What if the most peaceful part of Zanzibar was also the most beautiful? The east coast of Zanzibar is where laid-back villages meet postcard-worthy beaches. Compared to the busy west or the rugged north, the east feels untouched.
Dutch travelers will find calm, shallow lagoons, long stretches of soft sand, and small towns. It’s quieter here, so it’s perfect for those looking for tranquility.
To make the most of it, you’ll want the flexibility to move freely between spots. Renting a car in Zanzibar makes it easy to explore at your own pace, whether you’re chasing sunrises in Michamvi or pulling over for seafood in Jambiani.
Before heading out, keep these travel tips for Dutch travelers in Zanzibar in mind:
Driving from Stone Town to the east coast takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your destination.
Roads leading to Paje, Jambiani, and Michamvi are paved but narrow, especially the Fumba–Kizimkazi Road and Bwejuu–Paje–Jambiani Road. Expect occasional potholes and frequent speed bumps near schools and villages.
In areas like Pingwe and Bwejuu, access roads may turn sandy or rocky near beach resorts. Drive slowly through coastal villages where kids play near the roadside and livestock may cross unexpectedly.
The main coastal roads between Bwejuu, Paje, and Jambiani are smooth enough for sedans, but Michamvi Peninsula and smaller village turn-offs may require more ground clearance.
If you’re staying in off-grid eco-lodges or plan to explore unpaved beach roads near Makunduchi or Dongwe, a compact SUV will be more comfortable.
During the rainy season (especially March to May), these routes can get muddy. Always check your rental vehicle for spare tools and tire pressure before setting off.
Driving is on the left in Zanzibar. Dutch travelers must carry a Zanzibar driving permit, even if they already have an international license. You can get one from most car rental offices for a small fee.
Be respectful when passing mosques or community spaces, especially during Friday prayers. Locals rarely honk and value calm, courteous driving.
Most adventures start in Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar. The drive gets more scenic the farther you go, with coastal villages and white-sand beaches waiting along the way. Here are the best east coast stops from Stone Town:
Located 40 km from Stone Town, Kiwengwa is a favorite among Dutch families for its laid-back beach vibe and easy access to amenities.
The beach is one of the longest on the east coast, with soft white sand and shallow turquoise water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.
Families can spend the day at Kiwengwa Beach Resort, where kids can join mini cooking classes or swim in the shaded pool.
Nearby, One Ocean Dive Center offers beginner-friendly snorkeling trips to Mnemba Atoll, just a 40-minute boat ride away. You can also visit the Kiwengwa Caves, a hidden spot with stalactites and bats, perfect for a short guided adventure.
For food, Papaya Restaurant is a local favorite for seafood platters and cold drinks right on the beach.
In the late afternoon, try a beachside massage or join locals for a friendly game of beach football near the volleyball courts.
Matemwe is one of the east coast’s top diving spots and a peaceful escape from busy tourist hubs. Just offshore lies Mnemba Atoll, a world-renowned marine reserve known for its crystal-clear water, coral gardens, and high visibility.
Matemwe is the closest mainland point to Mnemba, making it the go-to base for divers. Daily dive trips leave from the beach near Zanzibar Queen Hotel and Villa Kiva, often including reef walls, green turtles, and colorful fish like angelfish and clownfish.
Whether you're a beginner or certified diver, Dive Point Zanzibar and Scubafish Dive Center offer safe, guided experiences.
Outside of diving, Matemwe also offers relaxed charm. Visit the local seaweed farms at low tide or join a short tour of the village to see traditional homes and handmade crafts.
In the afternoon, enjoy ocean views, great burgers, seafood, and cocktails at Seles Beach Bar, then take a quiet walk on the wide, untouched shore.
Paje is best known as the island’s kite-surfing capital, thanks to its steady winds, shallow waters, and wide beachfront.
Between June and September, the beach fills with colorful kites and surf schools like Airborne Kite Centre and Kite Centre Zanzibar, offering beginner lessons and rentals.
Beyond kite-surfing, Paje has vibrant beach cafés, hostels, and juice bars, with spots like Mr. Kahawa popular among travelers for coffee, Wi-Fi, and sea views.
Snorkeling trips also leave from Paje, taking you to reefs just offshore, while low tide reveals sandbars perfect for a walk or swim.
For something cultural, visit Paje village, where you can see coconut rope weaving or taste fresh sugarcane juice from roadside stands.
As the sun sets, head to B4 Beach Club for live music and cocktails under swaying palms.
Jambiani is a laid-back fishing village known for its charm, authenticity, and quiet beachfront. The village stretches along a long strip of powdery white sand, with traditional dhow boats lining the shore.
You can watch seaweed farmers work at low tide, or join a guided tour through Jambiani Village to see local schools, markets, and handmade crafts.
