Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND ZANZIBAR
Beaches
Zanzibar has superb beaches, with the best along the island's east coast. While many are now
overcrowded and overdeveloped, all offer a wonderful respite from bumping along dusty
roads on the mainland. The east-coast beaches are protected by coral reefs offshore and have
fine, white coral sand. Depending on the season, they may also have a lot of seaweed (most
abundant from December to February). Locals harvest the seaweed for export, and you'll
often see it drying in the sun.
Everyone has their favourites, and which beach you choose is a matter of preference. For
a never-quiet party scene, head to central or west Nungwi in the far north (although for a
beach, you'll need to go around the corner to Kendwa). East Nungwi has a narrow beach at
low tide, and a much quieter ambience. Paje, on the east coast, is the island's other hub of
beach and party activity.
Bwejuu and Jambiani on the east coast have some of the finest stretches of palm-fringed
sand you'll find anywhere. Things here are also more spread out and calmer than in the
north. For a quieter atmosphere, try Matemwe or Pongwe. If you're seeking the large resort
scene, the main area is the beach north of Kiwengwa towards Pwani Mchangani, although
Kendwa is coming close. The coast north of Bwejuu along Ras Michamvi is also quiet. Ex-
cept for Kendwa, where you can take a dip at any time, swimming at all of the beaches is
tide dependent, with the tide receding up to 1km or more at low tide in the east.
TOP BEACHES
Almost all of Zanzibar's beaches would be considered superlative if they were
located anywhere else, but a few stand out, even here:
»
Matemwe
(
Click here
) For its powdery, white sands and village life.
»
Kendwa
(
Click here
)
Wide, white and swimmable around the clock.
»
Pongwe
(
Click here
)
For its crystal waters and lack of crowds.
»
Jambiani
(
Click here
)
For the otherworldly turquoise shades of its waters.
BUBUBU (FUJI BEACH)
This modest, undistinguished stretch of sand, 10km north of town in Bububu, is the closest
place to Zanzibar Town for swimming, though if you're after a beach holiday, it's better to
head further north or east. It's accessed via the small track heading west from just north of
the Bububu police station.
Bububu Beach Guest House
( 024-225 0110, 0777-422747;
www.bububu-zanzib-
ar.com
; s/d US$25/35) is a budget haunt with airy no-frills rooms near the beach, and meals
