Get Familiar With Zanzibar Beaches
If planning a break on Zanzibar for the first time, the biggest dilemma occurs which beach on Zanzibar to choose. Should you stay North or rather choose (North / South) East coast of Zanzibar? What are the differences between Zanzibar beaches?
In last six years I spent so many months on Zanzibar and visited all the main beaches along the Zanzibar coast and one thing is for sure: all beaches on Zanzibar have palms, white sand and turquoise ocean.
Zanzibar or Unguja Island is the most popular island in Zanzibar Archipelago which includes numerous islands, among others Pemba Island, Mafia Island and Latham Island.
Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just 25 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Easily accessible, either by a mere 20 minutes flight from Dar es Salaam airport or a little less than three hour ferry to Zanzibar leaving from Dar ferry terminal. Once in Stone Town, most of the beaches are on average an hour and half of drive away.
Beaches on North of Zanzibar – Almost no Low Tide
Nungwi and Kendwa are the most popular beaches on Zanzibar and that is for a good reason. Unlike the rest of the island, the top island location is blessed by not having to deal with high and low tides. Perfect place if you are looking to swim around the clock without have to walk far out to sea to chase the ocean mile away.
Nungwi Beach
Both, Nungwi and Kendwa are also known for party atmosphere, yet it’s not to be compared with typical party beach destinations elsewhere in the world. The biggest parties are going on on full moon time on Kendwa beach. Those nights can be sleepless nights for travellers that want to sleep rather than party.
There are a number of bars and clubs, beach boys on the beach, but the entire atmosphere remains chilled out and low key relaxed Zanzibari style.
However, Nungwi has two sides, the main busy side dotted with many hotels, very busy beach, and lively in the day and night, while being on the opposite quiet side of Nungwi is the opposite. Here you will find an empty beach for your self without noise, crowds or beach boys. This side is haven for travellers seeking more peace, solitude and privacy and my favourite place on the North of Zanzibar.
Due to popularity of both locations, dont expect hassle free time on the beach. Which I personally find it the biggest downside of this area. Your beach relaxation will be interrupted regularly by so called beach boys (papasi in Kiswahili), selling just anything from weed, souvenirs, fruits and sex while local women usually offer massage and henna painting.
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Getting to Nungwi Beach From Stone Town on Public Transport
- Distance from Stone Town: Nungwi beach is about 58 km / 36 miles out of Stone Town
- Public transport from Stone Town to Nungwi beach: take dalla dalla nr. 116 from dalla dalla station in Darajani. Dalla dalla stops in Nungwi village, if headed to main Nungwi side, you will have to walk around 10 to 15 minutes to get to your Nungwi hotel. For Ras Nungwi and Sazani beach head to opposite direction down the road takes about 30 minutes of walking.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Nungwi beach: 45 USD and up.
The quiet side of Nungwi
Kendwa Beach
Kendwa is located just few miles before the Nungwi Village. It is slightly more laid back than Nungwi while still lively enough to enjoy the beach life at its best. You can find all: laid back bars and restaurants along the beach, beach volleyball for some fun in the sand, diving centers and some parties in the evening time.
Getting to Kendwa Beach from Stone Town on Public Transport
- Distance from Stone Town: Kendwa beach is about 56 km / 35 miles out of Stone Town
- Public transport from Stone Town to Kendwa beach: take dalla dalla nr. 116 from dalla dalla station in Darajani. Then you need to ask the conductor to stop at the junction to Kendwa Rocks and then you will have to walk about 15 minutes to the village.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Kendwa: 45 USD and up.
Beaches on East Coast of Zanzibar
All of East coast of Zanzibar is tide dependant and a little more windy than the opposite side of the island. If you are into wind sports like kite surfing and kitesurfing, East Coast of Zanzibar is the right place to choose for your holiday stay on Zanzibar. Majority of properties on Zanzibar beaches can be found on Airbnb!
