Historic heart
Stone Town
The island's UNESCO-listed old town, a maze of coral-stone lanes, carved doors, markets and layered Swahili, Arab and Indian history. The cultural gateway to Zanzibar.
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Destinations
One island, many characters
Where you stay shapes your whole trip. Here's an honest guide to Zanzibar's main areas, what each is known for, and who it suits, so we can base your itinerary in the right place.
Why area matters. Zanzibar's coasts differ in tides, atmosphere and what's nearby. We plan each day around where you're based, so you spend time enjoying the island, not crossing it. Not sure where to stay? That's exactly what we help with.
North tip
Nungwi
At the island's northern point, known for wide beaches and swimmable water at all tides, with a lively village atmosphere and easy access to the northern reefs.
Plan a trip here →Swimmable sands
Kendwa
Just south of Nungwi, a calmer stretch of soft sand and clear water that stays swimmable through the tides, a favourite for relaxed beach days and sunsets.
Plan a trip here →Mnemba-facing
Matemwe
A quieter north-east coast facing Mnemba Atoll, prized for its proximity to Zanzibar's best snorkelling and diving, and a slower, more local pace.
Plan a trip here →Kite & lagoon
Paje
A long east-coast beach with a shallow turquoise lagoon and steady winds, the island's kitesurfing hub, with a young, easygoing atmosphere.
Plan a trip here →Peninsula & dining
Michamvi
A quiet peninsula on the south-east coast, known for calm bays, sunset views over the water and celebrated seaside dining, including the famous rock-set restaurant just offshore.
SunsetsDiningQuiet
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Local & unspoilt
Makunduchi
A traditional fishing area on the southern tip of the island, offering unspoilt beaches, authentic village life and a genuine, off-the-beaten-path feel away from the busier resorts.
AuthenticBeachesCulture
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Village coast
Jambiani
A traditional fishing-village coastline on the south-east, where seaweed farming and daily island life continue alongside a beautiful, low-key beach.
Plan a trip here →South coast
Kizimkazi
The island's southern tip, best known for wild dolphins offshore and a peaceful, remote feel away from the busier northern beaches.
Plan a trip here →Forest & bay
Jozani
Home to Zanzibar's protected national-park forest and its rare red colobus monkeys, set between the east and south coasts near Chwaka Bay.
Plan a trip here →Reefs & sandbanks
Surrounding islands
The islets, reefs and sandbanks around Zanzibar, Prison Island, Mnemba, Menai Bay and more, reached by boat for snorkelling, sailing and island days.
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Not sure where to base yourself?
We'll match the coast to your trip
Tell us how you want to travel and we'll recommend where to stay and what to do nearby, built into one itinerary that flows.