Zanzibar is a tropical paradise off Tanzania’s coast, famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and rich Swahili culture. For UK tourists craving a relaxing road trip, Zanzibar offers sun, sand, and open roads that invite exploration. With warm weather year-round and laid-back coastal towns, it’s the perfect destination to rent a car and explore at your own pace. In this blog, we’ll highlight the best places to relax in Zanzibar.
Nungwi Beach is one of Zanzibar's most iconic shorelines, located in the far north of the island’s main island, Unguja. The drive from Stone Town to Nungwi is about 60 km. Once in Nungwi, you’ll find a lively village atmosphere with plenty of beachfront resorts, seafood restaurants, and bars. Despite being a popular spot, Nungwi has many peaceful corners to relax and enjoy the calm setting. You can sunbathe on the soft sand, watch local fishermen launch their dhows, or stroll to the lighthouse area for quieter views.
Nungwi’s sunsets are spectacular in the evenings, casting warm colors across the Indian Ocean. If you want more activity, you can join snorkeling or diving trips to nearby coral reefs, or explore the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium. This sea turtle conservation lagoon protects injured turtles and gives visitors a chance to learn about marine life in Zanzibar.
Kendwa is a small beach town 4 kilometers from Nungwi. It boasts powdery white sand and calm blue waters with almost no tidal fluctuation, meaning you can swim anytime. This tranquil setting is perfect for UK travelers seeking pure relaxation. You can lounge under thatched umbrellas, sip fresh coconut water from a beach vendor, or enjoy a massage by the shore.
Kendwa is also known for its sunsets. As dusk falls, the sky turns gold and crimson, offering a romantic backdrop for an evening beach stroll or a candlelit dinner at a seaside café. While Kendwa is mostly peaceful, it also has a fun side. Once a month, it hosts a famous Full Moon Party that draws tourists and locals for music and dancing on the beach. If your trip coincides with the full moon, you can experience some nightlife here.
Upscale resorts here include Zuri Zanzibar, known for its luxury suites, bungalows, and eco-conscious design, in tropical gardens. Another option is Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa, a secluded resort on Kendwa Beach with a wide pool, private beach dining, spa facilities, and sunset views.
Paje is a postcard-perfect beach on Zanzibar’s southeastern coast, combining a chilled atmosphere with a touch of adventure. The drive to Paje from Stone Town is about 50 km, which takes about 1 hour. UK tourists in Zanzibar will notice the breezy, youthful vibe that sets this beach apart. Paje is a long stretch of soft white sand meeting a vivid turquoise lagoon. It’s widely known as Zanzibar’s kite-surfing capital because of its steady winds from June to October. On windy afternoons, colorful kites fill the sky.
You can take a kite-surfing lesson, try paddleboarding, or simply relax on a sunbed with a cool drink. The shoreline is lined with casual cafes and thatched beach bars, where you can enjoy wood-fired pizza or sip a cold Safari lager with your toes in the sand. Swimming here is excellent during high tide in the warm, shallow waters. The ocean pulls back dramatically at low tide, leaving wide sand flats where you can walk far out and watch local women collecting seaweed. Paje has a friendly backpacker vibe but remains laid-back. Evenings are mellow, often with a small bonfire or live acoustic music at a hostel bar instead of crowded nightclubs. Paje is also a great base for exploring Jambiani and Michamvi.
Jambiani Beach is a 10-minute drive from Paje. Along the way, you’ll pass small fishing villages and may see locals drying seaweed or repairing dhows by the shore. At Jambiani, you immediately feel the pace slow down. The village stretches along a quiet coastline, dotted with traditional coral-stone houses, coconut palms, and wooden fishing boats resting on the sand.
Jambiani’s beach is idyllic, wide, calm, and peaceful. It stands out among the peaceful spots in Zanzibar islands. The beach is backed by lovely small resorts such as Mwezi Boutique Resort, Zen Boutique Resort, and Belvedere Resort, alongside charming guesthouses like Little Pompeji Boutique Hotel and Sharazad Oasis Retreat. Also, Swahili restaurants in Jambiani serve the day's catch, such as grilled fish with coconut curry. In the evening, you can stroll along the moonlit beach, listen to the sound of gentle waves, or enjoy stargazing under a vast sky.
