3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

4 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu Safari

4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari

5 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari

5 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Wildlife Safari

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

8 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar

9 Days Birding and wildlife safari in Tanzania

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Zuri Zanzibar located at Kendwa Beach

Zuri Zanzibar ranks among the best beach resorts in Zanzibar because it sits on Kendwa Beach, one of the few places where swimming is possible all day due to minimal tidal changes. The resort blends local design with eco-friendly practices, using solar power and desalinated water. Guests enjoy sunrise yoga, spice gardens, and a private beach area with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Rates are high, but the property’s sustainability efforts make it worth the cost. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Zuri is popular during peak dry season months, so booking well in advance is essential.

Baraza Resort & Spa found at Bwejuu Beach

Baraza Resort & Spa is consistently listed among the best beach resorts in Zanzibar thanks to its Swahili-Arabian design and luxury services. Located on Bwejuu Beach, named one of the world’s top island beaches, the resort offers villas with plunge pools, butler service, and access to the Frangipani Spa. The all-inclusive package covers meals, drinks, and afternoon tea, making it convenient for guests. Couples benefit from quiet surroundings since children are limited to specific villas. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Baraza combines cultural style with modern comfort, appealing to travelers who want elegance without sacrificing convenience.

The Palms Zanzibar at Bwejuu Beach

The Palms Zanzibar is one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar for privacy, offering only six luxury villas on Bwejuu Beach. Each villa includes a plunge pool, verandah, and personal butler, with all meals and drinks included. Guests also have access to Baraza’s spa and restaurants for added variety. The beach is quiet and wide, perfect for honeymooners or couples seeking seclusion. Because it has only six villas, reservations fill quickly, especially in peak months. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, The Palms delivers exclusivity and personalized service, making it ideal for travelers who value intimacy.

Kilindi Zanzibar found at Kendwa Beach

Kilindi Zanzibar is among the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, originally built for a Scandinavian royal and designed with striking white domed pavilions. Spread across 50 acres, each pavilion has open-air bathrooms, rainfall showers, and private plunge pools with ocean views. The all-inclusive package includes personalized menus and private beach dinners. Kendwa Beach allows swimming all day, adding to its appeal. With a quiet, adults-focused atmosphere, Kilindi is perfect for those seeking privacy. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, it combines modern design with exclusivity, offering guests a peaceful retreat on one of the island’s finest beaches.

Essque Zalu Zanzibar located at Nungwi Beach

 Essque Zalu stands out as one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, located near Nungwi Beach where swimming is possible year-round. Its massive thatched roof is a landmark, and suites and villas feature private plunge pools with ocean views. Guests enjoy cultural touches like an art gallery, live Swahili music, and a jetty bar for sunset views. The lagoon location ensures swimming even at low tide. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Essque Zalu appeals to travelers who want a mix of beach relaxation, cultural experiences, and modern amenities in one property.

Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort at Pongwe Beach

Tulia Zanzibar earns its place among the best beach resorts in Zanzibar with just 16 villas, ensuring a quiet atmosphere. Located near Pongwe Beach, it offers colorful design, handcrafted furniture, and local art. Guests enjoy two pools, one with a water slide, plus activities like yoga, cooking classes, paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boat rides. Families are welcome with children’s facilities, while adults find peaceful spaces. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Tulia balances fun and relaxation, making it suitable for both families and couples who want a personalized experience on a calm stretch of beach.

Matemwe Retreat at Matemwe Beach

 Matemwe Retreat is one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar for seclusion, offering only four villas with rooftop terraces and plunge pools. Located near Mnemba Atoll, guests enjoy easy access to snorkeling and diving. A personal butler provides attentive service, while the main lodge offers dining and spa facilities. The beach is quiet, with fishing boats dotting the horizon. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Matemwe Retreat is ideal for couples or solo travelers who want privacy and relaxation, especially after a safari, without the distractions of nightlife or large crowds.

Xanadu Villas & Retreat found at Dongwe Beach

 Xanadu Villas & Retreat is among the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, featuring dome-shaped villas with spiral staircases and hand-painted tiles. Each villa includes a private butler, and some have rooftop plunge pools. Located on Dongwe Beach, guests enjoy snorkeling directly from the shore thanks to the nearby reef. Private chefs prepare meals, and wellness treatments are available in-villa. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Xanadu focuses on personalized service and deep relaxation, making it perfect for couples or small groups seeking something unique and private away from busy areas.

