Pwani Mchangani is a quiet beach on the northeast coast of Zanzibar located on the 35 km Stone Town (1 hour drive) next to Kiwengwa (2 km south practically connected). Characteristics: long white-golden sandy beach, blue-green waters (abundant seaweed), dramatic low tide (water recedes 500+ meters 6-8 hours daily), less touristy vs Nungwi/Kendwa being ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity. Small authentic fishing village, basic infrastructure (guesthouses, some mid-range resorts), relaxed atmosphere preserving local culture. Activities: snorkeling/diving (good visibility, coral reefs 200-500 meters), kitesurfing/windsurfing moderate winds, local fishing tours, dhow rides, Jozani Forest excursions (20 km south). Accommodation: guesthouses 30-60 USD/night, mid-range 70-150 USD, resorts 180-350 USD. Best season Jun-Oct (25-28°C, dry). This guide explains what to do, accommodation, how to get there and tips.
Characteristics Pwani Mchangani
LocationZanzibar: Northeast Zanzibar, 35 km Stone Town, east coast next to Kiwengwa (2 km south), near Matemwe (5 km north).
Long beach: Several kilometers of continuous white-golden sandy coast, spacious, not very crowded.
Unique watersBlue-green distinctive color (abundant seaweed inside ocean), warm temperature 26-29°C.
Dramatic low tideWater recedes 500+ meters 6-8 hours daily discovering sandy/algae bottom allowing exploration walks.
High tideMorning 6:00-10:00, afternoon 17:00-20:00 swimming possible in shallow calm water.
Fishing villageSmall authentic, inhabitants live artisanal fishing, seaweed cultivation, genuine local life.
Less touristic: No massive development vs. north, basic infrastructure, relaxed family atmosphere.
Activities in Pwani Mchangani
Snorkel diving Pwani Mchangani
Nearby reefs200-500 meters offshore, healthy corals, colorful tropical fish, good visibility (15-20 meters).
Equipment rental: 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD) per day resorts/beach operators.
Snorkeling toursBest reef boat (20,000-30,000 TZS/8-12 USD half day).
Diving: Nearby Kiwengwa/Matemwe operators offer dives, 2 dives 80-120 USD, PADI certification available.
Kitesurfing windsurfing Pwani Mchangani
Moderate windsLess intense than Paje but sufficient for recreational kitesurfing/windsurfing (12-20 knots Jun-Mar).
SchoolsLocal operators offer beginner courses 300-400 USD (3 days), equipment rental 50-80 USD/day.
Best: June-March constant winds, shallow water, low tide, ideal for learning.
Conditions: Consultation Windguru accurate wind forecasts.
Pwani Mchangani Fishing Tours
Artisanal fishingLocal fishermen offer traditional boat tours teaching techniques (40,000-60,000 TZS/16-24 USD half day).
SpeciesTuna, barracuda, marlin, sailfish (Oct-Mar season).
Low tideBest time to fish near the coast.
Pwani Mchangani dhow rides
Sunset ToursTraditional ocean sailing boat (30,000-50,000 TZS/12-20 USD, 2 hours).
Sunset Tours: Spectacular views of the east coast (18:00-18:45 Jun-Oct).
Nearby excursions Pwani Mchangani
Jozani Forest20 km south, Zanzibar endemic red colobus monkey national park, entrance fee 10 USD, guided tours 30,000-40,000 TZS (12-16 USD).
Stone Town35 km, historic city UNESCO world heritage site, full day tours, Swahili/Arabic culture, markets.
Kiwengwa2 km south, connected beach plus resorts/restaurants/cafes, easy walking access.
Matemwe5 km north, similar quiet beach, Mnemba Atoll snorkeling/diving tours (80-150 USD).
Pwani Mchangani Lodging
Economic budget
Local guesthouses: Basic authentic, 30-50 USD/night, fishing village, family atmosphere.
Mwana House: Popular backpackers, 35-55 USD/night, beach nearby, social.
Mchangani Beach Cottages: Simple clean, 40-60 USD/night, ocean front.
Mid-range
Blue Bay Beach Resort80-140 USD/night, direct beach, swimming pool, Italian restaurant.
Sunshine Hotel70-130 USD/night, garden bungalows, quiet, good food.
Shooting Star Lodge90-150 USD/night, small boutique, personalized.
Resorts
Kiwengwa Beach Village150-280 USD/night (Kiwengwa 2 km), large resort, spa, multiple pools, all-inclusive options.
Sultan Sands Island Resort180-350 USD/night, private beach, multiple restaurants, activities included.
Reservations: Booking.com compare prices availability Pwani Mchangani.
How to get to Pwani Mchangani
From Stone TownPrivate cab 70,000-90,000 TZS (28-36 USD, 1 hour), dala-dala 3,000-5,000 TZS (1.20-2 USD, 1.5-2 hours change).
From airportCab 80,000-100,000 TZS (32-40 USD, 1 hour).
From NungwiCab 80,000-100,000 TZS (32-40 USD, 1 hour east coast).
From Paje/southCab 100,000-130,000 TZS (40-52 USD, 1.5 hours).
