Where to Stay in Zanzibar
An Insider Guide to the Best Areas on the Island
Choosing where to stay in Zanzibar depends on the kind of holiday you want. Different parts of the island offer very different experiences, from lively beach towns with nightlife and watersports to quiet peninsulas with boutique hotels and peaceful beaches.
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This guide explains the best areas to stay in Zanzibar, including Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Matemwe and Michamvi Pingwe, so you can decide which part of the island fits your travel style best.
People often ask: “Where should I stay in Zanzibar?”
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The honest answer depends on what kind of trip you want. Zanzibar is not a small beach town where everything feels the same. The island has very different areas, each with its own atmosphere, beaches, activities and style of hotels.
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If I were travelling with a group of friends and wanted lifestyle, bars, restaurants and things happening every evening, I would probably stay around Paje or Jambiani. The area has grown a lot over the past years and today it has one of the most interesting beach scenes on the island.
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If I wanted to slow down, enjoy the ocean colours, good food, peace and quiet, I would choose Michamvi Pingwe. The views there are incredible, the sandbanks are stunning and the whole peninsula has a relaxed charm that feels very different from the busier parts of Zanzibar. Finding the best hotel in zanzibar for this kind of escape often leads travelers to our quiet corner of the southeast coast.
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The good news is that all main beach areas are roughly one hour from Stone Town and the airport, so wherever you stay, the island is easy to explore.
Below is a local guide to the main areas of Zanzibar and what makes each of them special.
North Coast vs East Coast Zanzibar
One of the main decisions when choosing where to stay in Zanzibar is whether you prefer the north coast or the east coast. The north, especially Nungwi and Kendwa, is known for beaches with less visible tidal change and a more lively resort atmosphere. The east coast, including Paje, Matemwe and Michamvi, is more shaped by the tides and often feels more scenic, relaxed and authentic.
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Travelers who want lively beaches, easy swimming and more nightlife often choose the north. Those looking for kitesurfing, boutique hotels, lagoon views, sandbanks and a quieter atmosphere often prefer the east coast.
Stone Town – Culture, History and Magical Evenings
Stone Town is the historical heart of Zanzibar. Even if you are planning a beach holiday, it is well worth spending one night here before or after your beach stay.
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A guided walking tour usually takes around two to three hours, leading through narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, old merchant houses, markets and small squares. Stone Town has a unique mix of African, Arab, Indian and European influences.
The evenings in Stone Town are particularly special. As the sun goes down you can hear the call of the muezzin from the mosques, church bells ringing and sounds from the Indian temples almost at the same time. Few places in the world show such a close coexistence of different cultures and religions.
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Around sunset locals and visitors walk to the Forodhani Gardens night food market, where vendors prepare Zanzibari street food such as Zanzibar pizza, seafood skewers and grilled specialties. It is a great place to walk around and experience the lively atmosphere of the city in the evening. As with street food markets anywhere in the world, it is wise to choose carefully what you eat and drink, especially if you are not used to local street food or if you have a long journey ahead.
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If you prefer to enjoy the scene in a more relaxed and comfortable setting, a great option is the nearby Cape Town Fish Market, located at the end of a large concrete pier extending out into the ocean. The restaurant is open on all sides but covered, so you sit above the water with beautiful views in every direction.
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From here you can watch fishing boats coming and going, the sun slowly setting over the sea, and often local boys jumping from the pier into the ocean below. Sitting there with a cocktail or dinner while watching this lively scene is a wonderful way to experience a Stone Town evening in a comfortable atmosphere.
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Many visitors enjoy dinner on one of the rooftop restaurants such as Emerson on Hurumzi or the Tea House Restaurant, where you can watch the sunset over the rooftops while listening to traditional Taarab music - book in advance!
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Stone Town is not polished everywhere. Some buildings are beautifully restored, while others are still old or in ruins. But that is exactly part of its African and Swahili charm.
