Zanzibar has long been hailed as one of Africa’s premier beach destinations, but does this stunning island off the coast of Tanzania truly live up to the hype? After exploring everything from the historic streets of Stone Town to pristine coral reefs and legendary beach parties, I can confidently say: absolutely yes. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing the magic of Zanzibar’s beaches.
Getting Your Bearings: Why We Chose Kendwa Over Nungwi
Our beach adventure began in Kendwa, where we settled into a beautiful beach villa for two nights. While Nungwi tends to be more popular with tourists, we chose Kendwa for one specific reason: the famous full moon party happens right on this beach. There’s something magical about dancing under the stars with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop.
Pro tip: Book accommodations in Kendwa if you want to experience the full moon party without the hassle of transportation late at night.
Dawn Adventure: Swimming with Dolphins at Mnemba Island
The Early Bird Gets the Dolphins
At dawn, we embarked on what would become one of our most memorable experiences: the Mnemba Island dolphin tour. Here’s why timing is everything:
- Best time to go: 7:00 AM departure
- Why so early: Dolphins surface when it’s still cool
- The payoff: We had the dolphins almost to ourselves
The half-hour speedboat ride to Muni Beach was exhilarating, and seeing Mnemba Island in the distance built our anticipation. Our captain expertly tracked the dolphin pods and gave us the signal when to jump in. Swimming alongside these magnificent creatures in crystal-clear waters was absolutely magical.
Insider tip: By 9:00 AM, the area becomes crowded with tourist boats. The early morning departure is absolutely worth the wake-up call.
Wind and Waves: Kite Surfing Paradise
After our dolphin encounter, we discovered why Zanzibar is considered a world-class kite surfing destination. The constant wind that might seem bothersome to some beachgoers is actually perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
Kite surfing conditions:
- Consistent wind throughout the day
- Multiple rental shops available
- Suitable for various skill levels
Beach Hopping: Our Journey to Paje
Transportation Tips
We hired the same driver who brought us from Stone Town for $45 to take us to Paje Beach (pronounced “PAH-jay,” not “page” as we initially thought). Along the way, our driver introduced us to red bananas – a unique variety found only in Zanzibar. They taste remarkably similar to regular bananas but make for a fun local experience.
Important note about police stops: We were stopped multiple times by police during our travels. Our driver explained that officers receive low salaries (around $300/month) and sometimes stop tourists for minor “infractions.” This is why we recommend using established transfer services rather than renting a car.
Exploring the North: Three Must-Visit Spots
Public Transportation Adventures
For our northern expedition, we decided to try Zanzibar’s public transportation options:
- Daladala – Numbered minivans (cheapest option)
- Tuk-tuks – Three-wheeled vehicles from Asia
- Boda boda – Motorcycle taxis (we don’t recommend these due to safety concerns)
Stop 1: Pingwe Beach – Low Tide Magic
Pingwe Beach features a unique concrete path extending 200-400 meters into the ocean. Visit during low tide when water levels drop about 2 meters – you can easily walk out into deeper water for snorkeling.
While we didn’t spot coral reefs here, we encountered plenty of sea urchins, which was still fascinating.
Stop 2: Starfish Sanctuary
In front of Kendwa Lodge, we discovered a snorkeling spot teeming with hundreds of starfish. The shallow, clear waters make this perfect for underwater photography and gentle snorkeling.
Stop 3: The Rock Restaurant – A Must-Do Experience
No Zanzibar trip is complete without dining at The Rock Restaurant. This iconic establishment, built on a rock formation in the ocean, offers:
- Reservation required – book in 2-hour time slots
- Exceptional food (though pricey)
- Unbeatable ambiance and views
- Instagram-worthy location
Bottom line: Despite the cost, this is a definite highlight and worth every penny.
Into the Wild: Jozani Forest Adventure
Meeting the Red Colobus Monkeys
Taking a break from beaches, we ventured into Jozani Forest to encounter one of the world’s rarest primates. The forest is home to:
- 5,000 red colobus monkeys (out of only 20,000 worldwide)
- Blue monkeys
- Various other wildlife including spiders and snakes
What to bring:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Long pants
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes are aggressive but Zanzibar is malaria-free)
The Tour Experience
We learned about two distinct monkey species:
- Blue monkeys: Small, fast, five-fingered, and notorious food thieves
- Zanzibar red colobus: Four-fingered, slow, and lazy (like locals who say “pole pole” – slowly, slowly)
Tour options:
- 1-hour tour: $12 (recommended)
- 3-hour tour: $35
- Custom lengths available
Our “1-hour” tour actually lasted nearly two hours, making the shorter option excellent value.
Safari Blue: The Verdict
What’s Included
For our final adventure, we tried the popular Safari Blue tour from Stone Town ($50 including transportation):
- Kwale sandbank visit
- Kwale Island lunch and snorkeling
- Natural swimming pool experience
Honest Review
As experienced snorkelers, we found the underwater experience disappointing. The coral reefs showed damage from boat anchors, resulting in limited marine life. However, the sandbank experience and swimming in the natural lagoon were enjoyable.
Our recommendation: Safari Blue is nice but not essential. Budget travelers can skip this without missing too much.
Essential Zanzibar Beach Tips
Sun Protection
- The equatorial sun is incredibly strong
- Apply sunscreen generously and frequently
- Even with protection, expect some burning
Best Times to Visit
- Early morning for dolphin tours
- Low tide for beach walking at Pingwe
- Sunset for romantic dining
Transportation
- Use established taxi services
- Try daladala for authentic local experience
- Avoid boda boda for safety reasons
Must-Do Experiences
- Swimming with dolphins at Mnemba Island
- Dining at The Rock Restaurant
- Exploring Jozani Forest
- Experiencing a full moon party in Kendwa
- Kite surfing (if weather permits)
Final Thoughts: Is Zanzibar Worth the Hype?
After covering most of Zanzibar’s beaches and attractions, we can confidently say this island truly deserves its reputation as Africa’s ultimate beach destination. From world-class kite surfing and dolphin encounters to unique dining experiences and rare wildlife, Zanzibar offers something magical for every type of traveler.
The combination of pristine beaches, rich culture, adventure activities, and warm Swahili hospitality creates an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Zanzibar delivers on all fronts.
Planning your trip? Allow at least a week to properly explore the island’s diverse offerings, and don’t forget to budget for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences like The Rock Restaurant – they’re absolutely worth it.
Safe travels, and pole pole!