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North East Coast Zanzibar Beaches
North East Coast Beaches of Zanzibar are considered Zanzibar s top location, mainly with up market luxury resorts and hotels. Tidal difference here is still lesser than on the southern side. On the sandy stretches of beach seaweed is common seasonal annoyance, don’t expect tidily combed beaches without seaweed like in the North. However seaweed presents oftentimes the main income source for locals in this area.
Matemwe Beach
Matemwe beach offers fine white sands and remains reasonably unspoiled although there are still occasional sellers and touts. In low tide time swimming is impossible and the beach turns into desert full of coral flats., therefore is good to book a hotel with pool in this part of Zanzibar. Matemwe village is great starting point for diving trips to archipelago’s best reefs – Mnemba island , less than a mile offshore.
Getting to Matemwe Beach From Stone Town
- Distance from Stone Town: Matemwe is approximately 50 km / 30 miles north east of Stone Town.
- Public transport from Stone Town to Matemwe village: daladala number 118 runs there daily from the city’s Creek Road. This long and uncomfortable journey might no be for everyone however. The daladala will drop you at the junction before the village where the tarmac ends. Head north from the junction and spread out along the beach for 2 km are the various hotels of Matemwe.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Matemwe beach: 45 USD and up
Pongwe Beach
Pongwe is idyllic place. But not for those with itchy feet! Pongwe is quite remote, which makes it great place to relax and unwind without touts on the beach. If walking on the beach, most likely you will be the only one. If planning to do trips around Zanzibar from Pongwe, keep in mind its not the best location. All snorkelling and dive trips take at least an hour in a car each way.
Meal wise there are not many bars or restaurants around, so you will be dependent on hotel when it comes to food. All in all, depending on the angle, for those looking for privacy, intimacy Pongwe is perfect beach. Solo travellers might feel in minority in Pongwe as guests are mainly couples and romantic honeymooners.
Getting to Pongwe Beach From Stone Town by Public Transport
- Distance from Stone Town: Pongwe beach is 46 km / 29 miles for Stone Town.
- Public transport from Stone Town to Pongwe: Take dalla dalla number 209 but note this route is not operating on daily basis. Also do not mix Pongwe with Mwera Pongwe –
an entirely different place. Easier to take a taxi!
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Pongwe beach: 40 USD and up
Kiwengwa Beach
If you are all inclusive type of traveller, then book hotel or resort in Kiwengwa. Majority of big hotel establishments are all inclusive, and the village is extremely popular among Italian guests. My last visit in Kiwengwa felt like I was somewhere in Italy not on Zanzibar and even local kids automatically greet you with ciao bella. This tells a lot about Kiwengwa that is turning into Italian village.
If still want to spend your vacation on Zanzibar in Kiwengwa and don’t want to stay in big resort, there are some smaller lodges and bungalows as well as private Airbnb type houses to rent. All in all, due to all inclusive options, Kiwengwa beach is great for families with kids.
Swimming in Kiwengwa at low-tide is not possible but majority of resorts have large pools. Beach boys touting goods and service are present on the beach but less annoying and irritating and they are not as persistent as the ones in Stone Town.
Getting to Kiwengwa Beach from Stone Town by Public Transport
- Distance from Stone Town: Kiwengwa beach is 46 km / 29 miles for Stone Town.
- Public transport from Stone Town to Kiwengwa: Kiwengwa is frequently served by the number 117 daladala. The journey is not particularly comfortable as daladalas never are.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Kiwengwa beach: 45 USD and up
Check out online Zanzibar tours and vacations!
South East Zanzibar Beaches
Hotels on this side are spread between various beaches and neighbour different beach villages, all with their own individual atmospheres and appeals. These are Jambiani, Pingwe, Bwejuu, Paje, Dongwe and the Michamvi Peninsula.
