Actually an archipelago of two large islands and a a number of smaller ones, 16 to 20 miles off the coast of mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar has been legendary since at least the Middle Ages (though its human history stretches much further back) as the "Spice Islands," a prime source for vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, as well as a trading entrepôt for the likes of gold, ivory, and ambergris. Today visitors can enjoy the historic sites and evocative architecture that's a legacy of that centuries-old history, such as the narrow streets of Stone Town, the old quarter of its capital, and its landmarks including sultanate palaces such as the 19th-century sultan's palace known as “the House of Wonders.” (For an overview of Zanzibar's top allures, click here.)
But these days many visitors come mostly for the lovely Zanzibar beaches, lined with palms and turquoise waters with vivd coral reefs, and the settings for fabulous sunsets. And here are ten of the best:
Nungwi
Running along the western coast to the northern tip of the main island, Unguja, this white-sand stretch (top) is probably Zanzibar's prettiest and most popular beach - and has been furthermore rated one of the hundred best in the world. Offering plenty of eating, drinking, entertainment, and water sports options, it's also known for its astonishing sunsets - enjoy them from the sand, a rooftop bar, or dhow cruise. It's a particular favorite with honeymooners.
Kendwa
Another long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters reaching down the west coast, it's about three kilometers away from Nungwi and tends to be less crowded. Since the waters off Kendwa get profound rapidly, there is to a lesser extent a flowing reach here than on the eastern beaches, making it ideal for swimming no matter of the hour of, while for beautiful sundowners, there's no better spot to be that its western area. Various tour operators offer snorkeling excursions and Kwenda town visits, while Kwenda Rocks resort is known for its monthly full-moon party.
Jambiani
On the southeast coast about an hour and a half from Stone Town, this fishing village of thatch-roofed coral-stone houses has a lovely, stretch seven kilometers long lined with coconut palms and featuring powdery white sand; calm, shallow turquoise waters protected by a barrier reef; and steady breezes that make it popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Though there are spots to eat and drink, Jambiani beach is delightfully uncrowded, laid back, and just beautiful
Paje
Also on the southeast coast, just 15 minutes or so north of Jambiani, this is another barefoot fishing village with a long, quiet strand with white sand and turquoise water, as well as an assortment of beachfront accommodation services and eateries. And like Jambiani, Paje frequently gets a good breeze, so it's gaining a reputation for windsurfing and kitesurfing as well as other water sports.
Nakupenda
ts name meaning "I love you" in Swahili, Nakupenda is a paradisiacal sandbar just off Stone Town, its turquoise water beautiful for swimming or snorkeling (just be sure to bring an umbrella, as there is no shade out here), with the side facing town placid and the other side with a bit more wave action. It's often included on day tours, and it's best to get here in the morning, as it can get crowded from noontime onward.
Changuu (Prison) Island
A 20-30-minute boat ride off Stone Town, this former holding area for slaves and for quarantines has also long been a vacation spot. A half mile long and just 755 feet wide, Changuu features in addition to the prison ruins but also a compound for the protection and nurturing of giant land tortoises. And the beach here - set off by a rustic wooden bridge justting out into the water - is lovely, and so is the snorkeling.
Mafia Island
A little farther afieldJust a 30-minute flight from Unguja, Mafia is a tropical paradise with a population of around 48,000 (many of which live in the main town, Kilindoni) and consisting of one large island (152 square miles) and several smaller ones. There are very few hotels, which only adds to its allure as a destination for the adventurous traveler and beach lover. Divers and snorkelers, too, as one of the top attractions here is a marine park created to protect its coral reefs; there's diving for all levels, and experts in particular will find challenges unlike any others in Zanzibar. The atmosphere of all the islands is one of adventure: days are spent fishing or exploring exposed sand bars and untouched reefs. (And in case you're wondering, the name is thought to come from the Arabic morfiyeh, meaning "group" or "archipelago," or possibly the Swahili mahali pa afya - "healthy dwelling place". No mobsters involved!)
Mnemba Island
Reachable only by boat, a 15-minute boat ride from Matemwe Beach on the northeast coast of Unguja, Mnemba is just 12 hectares (30 acres), ringed by a mile (1.6km) of delicate, powder-white coral sand, where green sea turtles come to nest, Mnemba has at its heart a tropical forest that's home to a casuarina pine forest inhabited by suni antelope, butterflies. Besides swimming, snorkeling, and diving, other popular activities include fishing and spotting humpback whales (in season) and dolphins. The catch is that this island is privately owned, and the only visitors allowed are guests of its very pricey andBeyond beach resort. But non-guests may snorkel and dive on the offshore reef (part of a marine reserve) amid some 600 species of tropical fish, and many tour operators run jaunts out here.
Pongwe
This quiet, secluded stand on Unguja's northeast coast about an hour from Stone Town is perfect for unwinding and relaxing, free from the hustle and bustle of the island's more commercial beaches - ideal for privacy, intimacy, and a romatic getaway. There are several hotels but not so many standalone restaurants. The snorkeling and diving are great here, as well.
Kiwengwa
Also on the northeast coast, Kiwengwa is a fantastic beach area for families with kids, lined with all manner of lodgings, from small budget lodges to big resorts with swimming pools and full amenities and facilities (there are also short-term apartment rentals available). The beach itself isn't always the best for swimming - particularly at low tide - so many visitors tend to stick to the properties in which they're staying.
Tanzania holiday safaris. are of course what this country is best known for, but visitors should definitely add several days at the end to luxuriate in the beaches of Zanzibar as well as its atmospheric history. A memory of a lifetime, guaranteed!
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