THE COMPLETE EAST COAST ZANZIBAR RESORT GUIDE

INTRODUCTION — East Coast Zanzibar resorts ; WHERE THE OCEAN FEELS ENDLESS AND THE SKY EMPTIES INTO BLUE

 East Coast Zanzibar resorts ; If the North Coast is Zanzibar’s golden coastline,the East Coast is the island’s dreamscape — a place where the ocean stretches into infinity, where the tides carve entire worlds across the lagoon, and where resorts blend luxury with calm, creativity, wellness, and barefoot freedom.

This coastline — Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe, Uroa, Michamvi — is where turquoise becomes identity.It is where kite surfers paint the sky.Where long beaches become your morning walk.Where boutique hotels sit quietly under palm trees, hidden in gardens, steps from shallow blue water.

If you are the traveler who desires beauty + calm + style + natural magic, the East Coast is your paradise.

This is your full 2000-word guide.

“Where the ocean turns turquoise for miles and the horizon feels endless — welcome to East Coast Zanzibar.”

1. WHY THE EAST COAST IS ZANZIBAR’S MOST BEAUTIFUL (AND UNDERRATED) COASTLINE

Each coastline in Zanzibar has its “superpower.”

The East Coast’s superpower is visual depth and emotional calm.

Here’s why:

• The largest turquoise lagoon in East Africa

  
  

Thousands of meters of shallow, glowing water.Dreamlike at low tide.Glass-like at high tide.

• The longest beaches on the island

  
  

You can walk 15–20 km from Paje → Jambiani → Makunduchi.White sand the entire way.

• Boutique luxury dominates

  
  

No big resorts taking over the beach.It’s all style, intimacy, and culture.

• The global kite-surfing capital of Africa

  
  

Winds are perfect.Views are insane.The lagoon is smooth like silk.

• The “wellness coast”

  
  

Yoga retreats.Spa healing.Breathwork sessions.Plant-based menus.Creative design hotels.

• A perfect sunrise coastline

  
  

Sunrise here feels spiritual — gentle, slow, cinematic.

• Authentic villages everywhere

  
  

You don’t lose culture here.You live inside it.

This coast is beauty + calm + creativity — all in one.

2.THE BEST RESORTS IN PAJE — LUXURY, STYLE & SURF

Paje is where young, stylish, free-spirited travelers meet modern boutique luxury.

Surf bars.Cafés with MacBooks open.Kite surfing schools.Beach clubs with soft music.Resorts built with design, comfort, and elegance.

Let’s break down the best.

1.East Coast Zanzibar resorts ; The Nest Boutique Resort — Iconic Design + Kite Vibes

Rating: ★★★★★Style: Artistic, contemporary, surf culture luxuryBest For: Digital nomads, couples, kite surfers, stylish travelers

• Instagram-famous architecture

• Giant pool + beachfront

• Rooftop views

• Perfect for lifestyle photography

• Black, gold & wood aesthetic

• A community vibe without losing luxury

  
  

Why it’s special:

It’s the coolest resort in Paje.Design-forward.Energy-rich.Beachfront perfection.

2. White Sand Luxury Villas — Relais & Châteaux

Rating: ★★★★★Style: Ultra-luxury boutique villasBest For: High-end honeymooners & privacy seekers

• Private pools in every villa

• Butler-level service

• Michelin-influenced dining

• Spa hidden in nature

• Beachfront that feels private

  
  

Why it’s special:

This is the most luxurious resort on the East Coast — hands down.

3. Sharazad Oasis — Peaceful, elegant, boutique

Rating: ★★★★☆Style: Chic wooden interiors + desert-safari tonesBest For: Couples, slow-living travelers

• Direct beach access

• Gorgeous rooms

• Beautiful gardens

• Elegant simplicity

  
  

A quiet, soulful resort.

4. Cristal Resort — Affordable beachfront with charm

Rating: ★★★★Best For: Budget-conscious travelers wanting beauty + Paje access

An honest value gem.

“Paje for energy, Jambiani for peace, Matemwe for quiet luxury — one coastline, three worlds.”

3.THE BEST RESORTS IN JAMBIANI — SLOW, CULTURAL, PEACEFUL

Jambiani sits next to Paje — same lagoon, but far quieter.It is the soul of the East Coast.

Palm trees sway.Villagers fish at sunrise.Boutique resorts hide in greenery.Couples walk without noise or crowds.