For swimming and snorkeling, head toward the southern end of the beach where the lagoon is calmer and more sheltered. Small guest houses like Red Monkey Lodge and Blue Oyster Hotel offer beachfront dining with fresh grilled octopus and calamari.
Adventurous travelers can also rent a bike and ride along the coast, stopping at beach cafés or nearby viewpoints. You can explore the mangroves by kayak near Michamvi Pingwe, just a short drive away.
Bwejuu is one of the east coast’s most peaceful beaches. During low tide, the sea pulls back and reveals coral flats perfect for reef walks and shell collecting. You can book a stay at The Palms, Baraza Resort, or Breezes Beach Club, with beachfront lounges and relaxing spa treatments.
If you're looking for things to do in east Zanzibar, Bwejuu offers a more nature-focused experience. Paddle through the Bwejuu Mangrove Forest at high tide or walk its shaded trails during low tide.
You can also join a local boat tour for sunrise or sunset views along the coast, or take a bike ride along the quiet roads connecting Bwejuu to Paje or Dongwe.
Nearby Dongwe offers snorkeling opportunities, and the famous Rock Restaurant in Michamvi is just a short drive away.
Dongwe is a small coastal village with one of the most scenic and tranquil shorelines on Zanzibar’s east coast. The beach here is clean, narrow, and backed by tall palm trees, with shallow waters stretching far into the lagoon.
The tides reveal coral flats and tide pools full of starfish, small crabs, and sea urchins. This makes Dongwe a great spot for reef walks and shore snorkeling, especially during low tide.
What sets Dongwe apart is its direct access to the Blue Lagoon, a calm, reef-protected swimming area known for its crystal-clear water and soft coral beds. The area is also home to natural limestone sea caves, which you can explore with local guides during low tide.
Dongwe is also one of the best places on the east coast to enjoy sunrises. The beach faces east, offering clear views as the sun rises over the Indian Ocean.
Michamvi Peninsula is where Zanzibar’s coastline narrows into a scenic strip of land surrounded by calm lagoons and open ocean. The east side, Michamvi Pingwe, faces the Indian Ocean and is known for its dramatic tides, exposed coral flats, and photogenic views.
On the west side, Michamvi Kae opens into Chwaka Bay and is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset over the water.
The beaches here have soft sand and calm, swimmable waters. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in the bay, especially around the mangrove channels that stretch into the coastline. You can also join a local dhow cruise at sunset or visit the nearby mangrove forest on foot.
End your day with a sunset at Kae Funk Beach Bar, known for its lively music, ocean views, and cocktails.
Makunduchi is a culturally rich town on Zanzibar’s southern tip, known for its local traditions and quiet coastal setting.
It’s split into two parts: Old Makunduchi and New Makunduchi. Old Makunduchi is a traditional village with coral-stone houses, narrow sandy lanes, and a slower pace of life. This is where you’ll see locals practicing age-old customs, especially during cultural events.
In contrast, New Makunduchi is more modern, with wider roads, government buildings, schools, and newer housing.
The town is best known for the Mwaka Kogwa Festival, held every July to celebrate the Shirazi New Year. Locals dress in traditional clothing, stage banana-stem mock fights, and perform ceremonial dances in Old Makunduchi.
Outside the festival, visitors can explore the area’s coral rag forests, meet local herbalists, or enjoy the quiet, uncrowded beaches nearby.
The best time to drive along the Zanzibar east coast is during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and December to February.
Roads are more reliable during these months, especially in areas like Michamvi, Makunduchi, and Dongwe, where village paths can be narrow or unpaved.
You’re less likely to encounter flooding, muddy patches, or blocked access due to rain. This makes the dry season the most comfortable time to explore by car.
To avoid traffic and heat, drive in the early morning or late afternoon. The coast is cooler, visibility is better, and roads are quieter especially near markets and schools.
Midday sun can be intense, and some cars may not have strong AC. If you’re planning to stop for beach activities or explore lagoons, starting early gives you more time before the tide changes or beach crowds arrive in places like Paje and Jambiani.
If you’re visiting during July, plan your trip around the Mwaka Kogwa Festival in Makunduchi. Traffic may increase slightly, but it’s a rare chance to see local traditions in action.
For activities like reef walks, beach strolls, or kayaking, check tide charts before driving out. Low tide is ideal for walking out to coral flats in Dongwe or Bwejuu. High tide works better for kayaking in Michamvi Kae or exploring the mangroves.
The Zanzibar east coast offers a scenic and flexible road trip for Dutch travelers looking to explore beyond the resorts. Each stop from lively kite beaches in Paje to quiet cultural corners in Makunduchi offers a unique island experience.
Book your car with Finalrentals and explore Zanzibar without limits. With reliable vehicles, easy booking, and prices that won’t break the bank, you can explore the island effortlessly. Pick up locations are at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, downtown Zanzibar, or the ferry terminal.
