Amber Travel Tanzania

Zanzibar Archipelago, including Stone Town

Dive into Zanzibar’s white sands and the historical marvels of Stone Town. Your unforgettable African adventure begins here.

About Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar, the legendary Spice Island entrepôt, politely lures us with its white sand beaches, quietly jazzy resorts, and its historic Stone Town.

The island of Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean beaches are justly famed and beloved; most beach fanciers find them close to ideal: silky, clean sand, a shallow, clear, warm sea giving way further out to coral reefs offering superb snorkeling and diving. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its fabulously colourful marketplace, its wonderfully tangled streets and old, story-telling doors and buildings—a reminder of Zanzibar’s long international importance as an entrepôt for just about every imaginable thing, including, alas, slaves, but most famously for spices—its cinnamon, cardamom, intense Arab coffees, and cloves—the gold of Zanzibar—gave the island its reputation as the Spice Island.

“Out of a sapphire sea rose a coral island of incandescent green studded with groves of coconut and mango and orchards of cloves, the palm forest deck with pink convolvulus, a thin line of surf beating languidly on the milk-white sand.”Thomas Pakenham Author of the indispensable The Scramble for Africa

Best Beaches

Zanzibar offers visitors a fantastic selection of beach locations to choose from, each with its own character, scenery, and attractions. For the most part, they offer safe swimming conditions in warm, clear water, making them ideal for families with children.

Epitomizing everything expected of a tropical beach – palm trees swaying over sandy beaches fringed by azure waters – Situated on Zanzibar’s east coast, Paje is best known as a base for the colorful kitesurfers that skim across the waves. It also offers excellent SCUBA diving in nearby reefs. There is ample beachside accommodation and several restaurants. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Rated among the top 25 beaches in the world, part of Nungwi’s appeal is the vibrant nightlife at various establishments along the shoreline. By day, it offers beach lovers good snorkeling, with SCUBA diving also available. Sitting as it does on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, the sunsets are spectacular, best enjoyed aboard a traditional sailing dhow with cocktails flowing. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Situated on Zanzibar’s south coast, this small fishing community of two villages is best known for its swim-with-dolphin experiences. Please be sure to use only official dolphin guides to ensure an ethical encounter that does not harm the animals. This is not the best swimming beach on the island but snorkeling is rewarding. On land, there are several cultural sites to visit, and a decent selection of accommodation to choose from.

This is a great beach for those who love being in the water, whether swimming, snorkeling or diving. Kendwa is the site of incredible sunsets, for those who want to take the romance to the next level. And, as the sun dips below the horizon, the focus moves from sealife to nightlife, with laid back beach parties rounding off perfect tropical fantasies. The beachfront is well-developed with numerous resorts and restaurants to choose from. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

This is Zanzibar’s longest beach and can be found on the island’s northeastern coast – with the renowned Mnemba Atoll a short distance offshore. Picture traditional fishing villages shaded by swaying palm trees. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Kitesurfing and sailing are also popular here. The beach is generally uncrowded, and you’ll find a handful of hotels and restaurants to choose from. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Best known for romance and relaxation, this long beach lends itself to beach walks along the island’s southeast shore. Aside from the usual beach activities, visitors can take fascinating day trips to the nearby Jozani Forest, or venture over to Stone Town for a fix of authentic Zanzibari culture. Sunset dhow cruises are also popular, before retiring to a beachfront restaurant for a fresh seafood dinner. There is a variety of accommodation to choose from. Bwejuu offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.