1. Kisiwa on the Beach — The Classic Upscale Escape

Rating: ★★★★★Style: Classy, tropical luxuryBest For: Couples seeking quiet beachfront elegance

• Big villas

• Gorgeous beach stretch

• Exceptional service

• Perfect balance of luxury + authenticity

  
  

2. Uzuri Boutique Hotel — Calm, romantic, private

Rating: ★★★★☆Best For: Honeymooners wanting peace

• Soft colors

• Palm gardens

• Oceanfront calm

  
  

3. Casa Beach Hotel — Great value

Best For: Groups, families, long stays

A clean, friendly, beachfront stay.

4.MATRMWE — LUXURY SILENCE & SNORKELING ACCESS

Matemwe is the quietest of the three destinations — calm, upscale, elegant.

This is the East Coast for people who want silence + premium design.

It also has the best access to Mnemba Island snorkeling.

1. Zawadi Hotel — Cliffside Honeymoon Heaven

Rating: ★★★★★Style: Boutique honeymoon luxuryBest For: Couples who want privacy + sunset cocktails

• Private villas

• Panoramic ocean views

• Cliffside dining

• Quiet, romantic

  
  

Heavy luxury, peaceful energy.

2. Matemwe Retreat — Private villas with rooftops

Rating: ★★★★★One of the most exclusive villas on the island.

• Rooftop plunge pools

• Private butler

• Personal chef

• 100% privacy

  
  

For elite travelers.

3. Sunshine Marine Lodge — Eco-chic + Mnemba access

Rating: ★★★★☆Best For: Divers, snorkelers

Quiet, nature-based, perfect for ocean lovers.

5.PAJE VS JAMBIANI VS MATEMWE — WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Here is the clean breakdown:

PAJE — “The Stylish Action Coast”

Perfect for:

• Young travelers

• Kite surfers

• Digital nomads

• Beach clubs

• Lifestyle content creators

  
  

Pros:

• Energy

• Cafés

• Bars

• Surf culture

• Many hotels

Cons:

• Not 100% quiet

• Can be windy (good for kiting)

JAMBIANI — “The Peaceful, Cultural Coast”

Perfect for:

• Couples

• Slow travelers

• People who want calm

• Cultural immersion

  
  

Pros:

• Peace

• Beauty

• Long beach walks

• Boutique hotels

• Authentic village life

Cons:

• Few nightlife options

  
  

MATEMWE — “The Quiet Luxury Coast”

Perfect for:

• Honeymooners

• High-end travelers

• Spa & wellness

• Snorkelers

• Privacy lovers

  
  

Pros:

• Most peaceful

• Beautiful high-end resorts

• Best access to Mnemba

• Romantic atmosphere

Cons:

• Less social

• Fewer restaurants

“Sunrise here isn’t light — it’s a feeling. Soft, cinematic, and beautifully slow.”

6. THE EAST COAST EXPERIENCE — WHAT YOU CAN DO HERE

The East Coast offers experiences unlike anywhere else in Zanzibar.

1. Kite Surfing (World-Class)

Paje and Jambiani are Africa’s kite surfing capital.

Perfect winds.Flat lagoon.Beautiful scenes.

2. Sunrise Beach Walks

Imagine walking 10 km of white sand with glowing early light…

3. Low Tide Lagoon Exploration

Seaweed farmsSandbarsShallow poolsStarfish fieldsDhow fishing boats

A dreamlike world.

4. Yoga + Wellness Retreats

This is the wellness coast — breathwork, meditation, spa therapy.

5. Mnemba Snorkeling (via Matemwe)

Crystal-clear watersDolphinsCoral gardensTurtles

One of the best snorkeling spots in East Africa.

6. Village Life Immersion

Jambiani and Paje are full of warm local culture.

7. Seafood Grills + Beach Dining

Fresh lobsterCoconut curriesOctopus grilled over charcoalSpice-rich dishes

7.DO’S AND DON’TS FOR THE EAST COAST

DO:

• Check the tides — they shape the da.

• Book kite lessons early

• Explore villages respectfully

• Try sunrise beach walks

• Choose beachfront hotels

• Bring a good camera — this coast is cinematic

DON’T:

• Expect North Coast–style nightlife

• Swim far at low tide

• Take photos of locals without permission

• Ignore sun protection

• Judge the beach at low tide (the lagoon returns beautifully)

CONCLUSION — THE EAST COAST IS ZANZIBAR’S DREAMSCAPE

The East Coast is not loud.Not rushed.Not crowded.

It is soft, expansive, calm, turquoise, cinematic, and emotionally deep.

It is where:Sunrise touches water like silk.Ocean wind carries the sound of palm leaves.Boutique resorts sit hidden under trees.Kite surfers turn the sky into a painting.Villagers smile as they go about their day.Couples walk beaches that feel endless.

This is Zanzibar’s gentle coastline —a place for wellness, beauty, intimacy, long horizons, and quiet luxury.

If you want a coastline that feels like a dream,the East Coast is where your journey begins.