Mtende Beach, Zanzibar: southern cove, tides, hotels and how to get there (2026)
Mtende is a small beach in southern Zanzibar, a cove between rocks, about 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Stone Town via the Kizimkazi road according to one guide consulted in October 2026. It is a beach for travellers who want a quiet corner, far from the north. Beware of the tides: they are very strong here, the sea pulls back several hundred metres at low tide (revealing tide pools) and rises to the steps at high tide. To swim, aim for high tide. Access is by stairs, not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Highlights
Low tide
The photo shows the east coast (Paje) at low tide, as an illustration: the sea recedes far from the shore; at Mtende, according to a guide, the effect is similar, with pools to explore.
The cove and the rocks
The beach is a small setting between two rocky outcrops: photogenic, and shared with few people.
Nearby excursions
Kizimkazi (dolphins) and Makunduchi are close, in the same southern area.
Practical info
Tips
- Check a tide table before going, or ask your hotel: arrive at high tide to swim, and at low tide for the walk. Accommodation is mostly listed under Kizimkazi, Dimbani or Makunduchi rather than Mtende, and booking sites do not always place Mtende the same way: check the exact address and the distance to the beach. Cited: Palmera Zanzibar Eco Boutique Hotel (Dimbani, pool and private beach), Johari Beach Resort (Kizimkazi, about 300 metres from Mkunguni beach), Baobab Lagoon and Mtende Beach Bungalow (in Mtende itself). For a stay, also compare the north and the east. See Tides and swimming, the Kizimkazi dolphins and Makunduchi.
How to get there
By road from Stone Town, about 1.5 to 2 hours via the Kizimkazi road; taxi or private transfer recommended, as public transport is impractical for tourists.
Opening hours
Nearby
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