Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Matemwe? (An Area Guide)
"Leonie, where should I stay in Zanzibar?"
As a travel consultant, I get this question every single day. It's the most common question for anyone visiting this slice of Africa. And I get it—you’ve seen the photos of impossible-turquoise water and powdery white sand, but one beach looks just as stunning as the next. How do you possibly choose?
Here’s the secret: there isn't one single answer for the "best beaches" in Zanzibar. But the "best beach for you" absolutely does.
Choosing your home base in Zanzibar isn't just about the hotel; it's about the vibe. It's about the tides. It's about what you want to do when you’re not sunbathing.
You’re trying to decide between the most popular spots, and you’ve likely narrowed it down to Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and Matemwe. You've come to the right place. As a travel pro who’s stepped foot on all of them, I’m here to ditch the generic advice and add the real-deal, authentic breakdown to help you choose.
Let’s find your perfect slice of paradise.
The Big Question: Why the Tides Matter (North vs. East Coast)
Before we compare vibes, we have to talk about the elephant on the island: the tides. Your entire beach experience will be defined by this.
The North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa): This area is famous for one massive advantage: the tides are minimal. This means you can swim in the beautiful, clear ocean pretty much 24/7. This area is not affected in the same way as the rest of the island.
The East Coast (Paje & Matemwe): This coast experiences dramatic tides. At low tide, the ocean can recede for over a kilometer, exposing a fascinating world of coral flats and sea urchins. At high tide, the water comes all the way up to the shore.
There's no "better" option, only a different one. Do you want to swim whenever you feel like it? Pick the North. Are you fascinated by the dramatic rhythms of the ocean and want to kitesurf or walk for miles on the sandbanks? The East is for you.
Nungwi: The Vibrant All-Rounder
Nungwi, at the absolute northern tip of Zanzibar, is the island's energetic heart. If you're someone who loves having options and gets a little restless on a "do-nothing" vacation, Nungwi is your spot.
The Vibe: Lively, social, and bustling. The original fishing village has grown, but it's still alive with local culture.
The Beach: Absolutely stunning. The beach is lined with a fantastic mix of toes-in-the-sand beach bars, local restaurants, guesthouses, and luxury hotels. Guests have a huge range of options for food and accommodation.
Best For: Solo travelers, families, and couples who want a beautiful beach but also easy access to restaurants, activities (like the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond), and a bit of social energy.
The Bottom Line: Go to Nungwi if you want the perfect balance of a world-class beach and plenty of things to do, see, and eat, right on your doorstep.
Kendwa: The Pristine Beach Paradise
Just a short walk or taxi ride south of Nungwi lies Kendwa Beach. It shares many of Nungwi's benefits (hello, minimal tides!) but dials down the energy just a notch.
The Vibe: More relaxed, laid-back, and spacious than Nungwi. The beach itself feels wider and more expansive. While it’s home to the famous "Kendwa Rocks" full-moon party, the day-to-day atmosphere is more chilled-out and resort-focused.
The Beach: Arguably the most "perfect" swimmable beach on the island. The water is calm, incredibly clear, and the sand is like flour. Because it faces west, it boasts some of the most spectacular, uninterrupted sunset views in all of Zanzibar. It's a favourite spot to just sit and watch the day end.
Best For: Couples, honeymooners, and anyone whose #1 priority is the beauty of the beach itself. It’s for those who want that postcard-perfect, swimmable paradise without the same hustle as Nungwi.
The Bottom Line: Go to Kendwa if your dream is to laze on Zanzibar’s most famously beautiful beach and watch the sun melt into the ocean, cocktail in hand.
Paje: The Kitesurfing & Boho Capital
Welcome to the East Coast! Paje is the polar opposite of Nungwi—and that’s what makes it so special. It’s the boho-chic, active, and youthful heart of Zanzibar.
The Vibe: Cool, laid-back, and international. The village is a sandy-laned hub of hip cafes, cool beach bars, and kitesurfing schools. It has a younger, more active, and slightly more budget-friendly energy than the north coast.
The Beach: This is where the tides put on a show. At low tide, the ocean retreats to the horizon, leaving a vast, walkable sandbank. At high tide, the lagoon fills up, and the sky explodes with the color of hundreds of kites. This is the world-class capital of kitesurfing. The lagoon is perfect for beginners taking lessons and pros seeking fun on the waves. You'll also find other water sports here, too.