The Residence Zanzibar  Kizimkazi Beach

The Residence Zanzibar is one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, set on 32 hectares of gardens along Kizimkazi Beach. Each villa has a private pool and butler service, while the spa offers organic treatments in a tropical setting. Guests can enjoy horseback rides, dhow sailing trips, and dolphin tours nearby. The beach is quieter than the north, offering peace instead of nightlife. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, The Residence suits both families and couples, providing space, privacy, and a focus on relaxation in a tranquil coastal environment.

Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort at Nungwi Beach

Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is consistently ranked among the best beach resorts in Zanzibar for its balance of quality and affordability. Located on Nungwi Beach, guests can swim all day thanks to minimal tidal changes. The resort offers large rooms with ocean views, multiple pools, buffets, and daily entertainment. Staff are praised for their friendliness, and the beach is wide and clean. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Royal Zanzibar is a solid choice for families, couples, and groups who want reliable service and amenities without paying luxury villa prices

Meliá Zanzibar located Kiwengwa Beach.

Meliá Zanzibar is one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar for families and couples, located on Kiwengwa Beach on the island’s northeast coast. The resort offers spacious rooms, private villas with pools, and an all-inclusive package that covers meals and drinks. Guests enjoy themed buffets at the Spice Market restaurant, fresh seafood at The Jetty, and casual dining at Gabi Beach. The property also features a large infinity pool, spa, and water sports activities. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Meliá combines international standards with local hospitality, making it a reliable choice for travelers who want comfort, variety, and family-friendly amenities.

Bluebay Beach Resort found at Kiwengwa Beach

Bluebay Beach Resort is another of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, also located on Kiwengwa Beach. Known for its tropical gardens and wide sandy beach, the resort offers spacious rooms and suites with ocean views. Facilities include a large swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options serving both local and international cuisine. Families appreciate the children’s club and safe swimming areas, while couples enjoy the quiet atmosphere and beachfront setting. As one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, Bluebay balances affordability with quality, making it a strong option for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, activities, and value

Best Time to Stay

The dry season from June to October and December to February is considered the prime period for staying at the best beach resorts in Zanzibar. During these months, the weather is warm, skies are clear, and beaches are perfect for swimming and water sports. Resorts like Zuri Zanzibar, Baraza, and Essque Zalu fill quickly because demand is high, especially around Christmas and New Year. Rates are also at their peak, so travelers should budget accordingly. Staying in this season ensures the best beach conditions and vibrant resort activities, making it ideal for honeymooners, families, and groups seeking reliable sunshine and calm seas.

Best Time to Book

To secure a spot at the best beach resorts in Zanzibar, booking 3–6 months ahead is strongly recommended. Resorts with limited villas, such as The Palms or Matemwe Retreat, sell out quickly during peak months. Early booking not only guarantees availability but also helps lock in better rates before seasonal price increases. Travelers on a budget may consider the shoulder months of March to May or October to November, when rain is more frequent but resorts offer discounts and fewer crowds. This period still provides access to Zanzibar’s beaches and cultural experiences, though with wetter conditions. Booking early ensures peace of mind and maximizes your stay at the best beach resorts in Zanzibar

1. Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll

While staying at best beach resorts in Zanzibar, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll should be your first water activity. Mnemba sits off the northeast coast, about a 15-minute boat ride from Matemwe and Nungwi beaches. The atoll is a protected marine reserve, so the coral is healthy and fish are plentiful. You see green turtles, reef fish, and sometimes dolphins on the boat ride out. Most resorts arrange half-day trips that include snorkel gear, guides, and lunch. The water is calm and clear, with visibility up to 30 meters on good days. A common worry is that you need to be a strong swimmer, but life jackets are provided and guides stay with beginners. The best time for snorkeling is during high tide when water covers the coral. Go in the morning (9 AM to 12 PM) because afternoon winds make the water choppy. This activity costs $40-70 per person depending on the resort.

