Where to stay in Zanzibar: Nungwi, Kendwa, the east coast or Stone Town?

"Hotel Zanzibar", "where to stay in Zanzibar", "Zanzibar all-inclusive": before you pick a hotel, pick your coast. Zanzibar's beaches change a lot from one end of the island to the other, mainly because of the tides. Here are the main areas of Unguja, the main island, to help you decide where to stay depending on your plans: swimming, snorkelling, kitesurfing or exploring the old town.

First, understand the tides

Many visitors only find this out on arrival. On the east coast, the sea goes out a very long way at low tide: you walk across wide stretches of sand and have to wait for the tide to come back in before you can swim. In the north, around Nungwi, the sea goes out much less, so swimming is easier at any time of day. If swimming matters most, look at the north first. If you prefer the east coast, choose a hotel with a pool and check the tide times.

Nungwi and Kendwa, in the north: swimming first

Nungwi, at the northern tip of the island, has become one of Zanzibar's busiest tourist areas after Stone Town, with hotels, restaurants and boat trips close at hand. Just to the south, on the west coast, Kendwa is a smaller village on a beautiful white-sand beach. Among the hotels in this area most searched for from Algeria are the Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort and the Kai Zanzibar Hotel & Spa in Nungwi, and Zuri Zanzibar in Kendwa.

Best for: a first stay in Zanzibar, families who want to swim without watching the tide table, and couples.

The north-east coast: Matemwe, Kiwengwa and Mnemba Atoll

On the north-east coast, between Kiwengwa and Matemwe, several large resorts line the shore. Off Matemwe lies Mnemba Atoll, one of the island's best spots for snorkelling and diving. The beach here is affected by the tides, so check the times before you plan your outings.

Best for: snorkellers, and anyone who wants a large resort with everything on site.

Paje, Jambiani and the south-east: kitesurfing

The south-east of the island, around Paje and Jambiani, is kitesurfing country. This is also where the tides are strongest, with the sea retreating a long way at low tide. In Jambiani, Bamboo Zanzibar is one of the hotels most searched for from Algeria.

Best for: water-sports fans, and anyone who enjoys long walks on the sand and a village atmosphere.

Kizimkazi and the south: dolphins

In the south of the island, Kizimkazi is known for its dolphins: boats go out every day to watch them, and sometimes to swim alongside them. If you are staying elsewhere, you can also go on a day trip.

Stone Town: the city rather than the beach

On the west coast, Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed old town, is best explored on foot: narrow alleys, carved doors and the seafront. It is not a beach stay, but one or two nights here let you see the town without rushing. The Zanzibar Serena Hotel, on the seafront, is one of the town's hotels most searched for from Algeria.

All-inclusive or not?

"Zanzibar all-inclusive" is one of the most frequent searches. Several large hotels on the island offer this option, but what it covers varies from one hotel to another: drinks, à la carte restaurants, boat trips or water sports may cost extra. Always ask what is included before you book.

For couples and honeymooners

"Zanzibar honeymoon" is one of the searches that comes up most often. For two, a simple plan works well: two nights in Stone Town for the old town, then the rest of your stay in the north for swimming, or in the north-east for snorkelling. Mention your honeymoon when you book: some hotels plan a special touch.

Book your Zanzibar hotel in dinars

Tell us your dates, your budget and the area you like: our team checks which hotels are available in Zanzibar and confirms the day's price. In Algeria you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Before you go, read our guide Travelling to Zanzibar from Algeria for visas, the mandatory insurance and health, and our article on booking a hotel without a bank card. Weighing up another beach destination? See our hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh or Malaysia.

Ask for a hotel in Zanzibar

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.