Best For: Kitesurfers (from beginner to pro), families who want an active trip, and anyone who loves a bohemian, social vibe.
The Bottom Line: Go to Paje if you’re here to be active. Whether you want to learn to kitesurf, meet other travelers, or just chill in a hammock at a trendy beach bar, Paje is the spot.
(Psst! If you're serious about kitesurfing, we've got you covered. Check out our The Ultimate Guide to Kitesurfing in Zanzibar (Paje) blog post for the full scoop!)
Matemwe: The Secluded Luxury Escape
Further north up the East Coast, Matemwe is Paje’s quiet, sophisticated older sibling. This is where you go to get away from it all.
The Vibe: Secluded, peaceful, and luxurious. You won’t find a bustling village here. Life revolves around the tranquil, high-end boutique hotels and private villas that dot the coastline. Each property is created to feel like a private getaway.
The Beach: Like Paje, Matemwe has dramatic tides, making it less about 24/7 swimming and more about contemplative beach walks. Its biggest draw is its location: it’s directly opposite the protected Mnemba Atoll. This protected marine park, centered around Mnemba Island, offers the absolute best snorkeling and diving on the island. It's a world-class destination for divers.
Best For: Honeymooners, couples seeking romance, and travelers who want to disconnect in a high-end, quietsetting. It’s also the top choice for serious snorkelers and divers.
The Bottom Line: Go to Matemwe if your goal is to unplug, indulge in quiet luxury, and be a short boat ride away from Zanzibar's most stunning underwater coral reefs.
Quick Comparison: Which Zanzibar Area is for You?
So, Have You Found Your Vibe?
There you have it—the authentic breakdown of Zanzibar’s most popular spots.
You can't make a "wrong" choice, but by understanding the unique personality of each beach, you can make the perfect choice for the trip you’re dreaming of.
Want that classic, swim-all-day beach vacation? Nungwi or Kendwa.
Want to surf the wind and hang at cool cafes? Paje.
Want to disconnect in total luxury? Matemwe.
Want the Perfect Trip, Without the Planning Stress?
Choosing your vibe—Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Matemwe—is the perfect first step. But what next? How do you link it all together? How do you get from your hotel to Stone Town, find the best markets, book a good spice tour, or snag that coveted reservation at The Rock Restaurant?
That's where we come in. If you want to skip the logistical headaches and just show up for the magic, we’ve built proven, plug-and-play itineraries that capture the very best of the island.
The 5-Day Zanzibar Getaway: A perfect, concentrated taste of paradise. You'll explore historic Stone Town, sail the Safari Blue, and dine at the iconic Rock Restaurant.
The 6-Day Zanzibar Immersion: Go deeper with a package focused on culture and relaxation, including horseback riding on Nungwi Beach and a magical sunset dhow cruise.
The 7-Day Zanzibar Safari Escape: The ultimate "best of both worlds." Get your beach bliss in Zanzibar andexperience a thrilling wildlife safari on the Tanzanian mainland.
You can check out all the details on our Zanzibar Travel Packages page.
So, Have You Found Your Vibe?
Still feeling torn on where to stay in Zanzibar? That’s what our team is here for. We want to save you the effort of planning.
At Destinationz, we don’t just book trips; we craft your perfect, personalized journey. We provide expert recommendations to help you plan. Let’s chat about what you’re interested in.
Uncover the Secrets of Zanzibar - Explore Our Blogs:
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The Spice Island's Soulful Cuisine: A Culinary Journey Through Zanzibar's Flavors
Stone Town Stories: Unveiling the Secrets of Zanzibar's Historic Heart
The Rhythms of Zanzibar: Exploring Music, Dance, and Artistic Traditions
Zanzibar's Healing Touch: Wellness Retreats and Rejuvenation on the Swahili Coast
Zanzibar for Families: Creating Memories that Last a Lifetime
Matemwe: Zanzibar's Secluded Paradise - A Guide to Relaxation and Serenity
Zanzibar's Slave Trade History: A Journey Through a Painful Past
Beyond Stone Town: Exploring the Charm of Paje and the East Coast
Adventure in Zanzibar: Thrilling Activities and Unforgettable Experiences
Bwejuu Bliss: Destinationz' Top Hotel Picks for Zanzibar's Serene Southeast Coast