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If your flight arrives early in the morning, it is a great idea to check into a hotel in Stone Town, explore the city, enjoy dinner and then continue to the beach the next day.
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Many travellers combine a city stay with a beach holiday before exploring the island further in our Zanzibar Travel Guide.
Nungwi and Kendwa – Lively Beaches and All-Day Swimming
The beaches in the north of Zanzibar, especially Nungwi and Kendwa, are famous for their white sand and swimming conditions. Unlike most of the east coast, the tide here does not pull the water far away, so you can swim at almost any time of the day.
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Kendwa is especially known for its sunset beach parties and events during full moon weekends, while Nungwi has a long stretch of beach restaurants and diving centres.
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These areas are lively, especially during high season. You will find:
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beach bars
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sunset cruises
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diving centres
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restaurants directly on the sand
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watersports activities
For younger travellers or groups of friends, this can be a lot of fun. During peak season the beaches can also become quite busy.
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Large resorts are located here as well, including some of the biggest hotels on the island. The atmosphere is generally more energetic and sometimes louder than other parts of Zanzibar.
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From the north coast you are also relatively close to Mnemba Island and Tumbatu Island, both popular spots for snorkeling and diving trips.
Paje and Jambiani – Zanzibar’s Lifestyle Coast
If Zanzibar has a lifestyle hub, it is Paje.
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Over the past years the village has grown quickly and today it is one of the most dynamic beach areas on the island. What used to be a quiet fishing village has developed into a lively mix of kitesurfers, travellers, entrepreneurs, great restaurants, beach cafés and cocktail bars.
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The area attracts people who enjoy the beach during the day and a vibrant social scene in the evenings.It is also considered the kitesurfing capital of Zanzibar, with several schools offering lessons for beginners and advanced riders. During the windy seasons – roughly June to September and again from December to February – kitesurfers from around the world arrive, and the whole village becomes even more lively.
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Paje has expanded quite far along the beach and inland, and you will now find many good restaurants, cafés and lifestyle venues. Places like Bento Food Court and Mapacha Food Court have become popular meeting points where travellers gather for good food, drinks and music. The area is also seeing many new villas and apartments being developed, attracting visitors who enjoy good food, social life and a relaxed beach lifestyle.
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There is also plenty to do around Paje. Visitors can try kitesurfing, deep sea fishing, quad bike tours or visit attractions like the Maalum Cave and Jozani Forest, which is home to Zanzibar’s famous red colobus monkeys. Not far away in Dongwe you will also find The Hub, a growing sports and lifestyle center offering padel, pickleball, yoga and fitness activities.
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Once the sun sets, Paje transforms into one of the island’s most lively nightlife areas. There is almost always something happening somewhere along the beach.
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Some well-known spots include B4 Beach Club, a popular beach venue with electronic music, themed nights and comfortable beach beds where people gather from sunset until late.
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Shanga Paje is known for its relaxed Sundown Sessions, where DJs play chilled music while guests enjoy cocktails directly on the beach as the sun sets over the lagoon.
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Friday nights are legendary at the New Jambo Beach Party, which usually begins with a beach BBQ and karaoke before turning into a full beach party that often continues until early morning.
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During the week you will also find parties at places like Oxygen, known for its Wednesday night events, and Why Not, a popular indoor club that often becomes the after-party location once the beach venues close.
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Another nightlife spot is Nanga, located on the main road in Paje, while a bit further south toward Jambiani you will find Demani, another venue attracting a lively crowd.
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Overall, Paje has become Zanzibar’s most energetic beach destination, where beach life, watersports, restaurants and nightlife come together. It is a great place for travellers who enjoy activity, social life and a lively atmosphere by the ocean.
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Travelers who prefer a quieter base on the southeast coast can also explore our guide to things to do in Michamvi.
Matemwe – Quiet Luxury and Mnemba Snorkeling
On the northeast coast lies Matemwe, one of the quieter and more exclusive parts of Zanzibar.
This area is known for:
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elegant villas and boutique hotels
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peaceful beaches
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excellent snorkeling trips to Mnemba Atoll
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Many high-end travellers choose Matemwe because it combines privacy with access to one of Zanzibar’s best snorkeling areas.
Matemwe is also one of the closest mainland beaches to Mnemba Atoll, which is why many snorkeling and diving trips depart from this area.
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Compared with Paje or Nungwi, the atmosphere here is much calmer. Restaurants and nightlife are limited, but the natural beauty of the coastline and the sense of space make it very attractive for couples or travellers looking for tranquility.
​Kiwengwa – Resort Area with Italian Influence
Further down the east coast lies Kiwengwa, an area known mainly for its larger beach resorts.
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Many of the hotels here historically attracted Italian travellers, and you can still notice this influence in some restaurants and beach clubs.
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The atmosphere is more resort-focused than village-focused. Outside the hotels there are fewer restaurants or activities compared to places like Paje.
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However, nearby you will find Zanzibar Padel and Shambaland, and the beaches are long and beautiful.
Kizimkazi and the Southern Coast – Dolphins and Sandbanks
The south coast around Kizimkazi is quieter and less developed. This is where many dolphin tours depart in the early morning.
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From here you can also reach some beautiful islands and sandbanks such as:
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Pungume Island
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parts of the Safari Blue excursion area
Sunset views on this side of the island can be spectacular.
​Michamvi Pingwe – Quiet Beauty, Sandbanks and Zanzibar’s Most Magical Colours
Travelers looking for a hotel in Michamvi Zanzibar often choose this area because it combines peaceful beaches, boutique hotels and some of the most beautiful lagoon views on the island.
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The peninsula sits between two sides of the ocean and feels very different from the busier parts of the island. Michamvi is divided into two areas: Michamvi Pingwe on the east side, known for its lagoon and sandbanks, and Michamvi Kae on the west side, famous for its sunsets.Instead of large resorts you will mostly find small boutique hotels, charming beach restaurants and quiet stretches of sand.
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One of the most famous landmarks here is The Rock Restaurant, built on a coral rock just offshore and attracting visitors from all over the island. But beyond this famous spot, Michamvi has a charm that many travellers discover only after arriving.
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What makes this area so unique is the lagoon and sandbank landscape in front of the peninsula. Depending on the tide, the ocean reveals stunning sandbanks and shallow turquoise lagoons that create some of the most beautiful shades of blue on Zanzibar.
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Unlike many other beaches on the east coast where the ocean retreats far during low tide, Michamvi has a natural creek and channel running through the lagoon. Even when the tide is low, water remains in the channel and boats can still pass through toward Dongwe, where the reef opens to the ocean. At low tide this channel can still be several meters deep.
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The scenery constantly changes throughout the day. When the tide falls, soft white sandbanks appear in the lagoon, creating incredible colours ranging from light turquoise to deep blue. Many visitors say this is one of the most photogenic coastal landscapes on the island.
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One of the best-known boutique hotel areas on the peninsula is around Michamvi Pingwe, where smaller properties offer a more private and personal atmosphere than the larger resorts found elsewhere on the island.
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The area is also excellent for snorkeling and ocean excursions. Some of the best nearby spots include:
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Blue Lagoon, one of the most beautiful snorkeling locations in this part of Zanzibar
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coral formations behind the sandbanks
Because Michamvi is located on a peninsula, it also offers beautiful sunset views and a relaxed village atmosphere. The evenings are peaceful, often spent enjoying good food by the ocean while the sky slowly changes colour.
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At the same time, the lively beach scene of Paje is only a short drive away, which means you can easily visit restaurants, cafés or nightlife there and return to the quiet atmosphere of Michamvi afterwards.
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For couples, honeymooners and travellers looking to slow down, Michamvi Pingwe often becomes a favourite place on the island. The combination of peaceful beaches, boutique hotels, incredible ocean colours and natural sandbanks creates an atmosphere that many visitors describe simply as paradise.
