If many believe that Africa is an uncomfortable continent for recreation, then Zanzibar refutes this opinion by 100%. The strange name is familiar to Russian tourists from early childhood according to the famous fairy tale about Dr. Aibolit. Whoever has been here in reality is completely delighted with the endless beaches with silky sand, the turquoise of the Indian Ocean and amazing sights. The Zanzibar archipelago, consisting of 75 islands, is included as a semi-autonomy in the state of Tanzania.

Nungwi

A luxurious 2-kilometer-long white sand beach is located in the north of Zanzibar, in the village of the same name. According to some tourists, Nungwi is the best beach in Tanzania. Fine as flour, the sand creates a feeling of velvet – it is so soft. The entrance to the ocean is ideal – there are no stones, algae, the bottom is flat and even.

The beauty of the sea expanses fascinates with its turquoise hues. Ebb and flow do not spoil the coast, you can always swim. No wonder many newlyweds arrange marriage ceremonies here. Resting here with children is a great pleasure: the optimal width of the strip, rocks and trees provide natural shade, there are many sun loungers. You don't have to take long walks with children to the water, the sand is always clean. Many hotels from hostels to luxury establishments offer accommodation at various prices.

Conventionally, the coast of Nungwi can be divided into 3 parts. The quietest and most secluded of them is the southern one, where there is a good selection of hotel establishments. More lively and noisy – the central part with shops, restaurants, diving schools. The northern part is the site of popular restaurants, souvenir shops and access to the village of Nungwi.

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Kendwa

Northwest of Nungwi (2 km) is Kendwa Beach and the village of the same name. It is distinguished by the rapidly developing resort infrastructure here. For 2 decades, luxury hotels have grown on the coast, where there was once a guest house, and the resort has become unofficially called “millionaires' beach.”

Wealthy businessmen, movie celebrities and politicians began to come here, for whom it costs nothing to rent a room at a fabulous price. For them, ideal golf courses are equipped, exclusive dishes and delicacies are prepared. Exotic palm trees line the sugar-white sand, which is lined with extravagant palm-leaf umbrellas and cushioned loungers.

In addition to large luxury hotels, there are budget bungalows. Bicycle rental is open, a lot of different water, land and air transport, on which excursions are made. Kendwa is a great place for a quiet secluded holiday, relaxation against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

Paje

100 km from Nungwi to the southeast of Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful beaches – Paje. It was chosen by families with children because of the shallow water (knee-deep 300-400 m from the shore) even at high tides. A small child can swim safely without much supervision. The enchanting beauty of the surrounding area is also an important factor in choosing Paje. The warm turquoise surface of the water is almost always clean, without algae and waves, the bottom is sandy. Rest here is truly heavenly.

A thick layer of sand resembles a pillow – it is so soft, in places there are scatterings of small shells on it. Mesh hammocks, nestled comfortably in the trees, give real bliss. Lying on them, it is good to sunbathe: deciduous crowns protect against sunburn, allowing you to tan evenly. Tourists with any wallet and taste can choose the accommodation option that suits them. There are enough hotels from guesthouses for 2 thousand rubles to luxury apartments for 30 thousand per night. Fans of kitesurfing and cycling come here.

Matthew

Solitude and desert are the main advantages of Matemwe Beach, located on the east coast of Zanzibar. Anyone who is tired of the city noise, hustle, problems with business, human communication, in this paradise of peace and quiet, will rest from everything in body and soul. A wide strip of sand, white as flour, palm groves, endless ocean and heavenly space will give a feeling of paradise on earth. Local exotic will enrich with new impressions.

A characteristic feature of Matemwe is strong low tides, when the water leaves for almost 2 km. Tourists, who cannot swim at this time, watch with pleasure how the villagers catch octopuses on the shallows with special sticks. Some prefer to buy the catch and cook in hotels later. Matemwe is more suitable for adults: in many places there are a lot of algae, sea urchins are often found. Mostly clean sections of the beach are located near individual hotels. Almost all hotel establishments have swimming pools, given the peculiarity of the ocean coast.

Kigoman

To the north of Matemwe is the edge of the pristine nature of the coast – Kigomani beach. It seems that here, at first glance, there is no civilization yet. Bungalows, beach umbrellas with palm leaf roofs, long pointed boats on the shore reinforce the impression of the primitiveness of these places. Here, indeed, the tourist infrastructure is only gaining momentum. So far, apart from a few luxurious expensive Resort hotels, there are very few inexpensive hotels, and there are no entertainment facilities.

But those who want to plunge headlong into the exotic ocean will like it here. A good strip with soft sand almost without stones, only occasionally algae are found in the water. In the morning and evening at high tide you can swim and swim. At low tide, many make the 700-meter dash to the barrier reef. Kigomani is a calmly measured romantic getaway when you feel like a Robinson of the 21st century.

Mnemba

Next to Kigomani is a delightful corner of the coast – Mnemba. This beach, located in front of the atoll, is rumored to be the best place for diving and snorkeling. The stunning transparency of the water, the incredible beauty of corals, a huge amount of ocean fauna of the most fantastic colors make you freeze with delight. Great pleasure to walk on pure white sand. It is so small that it seems that the legs are buried in flour.

