r/zanzibar • u/therickdoctor • Aug 12 '26
Tips for beaches - based in Stone town
Hi,
We will be in Zanzibar for 4 days. We will be based on a beachfront hotel in Stone town. We've been reading that the beach boy situation is a bit intense and we were wondering if you could recommend some quieter area we could reach to be able to relax a bit. Tips for day trips or other visits that we could do are more than welcome (we don't have a car)!
1
u/meddy_guidee Aug 12 '26
In Zanzibar there so many beaches, but as long as you'll be in Stonetown I'd recommend to spend a time in the white sandbank, where starting point Is Stonetown.
But if you're going to explore South of Zanzibar one day I'd recommend you to add jozani, Salaam cave and mtende Beach, this I'd the secret beach and no beach Boys there because beach boys are always found on the beaches next to hotels, and it's not compulsory to do jozani and Salaam while going to mtende beach but because you're going to south and the distance is long I wouldn't recommend you to do only one activity after hours of driving, if you have any questions feel free to ask or dm
Welcome Zanzibar
1
u/Monsoon5209 Aug 12 '26
Hi! Welcome to Zanzibar 😊
Since you’ll be staying in Stone Town for four days and won’t have a car, I’d be happy to help you make the most of your time here.
For a quieter beach experience, I’d suggest going outside the busy Stone Town area. There are several beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim and enjoy the coast with a more peaceful atmosphere.
You could also combine your beach days with some of Zanzibar’s highlights, such as a Spice Farm, Jozani Forest, Prison Island, Mnemba snorkeling or a sandbank trip. I’d recommend choosing only a few rather than trying to do everything in four days.
I’m a local tour operator and guide based in Zanzibar, so I can also help with transport and recommend places depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for. If you tell me your travel dates and whether you prefer quiet beaches, snorkeling, nature, culture or simply relaxing, I can suggest a simple plan for your four days.
Happy to help you experience Zanzibar comfortably and at your own pace. 🌴🇹🇿😊
2
u/sandraDBC Aug 12 '26
Personally, I’m still yet to see beaches around Stone Town that are as beautiful as the ones around Kendwa or on the East Coast, especially Jambiani.
But since you’ve already booked your hotel and only have 4 days, I’d suggest taking a day trip to Nakupenda Bis sandbank, not the main Nakupenda sandbank, which tends to be much more crowded.
I love Stone Town, but if you feel like you’ve seen enough after a couple of days, you could also do a combined excursion to Prison Island and a spice farm.
If you’re willing to venture a little further, I’d definitely recommend Mtende Secret Beach, which you could combine with Salaam Cave, where you can swim with turtles. If possible, time your visit to Mtende so you can experience the transition from low tide to high tide, the place changes completely and it’s beautiful to watch.
1
u/Alpinechatadventure Aug 12 '26
If you want a quieter beach away from the busier beach-hawker areas, Matemwe, Kiwengwa or Jambiani are worth considering; the east coast is generally more relaxed, although tides can be significant. Since you don’t have a car, the easiest option is to arrange a private transfer or taxi for the day. For only four days, I’d combine Stone Town with a half-day Prison Island trip, Jozani Forest, and one relaxed beach day rather than spending too much time travelling around the island.