Best Zanzibar island holiday destination resorts and beaches

Zanzibar, an idyllic island off the coast of Tanzania, is famous for its powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich blend of African, Arab, and colonial history. Whether you seek laid-back luxury, lively beach bars, family-friendly resorts, or romantic seclusion, Zanzibar has a destination for every traveler. Here are some of the best resorts and beaches on the island:

Top Zanzibar Beach Destinations

1. Nungwi Beach (North Coast)
Why Go: Nungwi is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, lively beach bars, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular sunsets. The beach is excellent for swimming at all tides, and the village offers a mix of local culture and tourist facilities.
Top Resorts:

Zuri Zanzibar: A chic, eco-friendly resort with stylish bungalows, a beautiful infinity pool, and private beach access.

Essque Zalu Zanzibar: Known for its stunning architecture, oceanfront location, and luxurious spa.

2. Kendwa Beach (Northwest Coast)
Why Go: Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa boasts wide, soft sands and calm waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beach sports. The area is famous for its Full Moon Parties and lively yet relaxed vibe.

Top Resorts:
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa: Offers elegant rooms, direct beach access, and a top-rated spa.
Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel: Famous for its festive atmosphere and events.

3. Matemwe Beach (Northeast Coast)
Why Go: Matemwe is quieter and more exclusive, with pristine beaches, swaying palms, and excellent coral reefs just offshore. It’s ideal for diving, snorkeling, and romantic escapes.
Top Resorts:
Matemwe Lodge: Boutique luxury with oceanfront villas, superb cuisine, and personalized service.
Zanzibar Queen Hotel: A charming beachfront property ideal for couples and honeymooners.

4. Paje Beach (Southeast Coast)
Why Go: Paje is a paradise for kite surfers and water sports enthusiasts, with steady winds and a laid-back backpacker vibe. The beach is wide and powdery, with clear, shallow waters.
Top Resorts:
White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa: Spacious private villas, a renowned spa, and direct beach access.
Kisiwa on the Beach: Elegant beachfront bungalows and exceptional hospitality.

5. Jambiani Beach (Southeast Coast)
Why Go: Jambiani offers a more authentic, relaxed experience with charming local villages, quiet stretches of sand, and friendly guesthouses. It’s perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and cultural immersion.
Top Resorts:
The Loop Beach Resort: Laid-back luxury with a great restaurant and beachfront pool.
Blue Moon Resort: Stylish, intimate, and ideal for couples.

6. Michamvi Peninsula (East Coast)
Why Go: Known for its secluded beaches, mangroves, and dramatic sunsets over Chwaka Bay. Great for those seeking privacy and natural beauty.
Top Resorts:
Upendo Beach Zanzibar: Ultra-luxurious villas with private pools and stunning views.
Kichanga Lodge: Rustic-chic bungalows on a palm-fringed beach.
Honorable Mentions
Stone Town: While not a beach destination, it’s worth a day or two for its UNESCO-listed architecture, bustling markets, and cultural attractions. Consider staying at Park Hyatt Zanzibar or Emerson Spice Hotel.

African bush camps offer an authentic and immersive safari experience, allowing you to connect closely with the wild landscapes of Botswana and Namibia. These camps are typically set in remote, pristine locations and combine comfort with adventure—providing a unique opportunity to witness Africa’s extraordinary wildlife and scenery up close.

Botswana: African Bush Camps

Botswana is renowned for its untouched wilderness, particularly in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Linyanti region. African Bush Camps, with Leading Expeditions, manages several intimate camps that blend luxury with a genuine bush feel. Chobe park boasts the highest concentration of African Elephants in Botswana.

• Linyanti Bush Camp & Linyanti Ebony Camp
  Located on the banks of the Linyanti Marshes, these camps offer classic tented accommodation with exceptional views of elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions (seasonal), and boat cruises.

• Khwai Bush Camp
  Situated on the community-run Khwai Concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve, this camp gives guests access to both the Okavango Delta and savannah habitats. Expect thrilling wildlife encounters, including leopards, wild dogs, and lions. Night drives and cultural experiences with the local Khwai community are also highlights.

• Khwai Leadwood & Khwai Tented Camp
  Both located in the Khwai area, these camps feature eco-friendly, stylish tents, offering a balance of comfort and wilderness immersion. The region is known for excellent predator sightings and resident wildlife year-round.

• Atzaro Okavango Delta
  Located an hour drive from Maun town but most guests opt for aprivate 20 minutes chopper ride, offers  family friendly stays with a spa and a pool with very comfortable tents. The game viewing here is spectacular

Namibia: African Bush Camps

While African Bush Camps has a strong presence in Botswana and Zimbabwe, it has also expanded into Namibia, a country celebrated for its dramatic desert landscapes and unique wildlife:

• Migration Expeditions, Nxai Pan (near Namibia’s border)
  While not directly in Namibia, this camp is close to the border and offers easy access for those combining Botswana and Namibia in one itinerary. It features minimal-impact, mobile-style accommodation in the remote Nxai Pan National Park, famous for its seasonal zebra migration, lions, and impressive baobabs.

• Sossus Under Canvas
  Located in the Namib Desert, this camp captures the essence of “glamping” in the oldest desert in the world. Guests enjoy guided excursions to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, nature walks, and stargazing under spectacular night skies.

Why Choose Bush Camps?

• Intimacy: Most bush camps host fewer than 16 guests, ensuring a personal, exclusive safari.
• Location: Camps are carefully placed in private concessions or remote parks, guaranteeing solitude and abundant wildlife.
• Activities: In addition to game drives, guests can enjoy walking safaris, mokoro trips, night drives, and cultural visits.
• Sustainability: Many camps are eco-friendly, supporting conservation and local communities.

Conclusion

Staying at African bush camps in Botswana and Namibia offers a blend of adventure, comfort, and a deep connection with nature. Whether gliding through the Okavango Delta’s waterways, exploring Namibia’s surreal deserts, or listening to lions roar at night, these camps deliver unforgettable safari moments in Africa’s wildest corners.