Zanzibar Beaches eSIM: Nungwi, Kendwa & Paje Travel Guide

Zanzibar is not one beach.

That’s the first thing to understand before planning a Zanzibar holiday.

The island has completely different coastal personalities, from the lively northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa to the wind-swept, tidal coastline around Paje in the southeast.

You can spend one trip swimming in turquoise water, learning to kitesurf, taking a dhow cruise, exploring Stone Town and snorkelling around coral reefs.

And if your Zanzibar trip follows a safari in Tanzania, you can move from the Serengeti to the Indian Ocean without changing countries — or necessarily changing your eSIM.

Nungwi: the classic Zanzibar beach

At the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi is one of the island’s best-known beach destinations.

It combines white sand, turquoise water, restaurants, hotels, nightlife and marine excursions.

One of its biggest advantages for beach lovers is its swimming conditions. Unlike some eastern beaches where the tide can dramatically transform the shoreline, Nungwi’s position means the water remains more accessible for swimming across different stages of the tide.

The beach also has a strong connection to Zanzibar’s traditional dhow-building culture. Walk along the coastline and you may see wooden boats being constructed using techniques that have been part of the island’s maritime culture for generations.

This is what makes Nungwi interesting beyond the postcard. You’re not simply visiting a resort — you’re visiting a working coastal community.

Kendwa: sunsets, swimming and slower beach days

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa has a slightly different atmosphere.

It’s famous for its broad beach, sunsets and relaxed social scene. For travellers who want to spend long hours in the water, Kendwa is particularly attractive because the beach is less affected by the dramatic tidal changes experienced on parts of Zanzibar’s east coast.

It’s also a popular choice for travellers looking for a mix of relaxation and nightlife, and ranks among the island’s key destinations according to Zanzibar’s tourism authorities.

Paje: the beach for movement

If Nungwi is about swimming and Kendwa is about sunsets, Paje is about the wind.

Located on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, Paje has become particularly popular with kitesurfers. The coastline is shaped by significant tidal changes, creating a completely different visual experience from the northern beaches.

At low tide, the sea can retreat far from the beach — surprising if it’s your first time visiting.

Instead of thinking of the changing tide as a problem, make it part of your itinerary:

• Walk across the exposed sand
• Watch the local seaweed farmers at work
• Take photographs
• Return when the water comes back

Zanzibar’s beaches are only the beginning.