Our favourite places for beach holidays in Zanzibar
During extensive research trips, we have visited virtually every beach, lodge and hotel on Zanzibar (over 350 of them!). Then we have carefully picked the most promising to include in our programme.
Masala Beach Holiday
9 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$6,170 - US$9,560 per person
Kilindi
With a 500m stretch of white sand, the beach is a main feature at Kilindi. The location on the north-west coast means that sun sets over the sea - a unique feature for the east coast, which creates wonderful evening scenery.
Turmeric Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,220 - US$3,750 per person
Matemwe Lodge
Get equipment for a long reef walks, snorkelling and kayaking at the water sport centre on Matemwe’s pretty white sandy beach. You can even walk to the village and join a local fishing trip for a unique holiday experience.
Coconut Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,300 - US$5,020 per person
White Sand Villas
Contemporary and luxurious, White Sand Villas sits on a beautiful coastline, ideal for a beach break in Zanzibar. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the beach and watch the kitesurfers skim across the waves – or join them!
Papaya Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,730 - US$4,370 per person
Matemwe Lodge
Get equipment for a long reef walks, snorkelling and kayaking at the water sport centre on Matemwe’s pretty white sandy beach. You can even walk to the village and join a local fishing trip for a unique holiday experience.
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person
Zuri Zanzibar
Located in the north west of Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar sits on a beautiful stretch of palm fringed beach. This area of the island is less tidal than Zanzibar's east coast meaning that you can swim in the sea throughout the day.
Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$8,750 - US$15,130 per person
Qambani
Tucked away at the northern tip of the Michamvi Peninsula, Qambani boasts a wide expanse of quiet beaches and blue waters. It is a fantastic spot to lie back, relax and enjoy your surroundings on a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$9,320 - US$16,370 per person
Tulia Zanzibar
For a totally relaxing, luxury beach break, with excellent cuisine, Tulia Resort is hard to beat. The location is serene, the sea is often crystal clear for snorkelling and diving, and the pools and waterslides are fun.
Best camps & lodges for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island Lodge is the ultimate remote, exclusive beach retreat. It's relaxing and laid-back, with high standards that are delightfully understated. It is costly, but the beaches are stunning and it will a fabulous beach holiday in Tanzania.
Matemwe Retreat
Many guests at Matemwe Retreat will stay in their villa, but a short walk away, the Retreat’s private beach usually has crystal clear water and, at high tide, it’s great for swimming. Relax on the beach or snorkel with the PADI dive centre.
Zoi Hotel
Located on a pretty beach, typical of Zanzibar’s east coast, Zoi Boutique Hotel is a good-value lodge which is colourful and vibrant. Away from the beach’s attractions, it has pleasant gardens and a relaxed lounge and cocktail bar.
Unguja Lodge
Unguja Lodge doesn’t have one of Zanzibar’s endless long white beaches, but it is in a quiet, secluded location. Dive or snorkel straight from the beach to explore the coral cliff for a special holiday experience in East Africa.
Xanadu Villas
Xanadu Villas exudes peace, tranquillity, and provides an idyllic setting for a romantic honeymoon on Zanzibar. Stroll along the beach, indulge in a massage, or enjoy a gourmet meal in the privacy of your own exquisite villa.
Breezes Beach Club
Breezes Beach Club sits on a pretty stretch of beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of loungers, a large swimming pool and a water-sports centre it is the location for a great beach holidays particularly for families.
Zuri Zanzibar
Located in the north west of Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar sits on a beautiful stretch of palm fringed beach. This area of the island is less tidal than Zanzibar's east coast meaning that you can swim in the sea throughout the day.
Kilindi
With a 500m stretch of white sand, the beach is a main feature at Kilindi. The location on the north-west coast means that sun sets over the sea - a unique feature for the east coast, which creates wonderful evening scenery.
Qambani
Tucked away at the northern tip of the Michamvi Peninsula, Qambani boasts a wide expanse of quiet beaches and blue waters. It is a fantastic spot to lie back, relax and enjoy your surroundings on a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Baraza Resort & Spa
Baraza sits on a beautiful long stretch of sandy white palm fringed beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of comfy loungers, a very large swimming pool and a great water sports centre it is a fantastic beach getaway.
Matemwe Lodge
Get equipment for a long reef walks, snorkelling and kayaking at the water sport centre on Matemwe’s pretty white sandy beach. You can even walk to the village and join a local fishing trip for a unique holiday experience.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe has one of the best beaches we have ever seen in Zanzibar. When the tide is high, Pongwe sits in a private cove. Then when it goes out, a wonderful stretch of inter-tidal zone is revealed for walking and exploring.
White Sand Villas
Contemporary and luxurious, White Sand Villas sits on a beautiful coastline, ideal for a beach break in Zanzibar. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the beach and watch the kitesurfers skim across the waves – or join them!
Tulia Zanzibar
For a totally relaxing, luxury beach break, with excellent cuisine, Tulia Resort is hard to beat. The location is serene, the sea is often crystal clear for snorkelling and diving, and the pools and waterslides are fun.
Beach holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Beach holidays in other countries.
Kenya
Sandy beaches, clear water, coconut palms casting shadows and tropical colours characterise beach ...
Malawi
The clear freshwater of Lake Malawi make it a perfect spot for unforgettable beach holidays in ...
Mozambique
With numerous white sandy beaches and clear blue reef waters, the coastline and the islands of ...
Seychelles
Are you looking for truly magical beach holidays in the Seychelles? Set right in the heart of the ...
South Africa
Whilst most come to South Africa's Cape for more than a beach holiday, many want a few relaxing ...
Tanzania
Tanzania offers some of east Africa's very best beaches, both on the mainland and on the islands ...
Other styles of holiday in Zanzibar
Discover all that Zanzibar has to offer
Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
Diving & snorkelling
Find captivating marine life beneath the waves
Family holidays
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Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations