Uroa beach in Zanzibar: hotels, tides and what to do (2026)
Uroa is a village on Zanzibar's east coast, about 35 km north of Stone Town, halfway between Chwaka, Pongwe and Kiwengwa. The beach is long, white and lined with coconut palms and casuarinas, but the tide goes out very far: at low tide you walk over sandbanks and see seaweed farms, and swimming is only possible at high tide. Hotels range from small boutique places to 4-star resorts (seen in October 2026: Uroa Bay Beach Resort, Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa, Blackstone Beach Resort, Avo Boutique Hotel, Moonshine, Kaure Sand Beach Lodge). No official tide source was found: check a local tide table.
Highlights
Uroa beach
A long strip of white sand shaded by coconut palms and casuarinas. Walk along the water's edge at low tide, when the sand is exposed for hundreds of metres.
The seaweed fields
At low tide, village women harvest seaweed grown on small stakes: a typical east-coast scene, to watch with respect (ask before photographing).
The hotels
A wide choice between resorts with pool, spa and two restaurants, and cheaper small places. Compare the distance to the beach and what the hotel offers at low tide (pool, excursions).
Practical info
Tips
- In Uroa the tide decides everything: at low tide the sea is far and not made for swimming; if you want to swim every day, choose the north instead (Nungwi, Kendwa) or see tides and swimming in Zanzibar. For the east coast, compare with Kiwengwa and Paje. The village is far from everything: plan on hotel dining or taxis.
How to get there
About 35 km from Stone Town, around 45 minutes to 1 hour by road (estimate); the airport is a little closer. See from the airport to hotels.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.