Jambiani Beach
Furthest South there is Jambiani. Definitely the liveliest option in the area with good range of restaurants and bars on the beach. Jambiani is also beach where locals mix with tourists. While sitting in the bar or lying on the beach you can observe Zanzibari fishermen and seaweed farmers at work as well as local kids playing football.
Good snorkelling spots are near as well as the option to hire a bicycle and explore further down the coast. Low tide time is not possible for swimming unless you dare to swim a mile away from the beach.
Getting to Jambiani Beach from Stone Town by Public Transport
- Distance from Stone Town: Jambiani beach is 56 km / 35 miles for Stone Town.
- Public transport from Stone Town: Take dalla dalla number 309
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Jambiani beach: 45 USD and up
Paje Beach
Another lively stretch of beach with abundance of beach bars with laid back vibes. Most of the lodges and bungalows are beachfront or second row. Paje, along with Jambiani and Dongwe is prime location for kite surfing specially during December till February and between May to October.
While one can easily walk miles along the beach stretch, it is sometimes a bit harder to sunbathe directly on the beach, specially near kiting centers that occupy some parts of the beach for putting together kites.
Same might happen in the water, there is an area which is used by kite surfers and swimmers should stay away to avoid accidents in the water. taking this into account, Paje beach is great for both- lazy bums and active kiting addicts. Low tide is not the time for swimming, but is great for walking among low water pools across the beach.
If you need access to swimming 24/7 book hotel with pool.
Bwejju, Pingwe and Dongwe Beach
Bwejuu has a lovely beach for most of the year but in Christmas time the beach could be heavily covered with seaweed. If staying in Bwejju there is not many bars or restaurants available except for existing bungalows and hotel bars.
Bwejju is very quiet, remote and for more social life in the evenings you will have to hire a taxi and go to Paje or Jambiani. Those addicted to internet might experience no signal on mobile network as well as some electricity cuts regularly happen almost on daily basis.
If in more expensive hotels, this is not a problem, but in low budget lodges there is Hakuna Matata atmosphere where everything stops for the time without electricity. No cooked meals if they cook on electric stoves, no ice, no wifi.
Bwejju in couple last years has some problems with local gangs robbing beach walkers and breaking into houses in the village. Make sure you dont walk at night alone and leave valuables on a safe place. If you are more on the independent side and renting private house on Airbnb or from locals, make sure landlord provides you with night guard.
I hate writing this, as location is really beautiful, but this comes from my personal experience. While I rented private new house in Bwejuu, local gang was breaking into house it in the middle of the night. Nobody will tell you about things like that until it actually happens. Those in hotels and resorts are safe as all have security guards 24/7.
South of Bwejuu, just on the Michamvi Peninsula, are Dongwe and Pingwe. Michamwi village is great for sunset trip on a clear day, while Dongwe is starting point to cheaper snorkling in lagoon nearby.
A photo posted by Nina Zara (@safarijunkie) on
Getting to Jambiani Beach from Stone Town by Public Transport
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- Distance from Stone Town: Bwejju beach is 56 km / 35 miles for Stone Town.
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- Public transport from Stone Town: Take dalla dalla number 324 or 340 – are not recommended as they take well over an hour or seldom more and are horribly uncomfortable.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Bwejju: 45 USD and up
Getting to Dongwe / Pingwe from Stone Town by Public Transport
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- Distance from Stone Town: Dongwe beach is 57 km / 36 miles for Stone Town.
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- Public transport from Stone Town: Reaching Pingwe and Dongwe is not so easy.Take taxi.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Dongwe: 45 USD and up
Michamvi Peninsula – Ras Michamwi Beach
Michamwi beach is sparsely populated and quiet. You will find only few resorts here which makes it perfect for those who need to literally escape the civilization and want indulge in the ocean.
Like anywhere on East side of Zanzibar, keep in mind swimming is not possible at low tide and the beaches come with seaweed. If staying in Bwejju or Jambiani, Paje, hire a taxi and go for romantic sunset views. Its stunning! On the way you can stop at famous Rock restaurant too!
Getting to Ras Michamwi from Stone Town by Public Transport
- Distance from Stone Town: Michamwi beach is 66 km / 45 miles for Stone Town.
- Public transport from Stone Town: Reaching Ras Michamwi by public transport is not easy.Take taxi.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Ras Michamwi : 50 USD and up
South Zanzibar Beaches
The further south you go on Zanzibar, the more populated it becomes. And with people comes culture – head to Southern Zanzibar for cultural and spice tours along with more opportunities to engage with the locals.
Kizimkazi Beach
Kizimkazi beach is popular for dolphin spotting tours rather than beach destination in true sense. If you are into cultural experience in Kizimkazi you can visit the oldest mosque (Dimbani mosque dating from 1107 AD) in East Africa and tourists are allowed to enter.
There are a number of lodges and restaurants and bars in Kizimkazi as it is popular among day trippers Swimming on Kizimkazi? Kizimkazi along with Mtendeni and Mkunguni have the highest tides on Zanzibar. During high tide there is no beach while during the low tide ocean is far away.
Getting to Kizimkazi Beach from Stone Town by Public Transport
- Distance from Stone Town: Kizimkazi beach is 60 km / 38 miles from Stone Town.
- Public transport from Stone Town: Take dalla dalla nr 326, again, very uncomfortable ride.
- Taxi fare from Stone Town to Kizimkazi: 45 USD and up
Beaches Near Stone Town
Those who are stuck in Stone Town and do not wish to take a day trip to Zanzibar beaches, there are few places within and near Stone Town to dip in the sea.
If in Center of Stone Town, best place do dip in the ocean is on the beach in front of Serena hotel, further into ferry direction water is dirty, bay is full of parked boats as well city sewage pipes are installed into the sea in that area. There is no security so its good to have only towels and basics for swimming. You can leave your belongings in bar nearby.
If you are fan of pools, then the best pool that can be found in Stone Town is just a mile or two out of Shangani. Zanzibar beach resort is overlooking the local beach, having the biggest pool in Stone Town. Beach here is not friendly for swimming, but pool is superb. Place is oftentimes empty, so is great escape from hectic Stone town. An entrance fee for guests is 7000 TSH.
A mile further there is Mbweni beach resort with private beach. Guests are welcome for additional entrance fee. Many expats choose this place for a couple of hours time on the beach. Beach has not that beautiful white sand as coastal areas on the rest of the island and there are mangrove.
About two miles further from Mbweni, on the side road to airport there is Chukwani neighbourhood. A popular residential area among expats. Look for Island beach Getaway Zanzibar resort, they accept daily guests without charge, have a private beach area with nice ocean views.
Beach is rocky with mangrove on one side of the bay, good to have swimming shoes but otherwise cleaner water than at Mbweni ruins resort. There is also a small pool but maintenance appeared non consistent.
All these resorts are on the same direction along the road to Stone Town airport. All places above have good food.
Dalla Dalla Transport on Zanzibar
Getting around the Zanzibar island with dalla dalla is not that simple and even less comfortable as one might imagine. Although dirt cheap, the average ride with dalla dalla takes about two hours or more if you are unfortunate to sit on the one that breaks down.
In addition, dalla dallas have no schedule – on the main station in Stone Town the vehicle leaves the station once the dalla dalla is beyond full. This can take hours and expand travel time to several hours. There is no space for luggage, people are stuffed like sardines.
Many dalla dallas have wooden benches which get really uncomfortable when the car drives trough bumps on the road. Avoid possible scams: do not pay in advance to anyone on station. Pay for dalla dalla when you are on the move and conductor comes to you for money. Have change in 500 or 1000 TSH. Also using dalla dalla in the night is dangerous affair, highly not advisable.
Also great reads about Zanzibar:
That is some of the whitest sand I have ever seen! I like the look of Paje beach with all the colourful kites but really they all look fabulous. Sharing with some folks in Dar Es Salaam
To be honest, Paje is my new favourite beach. Its fab! Thanks for sharing and I hope you visit soon:)
Very extensive information about the beaches in Zanzibar. Great! Would love to visit Nungwi and Kendwa beaches on Zanzibar but the east coast also seem to be nice, because I like watersports! If I am going for a trip to Zanzibar, I will definitely look back to this post, so it would be easier to decided where to go to. Thanks for sharing.
If you go first time you can just split the time between North and East coast of Zanzibar to experience it both.
Seems like there’s a beach for everyone and really none of htem look all that bad at all. Beautiful really. Great information. I definitely have to add Zanzibar to my list of places to go next!
Its great place and everybody finds their perfect beach on Zanzibar. What I like most is no sardining on the beach!
what a beautiful place, hope i can go there someday
If you go I am sure you will like it!
oh beautiful pictures and great guide!! One day I’ll go
You should visit Zanzibar once:)
Hi just read your blog. Great info!
We are going to zanibar in August are there any hotels or resorts on the quite side of nunwe beach?
hi Ade, there were but there was a fire a year ago, am not sure if they operate now.
What a fantastic detailed guide on the beaches of Zanzibar. Definitely would use if I were ever to go. Good selection of photos too but I would like to see more. Thanks for sharing this.
With thousands of photos of Zanzibar beaches it was tough selection which ones to choose, but on my Instagram you can see more photos.
Aahhh! This takes me right back to Zanzibar! I remember the beach we stayed on had a beach hut called Harrods selling stuff. I wonder if he is still there? This is such a fantastic guide to all the best places. Thank you!
Uff Marie, you got me! I have no idea about Harrods hut 🙂
I had no idea these beaches even existed and they all look so amazing. Not sure if this made it easier or harder to pick which one to go to – they are all so good for their own specific reasons and it makes me want to visit them all. But this is a great guide for sure. Thank you for sharing. Happy Roving!!!
Thanks Joella, hope this guide to Zanzibar beaches will be helpful to first timers planning Zanzibar break.
Awesome white sand beaches!! You have some spectacular beaches on this list.
Omg Nungwi looks amazing! I would love to dip my toes in that sea
Sand feels like carpet:)
This is great! Thanks for putting all of this information together – it makes it really easy to compare spots.
I had no idea that the beaches of Zanzibar were so spectacular. Thanks for the photos and detailed info about transportation to the beaches.
You are welcome. Despite dalla dalla info I dont recommend this mode of transport.
I love a beach holiday and this looks perfect!
I absolutely loved Zanzibar when I visited. It was such a beautiful place! I love how gorgeous the beaches are with the white sand and blue water. It was such a great trip and would love to go back again.
Zanzibar is waiting:)
So many beautiful beaches! I didn’t know where Zanzibar is, I had to refer to the map! Glad I learned something today. 🙂
Good for you:)
I miss Tanzania and Zanzibar so much. For a person who lived there for 17 years, it is difficult to forget.
Maybe its time back to come for a visit?
We would love to visit zanzibat! What a dreamy place!
You should visit once! Zanzibar is really beautiful no matter where you go!
I don’t think there is a bad looking beach in Zanzibar, they all look amazingly blue and relaxing. Id love to go there some day.
These might be some of the most beautiful and relaxing photos I’ve seen on your site to date. Each picture is better than the one before! Adding all the cab fares up is an essential tip, too. Thanks so much for sharing. With each read I feel I need to head from Asia to another continent!
Wow so many beaches! I never considered Zanzibar in my life… but after seeing your photos, it’s been added to the list!!! Thanks for posting this! 🙂
Holy moly I’ve been dying to go to Zanzibar and this just made my wanderlust sooooo much worse!! Thank you for putting something so thorough together, I CANT wait to go one day!!
Not only do the beaches look magnificent but there appears to be so much fun to have. Kites, bikes, and Dalla Dallas. I will be the one chilling with a frozen drink.
