When you imagine an idyllic tropical beach with white sand, turquoise water and palm trees waving lazily in the breeze the images you have in your head are much like the beaches of Zanzibar. The island’s beaches are considered to be the best in Africa and the popular Kendwa Beach on Zanzibar’s northwest coast was recently voted the best beach in Africa and the 4th best beach in the entire world. High praise indeed which we think anyone who has visited our island would agree with.

Choosing the best beach for your visit depends on what activities you have planned for your holiday in Zanzibar. There are beaches that are suitable for wind and kitesurfing, beaches next to world class scuba diving sites and beaches that are picture perfect for sitting at a beach bar and lounging around all day long. For first-time visitors, it is recommended that you check if your chosen area matches your planned activities and expectations and this guide to the beaches of Zanzibar is here to assist.

To help make your decision a bit easier, we present a selection of our favourite beaches of Zanzibar below with detailed descriptions of the type of accommodation, facilities and activities available at each. Our list is in strictly geographical order starting from Stone Town where most visitors will arrive to the island and moving clockwise and north around the island. We trust that you find a beach that inspires you to come visit our island and experience all the natural beauty and cultural heritage that Zanzibar has to offer. Karibu!