Zanzibar is a long island, and the place you stay shapes your trip more than most visitors expect. The north is known for swimming beaches and lively evenings, the south-east for wind, tides and a relaxed feel, and Stone Town for history. This guide compares the main areas to help you choose.
Nungwi
Nungwi sits at the northern tip of the island. It is a working village with a long tradition of building wooden dhows, and today it also has many guesthouses, restaurants and bars. The beaches are good for swimming at most states of the tide. Nungwi is also home to the Baraka Natural Aquarium, where you can swim with sea turtles.
Kendwa
Kendwa is a short distance south of Nungwi on the north-west coast. It is known for a wide white beach where you can swim at any time of day, whatever the tide, and for its sunsets. It is popular with couples and groups who want a beach-first holiday, and it is known for monthly full-moon parties.
Paje
Paje is on the south-east coast. Steady winds make it a centre for kitesurfing, and the tide goes out a long way, leaving wide shallow flats at low tide. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with many cafes and small guesthouses. If you want to swim whenever you like, check the tide times before you book.
Jambiani, Matemwe and Kiwengwa
- Jambiani is a quieter stretch of the south-east coast with small guesthouses and a village feel.
- Matemwe on the north-east coast is peaceful and close to Mnemba Island, so it suits snorkelers. See our Mnemba dolphin and snorkeling tour.
- Kiwengwa on the east coast has larger resorts and is a good fit for travellers who want a hotel-based holiday.
Stone Town
If you want to explore on foot and be close to the sights, staying in Stone Town works well. It is the most convenient base for the Stone Town walk, the Prison Island trip and the spice farms, and it is close to the airport. The beaches are not in town, so you will take a day trip or a transfer to reach them.
How far is each area from the airport?
Stone Town is about a quarter of an hour from the airport, while the northern beaches take more than an hour. Our guide to airport transfer times has approximate times for each area.
Which area suits you?
- Families and swimmers: Nungwi and Kendwa, for swimming at most tides.
- Kitesurfers and relaxed travellers: Paje and Jambiani.
- Quiet and snorkeling: Matemwe.
- Resort holidays: Kiwengwa.
- History and day tours: Stone Town.
Things to check before you book
- Tides. On the east coast the sea can be far from the beach at low tide. Ask the hotel about tide times if swimming matters to you.
- Distance. The drive from the airport to the north or the east is long after a flight. See the airport transfer times.
- Atmosphere. Some areas have lively evenings and others are very quiet. Read recent reviews for the specific hotel.
- Season. Winds and rain change the experience of each coast. See the best time to visit Zanzibar.
- Day trips. Check how far you will travel to reach the tours you want to do.
How many nights in each place?
Many visitors split a trip between a night or two in Stone Town and the rest on the beach, or stay in one beach area and take day tours. Both work. If you have a week or less, staying in one place saves time.
Plan your transfers and tours
Once you have chosen where to stay, you can check prices and book an airport transfer and look at our day tours. If you want help matching the area to your plans, send us a message.
