We are used to hearing about Tanzania's wonderful parks, famous for their safaris, but when it comes to the sea... the reference to the island of Zanzibar is inevitable: white beaches, palm trees and emerald waters: here are 10 of the most beautiful beaches in the Zanzibar archipelago!
1 - Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda Beach is a beach located on the islet of the same name, which has the curious habit of disappearing from the sight of tourists. During high tide, which occurs from late afternoon onwards, the shores of Nakupenda are slowly covered by water, making it practically invisible.
Location: along the east coast near Stone Town, Zanzibar - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation and snorkelling
Type: white sand
2 - Jambiani Beach
Photo by Jonathan Dalrymple. Jambiani Beach is located near a quaint fishing village. The phenomenon of the tides, present here in a greater degree, allows one to observe the spectacular play of colours enacted by the wet sand, which takes on dozens of different shades.
Location: southeast coast of the island, near Jambiani, Tanzania. Accessible by taxis, especially in the Stone Town area - get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, walks on the beach, snorkelling in the reef
Type: white sand
3 - Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach consists of three kilometres of white sand, which is joined by a turquoise sea. Here the tidal phenomenon is less pronounced than on the other beaches but, when the water recedes, it is still possible to observe the beautiful starfish.
In the evenings, the locals crowd the beach, staging characteristic dances, wearing their colourful clothes. the striking sunsets make it a particularly romantic area
Location: Kendwa, north-west coast of Zanzibar - Get directions
Ideal for: nightlife, snorkelling
Type: white sand
4 - Paje Beach
Photo by Matt Kieffer. Paje is a very windy location, which makes it particularly suitable for lovers of water sports, especially kitesurfing. Moreover, this white beach is markedly affected by the tidal phenomenon, which causes the sea to recede for many hours of the day, becoming 'swimmable' again towards the afternoon. While waiting for the water to return, it is still possible to take walks on the beach, in search of starfish and large sea urchins.
There areseveral stalls and local shops in the village behind you, providing everything you need without having to go too far.
Location: East coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago - Get directions
Ideal for: nightlife, water sports
Type: white sand
5 - Matemwe Beach
The beautiful Matemwe Beach is a long, sandy shoreline with beautiful colours, far from mass tourism. Like other beaches, it is subject to the tidal phenomenon, which occurs four times a day in this area. While this can make bathing difficult, it makes it possible to walk to the reef, where it is possible to observe the marine fauna with the naked eye.
Location: south east coast of Zanzibar - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, romance
Type: white sand
6 - Vumawimbi Beach
Photo by Marcel Oosterwijk. Vumawimbi Beach is a beach fringed with palm trees and forests. Until recently, this was an uncrowded area, and today it is still being 'developed', so it is a good idea to take food and water with you. On the other hand, the beach has crystal-clear water and a natural pool ideal for snorkelling. In addition, it is not uncommon to be able to enjoy the company of some nice children, who live nearby.
Location: Kigomasha Penisula, north-west corner of Pemba - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, romance, snorkelling
Type: white sand
7 - Misali Island
Photo by Jojona. Misali Island is a beautiful island covered by a small forest and magnificent beaches. Surrounded by coral reefs, the island offers the possibility of living a real adventure in contact with nature. The white beach and the incredibly coloured sea provide the opportunity for pleasant snorkelling.
In addition, it is possible to visit all the beaches on the island with a short trek into the forest, during which you will not miss the opportunity to spot some monkeys.
Location: west of Pemba and north of Zanzibar. Short boat trip departing from Misali - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, romance, snorkelling, trekking
Type: white sand
8 - Uroa Bay
Photo by Lox. Uroa Bay is a long tongue of sand winding between resorts, houses and a crystal-clear sea. Used as a refuge from the chaos that characterises the surrounding areas, frequented by tourists, Uroa, too, during the low tide phenomenon, offers a spectacle of those that are difficult to forget: the beach takes on such shades as to make it multicoloured.
In addition to large urchins and starfish, on the beaches of the bay it is also possible to observe and photograph, but not collect, some of the world's most characteristic shells.
Location: North West Coast of Zanzibar - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, romance, walking, photography
Type: white sand
9 - Nugwi Beach
Photo by Moongateclimber. Twenty kilometres long, Nungwi Beach is particularly windy and therefore suitable for water sports. The low tide to which the area is subject several times a day makes the seabed perfectly visible even to the naked eye. During the walks, which are recommended for spotting the beautiful starfish and colourful fish, it is also possible to catch glimpses of life as lived by the locals living in the surrounding villages.
Location: East coast of Zanzibar - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, romance, walking, sailing water sports
Type: white sand
10 - Prison Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu or Quarantine Island, is an island in the Zanzibar archipelago with a very special history. Uninhabited until the 1860s, it was donated by the Sultan of Zanzibar to two Arab slave traders, who turned it into a place of detention for troublesome slaves. Subsequently, the British Prime Minister of Zanzibar bought the island again and built the prison after which it was named. At the beginning of the 20th century, with the spread of yellow fever, the prison was converted into a hospital, and the island was used as a quarantine, resulting in the name'Quarantine Island'.
In addition to the excursion to the prison ruins, the island offers the opportunity to relax on the beach in the company of the colony of friendly giant tortoises that reside there, to the delight of young and old alike.
Location: 6 km northwest of Stone Town - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, walking, family holidays
Type: white sand