Transportation rentalCar 50-80 USD/day, motorcycle 15-25 USD/day.
Location: Google Maps exact routes Pwani Mchangani.
Best time to visit Pwani Mchangani
Dry season (Jun-Oct)BEST - temperatures 25-28°C, minimum rainfall, constant kitesurfing/windsurfing winds, perfect beach conditions.
Intermediate season (Nov-Feb)Good - temperatures 28-32°C, occasional showers, fewer tourists, moderate winds.
Rainy season (Mar-May)Avoid - frequent rains, high humidity, abundant algae east coast (beach drags making swimming/appearance difficult), variable winds.
Tide: Consultation Tide Times plan swimming (high tide) vs. exploration (low tide).
Weather: Weather.com updated forecasts before the trip.
Local culture Pwani Mchangani
Fishing village: Inhabitants live mainly traditional artisanal fishing, boats leave at dawn in the Indian Ocean.
Seaweed cultivationWomen work in low tide seaweed plantations (cosmetic/food export generating family income).
Local craftsmanshipResidents sell handmade souvenirs (wood carvings, weavings, jewelry), fresh fish, tropical fruits small village market.
Authenticity: Less tourist development vs north while maintaining authentic Swahili culture, genuine Zanzibari daily life.
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 Pwani Mchangani
Where is Pwani Mchangani and what is the beach like?
Pwani Mchangani is a quiet beach on the northeast coast of Zanzibar located on the 35 km Stone Town (1 hour drive, 70,000-90,000 TZS/28-36 USD cab) next to Kiwengwa (2 km south practically connected), near Matemwe (5 km north) characterized by long golden-white sandy beach, blue-green waters distinctive color (abundant seaweed inside ocean creating unique hue), dramatic low tide (water recedes 500+ meters 6-8 hours daily uncovering sandy bottom/seaweed beds allowing exploration walks), high tide (6:00-10:00, 17:00-20:00) shallow calm water swimming warm temperature 26-29°C. EnvironmentLess touristy vs Nungwi/Kendwa being ideal for travelers looking for tranquility, authenticity, genuine small fishing village, basic infrastructure (guesthouses 30-60 USD, mid-range 70-150 USD, resorts 180-350 USD), relaxed atmosphere preserving local culture. Population: Inhabitants live artisanal fishing/seaweed farming, handmade crafts sold at the village market, authentic daily life. According to Lonely Planet, Pwani Mchangani is "tranquil east coast escape" being "perfect alternative for travelers wanting authentic experience away from massive tourist development".
What to do in Pwani Mchangani?
At Pwani Mchangani you can: (1) Snorkeling/diving - coral reefs 200-500 meters offshore (healthy corals, colorful tropical fish, visibility 15-20 meters), equipment rental 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD), boat tours 20,000-30,000 TZS (8-12 USD half day), diving Kiwengwa/Matemwe near 80-120 USD certification PADI available; (2) Kitesurfing/windsurfing - moderate winds 12-20 knots jun-mar (consult Windguru conditions), beginner courses 300-400 USD (3 days), rental 50-80 USD/day, shallow water low tide ideal for learning; (3) Fishing Tours - local fishermen traditional boats teach artisanal techniques 40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD half day), species tuna/barracuda/marlin season Oct-Mar, low tide best time; (4) Dhow rides - traditional sunset sailboat 30,000-50,000 TZS (12-20 USD, 2 hours), spectacular sunset views 18:00-18:45; (5) Nearby excursions - Jozani Forest 20 km south (endemic red colobus monkeys, entrance fee 10 USD, tours 30,000-40,000 TZS), Stone Town 35 km (culture, culture, culture, culture). UNESCO day tours), Kiwengwa 2 km (more resorts/restaurants/cafes on foot), Matemwe 5 km (Mnemba Atoll tours 80-150 USD); (6) Beach relaxation - less crowded ideal to disconnect, low tide walks exploring sandy bottom. According to TripAdvisor, Pwani Mchangani is "perfect tranquility" being "balance water activities genuine local culture without tourist crowds".
When is the best time to visit Pwani Mchangani?
Best time to visit Pwani Mchangani is dry season jun-oct (RECOMMENDED) offering ideal temperatures 25-28°C, minimal rainfall, low humidity, steady winds 12-20 knots perfect for recreational kitesurfing/windsurfing (consult us). Windguru specific conditions), excellent beach/snorkeling/diving conditions (visibility 15-20 meters clear water). Intermediate season Nov-Feb good temperatures 28-32°C, occasional short rains, fewer tourists vs. June-Aug peak, moderate winds yet acceptable water sports. Avoid rainy season Tue-May frequent daily rains, uncomfortable high humidity, abundant algae east coast (plantations washed up on beach during rainy season making swimming difficult/visual appearance of water less attractive), variable winds less reliable kitesurfing. Tide: Consultation Tide Times plan swimming (high tide 6:00-10:00, 17:00-20:00) vs exploration/walking (low tide rest of day visible bottom 500+ meters walkable), snorkeling best at high tide sufficient water depth. Weather: Weather.com updated forecasts. