Where are the best places to stay in Zanzibar?
By Tuula Kaarina. February 09, 2024
Zanzibar with its idyllic palm-fringed white sand beaches, surrounded by coral reefs and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, is possibly East Africa’s finest destination. An island world with its unique African charm, Zanzibar is known for snorkelling and swimming opportunities with marine life. The many hotels along its coastline guarantee everyone can find their own paradise whether it is being active or just relaxing on the beach. As an alternative to beach life, Zanzibar offers vibrant nightlife, spice farm tours, and exploring fascinating historical towns, local villages and markets.
Zanzibar is a breathtaking place to escape from the world and enjoy life at a slower pace. For those looking for the most secluded beaches with white powdery sand and more authenticity the smaller villages on the island’s east coast - Kiwengwa and Pongwe in the north, Bwejuu and Jambiani in the south - are a great fit.
For more vibrant beach activities and nightlife, Nungwi in the north and the kite surfers’ paradise Paje in the east coast are the perfect choices. Kendwa beach on the other hand was voted as one of the best beaches in the world! Stone Town is the place to explore the cultural and historical heritage of the island with its labyrinth alleyways and plenty of small shops, restaurants and street food.
If you are interested in where to stay in Zanzibar, you may also be interested in where to stay in Cape Verde and where to stay in Mauritius.
Deciding where to stay in Zanzibar
Kiwengwa
Beaches / Luxury Resorts / Relax
The small coastal village of Kiwengwa is perhaps the most secluded and exotic section of Zanzibar with its luxury resorts and white sand beaches great for romantics, but also for travellers looking for hassle-free entertainment and chilled beach vibes. Hotels and resorts here are known for their unbeatable location and tourist-friendly amenities.
The northeast coast is less busy giving it another kind of charm. There are many nice bars and restaurants to choose from for fresh seafood grilled in a traditional Swahili style or anything else that takes your fancy. There are several local shops and markets where visitors can experience the local culture and try local foods of Zanzibar.
Here tides move more visibly between high and low. During low tide it is possible to walk the reef and enjoy lying on sandbanks. The walk on Kiwengwa beach could be the most amazing beach walk you will ever experience!
Nungwi
Beaches / Nightlife / Sunset Cruises
Nungwi at the northern tip of Zanzibar is the island’s busiest beach destination. With its thriving nightlife every night of the week it is a perfect spot for party-goers. Nungwi beach is witness to amazing sunset views with plenty of places to watch the sun go down the tropical horizon with your favourite sundowner drink.
A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow boat makes it even more unique. Nungwi is also well known as a romantic destination for couples and weddings. One of the highlights is to visit the turtle sanctuary run by the locals.
Nungwi beach with its turquoise waters and sparkling sunshine is full of hustle and bustle and lined up with excellent restaurants catering for everyone’s tastes. Locals are used to seeing tourists, and the lively village market is a perfect place to do some souvenir shopping and try more local delicacies.
Kendwa
Beaches / Skydiving / Full Moon Party
Located south of Nungwi, the charming village of Kendwa with its arguably best beaches of Zanzibar is a perfect place for tourists to be active or simply relax. The popular activities include watersports, sunset cruises, and beach volleyball. Skydiving is something unique to try here, as it cannot be done elsewhere on the island.
Kendwa is known for the least impact from tidal difference, the beach being always perfect for swimming. It is best known for its white sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets, as well as its great selection of restaurants and cafes. The seafood comes as fresh as it gets and in many local restaurants it is very fairly priced.
One of the highlights of Kendwa is its famous Full Moon Party every month taking place at the popular Kendwa Rocks Beach Resort. Thousands of people from all over the world come to enjoy the talent and rhythm of Africa.
Jambiani
Beaches / Relax / Local Life
Jambiani is a cluster of old fishing villages spanning across 6km of white sand beach in the southeast coast. It has remained really authentic with a laid back vibe and friendly locals mixing with the tourists. It is a great place to discover the local way of life by visiting a school, tailor, a boat builder or one of the many seaweed farms along the coastline.
High tide is perfect for a swim in the turquoise blue Indian Ocean. Low tide is the perfect time to go for a beautiful beach walk on the most powdery white sand with hardly any rocks or sea-urchins.
Jambiani has also become a popular spot for kitesurfing as well as snorkelling and diving along the beautiful crystal turquoise lagoon. If you are looking for a truly relaxing and authentic place to wind down, Jambiani is the perfect destination for you.
Paje
Beaches / Kitesurfing / Nightlife
From tropical beaches to amazing nightlife, Paje has something for all visitors. With the best wind conditions most of the year Paje on the east coast of Zanzibar is the hotspot for kitesurfers. If you have a chance to be here, this is the place to try it out. Or just admire all the colourful kites in the sky. Paje features kite centres with the latest equipment, amenities and instructors to help visitors make the best of their kiting experience.
Snorkelling and diving are also popular activities here as the reefs are excellent. Visiting one of the caves is a popular tourist attraction in Paje. The caves have fresh water to dip in for a swim.
Paje itself is as trendy as it gets on the island. There are many cool bars and cafes. Every night is a Paje beach party night.
Pongwe
Beaches / Calm / Relax
Pongwe is one of the quieter destinations of Zanzibar’s east coast. It’s more remote and less developed than Kiwengwa and perfect for those who are in search of pure relaxation. It is all about peace, quiet, seclusion, complete bliss and serenity.
No wonder Pongwe is a popular destination also for those looking to recover from illnesses or rejuvenate, and for a chance to unwind from an otherwise busy lifestyle. It is also excellent for romantics who like the seduction of nature as secluded lagoons, bays and other idyllic locations that are numerous across the length and breadth of this stretch of coastline.
Pongwe beach offers stunning ocean views and breathtaking morning sunrises. Visitors can easily organise all different activities from kitesurfing to snorkelling and fishing trips while staying in Pongwe. The beach also boasts many excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood as well as other dishes.
Bwejuu
Wild Beaches / Relax / Luxury Hotels
Considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the archipelago, Bwejuu is a coastal village situated a few kilometres north of Paje. Bwejuu is great for hanging out and lounging on the beaches that are also perfect for swimming as they are mostly sheltered by a coral reef. Several luxury hotels are found here. That said, the area is good for all budgets, and visitors can choose to live more simple and closer to nature.
There are several beaches here that are so spectacular that they have been included in Conde Nast Traveller’s top 30 beaches in the world. Swimming in the turquoise waters is a wonderful experience, and in Bwejuu it is possible to find your own secluded spot on the beach with no other people close by.
Visitors will find a few excellent restaurants in the area offering traditional Tanzanian food.
Stone Town
History / Nightlife / Street Food
Stone Town is located in the middle of the island’s west coast. Due to its historical and cultural heritage, it is a major attraction for all visitors to Zanzibar. Named for the coral stone buildings dating from the 19th century, it is known as the ‘Old City’ and the cultural heart of Zanzibar.
The architecture reflects the cultural diversity of Stone Town that due to this rich blend of art and history was designated as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
The town has an urban feel intact from old times. There is no better way to explore Moorish, Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements in one place; people, brass-studded monuments, bustling oriental bazaars, marble balconies, carved doors, and twirling stairways.
Visitors spend days strolling along the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and cobbled alleyways. The famous Swahili food street market, Forodhani gardens, is an absolute highlight - a visit to Stone Town without going to “Foro” is like an ocean without water.
Our recommended hotels in Zanzibar
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in ZanzibarNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
