Zanzibar Beyond the Beach: A Practical Guide

Choosing your beach

Nungwi and Kendwa (north) barely feel the tide and have the best swimming and nightlife. Paje and Jambiani (east) are kitesurf country with a bohemian vibe — but the sea walks out half a kilometre at low tide. Michamvi gives you sunset views on the east coast's quiet side.

Stone Town in a day

Start at Darajani market before the heat, wander the alleys to the Old Fort and House of Wonders, lunch on a rooftop, and finish with sunset food stalls at Forodhani Gardens.

Combining with a safari

Direct flights connect Entebbe and Zanzibar several times weekly, making a 3-4 night beach extension the natural finale to a Uganda safari.