The East Coast of Zanzibar is magical in itself, and includes the main areas Kiwengwa, Pongwe and Uroa. Keep reading to find hotel recommendations and booking links based on your budget per night and travel style!
When you’re planning your trip you’ll often see people referring to the “best beaches” to visit being Nungwi, Kendwa, Jambiani, or Paje - but in reality, those are just the most frequently visited spots and busiest in terms of concentration of tourists.
But after living here the past 2.5 years, I’ve discovered some hidden gems of beaches and resort areas that will give you more privacy, quiet, but just as beautiful - and the East Coast is my favourite right now!
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About The East Coast
The East Coast has some strong tides, but that also makes it a great place for kitesurfing. During high tide the water is a stunning blue like you see in other areas of the island, with soft white sand. Sandbanks appear during low tide, so you can always walk along the beach and explore.
There is less chaos on East Coast beaches. You will still find some beach boys etc, but much much less.
I feel there are more expats living in this area, so there are some unique restaurants and activities more catered to a wellness type of lifestyle that’s comparable to Europe and other Western countries.
Personally, I consider from Kiwengwa down to Pongwe all kind of the same area. You can drive from Kiwengwa to Pongwe within 20 minutes, and since it is a quieter area, these hotels have larger properties and are a bit more spread out hence the longer time needed to get around.
A lot of hotels in this area will offer you day use, for around $10-$15 USD depending on the hotel and if it’s high season. Sometimes that is entry for the day only, sometimes your food & beverage spend will come out of it.
It’s hard to keep updated on the policies of every hotel in the area, as they change quickly and aren’t updated online, so I would have to continuously visit each one and ask to keep this updated. It’s easier to just send them a DM on IG or a WhatsApp message to ask any questions about day passes or dining you have.
Hotel Guide for the East Coast
With over 600 hotels on the island of Zanzibar, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one! But after living here as long as I have, I've visited and stayed at many and know which ones to recommend and which ones not to. I've broken this guide down by budget per night to make it easier for you to find the right hotel for you.
I use Booking.com to book all my hotels. After a few bookings, I gained Genius status so I now get 10%-20% extra off my nightly stays!! You can filter for properties that don't require pre-payment or a credit card hold as well, and they have flexible cancellation options.
Budget - Under $200 USD Per Night
To call White Paradise budget is hard, it's such a lovely property that is really an insane value for their price point. The rooms are huge and almost like villas, so clean and comfortable with all the amenities you need. I've stayed here multiple times, and I highly recommend. They are not located right on a beach, but they created a swimming hole in the ocean so you can swim even during low tide! You need to try Sasa, their tapas bar!
Read reviews, see more and book on Booking.com!
Poa Poa Bungalows A cute, boutique hotel right on the beach. They have awesome breakfast and a small pool. Great location at this price point!
Read reviews, see more and book on Booking.com!
There are many other budget options of hostel type stays and home-stays. I have not ever stayed at these personally so I don't want to recommend. Always read reviews!!
Mid-Range - $200-$400 USD Per Night
Luxury - Over $400 USD Per Night
My personal go-to options in this area are between ZanBluu and White Paradise.
If you're looking for more, like I said, theres over 600 hotels on the island - so I'm sure you'll find one specific to your travel style and taste!
Activities in Kiwengwa Area
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is quite popular in Kiwengwa. During high tide you’ll see locals, tourists and ex-pats out in the ocean with their kites.
Similar to Paje, there are stalls along the beach that offer kite surfing lessons, or equipment rentals if you’re experienced.
This is a much quieter place to kite surf than Paje, if you’re looking to take lessons I would recommend doing so in Kiwengwa. There are less people overall, meaning less kites out in the water, and less risk of getting tangled or hitting other kites!
Padel
Something new to Zanzibar is a sports centre - and it’s here in Kiwengwa!
Zanzibar Padel has multiple courts to play Padel, equipment rental, and more. They offer boxing training and fitness classes as well.
Zanzibar Padel is in a new complex, next to one of my favourite restaurants Flames, and soon they’ll open an Urban Care clinic and more!
Yoga
The East Coast has more of a slow, chill, wellness focused vibe to it. There are a lot of yoga classes offered daily in this area.
One of my favourite spots to do yoga is Yoga Bar. It’s right on the beach, and the classes are held upstairs with a view of the ocean, and if you’re lucky you’ll get a nice breeze up there as well! They also have some of the best food downstairs, so I recommend you visit for either a yoga class, or some food and cocktails.
Many other hotels in the area offer yoga classes as well. Notably White Paradise and The Island.
When I first heard of Shambaland being built, it was marketed as a full theme park, with rides and all. Although that's not quite what it is yet, it still might be in the future, and it's still a unique place in Zanzibar.
Shambaland is located in Pwani Mchangani, and offers unique activities such as mini golf and paint balling.
They have multiple small stores such as a smoke shop, ice cream shop, pet accessories shop, and some small clothing and other boutiques.
Shambaland frequently hosts parties with DJ's, themed parties, and small festivals. To see whats on next, check out their Instagram.
