After a Tanzania safari or simply to spend a dream holiday on the most beautiful beaches in Africa, are you looking for where to go in Zanzibar? It is true that with its 80 km long and 30 km wide, Zanzibar has many beaches with a large choice of hotels.
But to avoid unpleasant surprises, you don't choose the location of your hotel at random! Indeed, to choose where to stay in Zanzibar, it is better to know on which coast the most beautiful beaches of the island are located.
Discover below this information which is precious and essential for a successful stay. See also: Is it dangerous to travel to Zanzibar?
Where is Zanzibar located?
Zanzibar is an archipelago located on the African continent off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. This archipelago is made up of many small islands and 2 larger ones:
- Unguja that tourists call Zanzibar which is the main island;
- Pemba which is smaller and located in the north of the archipelago.
The best time to go to Zanzibar is from june to february which corresponds to the dry season. Indeed, in Zanzibar, outside this period you will also have hot temperatures but you will have a less favorable climate.
The period to avoid in Zanzibar is from the end of February to the end of May because it is the rainy season.
The phenomenon of the tides
Zanzibar experiences a large tidal range also known as Indian Ocean tidal influence. This means that the sea recedes at low tide and at that time swimming is no longer possible. But a few hours later, the sea rises at high tide and at that time, swimming is possible.
Which coast of Zanzibar experiences the most tides?
The tidal phenomenon is strongest on the East Coast. In fact, many people do not recommend staying on this coast due to the influence of the tides.
But, I don't agree with that at all! Indeed, it is precisely because the sea recedes at the time of the tide that the landscapes change. As a result, you will enjoy a multitude of colors of blue, turquoise, emerald which mix and give this magical and so specific side of the beaches of Zanzibar.
If the tide does not go down, the beaches of the east coast would not have this paradisiacal aspect with all the palette of blues and these simply magnificent shades!
Especially since low tide only lasts a few hours during the day. To plan your swimming, just check the tide times in Zanzibar on marine.meteoconsult.fr.
Which coast to choose so as not to have tides?
La point to the north is the place least affected by the influence of the tides. Therefore, it is to Porcupine you have to go to enjoy swimming whatever the time of day.
Where to go in Zanzibar for the most beautiful beaches?
We are not going to lie to each other, when we go to Zanzibar it is to enjoy its heavenly beaches (just as beautiful as those of Tahiti). Therefore, the question where to go in zanzibar amounts to saying which beach to choose in Zanzibar ?
However, it is not easy to choose among the thirty beaches that are on this island.
Here are the best places where the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar are (mostly on the East Coast):
- Porcupine which is at the northern end houses Zanzibar's postcard beach : Palm trees, white sand and turquoise, crystalline and transparent water.
- Kendwa nearby (3 kilometers south of Nungwi) where there is an equally beautiful but smaller and less crowded beach,
- Kiwegwa in the North-East has dream beaches such as Pongwe Beach.
- Pingwe in the East of Zanzibar with its very famous beach of Pingwe beach which shelters the "Rock". It is an unusual restaurant perched on a rock in the ocean, accessible on foot at low tide, by swimming or by boat.
- Paje et Jambiani in the south-east of the island are home to magnificent but windier beaches. These are perfect places for kite surfing, diving and snorkeling along the lagoon.
Map of the best beaches in Zanzibar
To better locate where the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar are, here is the google maps map where they are indicated:
Which coast to choose in Zanzibar?
Because some are looking for the most beautiful beaches, others for more secluded, quiet beaches far from mass tourism or the best diving spots, Kitesurfing, so here are my tips on the different coasts of Zanzibar where to go.
Why choose the north coast of Zanzibar?
The North Coast is perfect for families. Indeed, Nungwi and Kendwan which are splendid beaches, are not affected by the phenomenon of the tides. It is the ideal area for those who want to spend their days swimming and exploring the seabed. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving with fantastic coral reefs nearby.
Why choose the east coast of Zanzibar?
It is the East Coast which is home to the most beautiful and idyllic beaches on the island such as Matemwe, Pongwe, Pingwe, Paje and Jambiani. See the cheap hotel that I tested presented at the end of the article.
The northeast coast in particular is a prime location on the island. This is where the majority of the island's luxury hotels and high-end accommodations are located. There is not much tidal variation and therefore it is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling.
Should you choose the south coast?
The south coast is less busy and windier. But it is also a more authentic area, more populated by locals. Therefore, it is the ideal place for those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Note that to the south-east are the 2 magnificent beaches of Jambiani and Paje. It is the ideal place to practice kitesurfing.
In the South West is also the beautiful Kizimkazi beach famous for its dolphins and its luxurious hotel The Residence. I had the chance to stay there for a short time and I must admit that I couldn't find better anywhere else!
Indeed, this hotel is perfect for a romantic stay away from the world in a simply exceptional environment. The services are top of the range as are the numerous activities and excursions.
Here are some photos of the magnificent beach of this dream hotel:
Should you choose the west coast?
The West Coast is home to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. This coast has less beautiful beaches and few structures welcoming tourists.
If you want to enjoy an incredibly beautiful beach, be close to the best restaurants and entertainment, I recommend staying between Kiwengwa and Pongwe along a dream lagoon. Remember that Pongwe is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
It is not without reason that the most beautiful 5 star hotels settled there:
If you are looking for an atypical hotel for an extraordinary experience, I recommend The Island - Pongwe Lodge : Only 5 accommodations on a small dream island facing Pongwe, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island!
Where to stay cheap in Zanzibar?
On the east coast, along a magnificent beach of white sand and turquoise waters, I tested the Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa.
It is a hotel with a very good value for money by taking the all inclusive formula. Everything is perfect for a great stay for two, with family or friends. Indeed, this hotel has 3 very different swimming pools:
- The 1st, the largest (see below) is the liveliest with its bar in the water,
- another is more popular with families with children,
- and finally a 3rd is much quieter and more suitable for couples looking for tranquility.
Here are some pictures to give you an idea of the place:
