Over 30 pristine white sand beaches line the coast of Zanzibar, all lapped by the warm tropical shores of the Indian Ocean. Most are interspersed with picturesque fishing villages where the locals still live a simple way of life.
At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi, perhaps the best known of all Zanzibar’s beaches, and a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work (Nungwi has long been the centre of Zanzibar’s dhow building industry). The less visited south west coast is home to The Residence Zanzibar which enjoys a glorious setting on a mile long powdery white sand beach, just 20 minutes from the village of Kizimkazi which is famous for its dolphin safaris. On the east coast are the beaches of Matemwe, Bwejuu and Jambiani – all boasting beautiful stretches of white sands. Zanzibar also has several smaller islands offshore including Mnemba – a breathtakingly stunning barefoot luxury island off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar - and Pemba – stepping-stone to the shabby-chic Robinson Crusoe island retreat of Fundu Lagoon. Stone Town is worth an intriguing visit – but one night is generally long enough!