Zanzibar Beach Holidays

WELCOME TO PARADISE

Taste local dishes, go on spice tours, walk the cobbled streets of the capital’s old quarter Stone Town or just relax by the crystal-clear waters and powdery-white sand

There are more than 50 islands on the Zanzibar archipelago ranging from tiny outcrops to the larger, more populated islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.

The stunning view of beaches with powdery white sand shaded by palm trees offers the best Zanzibar beach holidays. The archipelago lies only a short distance of the Tanzanian coast but at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It has long been at the centre of the Indian Ocean experience in East Africa. The Zanzibar holiday is a sensory experience par excellence.

Whether you’re visiting for the beautiful architecture or natural scenery, you’ll find plenty of excellent places to stay, eat, drink, sightsee, and shop!

Several islands hug Zanzibar shores tightly including Chumbe and Mnemba, and while it's laced with many beautiful salt-white beaches, Nungwi, Matemwe, Jambiani and Bwejuu are considered the loveliest.

Zanzibar best spots to your beach holidays

STONE TOWN

Stone Town is the old part and the main city of Zanzibar, the former capital of Zanzibar Sultanate, a flourishing centre of spice trade. Stonetown is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arb, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. You will marvel with the Stone Town doors, historical artifacts documenting turbulent past of the island nation, tiny yet a key player in the old world trade route. 

NUNGWI BEACH

Nungwi marks the northernmost tip of Zanzibar and is the second- or third-largest settlement on the island. Surrounded on three sides by turquoise-blue ocean, Nungwi has long been a magnet for visitors seeking paradise. Nungwi was traditionally a fishing village and traditional boats dhow-building center, now a popular tourist destination, recognized in CNN's list of "100 best beaches of the world".

MATEMWE BEACH

Matemwe is a village on the north-eastern coast of the island, beholding the longest beach in Zanzibar. Its economy is mostly based on seaweed farming and fishing. The village is the seat of an education project aimed at providing computer literacy to the population of the area, as well as the Dada (in Swahili: "sister") cooperative that is intended to create job opportunities for Zanzibari women involving them in the processing and preparation of handmade cosmetics and food products that are sold in Stone Town.

JAMBIANI BEACH

Jambiani is a group of villages on a idyllic beach surrounded by a strong culture of seaweed with many farms scattered along the coast and employing 15,000 inhabitants, mainly women. The island of Zanzibar produces around 11,000 tonnes of seaweed a year, much of it from Jambiani sources. When walking on the beach, you will see many women working, collecting seaweed! A perfect backdrop for many photos.

PEMBA ISLAND

Pemba is comparable to Zanzibar in size, but far more traditional in outlook, and visitor numbers here are tiny. Pemba is at a 30-minute flight north-east of Zanzibar Island.

MNEMBA ISLAND

Mnemba is offshore, the ultimate island lodge for those who can afford it. Dubbed the "Millionaire's Island" Mnemba is wrapped by an oval reef (often referred to as the Mnemba Atoll), which has been declared a Marine Conservation Area.

FUMBA PENINSULA

Fumba in south-west Zanzibar, is a very laid-back and friendly corner of the island, with two good lodges, while offshore is the award-winning eco-resort on Chumbe Island.

Zanzibar beach holiday activities

BEACH HOLIDAYS AND FREESTYLE WORKOUTS. The beach sports are a great opportunity to bond and have fun during the holiday with your extended family and friends. The popular beach sports include tennis, football and volleyball. You can also go out for a run or use the hotel equipments to a freestyle workout.

SWIMMING. There are dedicated pools, showers and other facilities for a great swimming experience in most of the beach resorts. The colourful coral reefs teeming with species of tropical fishes are also something to explore.

KITE AND WIND SURFING, STAND-UP, PADDLE-BOARDING. Go kite surfing and lose yourself along the stunning shoreline. The steady and often gentle breezes of Zanzibar are ideal for the first time visitors to experience windsports.

DIVING. Scuba diving opens a whole new world – that of the world under the ocean. You can dive in the ocean if you’re an experienced diver. If you’re not, you can take classes at a number of certified dive centres dotting the island.

BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS. You can taste fresh lobster just brought from the sea with the most exuberant view. Freshly served traditional beers and tropical cocktails with the added pleasures of complimentary tea and coffee are served on old, abandoned dhow boats which are the beach bars.

RELAX. The gentle swaying of the hammock, the sea breeze and a good read are also considered activities on the island. Do it your way, enjoy!

Get in touch with Suricata Safaris and we will plan together your Zanzibar dream trip meeting all your expectations!