Jambiani is an authentic quiet beach located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. 60 km Stone Town (1.5 hours by car) characterized by traditional fishing villageseaweed cultivation, relaxed environment without massive tourist development. Long beach 4+ km white sand, turquoise waters, dramatic low tide (water recedes 500+ meters 6-8 hours daily showing sandy/algae bottom allowing for hiking), high tide swimming possible. Less touristy vs Nungwi/Kendwa/Paje being ideal for travelers looking for local culture authenticity. Activities: kitesurfing (constant winds), snorkeling, dhow rides, village bike tours, treasure hunts (starfish/shells), fishing. Accommodation: budget guesthouses 20-50 USD/night, mid-range 60-120 USD, boutique 150-300 USD. Best season Jun-Oct (25-28°C, dry). This guide explains what to do, accommodation, how to get there and best time to visit.
Characteristics of Jambiani beach
LocationZanzibar: Southeast Zanzibar, 60 km Stone Town, east coast between Paje (15 km north) and Makunduchi (10 km south).
Long beach4+ km continuous coastline fine white sand, spacious, not very crowded.
Dramatic low tideWater recedes 500+ meters 6-8 hours a day discovering sandy bottom/seaweed (exploration walks observing marine life), makes swimming difficult.
High tide: Morning 6:00-10:00, afternoon 17:00-20:00 allows shallow water swimming.
Authentic fishing villageTraditional seaweed farming (local women work low tide plantations), fishing boats, genuine local life.
Less developedNo large chain hotels, basic infrastructure, quiet relaxed atmosphere vs. commercial north.
Jambiani Activities
Kitesurfing Jambiani
Constant windsIdeal for kitesurfing (15-25 knots jun-mar), low/high tide spots.
Kitesurfing SchoolsPaje Kite School Jambiani extension, Zanzibar Kite Paradise, 3 days courses 300-400 USD, equipment rental 50-80 USD/day.
Best: June-March optimal winds, shallow water, low tide, ideal for beginners.
Wind conditions: Consultation Windguru accurate wind forecasts to plan kitesurfing sessions.
Snorkeling near Jambiani
Nearby reefs200-500 meters offshore, corals, colorful fish, good visibility.
Snorkeling toursLocal operators offer better reef boat (20,000-30,000 TZS/8-12 USD half day).
DivingPaje Tours nearby (15 km), 2 dives 80-120 USD, PADI certification available.
Diving information: PADI internationally recognized diving courses certifications.
Jambiani dhow rides
Sunset ToursTraditional ocean sailing boat (30,000-50,000 TZS/12-20 USD, 2 hours).
Fishing ToursFishing boats teach local techniques (40,000-60,000 TZS/16-24 USD half day).
Jambiani Bicycle Tours
Explore townBicycle rental 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD) per day, tours authentic village, spice plantations, local schools.
Guided Tours30,000-40,000 TZS (12-16 USD) includes guide explaining Zanzibari culture/traditions.
Jambiani treasure hunt
Low tide: Walk along the sandy bottom looking for starfish, shells, sea urchins, hermit crabs - ideal activity for families/children.
FreeFree exploration at low tide 6-8 hours a day.
Other water sports Jambiani
Windsurf: Ideal constant winds (rent 40,000-60,000 TZS/16-24 USD hour).
Stand-up paddleHigh tide (15,000-25,000 TZS/6-10 USD per hour).
Kayak: Explora costa (15,000-25,000 TZS/6-10 USD hour).
Lodging in Jambiani
Economic budget
Casa del MarPopular lodge, rooms 25-40 USD/night, direct beach, social atmosphere.
Jambiani Guesthouse: Basic clean, 20-35 USD/night, ocean front.
Blue Oyster Hotel30-50 USD/night, simple authentic, local restaurant.
Mid-range
Kimte Boutique Hotel70-120 USD/night, modern, swimming pool, direct beach.
Coral Rock Zanzibar80-140 USD/night, garden bungalows, good restaurant.
Jambiani Villas90-150 USD/night, quiet family, swimming pool.
Boutique/luxury
The Loop Beach Resort150-250 USD/night, modern boutique, spa, excellent restaurant.
Hakuna Majiwe180-300 USD/night, discreet luxury, elegant design, personalized service.
Reservations: Booking.com compare prices accommodation availability Jambiani.
How to get to Jambiani
From Stone TownPrivate cab 100,000-120,000 TZS (40-48 USD, 1.5 hours), dala-dala 5,000-8,000 TZS (2-3 USD, 2-2.5 hours change).
From airportCab 110,000-130,000 TZS (44-52 USD, 1.5 hours).
From PajeCab 30,000-40,000 TZS (12-16 USD, 20 min), beach walk 15 km (3-4 hours).
From NungwiCab 150,000-180,000 TZS (60-72 USD, 2 hours across the island).
Transportation rentalCar 50-80 USD/day, motorcycle 15-25 USD/day.
Location: Consultation Google Maps exact Jambiani routes.
Best time to visit Jambiani
Dry season (Jun-Oct)BEST - temperatures 25-28°C, minimum rainfall, constant kitesurfing winds, ideal conditions.
