Getting around Zanzibar isn’t easy, especially if you’re headed to peaceful beach spots like Kiwengwa or Michamvi. Most public transport, like the dala-dala minibuses, only runs between busy areas such as Stone Town, Nungwi, and Kendwa. These vans don’t follow schedules and won’t take you deep into quiet coastal regions.
Since tickets can't be booked in advance, waiting for a ride can take time. That’s why renting a car in Zanzibar is often the best choice for travelers who want freedom and comfort while exploring the island.
Kiwengwa and Michamvi are two of the most peaceful beach experiences in Zanzibar. The drive from Kiwengwa to Michamvi takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering around 79 kilometers. If you're landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the ferry terminal, or downtown, renting a car is the best way to visit Kiwengwa and Michamvi.
Kiwengwa is known for its wide sandy beach, gentle waves, and calm lagoon waters. Michamvi is just as peaceful, but offers a different vibe. The area is famous for its mangrove-lined shores, laid-back bars, and breathtaking sunsets. Both spots are ideal for unwinding, snorkeling, or enjoying nature.
The best way to visit Kiwengwa and Michamvi is to drive, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of public transport. Unlike more developed beach areas like Nungwi, these two villages have fewer beach parties and fewer crowds even during peak season.
Driving from Kiwengwa to Michamvi is the best way to explore Zanzibar’s quiet coastlines. Here are seven car-friendly stops to explore remote beaches, spice farms, and laid-back villages on your schedule.
Start your road trip with a 43-minute drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport to Kiwengwa Beach. This stretch of the East Coast offers powdery white sand, shallow lagoons, and ocean breeze. At low tide, you can walk far out on the seabed, where seaweed farmers tend their crops and reef fish dart between rocks. For food, La Base JungleKite is a beachfront restaurant offering grilled octopus, lobster platters, and tropical cocktails.
Kiwengwa is less commercial than Nungwi. You won’t find beach clubs or loud nightlife here. Instead, the area is lined with locally run guesthouses, like Bahati Villa or Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa, where you can book Swahili-stle rooms with private balconies and sea views. The nearby Kiwengwa Caves, located about 10 minutes inland, offer guided tours into coral caves.
Just a 10-minute drive inland from the beach, the Kiwengwa Caves and Forest Reserve offer a quiet detour into Zanzibar’s natural side. The caves are part of a limestone system once used by locals for shelter, prayer, and water collection. Guided tours take you through chambers filled with stalactites, coral rock formations, and cool underground air.
Above ground, the Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest Reserve is home to endangered species like the Zanzibar red colobus monkey and Ader’s duiker. The forest trail is flat and shaded, making it a good walk for most fitness levels. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting native species in the dense canopy.
From Kiwengwa, drive about 30 minutes south to the fishing village of Uroa. This spot has a wide, sandy beach and a slow pace, making it ideal for a midday break. The beach here is lined with wooden boats and seaweed drying racks.
For lunch, stop at Samaki Lodge & Restaurant, known for its grilled snapper, coconut curries, and oceanfront tables shaded by palm trees. Another option is Kaure Sand Beach Lodge, which serves freshly caught seafood and fruit juices right by the water. The tides in Uroa shift dramatically, so time your visit to see the changing shoreline. After your meal, take a short stroll along the coast or chat with local fishermen preparing their nets.
After lunch in Uroa, drive about 40 minutes inland to Tangawizi Spice Farm, located near Dole village. This farm offers a hands-on look at Zanzibar’s spice trade, which has been a part of the island’s identity for centuries.
During the guided tour, you’ll see how cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla are grown. The guides also explain how each spice is used in cooking, medicine, and traditional remedies. You'll get to smell, taste, and even grind spices, and the tour usually ends with a fruit tasting session featuring mangoes, jackfruit, pineapples, and more.
Tangawizi isn’t the only farm in the area. Jambo Spice Farm, also near Uroa, is another option. Most spices grown there, like turmeric, black pepper, and cumin, aren’t native to Zanzibar but were introduced from India centuries ago through trade.
If you prefer smaller or lesser-known spots, visit Mussa Abasi Village Spice Farm in Kisongoni. This community-based farm offers a more personal experience and insights into local farming techniques and traditional uses of spices. Other nearby spice farms are Bwa Mzee Spice Farm in Mitakawani and Zanzibar Spice Co. in Kisongoni.
After your inland spice tour, head to Michamvi Pingwe, a peaceful beach village on Zanzibar’s eastern tip. This area is known for its soft white sand, clear waters, and calm atmosphere. One of the main highlights here is The Rock Restaurant, which sits on a coral rock just offshore.
At low tide, you can walk right up to it. When the tide comes in, you’ll need a short boat ride. The views from the top are unbeatable, and the seafood is fresh and flavorful. Michamvi Pingwe is one of the few places in Zanzibar where you can catch both the sunrise and sunset. In the morning, the sun rises over the Indian Ocean. By late afternoon, head to Kae Beach and watch the sun set over Chwaka Bay.
Just a short drive across the peninsula from Pingwe, Michamvi Kae is a tranquil beach on Zanzibar’s eastern coast. This side of the village faces Chwaka Bay, where calm, shallow waters stretch far into the horizon. American tourists in Zanzibar can wade, paddle, or relax.
But what makes this spot special are the mangrove forests lining the shore. Take a slow walk along the water’s edge and you’ll see these tangled roots rising from the sand. They shelter small fish, crabs, and birds. Some tours offer kayaking through the mangrove channels. For a refreshing drink, visit Kae Funk Sunset Beach Bar to watch the sunset with DJs and music.
Driving is on the left side in Zanzibar. If you're not used to this, take it slow at first, especially near busy intersections in Stone Town. Roads from the airport to Kiwengwa and Michamvi are paved, but you’ll pass through rural areas where animals may cross.
A compact SUV or 4WD is the best vehicle type to choose if you're heading to Michamvi Kae or remote beach spots. Always carry your U.S. driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Fill up in Stone Town or near the airport, as fuel stations are rare near Kiwengwa and Michamvi. Lastly, avoid late-night drives because the roads here are often unlit, and roadside hazards are harder to see.
The best time for American travelers to visit Kiwengwa and Michamvi is during the dry season from June to October. These months have sunny skies, lower humidity, and calm seas. They are perfect for beach activities, snorkeling, and scenic drives. Temperatures stay warm but comfortable. It also aligns with summer break in the U.S., so it’s convenient for families or couples to plan an extended vacation.
December to February is also a good window to visit, especially for travelers escaping winter back home. These months bring similar dry conditions, with clear mornings and occasional light showers in the afternoon. It’s a great time to swim in the warm Indian Ocean or relax under palm trees without the intense heat you’d find in more tropical regions. These include the Christmas holidays, so booking your car rental and hotels early is best.
Avoid visiting during the long rains in March to May, when heavy showers are common and some roads may become harder to drive, especially near Michamvi. This season is less ideal for beach outings or long road trips. The short rains in November can also bring cloudy skies and afternoon downpours, though prices are often lower during this shoulder season.
Driving from Stone Town to Kiwengwa and Michamvi is the most convenient way to enjoy long, quiet beaches, scenic coastal roads, and remote villages at your own pace. American travelers can decide when and where to go, with plenty of chances to pause for photos, local food, or relax by the water.
To make things easier, book your car with Finalrentals. You’ll get reliable service, airport pick-up, and vehicles ready for your adventure. Don’t forget to book early for better prices and more choices, especially during Zanzibar’s busy season.