The drive to Matemwe Beach is about 1 hour from Stone Town. Eventually, you reach a coastline celebrated for its tranquility. Matemwe is a small fishing village beside one of the island’s longest beaches. Matemwe is special because of its proximity to Mnemba Atoll, an offshore coral reef and one of Zanzibar’s premier snorkeling and diving sites. From Matemwe, you can arrange a boat trip to Mnemba. Back on land, Matemwe Beach is wide, uncrowded, and shaded by palms. Boutique resorts are tucked discreetly into the foliage. Options include Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel & Villas, Zoi Retreat Hotel, Sevi Hotel Zanzibar, and Azure Boutique Hotel.
The atmosphere here is very relaxed. You might see fishermen casting nets at dawn or women working in seaweed farms, but there are few tourists. Many visitors love taking a sunrise walk on Matemwe’s powdery sands. With its eastward-facing view, dawn is particularly spectacular. If you’re interested in local culture, some lodges in Matemwe offer Swahili cooking classes or village tours where you can visit a fish market or school. By afternoon, you can sip a fresh coconut or a cocktail by a pool overlooking the ocean. These make it one of the most relaxing trips for UK travelers.
If you’re seeking a hidden gem off the typical tourist trail, drive around the Michamvi Peninsula. This peninsula on the southeast coast is home to quiet villages and beaches like Bwejuu, Pingwe, and Michamvi Kae, all connected by a 10 km loop road. Start from Bwejuu Beach, which is one of the most peaceful beaches in Zanzibar.
Bwejuu’s sand is powdery white and shaded by palms, with just a few boutique hotels and almost no crowds. As you drive further, you’ll reach Pingwe, a small village famous for The Rock Restaurant. This restaurant is perched on a rock in the sea. At low tide, you can walk to it, and at high tide, a short boat ride is needed. Even if you don’t stop to eat, it’s worth a photo. Pingwe’s surrounding beach is quiet, with a few seaside eateries where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the tides shift.
Continue to Michamvi Kae on the western side of the peninsula. Michamvi Kae is known for its sunset beach. Unlike most of Zanzibar’s east coast, this beach faces west across Chwaka Bay. The result is stunning sunsets that paint the sky in fiery hues each evening. It’s the perfect relaxing spot with a cocktail as the sun sinks into the ocean.
The drive to Kizimkazi is 60 km from Stone Town and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Along the way, you pass through the rural heart of the island, with the occasional baobab tree, palm-dotted farmland, and small hamlets. The main attraction is the chance to join an early morning dolphin-watching tour. Local boatmen take visitors out at dawn to Menai Bay, where pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins are often seen frolicking in the gentle sea.
Kizimkazi has a few simple eateries, guesthouses, and a small beach where boats launch. A notable historic site here is the Kizimkazi Mosque, dating back to the 12th century. It is one of East Africa’s oldest Islamic buildings and remains a powerful reminder of the island’s long history.
As you stroll through the village or along the rocky shore, you’ll likely meet friendly locals or watch fishermen mending nets. If you continue driving east, you will reach Makunduchi in 15 minutes. The beaches around Makunduchi are mostly undeveloped, offering a quiet escape far from the crowds. This southern part of Zanzibar may not have big attractions, but that’s the appeal. Pack a picnic, find shade under a palm tree, and enjoy the soothing sound of the Indian Ocean in Kizimkazi.
UK tourists need a reliable rental car to enjoy these destinations. Fortunately, car hire in Zanzibar is straightforward and affordable. The main entry point, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar City, has several rental agencies. British tourists will find driving in Zanzibar comfortable, as the country follows the same left-hand driving system as the UK.
You’ll need your UK driving licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car. Most rental companies will ask for both, so arrange the IDP before your trip. Additionally, Zanzibar requires drivers to bring a local temporary driving permit. Rental agencies can usually help organize this, and it costs a small fee. It is a stamp or document you may be asked to show at police checkpoints. Reputable rental companies often include this in the service fee. Ensure you have it, as police may fine you if it’s missing.
The easiest option is to rent directly at the airport when you arrive, or pre-book online for airport pickup. This saves time and lets you start your road trip immediately. In Stone Town, you’ll also find several agencies offering competitive prices. Many will deliver the car to your hotel or the ferry terminal for little or no extra charge. Choose a 4WD or sturdy vehicle, as some beach roads in Zanzibar are sandy or uneven. A small 4x4 is a good choice. It can handle bumpy dirt roads, like the tracks to Nungwi or Michamvi.
Exploring Zanzibar by car brings you close to the island’s best beaches, villages, and sunsets. Rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals to make your trip smoother. Final Rentals offers many vehicles, from compact cars to sturdy 4x4s, all at affordable rates. You can book online with instant confirmation and pick up your car at the airport or downtown.