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One of the advantages of staying in Michamvi Pingwe is the boutique character of the area. Instead of large resorts, you will find smaller hotels with a more personal atmosphere and beautiful ocean views.
Insider Tips Before Choosing Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Before choosing where to stay in Zanzibar, there are a few things worth understanding about the island. Many travellers only realise these details after they arrive, but knowing them in advance can help you choose the perfect area for your stay.
Zanzibar Is Easy to Explore
One of the great advantages of Zanzibar is that most places are relatively close to each other. The main beach areas such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Matemwe and Michamvi are usually about 45 to 90 minutes from Stone Town and the airport by car.
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This means you can easily combine different experiences during your stay. Many travellers spend one night in Stone Town to explore the historical city before continuing to the beaches.
The Tides Shape the East Coast
The beaches on the east coast of Zanzibar — including Paje, Matemwe and Michamvi — are influenced by the tides. During low tide the ocean can retreat quite far, revealing sandbanks, shallow lagoons and coral areas.
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While this surprises some visitors at first, it is actually part of the beauty of the island. The changing tides create incredible colours in the lagoon and allow for activities such as snorkeling, reef exploration and walks along the sandbanks.
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Some beaches in the north, especially Nungwi and Kendwa, experience less tidal movement, which is why they are popular for swimming at any time of day.
Each Area Has a Different Atmosphere
Although Zanzibar is a small island, each beach area has developed its own character.
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Nungwi and Kendwa are lively and busy, with many beach bars, resorts and watersports.
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Paje and Jambiani attract kitesurfers and travellers looking for restaurants, nightlife and beach cafés.
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Matemwe is quieter and known for luxury villas and snorkeling trips to Mnemba.
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Michamvi Pingwe is relaxed and scenic, with boutique hotels, beautiful sandbanks and peaceful beaches.
Choosing the right area often depends on whether you prefer lively beach life or a more tranquil atmosphere.
Zanzibar Has Different Wind Seasons
The wind plays an important role for watersports on the island. During the windy seasons — roughly June to September and December to February — Zanzibar becomes a global hotspot for kitesurfing, especially around Paje.
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During these months the beach scene becomes particularly lively, with events, parties and travellers from around the world gathering in the area.
Combining Safari and Zanzibar
Many visitors arrive in Zanzibar after a safari in mainland Tanzania. After several days of early mornings and game drives, the island is the perfect place to relax by the ocean.
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Because of its calm atmosphere and beautiful scenery, areas like Michamvi Pingwe and Matemwe are particularly popular for travellers looking to unwind after a safari before returning home.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar for a Honeymoon
For honeymooners, the best area to stay in Zanzibar is usually one that offers privacy, beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. While lively places such as Nungwi, Kendwa or Paje may suit some couples, many honeymooners prefer quieter areas with smaller boutique hotels in zanzibar and a more romantic setting.
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Some of the best honeymoon areas on the island include areas that offer privacy, beautiful ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere.
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Michamvi Pingwe – boutique hotels, beautiful sandbanks and peaceful atmosphere
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Matemwe – luxury villas and snorkeling trips to Mnemba
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quieter parts of the east coast with smaller boutique hotels
Ultimately it depends on the style of honeymoon you want. Some couples prefer nightlife and activities, while others simply want to relax by the ocean.
Couples can also read our Zanzibar Honeymoon Guide for more inspiration.
Final Thoughts
The best place to stay in Zanzibar depends on the kind of holiday you want. Nungwi and Kendwa are ideal for lively beaches and easy swimming, Paje is perfect for kitesurfing and nightlife, Matemwe suits travelers looking for quiet luxury, and Michamvi Pingwe is one of the most scenic choices for boutique hotels, sandbanks and a peaceful beach atmosphere.
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If you are still planning your trip, you can also read our Zanzibar Travel Guide, our Best Time to Visit Zanzibar guide and our Zanzibar Honeymoon Guide.