Zanzibar Archipelago.

Zanzibar is the best-known island in the archipelago and has the widest choice of hotels, beaches and flights. Pemba feels greener and quieter, with excellent diving and fewer places to stay. Smaller islands such as Mnemba and Bawe offer a more secluded experience. Each has a different character, so the best choice depends on whether you want easy swimming, a lively choice of restaurants, marine activities or time almost entirely to yourselves.

Choosing a Zanzibar beach

Zanzibar’s north and north-west beaches often appeal to travellers who want to swim through more of the day. On the east and south-east coasts, the tide can retreat a long way, exposing wide stretches of sand. Those beaches can be beautiful, but they feel different if you expect to step straight into deep water whenever you wish. Wind, seaweed and reef position also change with the season. We look at the precise beach alongside the hotel, room style and your travel dates. A good property in the wrong location may not give you the beach holiday you pictured.