Kitesurfing season (Jun-Mar)Optimal winds 15-25 knots, better aquatic activity.
Rainy season (Mar-May)Avoid - frequent rains, high humidity, abundant algae, variable winds.
Intermediate season (Nov-Feb)Good - temperatures 28-32°C, occasional rains, fewer tourists.
Tide: Tide table query Tide Times plan swimming (high tide) vs. exploration (low tide).
Updated weather: Weather.com accurate forecasts before the trip.
Local culture in Jambiani
Seaweed cultivationTraditional activity: Local women planting/harvesting seaweed at low tide (cosmetic/food export generating family income).
Artisanal fishing: Men go out in traditional boats at dawn catching fish in the Indian Ocean using ancient techniques.
Authentic villageLocal schools, mosques, small market, Zanzibari daily life without tourist filters.
Respect cultureDress modestly off the beach (shoulders/knees covered), ask permission to photograph people, learn basic Swahili ("Jambo" = hello, "Asante" = thank you).
Frequently asked questions about Jambiani
Where is Jambiani and what is the beach like?
Jambiani is a quiet beach located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. 60 km Stone Town (1.5 hours car, 100,000-120,000 TZS/40-48 USD cab) characterized by traditional fishing village seaweed farming, local boats, authentic life without massive tourist development vs. commercial Nungwi/Kendwa. Beach4+ km continuous coastline fine white sand, turquoise waters, dramatic low tide (water recedes 500+ meters 6-8 hours daily showing sandy bottom/seaweed beds allowing exploration walks to observe starfish/shells/sea urchins), high tide (morning 6:00-10:00, afternoon 17:00-20:00) swimming possible in shallow water. EnvironmentLess touristy vs north/Paje being ideal for travelers looking for authenticity local culture, budget guesthouses 20-50 USD/night, mid-range 60-120 USD, boutique 150-300 USD. PopulationZanzibari people: Authentic Zanzibari women working on low-tide seaweed plantations (traditional family income), artisanal fishermen, local schools. According to Lonely Planet, Jambiani is the "perfect authentic getaway" being "ideal beach travelers looking for genuine cultural experience away from commercial tourist crowds".
What to do in Jambiani Zanzibar?
At Jambiani you can: (1) Kitesurf - ideal steady winds 15-25 knots jun-mar (consult Windguru conditions), kitesurfing schools (Paje Kite extension, Zanzibar Kite Paradise) 3-day courses 300-400 USD, equipment rental 50-80 USD/day, shallow water, low tide, ideal for beginners; (2) Snorkel - reefs 200-500 meters offshore coral/fish, boat tours 20,000-30,000 TZS (8-12 USD half day), Paje dive 15 km 80-120 USD certification PADI available; (3) Dhow rides - traditional sunset sailboat 30,000-50,000 TZS (12-20 USD, 2 hours), local fishermen fishing tours 40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD half day); (4) Bicycle Tours - explores authentic village rental 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD) day, guided tours culture 30,000-40,000 TZS (12-16 USD) visiting schools/spice plantations; (5) Treasure hunt low tide - walks on sandy bottom looking for sea stars/shells/sea urchins free of charge ideal for families/children 6-8 hours daily; (6) Other sports - windsurfing (40,000-60,000 TZS/16-24 USD hour), kayak/paddle board (15,000-25,000 TZS/6-10 USD hour); (7) Explore town - authentic local life women seaweed cultivation, artisanal fishermen, local market. According to TripAdvisor, Jambiani is "perfect for travelers looking for authenticity" being "unique combination of sports activities and genuine local culture".
When is the best time to visit Jambiani?
Best time to visit Jambiani is dry season jun-oct (RECOMMENDED) offering ideal temperatures 25-28°C, minimal rainfall, low humidity, steady winds 15-25 knots perfect kitesurfing/windsurfing (main activity attracting water sportsmen and women - consult Windguru specific conditions), excellent beach/sports conditions. Kitesurfing season Jun-Mar Optimal winds being popular moment kitesurfing schools operating at full capacity. Avoid rainy season Tue-May frequent daily rains, uncomfortable high humidity, abundant algae east coast (plantations washed up on the beach during the rainy season making swimming/appearance difficult), variable winds less reliable kitesurfing. Intermediate season Nov-Feb acceptable high temperatures 28-32°C, occasional short rains, fewer tourists vs. peak Jun-Aug, still good winds. Tide: Tide table query Tide Times plan swimming (high tide 6:00-10:00, 17:00-20:00) vs. exploration/treasure hunting (low tide rest of day bottom visible), kitesurfing possible both tides different spots. Weather: Weather.com updated forecasts. Duration: 3-5 days sufficient Jambiani (beach relaxation, kitesurfing, local culture), combined with Paje 15 km north (more lively nightlife) or Stone Town (culture/history) balanced east coast itinerary. According to Travel + Leisure, Jambiani dry season is "optimal time for water sportsmen" being "perfect winds combining good weather and authentic local beach culture".