The comparison at a glance
| Criterion | East coast (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Matemwe) | North and west (Nungwi, Kendwa, Stone Town) |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming at low tide | No, the lagoon empties | Yes, almost all day |
| Kitesurfing | Yes, mainly Paje | Less common |
| Sunset | Less suited to watching over the sea | Yes |
| Atmosphere | Villages, calm, beach bars | Livelier, more restaurants |
| Best for | Kitesurfers, quiet couples, small budgets | Swimmers, families, nightlife |
The east coast
This is the coast of lagoons and wind: Paje is the kitesurf spot, Jambiani and Bwejuu are quiet villages, Matemwe is the starting point for Mnemba. At low tide you walk on sandbanks; for swimming, plan with the tide table, see tides in Zanzibar.
The north and west
Kendwa is the most reliable beach for swimming, Nungwi the liveliest, and Stone Town offers culture and restaurants, with limited hotel beaches. Read Nungwi and Kendwa.
How to decide
Daily swimming, children or sunsets: the north. Kitesurfing, calm and villages: the east. For a first visit many choose the north, but the airport-Nungwi road is longer (about 1 h 10 to 1 h 15) than to Paje (about 1 h): see from the airport to your hotel. To compare hotels and budgets, see where to stay in Zanzibar.
FAQ
Which Zanzibar coast is best for swimming?
The north (Kendwa, Nungwi), because the tide changes little there.
Which coast for kitesurfing?
The east, mainly Paje.
