Jambiani Beach (Zanzibar): Why Visit + Top Things to Do

Planning a visit to the legendary beaches of Zanzibar? If you’re looking for the quintessential Zanzabari beach stay, Jambiani is worth a closer look. Here’s why you should visit Jambiani Beach, plus all the essentials you’ll need to know for booking your stay.

Jambiani Beach makes for an idyllic, low-key destination on the captivating island of Zanzibar (Unguja).

It’s a place where fishermen still bring in the early morning catch by dugout canoe and children play soccer on the beach until the tide swallows up the pitch. Where coral stone and thatch roof houses huddle close together and locals greet visitors with a friendly smile. And, where turquoise seas gently lap up satiny white sand, stretching along a seemingly endless coastline.

Lori and I spent 10 memorable days here. We enjoyed our time in Jambiani Beach so much, in fact, that we didn’t leave!

Read on to discover why we found it so hard to say goodbye to Jambiani (and why you may find yourself feeling the same), with plenty of helpful tips for making the most of your stay.

If a picture says a thousand words, there’s not a lot more I need say here. The photo, above, says it all.

Zanzibar has arguably some of the most stunning coastline anywhere, and the stretch of beach between Jambiani and Paje at high tide might be one of the most idyllic on the island.

Soft white sand beaches lined with coconut trees — clear, warm water, and unique dramatic coral rock formations make for one beautiful backdrop for a low-key beach getaway.

And best of all, here on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, you can bet on snagging a long stretch of paradise all to yourself at any time of day.

Hot Tips If you want the best swimming conditions and most inspiring view, head to the beach around high tide. Alternatively, at low tide, the water recedes several hundred meters, revealing endless fields of coral and kelp. Seeing local women cultivating seaweed at this time offers some insight into the local culture, as well as the hard work involved.

What is there to do in the village center of Jambiani? Not a whole lot–and that’s all part of the allure!

Jambiani tends to be far less touristic than neighboring Paje, with far fewer visitors, touts, souvenir shops, which all adds up to a more relaxed and authentic experience.

Fill your evenings strolling the sandy, ancient paths that make up the village’s main streets.

Take time to chat up the locals who are more than willing to tell you about their community and teach you some phrases in Kiswahili, the local language.

Sample local foods, play cards under a shade tree, or grab a cold drink on the edge of the beach and see what the fisherman bring in.

You’ll quickly discover that, in Jambiani, it’s all about pole pole (slowly, slowly).

Hot Tips Because it can get quite hot on Zanzibar during the day, most of village life happens in the early morning, or late afternoon and evening, which are generally the best times to explore the village.

Mbuyuni Beach Village is where we based ourselves for ten relaxing nights, and we can’t say enough good things about the place.

Located halfway between Jambiani and Paje, Mbuyuni offers friendly service, an excellent restaurant, a large pool, and beachside bungalows (Bandas) at affordable rates (from US$50/night).

All just steps away from one of the most scenic stretches of beach in the area (which is saying a lot).

Looking for the BEST of the Best Places to Stay on Jambiani Beach?

• Mamamapambo Boutique Hotel Top-rated hotel located right on the beach about 500 meters north of Jambiani Village. Features artfully-decorated and well-appointment rooms (many with balconies and breathtaking sea views) (from US$129).
• Spice Island REsort Located half way between Jambiani and Paje and right on the beach. Features a swimming pool, tropical gardens, Zanzibari architecture and design, and an iconic pier restaurant (from US$117).
• Blue Oyster Hotel If you’re looking for a Jambiani stay closer to the center of Jambiani Village, then this place is hard to beat. Beachfront, modern conveniences, and many rooms with beautiful sea views (from US$71).

We were blown away by the spices and flavors of the local Zanzibari coastal cuisine AND the number of excellent eating options within a short walk north or south of Jambiani Village.

Most of the top restaurants tend to front the beach. But also expect to find superb hidden gems tucked back a bit farther inland as well.

Hot Tips Top Swahili (local African) restaurants on Jambiani Beach include Fadhil Restaurant on the southern end of the village, and Lustania and Karibu, a bit farther south. For international fare, check out Peter Pan for Italian and Blue Oyster for international seafood and vegetarian.

“Happy Hour” is popular here, and most restaurants, bars, and lodges along Jambiani Beach offer one. Regardless of where you find yourself around sunset, you won’t be far from a sundowner!

For a totally different perspective on things, one place stands out from the crowd – LITERALLY!

Jetty Platform Bar at Spice Island Hotel & Resort is a top spot for drinks, owing to its iconic overwater location at the end of a long, wooden pier.

In addition to having the best sunset view in town (facing west, back towards the shore), it’s also got one of the more comprehensive cocktail menus in town.

Hot Tips We found that getting a gin on the rocks with a can of tonic water cost about half as much as ordering a gin & tonic. You’re welcome!

As if having an idyllic beach paradise to yourself wasn’t enough, Jambiani Beach also offers one of the most stunning crystal clear swimming caves you’ll find in East Africa—just a couple of kilometers up the road from the village center.

Visit Kuza Cave on your own (~US$8 entrance fee), or hire a local guide in Jambiani to take you there.

Hot Tips Watch out for biting insects on the cave walls and sharp rocks underneath the water (a sturdy pair of river sandals can help with the latter).

Jambiani offers visitors a true beach paradise experience. And, if you’re keen on spending your days recharging and doing a whole lot of nothing, there are few better places to do just that!

But, if you start to find yourself itching for a bit more action in your life, stroll on up to neighboring Paje.

Paje is the more tourist-centered of the two communities. Depending on what you’re after, that will either sound appealing or far from it.

If you are looking to do some trinket shopping, find a good party, or arrange activities such as beach bike rentals, snorkeling, or boat excursions, Paje may be your best bet.

Seriously, make sure those return tickets of yours are flexible!

After a few days (or in our case, a few hours) on Jambiani Beach, you may find yourself changing your flight reservations a time or two.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive, trendy, stylish, or touristy beach vacation destination, Jambiani may not be what you are after.

On the other hand, if you’re longing for a low-key, no hassle stay with all the basic amenities (in a jaw-dropping beautiful locale with friendly and amazing people at every turn), you’ll be hard-pressed to do better than Jambiani Beach!

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