Best beachfront hotels in Zanzibar (by area, for every budget)
September 15, 2025 · by Sébastien Joumel
"Beachfront" means very different things in Zanzibar. On the north coast you step off your terrace into deep, swimmable water; on the east coast the same label might mean a vast tidal lagoon that empties twice a day. Here's how to pick a beachfront hotel that matches the holiday you're picturing — and what it costs.
Quick picks
- Best for swimming off the beach: Kendwa.
- Best for nightlife & choice: Nungwi.
- Best for seclusion & diving: Matemwe / Kiwengwa.
- Best for budget beachfront: Paje & Jambiani.
First, understand the tides
The single biggest factor in a Zanzibar beachfront hotel is the tide. The north (Nungwi, Kendwa) has minimal tidal movement, so the sea is swimmable most of the day. The east (Paje, Jambiani) and north-east (Matemwe, Kiwengwa) are strongly tidal — beautiful, but you’ll often walk a long way to deep water. Neither is “better”; they suit different trips.
North coast — swimmable & social
This is the easiest beachfront for first-timers. Nungwi has the widest range, from lively mid-range hotels to polished resorts, while neighbouring Kendwa is the pick for pure swimming and sunsets.
- The Z Hotel (Nungwi) — chic 4★ right on the sand, from ~$190.
- Zuri Zanzibar (Kendwa) — design-led 5★ with a superb beach, from ~$420.
- Mnarani Beach Cottages (Nungwi) — relaxed, well-rated mid-range, from ~$120.
North-east — quiet & upscale
Facing Mnemba Atoll, Matemwe and Kiwengwa are where many of the island’s honeymoon resorts sit. It’s tidal, but the seclusion and the reef offshore are the draw.
- Meliá Zanzibar (Kiwengwa) — big 5★ resort on a private cove, from ~$310.
- Zawadi Hotel / Matemwe Lodge — intimate, high-end, ocean-view villas.
East coast — budget beachfront & kitesurf
Paje and Jambiani offer the most affordable beachfront on the island, with a barefoot, boho feel and world-class kitesurfing.
- Paje by Night — popular mid-budget beachfront, from ~$72.
- Jambiani guesthouses — simple beachfront rooms from ~$40–55.
Beachfront by budget
| Budget | Area | Example | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap | Jambiani / Paje | Guesthouses | $40 |
| Mid | Nungwi | The Z Hotel, Mnarani | $120–190 |
| Luxury | Kendwa / NE | Zuri, Meliá, Zawadi | $310+ |
Beachfront hotels FAQ
Which Zanzibar beach can you swim at any time?
The north coast — Kendwa especially, then Nungwi — has minimal tide and deep water close to shore.
Is east-coast beachfront worth it?
Yes, if you want value, kitesurfing or a laid-back vibe and don’t mind tide-dependent swimming. Pick a place with a pool to be safe.
Compare beachfront hotels
See live prices for beachfront stays in every area in our guide to hotels in Zanzibar — filter by area and budget to find your match.