Travelers like the quick start of the depth – it is convenient to swim. There are no sea urchins, pretty annoying on other beaches. Excellent diving conditions attract depth explorers here. Tourists from other places are allowed to dive only in the morning hours. Therefore, diving enthusiasts try to stay in Mnemba hotels in order to dive during the day and even at night. Fishing organized by hotel staff is also good here. Athletes praise local dive instructors for their attention and help.

Pvani Mchangani

Near Mnemba is the village of Pwani Mchangani with the same eponymous beach with the same dazzling white sand. The tide leaves heaps of algae on it, giving the strip a casual look. The ability to swim and swim here also depends on the cycles of ebb and flow. When the water recedes, exposing the seaweed, the villagers collect it for their own purposes.

It is interesting to watch the process of fishing when local men go out into the ocean on authentic wooden boats with sails – dhows. Pwani Mchangani is ideal for a measured, lazy holiday. Tourists like to walk at low tide to the reef, located 1.5 km from the coast. Here, in a natural aquarium, they watch scurrying fish, starfish, hedgehogs and other fauna – a magical picture.

In the local all-inclusive hotels, prices are high (from 100 €), designed for Europeans, in particular Italians. There are guesthouses and bungalows (45€). The infrastructure is concentrated in hotels; there are no cafes, restaurants, shops, except for souvenir shops. If you want privacy and relaxation – then you are here.

Kiwengwa

Unearthly beauty ocean views with a snow-white ribbon of the coast, boundless turquoise water makes Kiwengwa beach one of the most beautiful places in the east of the island. Couples in love, newlyweds come here for the weekend to capture the best moments of life against a stunning backdrop. Now that many good hotels have appeared here, Kiwengwa has become especially popular with European tourists.

Italians make up the majority of them, so the inscriptions in public places are in Italian. Kiwengwa is in no way inferior to the famous Maldivian beaches in natural qualities. Local hotels also strive to create a high level of service, decorate the territory.

A special African identity in the form of hammocks hanging from trees, wooden boats, residents in bright national clothes add charm. Many souvenir tents, water entertainment centers are located on the coastline under sprawling trees. There are also good wooden sun loungers.

Pongwe

In a small cozy bay of Pongwe in the very center of the east coast of the island there is a beach of the same name. A wide, clean stretch of sand is lined with tall, sprawling palm trees and brightly flowering shrubs. There are rows of loungers under mushroom-shaped umbrellas. Despite the fact that Pongwe is located 35 km from the airport, there is no crowd here. The desolate nature of this almost wild place is explained not only by a large ebb, but also by the presence of stones and algae at the bottom.

There are a dozen good hotels located along the edges of the bay and not filled to capacity with tourists. Cozy African-style bungalows and villas are surrounded by palm trees. The hotels organize sightseeing tours. Calm peaceful rest, silence, peace, contemplation of the surrounding beauties – the basis of the stay of vacationers. Each of those present here feels like the ruler of the world in the vast expanse.

Michamvi

A wide strip of snow-white sandy Michamvi beach is located on the shore of a large bay (length 25 km) near the village of the same name. A real civilization has not yet reached it – there are practically no paved roads in the district. But, despite this, the hotels here are presented in a wide variety: from modest bungalows and campsites to luxurious 5-star establishments. Accommodation prices range from $40 to $300 per night. From the hotels you can go on water excursions, fishing.

Michamvi is always calm and uncrowded from November to March. Tourists during this period are scared away by the huge amount of algae brought by the ocean at high tide. At low tide, when the water recedes very far, the algae decompose, interfering with the passage to the sea and emitting an unpleasant smell of rotting grass. In general, the picture looks great: the blue of the ocean merges with the blue of the sky, green palm trees on the white sand, cozy umbrellas, endless space. But it is better to come here from April to October.

Jambiani

In the southern part of the eastern coast of Zanzibar, there is a marvelous piece of paradise that captivates with serene peace, stunning beauty of the ocean and exotic nature – Jambiani. There are never strong waves here – they are broken by a reef rising 2 km from the coast. Therefore, the water near the coast is very warm, up to + 30 °. The bottom is sandy, without stones, but the presence of sea urchins spoils swimming, as does the seaweed farm. There are no stones on the coastal strip either, the sand is excellent. There is no entertainment industry – no noisy discos, restaurants and bars.

Almost 50 hotels of various levels are open on the first line. Parts of the beach belonging to expensive hotels are carefully cleaned of algae. Even the water is cleaned of hedgehogs and algae – the ocean is transparent. The beach areas of budget establishments cannot boast of perfect cleanliness. If the funds do not allow you to rent a room for $ 300, then you will have to put up with algae and hedgehogs. But here are cheap water and land excursions. Dolphin tour, snorkeling on authentic sailboats, sightseeing, visiting the Monkey Park will bring great pleasure.

Makunduchi

One of the southernmost beaches of Makunduchi is located next to Jambiani and is similar in many ways. The same wide strip of soft white sand, the same strong low tide, but much less rocks and algae. The coast is surrounded by lush greenery in the form of palm trees, various shrubs, among which hotels have settled.