Kiwengwa has one of the newer supermarkets catered to mzungus (foreigner in Swahili). They carry imported items from Europe, so you'll find brands you recognize. They sell everything from cleaning products, makeup, skincare, shampoo, feminine products, baby essentials, wide range of snacks like chips and chocolate bars, cooking basics like rice and pasta with sauces, frozen meat, deli meat, alcohol and cigarette items.
As everything is imported from Europe, the prices are quite inflated. But if you have a craving for something specific, or can't find what you need elsewhere, check it out!
This supermarket is open 24/7!
In the same plaza you'll find a Kadoo currency exchange (you must show your passport to exchange here, a photo of it works fine), trusted dentist, and a salon that does hair, nails and waxing (highly recommend if you need waxing!!).
Best Restaurants on the East Coast
Okay this might be a long list....but I love the dining options here! Definitely don't book an all-inclusive package wherever you're staying, because you'll want to try some of these spots:
Note that they are not ranked in any kind of order.
Sasa is a new jetty built on the property of the hotel, White Paradise. They have the super unique concept of a swimming hole, where you can still swim in the ocean even during low tide!
The jetty is open for drinks everyday from 11:00am, and they have comfortable lounge chairs to enjoy. There are bathrooms on the jetty as well, so you can spend the whole day there!
On Wednesday and Friday evenings starting at 19:30 they have a wine tasting and tapas menu - and it's some of the best food I've had on the island! If you go for this, get there a bit earlier, like 18:00-18:30 to have a cocktail and see the sun set from the jetty.
Personal Favourite Tapas: shredded beef tacos, potatoes bravas, goat cheese and baked cherry tomato flatbread, Korean chicken bao bun, smoked cheddar chilli jam croquettes and can't forget - whiskey ice cream!! Their menu changes every night they're open, so check their Instagram to see what they're serving and message them to make a reservation - you'll need it!
Photos by Michal Dzikowski
Flames is something the island needed - good meat, live sports, themed events!
They offer a Tunisian menu, with lots of flame-grilled high quality meats imported from South Africa, along with other Tunisian delicacies.
I have not had as good a steak anywhere in Zanzibar other than Flames.
They have good appetizers too, and amazing cocktails and draft Zanzibeer.
Besides showing live popular sports, they have themed nights such as Arabic night with shisha and belly dancers performing; kareoke night; and others like a 80's night, where best costume won a bottle of wine!
If you don't feel like going out, they also offer takeout and delivery service in the area.
Personal Favourite Dishes: Sirloin steak, Picanha steak, grilled halloumi, and cheesy rice balls! The lime and garlic mayo dipping sauce is to die for.
Check out their Instagram to see the full menu and what events they have coming up!
I know I had mentioned this spot back when talking about activities - but I also have to add it here, their food is just too good!
True beachfront dining with your toes in the sand, and the ocean waves a few feet away.
Personal Favourite Dish: I can't lie, I always go for the Borewors Hotdog & Chips. It's amazing quality South African beef sausage, with barbecue sauce, cheese, and caramelized onions..all my favourite things!
The Island is one the most unique properties in Zanzibar. Its literally a hotel on a smaller island - within the island of Zanzibar!
Similar to The Rock restaurant you've probably heard of when doing any research or planning into Zanzibar, but The Island also has 6 rooms, a pool, and beach section with lounge chairs. They also have paddleboards and kayaks to use!
If you're not staying there, you can still come for a meal at the restaurant, either lunch or dinner, and use their beach section and lounge chairs!
The property is super cool to see at both low and high tide.
I made a vlog style reel on this property if you want to check it out here!
I've only tried a few things off the menu so far, but they were delicious, and word of mouth around the island is they have an amazing chef and menu.
Personal Favourite Appetizer: Bruschetta Fiorentina!
You can find out more information and send them a message for a reservation through their Instagram, and find their full menu online!
There seems to be a lot of Italian's in this area of Zanzibar, and there a lot of Italian restaurants - some of them better than others. Here are my favourite Italian restaurants in the Kiwengwa area:
La Capannina is located in La Pili Residences - which are super cute and affordable apartment rentals close to the beach.
The food here is AMAZING!
Definitely make a reservation for dinner, as every time I've been it's been busy.
Personal Favourites: Charcuterie board starter, Bolognese pasta and an Aperol Spritz!
I feel like Yako is a bit of a hidden gem - it doesn't look like a whole lot from outside, as its situated just on the side of the main road by the supermarket and all.
But - the food is incredible and never disappoints. They are definitely my go-to for takeout and delivery also!
Personal Favourite Dishes: stuffed focaccia, any of their pizzas, and they just recently started offering sushi - which is surprisingly really good!!
White Dream is a hotel right on the beach of Kiwengwa. It's kind of a difficult drive to get down to this area of beach due to the road conditions.
They have an Italian menu and really good food with some unique ingredients!
Personal Favourites: any of the pizzas with gorgonzola cheese!!
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the East Coast!
Check out my other guides on different areas of Zanzibar!
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