Date of publication 22/04/2026
Zanzibar and the secret of its Indian Ocean–washed beaches
From our hotel in Zanzibar, you will enjoy privileged access to Muyuni Beach, one of the most photogenic shores in Tanzania. Here, in the East African archipelago that gave rise to icons such as Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, and Nobel Prize–winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah, an exclusive vacation world awaits, shaped by the Indian Ocean.
Surrender to the art of living without obligations in a tropical oasis where coral reefs and mangrove forests reveal their intricate beauty. The entire island is a haven of semi-untouched nature, with marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries home to species such as the endangered red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii). To help protect this environment, we invite you to experience a different kind of vacation, guided by the principles of responsible tourism and combined with the comfort of a five-star hotel set on one of Zanzibar’s finest beaches. In this article, you will find coastal spots, activities, cultural treasures, and practical tips for your trip.
The most fascinating coastal regions
Nungwi
Nungwi is connected to Muyuni Beach, where the Iberostar resort in Zanzibar is located, by the main coastal road. After a drive of about 40 to 50 minutes, you will arrive at a traditional village with a long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. The color of the sea shifts with the tides, revealing an intense range of blues and turquoises. We will return to this phenomenon later. For now, keep these tips in mind to reduce the carbon footprint of your vacation.
Kendwa
At the northern tip of the island, where the Indian Ocean seems to settle into stillness, Kendwa awaits with pristine waters and a bohemian spirit. Unlike other parts of Zanzibar’s coastline, tides here are gentle and do not fluctuate dramatically. At sunset, the area transforms into a lively nightlife hub, with live music and bars where you can enjoy a cocktail and dance until dawn. Do not miss the full moon parties.
Matemwe
Matemwe is a small fishing village that depends on fishing and seaweed farming. Its wide beach, framed by palm trees, huts, and winding paths, is wrapped in an atmosphere of calm and authenticity.
Just over six miles separate Matemwe from Iberostar Selection Zanzibar, the hotel on Muyuni Beach that will become your own private retreat. Facing Mnemba Island, its sea-view suites elevate the experience with a premium All Inclusive concept. Its culinary offering, activities inspired by Zanzibar’s culture, and focus on wellness stand out. This sustainably minded resort is ideal for both families and couples who value comfort and attention to detail.
Nakupenda
Nakupenda, located near Stone Town, the historic heart of the island, is protected by a reserve of calm, shallow waters. Its name means “I love you” in Swahili, and it consistently ranks among Zanzibar’s best beaches. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy fresh seafood at small local beach bars, watch birds, or take a boat ride. Before visiting, check a tide app such as Nautide or another specialized tool, as the sandbank’s tongue-like shape disappears when the tide rises.
Kiwengwa
The coastline of Kiwengwa is ideal for water sports such as diving and snorkeling among coral reefs, swimming, or kitesurfing. The area is home to a school where you can learn the basics of this sport. Add a sense of adventure to your stay at a five-star hotel in Zanzibar by joining nearby hiking excursions or quad routes. If you prefer a slower pace, plan a sustainable beach picnic at sunset. The sand is remarkably soft and white.
The natural spectacle of the tides on the East Coast
The landscape transforms twice a day completely
Your hotel in Tanzania offers a window onto one of the most striking natural phenomena on the planet: the tides along Zanzibar’s east coast, whose intensity varies with the phases of the moon. Visit Paje or Jambiani, described below, to fully appreciate it. There are two low tides and two high tides every 24 hours, spaced about six hours apart. As the water rises and falls, the landscape changes twice a day entirely.
Endless walks across the ocean floor
When the tide is low, the ocean recedes hundreds of yards, revealing starfish along the seabed. Take this opportunity to walk carefully across the exposed areas and observe marine life with respect. Another way to experience it is at high tide, diving with a special bubble helmet at depths of around 6 to 10 feet. This guided activity allows you to observe colorful fish and sea turtles in an ethical way. It is a popular experience on the island and suitable for all levels, including young explorers.
The dance of traditional dhow boats
Community-based tourism offers insight into an essential part of Tanzanian culture, providing a different perspective on the destination. For example, by joining a dhow sailing trip with knowledgeable local guides. These traditional sailboats, typical of the Indian Ocean, are characterized by their long wooden hulls and shallow draft. Historically used for trade, fishing, and passenger transport, they have become one of the region’s most recognizable symbols, and you will see them often during your stay in Zanzibar.