2. Scuba Diving for Certified Divers

For certified divers, best beach resorts in Zanzibar often have dive centers right on the property. The east coast (Pongwe, Matemwe) and north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) offer the best dive sites. You dive at depths of 12 to 30 meters, seeing moray eels, lionfish, octopus, and reef sharks. The coral gardens at Mnemba Atoll have over 500 fish species. Leven Bank, a deeper site off the north coast, has barracuda, trevallies, and turtles. Most resorts offer two-tank morning dives with equipment rental, a dive master, and surface interval snacks. A common concern for new divers is safety, but PADI-certified instructors lead every dive. If you are not certified, many resorts offer beginner courses (2-3 days) that end with a shallow dive. A two-tank dive costs $80-120 including gear. The dry season months (June to October and December to February) offer the best visibility and calmest seas.

3. Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Kizimkazi

From resorts on the southwest coast, best beach resorts in Zanzibar near Kizimkazi offer dolphin tours. Kizimkazi village is known for bottlenose and spinner dolphins that live in the protected Menai Bay area. You go out on a small boat early in the morning (6 AM to 9 AM) when dolphins are most active. The boats approach slowly, and you slip into the water to watch them swim below you. Spinner dolphins often leap and spin in the air. A common concern is that tours chase and stress the dolphins. Responsible operators maintain distance and limit boats per group. Ask your resort if they follow the code of conduct (no chasing, no touching, 30-minute limit per group). The tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs $40-60 per person. If you prefer to stay dry, you can watch from the boat as dolphins swim alongside. Go from August to October for the best dolphin sightings.

4. Spice Farm Tour in the Island Interior

When you need a break from the beach, best beach resorts in Zanzibar can arrange a spice farm tour in the central region. Zanzibar is called the Spice Island for a reason—cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper, and cardamom grow here. You drive to a family-run farm where a guide shows you how each spice grows on trees, vines, or roots. You smell fresh cloves, taste vanilla pods straight from the vine, and see nutmeg fruit split open. The guide also shows you plants used for traditional medicine and natural cosmetics. A common worry is aggressive sales pressure, but most farms let you buy spices without pressure. The tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs $20-40 including transport from your resort. Morning tours are cooler and less crowded. You also get a fresh fruit tasting (jackfruit, rambutan, starfruit) at the end. This activity works for all ages and fitness levels.

5. Stone Town Walking Tour and History Lesson

From any of best beach resorts in Zanzibar, a half-day trip to Stone Town is worth the drive. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and old fortresses. You walk for 2-3 hours with a local guide who explains the history of the slave trade, the Omani sultans, and Freddie Mercury's childhood home. Key stops include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Sultan's Palace, and the Anglican Cathedral built on the old slave market site. A common concern is getting lost in the alleys, so hire a guide for $15-30. Without a guide, you walk in circles. The drive from most resorts is 45-90 minutes, so plan a full morning or afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water because the alleys are hot. Combine your walk with a visit to the Darajani Market for spices, seafood, and local produce. This activity costs $50-80 including transport and guide.

6. Sunset Dhow Cruise on the Indian Ocean

Most best beach resorts in Zanzibar offer sunset dhow cruises, and this is one of the most relaxing activities you can do. A dhow is a traditional wooden sailing boat with a large triangular sail. You board in the late afternoon (around 4:30 PM) and sail along the coast for 1.5 to 2 hours. The crew serves soft drinks, beer, wine, and snacks as the sun drops toward the horizon. Some cruises include a stop for a quick swim in shallow water. A common worry is seasickness, but the water is usually calm and the boat moves slowly. The crew watches the weather and cancels if winds are too strong. The cost runs $30-60 per person depending on drinks and snacks included. The best views are from the west coast (Kendwa, Nungwi) because you watch the sun set directly over the water. East coast cruises have the sun setting behind the island. Book for a clear evening during dry season months.

7. Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Calm Lagoons

For a quiet water activity that works for all ages, best beach resorts in Zanzibar on the east and north coasts provide stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The best spots are protected lagoons where waves are small and water is shallow. Pongwe, Matemwe, and Kendwa beaches have calm morning conditions perfect for beginners. You stand on a wide board and paddle at your own pace, watching fish and coral below you through the clear water. A common concern is balance, but most people learn within 15 minutes. If you fall, the water is waist-deep and warm. Resorts rent boards for $15-25 per hour, and some include a quick lesson. Go in the morning (7 AM to 10 AM) before wind picks up. Sunset paddleboarding is also popular for photos. This activity burns calories but feels like relaxing because you move slowly. No experience needed, and life jackets are available for nervous beginners.

