East Coast

The East Coast of Zanzibar is home to the island's best and most idyllic beaches, fabulous accommodations, beachfront bars and restaurants, and fun activities. This coast is home to a wide range of luxurious resorts, lodges, and hotels with beachfront access and amazing amenities. The beaches stretch for miles here and are lined by swaying palm trees, covered in soft white sand and the lapping turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. There are many activities to enjoy on the East Coast including swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The East Coast boasts the most laid-back atmosphere in Zanzibar with fewer crowds and a variety of quieter beaches. Visitors who are looking for one of the best dive and snorkeling spots in Zanzibar can reach Mnemba Island which is just a 30-minute boat ride from the town of Matemwe on the east coast. The area is home to a well-known collection of quaint fishing villages with a real feel for the local culture. The area is picturesque and perfect for the ideal beach vacation.

South Coast

Zanzibar’s South Coast is a popular destination where visitors can find the best selection of all-inclusive resorts on the islands, many of these boasting spectacular ocean views. The further south you travel the more populated the area becomes, the south coast is filled with culture and is one of the places to join a spice tour and engage with the locals. The South Coast is home to unique beach towns like Paje which is home to some of the best kite surfing in Zanzibar, and many intimate hotels for a romantic getaway. The south coast is dotted with several small islands and reefs that lie offshore, leading to great opportunities for snorkeling and diving. There are a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from including simple boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts, upmarket hotels, and hostels. The beach areas are the host of many watersports and activities like kite surfing, sailing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.

West Coast

On Zanzibar’s West Coast, there are fewer accommodation options, it is more of a remote destination. The west coast is also home to the busy town of Stone Town on the central west coast. The coastal road here winds its way past the ruin's palaces and is home to spectacular beaches as well as interesting caves and caverns. There are some idyllic beachfront accommodations to choose from here with fantastic views of the Indian Ocean.

Stone Town

The historic Stone Town is the inner city of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 2000. This area is full of history, culture, traditions, and stunning architecture. A storied town featuring a labyrinthine of winding alleyways, old mosques, bustling bazaars, and charming colonial buildings. This is a busy and popular area to stay in when visiting Zanzibar there are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Stone Town as well as a wide variety of authentic restaurants, rooftop bars, and some of the best shopping opportunities in the city. There are many historic sites to see in Stone Town including the towering St Joseph’s Cathedral, the Palace of Wonders, and the Old Fort which is the oldest building in town. Hotel options here range from budget hotels to unique older buildings that house luxury hotels, there are some great views to absorb in Stone Town. This area boasts the best selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.

North Coast

The North Coast of Zanzibar is a quiet, secluded area a lot less crowded than other destinations on the island. The further north you travel the more private it becomes and the stretches of idyllic beaches here are home to luxurious resorts, private villas, all-inclusive resorts, and beautiful beachfront bungalows. Nungwi Beach is on the north coast of Zanzibar a popular destination for luxury travelers seeking a relaxing tropical vacation. Nungwi is a busier part of the north coast with a large number of accommodation options, it is the only beach on the island unaffected by the tides. The beaches on this coast are absolutely gorgeous, soft white sands and mesmerizing waters allow visitors to sunbathe and swim in a serene environment. There is a wide range of restaurants and beachfront bars, as well as plenty of watersport centers.