Zanzibar looks unbelievably amazing – we spent two weeks in Tanzania, and I’ve been kicking myself for not making time for some island hopping too – will have to get back soon!
We have many properties that we recommend highly along this stretch of coast, in particular the cluster that is centred around Breezes. Here the beach is only compromised at low, low tide, the rest of the time it is possible to snorkel and swim as you like. The one criticism that we would have is that the diving is not as good as up on the north, around Mnemba, or down to the very south.
Diving is better in the North, i agree, but I had still nice experience in that reef near Dongwe and costed me only 20 USD.
Thanks for putting together all the details!! I am currently planning my trip to Tanzania for October and am torn about which beach to stay at! Every beach looks breathtaking!
Hi Candice, thanks for enjoying this post. All beaches are nice, just some little details that make them unique:) I am sure you will find what you are looking for:)
Thanks for the great article! A friend and I are planning a 8-9 day trip to Zanzibar in early Feb 2017. What are your thoughts on renting a car to avoid paying for taxis or taking local transportation. We would like to see as much of the island as possible in our 8 days there.
Hi Kabir, thanks for appreciating my effort:) Well renting a car, its personal decision. I dont know how much experience you have driving in Africa. I suggest you maybe take a taxi and see if you can cope with driving. Roads outside the Stone Town are not that busy, but there are holes and police check points that are usually stopping tourists and its like Texas. If you rent a car, make sure you have money for (corrupted) cops. You will also need to get a license that is issued on Zanzibar, its quick process but mandatory for renting a car.Fuel is expensive there almost same price than in Europe. Its also possible to negotiate with taxi driver if you use him a lot for different price, maybe daily price. For sure i think Tamim that you can get his contacts would be flexible with such situation.
Thanks so much for the quick reply! I’ve done quite a bit of driving in central and south america so I’m not to concerned about the roads/traffic. I have read about the check points and corrupt cops I think that would quickly start to annoy me and ruin the vibe of the adventure. I read you post about the recommended drivers after this one so I think I might go that route. Lastly could you recommend a good hostel on the north and south of the island? something not to cheap but not to expensive I like to think of myself as more of an upscale backpacker lol I still love hostels but my days of cheap dorm rooms are long over. 🙂
You are welcome! I personally like in Kendwa Kendwa sunset bungalows, you can google them, right on the beach, a bit cheaper maybe 100 meters further there is Kendwa Rocks is more backpackers and party scene. In Bwejju you have Evergreen Bungalows, you can negotiate there if they are not full. Or Ndame Beach lodge in Paje, there is my review on this Site, you can get some discount if you contact them by email. Hope it helps.
Hi! Thanks so much for all the details…i am going to Zanzibar in July and will spending time in Nungwi, Paje ang Pongwe. Your article got me more excited!
I have one question, is it true that shoulders and knees should not be exposed when walking around Stone Town? I will be spending 3 days in Stone Town and I don’t want to offend locals with the way I dress.
Hello Anmari, thanks for stopping by! Zanzibar is 99 % muslim population and on general they are used to tourist of course. You dont need a veil or anything, just dress modestly. Loose dresses, loose pants…you can also wear strap top, with not such deep cleavage till belly button… just make something to cover just in case,I usually have a scarf from light fabric… also because of the sun…
Thanks so much Nina for all informations .I will come in Tnazania & Zanzibar in october
Thanks Monika for taking time to read my blog:)
Nina-Thank you! your info has been the best Ive found in researching for my upcoming trip! Do you recommend booking a dive trip out of Nungwi or Matemwe? I had heard the east coast doesnt have the best beaches (for low tide reasons), but has the closest, best access to dive sites. I was planning to stay in Matemwe and dive for 2 days and then head up to Nungwi for a couple days of strict beach time. Thanks in advance!
Hey Nikki, thanks for feedback. it is always nice to hear positive things specially when so much time, care and energy goes to this website:) Well, regarding diving (not snorkeling), book in Nungwi. Nungwi has cheaper prices than on the East coast, as well as diving instructors are apparently better and more experienced in Nungwi diving centres.
Thanks so much for the quick reply and I’ll definitely book there-saves some travel $ as well!
Nina, this article is by far the best Zanzibar guide on the internet. Thank you for the effort! It really does help so much to have a guide like this. I had ideas about the beaches we will stay at and this has confirmed those choices. I read a lot of travel blogs and don’t get the chance to write and thank each writer. But yours is brilliant so I thought I had better do so. Enjoy your travels!
Steve, Australia
Hi Steve! Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment. It always makes me happy when I hear feedback like yours:) I wish you great time on Zanzibar!
¿Ça va? Your report is best on internet. Telling about tide, sea weeds, beach condition, and vibe is missing from other reviews, except Beach Inspectors a little bit. Also, very clear talk on divings. We are coming July, 2018 and will probably stay north because constant beach all day. Mais driving south east to visit others. Thanking you for une excellent information. Patric.
Merci Patric! I am glad you find this Zanzibar beach guide useful!
Hi Nina, this is a great guide – very useful, thank you for putting it together and sharing it. 🙂 I am planning a trip in mid May with my parents, we just want to enjoy the beach, do some snorkeling, maybe eat out and go for an evening stroll if the mood strikes. We do not want to be around loud parties/places, but also don’t want to be somewhere too isolated. I thought we were going to go Matemwe but after reading your guide, it sounds like the quiet side of Nungwi would do well for us. I like that we would have low tide problems in Nungwi and that is it close enough to village with restaurants etc. Is snorkeling possible in both Nungwi and Matemwe? And which would you adivse for us? is the quiet side of Nungwi on the East? THank you again!
Hello Arianna! Thanks for stopping by! The quiet side of NUngwi as I call it (my orientation sucks:) is the side where Ras Nungwi hotel used to be (orientation wise, please note the hotel had fire a while ago not sure if they operate, but thats the side i have in mind, i think on the map its on the tip northern tip), to Nungwi village if you take taxi is like 3 minutes driving if not less from quiet side. I think wherever yo uwill stay you will enjoy your time, as per snorkeling, once you book the tour in hotel where you stay, you are usually picked up from there, so no need to worry about access to activities. Both, Matemwe and Nungwi have snrkeling trips, usually diving centres that operate on the beach, easy to find.
Hello Nina! Thank you for this review! My husband and I are planning a trip to Zanzibar from 10th January after a safari. I’ve read a million reviews already about beaches and finally made up my mind to chose a seemingly fantastic resort in Bwejuu. But now reading about your experiece with the seaweed and the robbery-i’m really not sure once again. Could you help me by telling me how bad do you think Bwejuu beach becomes at that time in Jan.? Does it still count as Christmas time? It would be great to have the perfect beach from day 1 and not having to search for it while we’re there as we have only 4days and we want to relax. Perhaps you could help me find the right place..We both hate touristy, commercialized ,crowded places and noise , we love nature and snorkeling. We don’ t need any entertainment, special facilities etc. As for me, I need a picturesqe beach since I’ve been dreaming of one for years now! I would really appreciate your suggestions! Thank you, Zsofia from Hungary
Hi Zsofia, if you booked a resort, usually good resorts have private stretch of beach which is maintained and seaweed is cleaned. Where I was in Bwejju, was a mid range bungalow establishment, the beach itself was beautiful but i dont have very impressive memories for swimming, if my memory is correct, there were lots of sea urchins, so perhaps pack some sea shoes. I liked Paje much more, its a bit more lively but one can still have their own peace and place on the beach.Just follow your instinct and book what attracts you:) Calculate on East coast big tidal differences, thats usually the time you cant swim because the sea is really far away. It can be a deal breaker for some people:) I wish you great time on Zanzibar, I am sure you will book just the right place for your needs.