8. Visiting Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

For travelers who want to see wildlife beyond the ocean, best beach resorts in Zanzibar can arrange a trip to Jozani Forest. This park is the only place in the world where you see the red colobus monkey, a species found only on Zanzibar. You walk on wooden boardwalks through the forest for 1-2 hours with a ranger. The monkeys are used to people and come close, so you get good photos. The park also has a mangrove boardwalk where you see crabs, mudskippers, and birds. A common worry is that the monkeys might bite or steal items. Keep your bags zipped and do not feed them. The ranger keeps you safe. The drive from most resorts takes 45-60 minutes. The park entrance fee is $10-15 for international visitors. Combine this with a spice farm tour on the same day because both are in the central region. Morning is best because monkeys are more active before midday heat.

9. Cooking Class for Swahili Cuisine

Several best beach resorts in Zanzibar offer cooking classes that teach you how to make local dishes. You start at a local market where the chef shows you how to pick fresh fish, coconut, plantains, cassava, and spices. Then you return to the resort kitchen and cook a full meal over 2-3 hours. Typical dishes include coconut fish curry (samaki wa nazi), pilau rice, plantain fritters, and spiced tea (chai ya mdalasini). A common concern is that the food might be too spicy, but you control the spice level. The chef explains each spice and technique. At the end, you sit down and eat what you cooked. Classes cost $40-80 per person including ingredients, market visit, and lunch. This works for solo travelers, couples, and families with older kids. Morning classes (9 AM to 12 PM) include the market visit when it is busy and authentic. You leave with recipe cards to cook at home.

10. Full-Day Private Boat Trip to Sandbanks

For a true private experience, best beach resorts in Zanzibar can arrange a full-day boat trip to offshore sandbanks. These sandbars appear only at low tide, creating a small island of white sand in the middle of turquoise water. You leave after breakfast (8-9 AM) and spend 4-6 hours on the sandbank with a private boat crew. The crew brings a cooler with drinks, a lunch box, snorkel gear, and sometimes a beach umbrella. You swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and eat lunch with no other tourists around. A common worry is being stuck on a sandbank when tide rises, but the crew watches the tide table and moves you back to deeper water in time. The cost runs $150-300 for the boat (up to 6-8 people), so splitting with your group makes it cheaper per person. The best sandbanks are off the east coast near Chumbe and Mnemba. Book through your resort for reliable crews with safety equipment.

For best beach resorts in Zanzibar, pack light, breathable clothes made of cotton or linen because the tropical heat stays between 25-35°C (77-95°F) year-round. Bring at least two swimsuits so one dries while you wear the other, plus a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen (30 or higher), polarized sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel regular sunscreen damages coral. Pack flip-flops for the beach and sandals or lightweight walking shoes for Stone Town tours. For evenings, bring a light sweater or shawl because sea breezes cool things down after sunset, and some nicer restaurants at best beach resorts in Zanzibar prefer casual cover-ups over swimwear. Include insect repellent with DEET for dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active, plus a reusable water bottle, power bank, and waterproof phone pouch for boat trips. Leave jeans, heavy boots, formal wear, and expensive jewelry at home they take up space and you will not use them. Pack any prescription medicines in your carry-on, and add motion sickness tablets if you plan to do dolphin tours or snorkeling trips on open water. Most best beach resorts in Zanzibar provide beach towels, so save space by leaving yours behind

Booking the best beach resorts in Zanzibar with Dav Safaris ensures a smooth, reliable, and personalized experience from start to finish. As experts in East African travel, Dav Safaris handles all the details securing reservations at top resorts like Zuri Zanzibar, Baraza, or The Residence, arranging transfers from the airport, and tailoring packages to match your budget and preferences. Our team combines local knowledge with strong partnerships, meaning you get access to exclusive deals and trusted service. Whether you want luxury villas, family-friendly resorts, or quiet retreats, Dav Safaris matches you with the right property and adds value through guided cultural tours or safari extensions. Choosing Dav Safaris for booking the best beach resorts in Zanzibar guarantees convenience, peace of mind, and a well‑planned stay that maximizes your time on the island’s finest beaches