Jambiani. You get the north-west's swimming and sunsets, then the south-east's lagoon, cafés and village life.
Ten to fourteen nights
One or two nights in Stone Town, four or five nights in the north (Kendwa or Nungwi), and the rest on the south-east coast (Paje, Jambiani or Bwejuu). Two hotel changes is plenty.
Quieter options for honeymooners
Swap the north for Matemwe or Pongwe, and the south-east for Michamvi or Dongwe. A night in Stone Town at the start makes a good contrast to the beach.
Frequently asked questions
›Which part of Zanzibar has the best beaches?
It depends on what you want from a beach. For swimming at any time of day, Kendwa and Nungwi on the north-west coast are hard to beat. For wide white sand and a turquoise lagoon, the south-east — Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu — is spectacular, but tide-dependent.
›Where can you swim at low tide?
Mainly on the north-west coast: Kendwa and the western side of Nungwi. On most of the east coast the lagoon drains at low tide, so plan sea swims around high tide there.
›Is Kendwa better than Nungwi?
Kendwa is calmer, with a broad beach and easy swimming; Nungwi has far more restaurants, bars and activities but is busier. Families and couples often prefer Kendwa; first-timers who want choice, solo travellers and groups often prefer Nungwi. They are close enough to visit each other.
›Is Paje better than Jambiani?
Paje is more sociable, with more cafés, bars and kitesurfing. Jambiani is quieter and more village-like. The beaches are similar and both are tidal. Many people stay in Jambiani and pop into Paje for evenings out.
›Where should families stay?
Kendwa is the easiest for children who want to swim in the sea. Kiwengwa and Pwani Mchangani suit families who want a resort with pools and kids' facilities. Avoid places where nightlife is the main draw if you want early nights.
›Where should honeymooners stay?
Matemwe, Michamvi, Pongwe and Dongwe are the most romantic and private. Kendwa works well if you want sunsets and easy swimming with a little more going on.
›Where is Zanzibar's best nightlife?
Nungwi has the most bars and late nights, Kendwa has the famous full-moon parties, and Paje has the liveliest scene on the east coast. Stone Town has rooftop bars and a busy evening waterfront.
›Where is best for kitesurfing?
Paje is Zanzibar's kitesurfing capital, with neighbouring Jambiani and Bwejuu also popular, and some schools on the north-east coast at Kiwengwa. The main seasons are roughly June to October and December to March.
›Which destination is best for diving?
Nungwi has the most dive centres and the widest choice of sites. Matemwe is closest to Mnemba Atoll, one of the island's best-known diving and snorkelling areas.
›Is Stone Town worth staying in?
Yes, for one to three nights. It is the cultural heart of Zanzibar — UNESCO-listed, full of history, markets and excellent food — but it is not a beach destination. See Stone Town.
›How many days should visitors spend in Zanzibar?
Five nights is enough for one beach and a day trip; seven to ten lets you combine two coasts and Stone Town; two weeks lets you slow down. See our suggested itineraries.
›Is it better to stay in one place or move around?
For a week or less, one or two bases is best — every move costs half a day on slow roads. With ten days or more, combining the north-west and south-east coasts shows you two very different sides of the island.
›Where is best for budget travellers?
Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu have the most guesthouses and affordable cafés. Uroa has good-value resorts, and Nungwi has budget rooms set back from the beach.
›Which parts of Zanzibar are quietest?
Pongwe, Dongwe, Matemwe, Uroa, Pwani Mchangani and Kizimkazi are all very quiet, especially in the evenings.
›Do you need a car?
Not usually. Most visitors use pre-booked transfers, taxis and tuk-tuks, and many hotels arrange trips. Hiring a car is possible with a local permit, but roads are slow, police checkpoints are common and driving is on the left. In the quieter destinations, budget for taxis if you want to eat out.
How this guide is made
This guide is written and maintained by the Mzungu Zanzibar editors from local knowledge and recent public traveller reviews (Google, Tripadvisor, travel forums and venues' own information). Recommendations are editorial and never paid for; any commercial relationship is disclosed on the card it applies to. We have not presented anything as a personal stay or meal unless it was one. Places change — if something here is out of date, please tell us.
Destination photographs (54) come from Wikimedia Commons under the free licences credited beneath each one; restaurant and hotel photos come from their Mzungu Zanzibarlistings. Captions beginning “UNVERIFIED” show something relevant whose exact location we could not confirm.
