Areas compared
| Area | Swimming | Vibe | Mid-range per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | Not a beach base | Historic, lively | US$80–180 |
| Nungwi | Good at all tides | Busy, bars, sunsets | US$100–250 |
| Kendwa | Best at all tides | Calm days, full-moon parties | US$120–300 |
| Paje | Shallow, tidal | Kitesurf, backpacker-friendly | US$60–150 |
| Jambiani | Tidal | Village, quiet | US$60–150 |
| Matemwe / Kiwengwa | Tidal | Resorts, peaceful | US$120–350 |
| Michamvi | Calmer west side for sunsets | Romantic, secluded | US$120–300 |
Stone Town
Boutique hotels in old merchant houses, with rooftop terraces and sea views. Ideal for your first or last nights, close to the airport and ferry port.
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Zanzibar
- Boutique: Emerson Spice
Nungwi
At the northern tip, with lots of restaurants, bars and dhow-building on the beach. The sea stays deep enough to swim most of the day, and sunsets over the water are spectacular. It can feel busy.
Kendwa
Just south of Nungwi, with a wide, soft beach and some of the island’s best swimming. Quieter by day, with famous full-moon parties.
- Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar
- Mid-range: Kendwa Rocks
Paje and Jambiani
Long, bright white beaches on the east coast with a shallow lagoon. At low tide the water retreats a long way, so you swim at high tide. Paje is Zanzibar’s kitesurfing hub, with cheap bungalows and a social atmosphere; Jambiani is quieter and more village-like.
Matemwe and Kiwengwa
Quiet north-east coast with larger resorts and boutique lodges, closest to Mnemba Atoll for snorkelling and diving. Tides affect swimming.
- Ultra-luxury: &Beyond Mnemba Island (private island)
Michamvi peninsula
A narrow peninsula with the ocean on one side and Chwaka Bay on the other, so you can watch the sunset over the water. Near The Rock restaurant.
Which area is right for you?
- Swimming and sunsets: Kendwa or Nungwi.
- Kitesurfing or budget: Paje.
- Peace and quiet: Matemwe, Jambiani or Michamvi.
- Honeymoon: Michamvi, Kendwa or a private island.
Split your stay with our Zanzibar itinerary.
More Zanzibar guides
- Zanzibar travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar itinerary: 5, 7 or 10 days
- Best time to visit Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport transfers
- Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry
- Tanzania visa and Zanzibar insurance
FAQ: where to stay in Zanzibar
Which part of Zanzibar has the best beaches?
Kendwa and Nungwi for swimming; Paje and Matemwe for postcard-white sand and turquoise lagoons.
Is Nungwi or Paje better?
Nungwi for swimming, sunsets and nightlife; Paje for kitesurfing and a relaxed, budget-friendly vibe.
Do tides really matter in Zanzibar?
Yes, on the east coast. Check tide tables when choosing a hotel if swimming is important to you.
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