Dreamlike stretches of white sand
Paje
A beachfront hotel in Zanzibar, your presence, and nothing more. That is all you need to feel content along Africa’s coast, where white-sand spots like Paje feel almost unreal. Its warm, calm, transparent waters resemble a natural pool. This beautiful shoreline ranks among Zanzibar’s top five beaches and attracts families, couples, and groups of friends looking to disconnect in a postcard-perfect setting.
Jambiani
About a 15-minute drive from Paje lies Jambiani Beach. Both are known for their tides. In Jambiani, the essence of a fishing village blends with nearly four and a half miles of turquoise shoreline, where hanging hammocks alternate with seaweed farms and traditional beach bars, perfect for a relaxed meal or drink.
Michamvi
The romantic atmosphere of the Michamvi Peninsula suits couples’ trips and slow-paced plans. Its sunsets are legendary. Especially recommended for lovers of seabirds, this area features water with a vivid green hue, created by the interplay of the seabed, sunlight, and the reflection of the surrounding vegetation. You will find more exceptional places in this Zanzibar travel guide we have prepared for you.
Cultural treasures
Seaweed harvesters in the lagoons
A curious look at local culture will add depth and meaning to your stay at a hotel in Zanzibar. After tourism, seaweed harvesting and spice cultivation, particularly cloves, are the island’s main sources of income.
Much like Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean, red seaweeds such as Cottonii (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and Spinosum (Eucheuma denticulatum) thrive in this coastal habitat. The work of seaweed harvesters is rooted in an ancestral understanding of tidal rhythms. These women, who work in lagoon farms known as mwani in Swahili, wade into the water up to their waists to gather the seaweed by hand.
The legacy of fishermen
Regenerative practices are essential to preserving both nature and cultural heritage. In Tanzania, small-scale fishing economies form a vital part of the country’s human landscape. Zanzibar’s fishermen continue to rely on traditional methods, such as ngalawa outrigger canoes, to catch species like tuna, sea bream, and marlin, perhaps familiar from Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.
To help protect marine ecosystems, Iberostar restaurants prioritize fish and seafood sourced from responsible fisheries.
Secrets of Swahili cuisine
One of the highlights of our all-inclusive hotel in Zanzibar is its culinary offering, where Swahili cuisine is complemented by a diverse selection of international dishes, including children’s menus, vegan options, and more than ten dining spaces that take you from India to Italy. Among Tanzania’s traditional dishes, which feature local ingredients such as coconut, spices, and fresh fish, are urojo soup, also known as “Zanzibar mix,” made with flour and lemon and served with skewers; coconut octopus; and, for dessert, aromatic mandazi fritters prepared with cardamom and coconut milk, shaped either triangularly or cylindrically.
Essential tips for traveling to Zanzibar
When to travel for the best weather
Before booking a hotel in Tanzania, it is worth understanding the variations of its tropical climate. Temperatures in Zanzibar range from a pleasant 72°F to 91°F, with water temperatures around 81°F. February is the warmest month, while July is the coolest. The island has two dry seasons, from June to October, which coincides with peak travel season, and from December to February, as well as two rainy periods, with April and May being the wettest months.
For a beach vacation, choose times with less rainfall and warmer temperatures. If you are looking for a quieter escape focused on wellness and culture, consider the low season, when flights and accommodations tend to be more attractive.
What to pack for exploring the coast
When packing, be sure to include swimwear, lightweight and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, comfortable water-friendly footwear, a light jacket, and long pants or skirts for the evening. Do not forget sun protection such as certified sunglasses and hats, and opt for biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.
A simple way to avoid overpacking is to choose a hotel in Zanzibar that takes care of details such as beach and pool towels, basic toiletries, or poolside snacks. To make things even easier, our suites are free of single-use plastics and provide unlimited purified water in refillable bottles. Complete your packing with general beach tips and keep the most important thing in mind: leaving room for enjoyment.
Respect for the fragile marine ecosystem
Zanzibar’s beaches deserve to be explored with care and awareness. The fragile marine ecosystem benefits from the use of natural sunscreen and mosquito repellent, along with other small actions that make a difference. Replace disposable items with reusable alternatives whenever possible. Avoid activities that exploit animals or overcrowd natural spaces; instead, choose responsible experiences, such as guided visits to protected areas and ethical wildlife observation.
In the same spirit, prioritize cuisine based on local, seasonal ingredients. And finally, as simple as it may sound, make sure not to leave any waste behind after a day by the sea near your hotel in Zanzibar.