There are not many of them here, but you can choose a suitable accommodation option without any problems. Hotels of the Resort chain, distinguished by their special comfort and beauty, are not as expensive as in other places. At low tide, the ocean goes almost 2.5 km, you can go far, exploring the bottom: shells, corals, algae. Swimming at high tide is a real pleasure, the water is quite warm, there are few algae, and there are no sea urchins.

Sufficiently strong wooden deck chairs under umbrellas. The corresponding infrastructure is only in hotels, all excursions in the surrounding area are also organized there. You can rent scooters, bicycles, go to neighboring beaches. Locals sell fruits from stalls in the village or right by the shore.

Kizimkazi

Bordering Makunduchi to the south, Kizimkazi Beach is even more deserted than the others. Although the tide is weaker, there are coastal rocks, sea urchins and algae abound. Mostly tourists from other places come here to go on boats in search of dolphins. It is opposite Kizimkazi that these amazing mammals are most often seen.

However, there are avid fans of this beach. At low tide, rock grottoes are exposed, attracting the attention of travelers who are happy to take pictures against their background. To make your stay here more comfortable, it is worth staying in all-inclusive hotels ($300). But there are guesthouses, cheaper bungalows ($ 30-40) There are no shops, with the exception of 2 souvenir shops, there are no restaurants, cafes or canteens.

Those who want to feel like an aboriginal can rent a fishing hut from locals who are distinguished by friendliness ($ 20). Kizimkazi attracts tourists with its seclusion, the opportunity to snorkel, dolphins, and an excursion to the Miza Miza caves.

Zanzibar Town beach

In the capital of the island, Zanzibar Town, there is a long (5 km) strip of white sand with a very comfortable gentle entry into the water. There are no stones and algae on it, which contributes to a comfortable stay. Low tides in these places practically do not cause discomfort – they are weak compared to other beaches. But there is not that virginal purity that is present on the coast remote from the center. The city is quite densely populated, and locals are frequent guests here. Here you will not be able to lie secluded and serene on a sunbed.

Fishing boats are moored almost everywhere, various ships are anchored further away. Among the not very numerous hotels there are expensive resorts and cheap hostels. The decoration of hotel establishments in the colonial style is an attractive factor for Europeans. Of the entertainment here, boat trips, boat trips, snorkeling, and fishing are popular. The beach is located in the prestigious district of Mazisini, densely landscaped and environmentally friendly.

Stone Town beach

An ancient stone city, as the locals call it, Stone Town is a bustling tourist destination. People come here not only for a beach holiday, tourists wander with interest through the narrow streets, inspect the ancient buildings. Colorful restaurants, souvenir shops, shops also attract their attention. Stone Town Beach is small in length, but with a wide strip of yellowish sand, without stones. There are no low tides on it, and, accordingly, algae.

However, for a comfortable long stay, the conditions here are not the best – the port is nearby. Passenger, cargo and lane boats moor at numerous berths. On the first line there are expensive luxury hotels, away from the coast there are many inexpensive hotels for budget prices. Judging by the reviews, the hotels are not inferior in terms of service to European ones, and the colonial design style is very attractive to tourists. In cheap hotels there is no luxury, but clean and comfortable.

Bububu

On the west coast, 15 km from Stone Town, there is one of the best beaches on the island – Bububu. The beauty of the surrounding landscapes cannot leave anyone indifferent: charming lagoons, calm turquoise of the ocean, white sand, lush greenery of mangrove trees. Weak tides do not cause much inconvenience. In some places the sandy strip and the bottom are just perfect, in some places the bottom is rocky. Some trees hang like tents right over the water, you can sunbathe in their shade.

Several hotels are located on the first line, they always have free rooms. Even in the high season, there are few people here. Who is looking for solitude and silence, for that Bububu is quite a suitable place. It is interesting to observe the life and life of the peasants in the surrounding villages here. They mainly raise cattle. Not far from Bububu is the petting zoo Cheetahs Rock. The picturesque bottom with exotic inhabitants attracts snorkelers.

Mangapwani

The best beach on the west coast is famous for its luxurious hotels and excellent entertainment infrastructure. Nature has concentrated irresistible beauty here, and man has supplemented them with man-made miracles in the form of luxurious hotels and various attractions. There are no algae on the white, like refined sand, the strip shines with cleanliness.

Even umbrellas and sun loungers on Mangapwani are distinguished by their special sophistication and elegance. The undoubted advantage of the beach is that it is not crowded, aristocratically calm rest, idle bliss for vacationers is guaranteed. These places are also known for unusual sights – 2 grotto caves associated with the sad era of the slave trade in Africa. In one of them, created by the forces of nature, there is a rather deep lake.

This is where the slave traders kept their captives before being sent across the ocean when human trafficking was officially banned. The second grotto was created by the hands of forced people and is a gloomy room dug into the ground. A wooden platform divides the height of the building, reinforced with pillars – the slaves were placed in it on 2 floors in inhuman conditions. The Mangapwani Caves, a symbol of a shameful past, are popular with tourists.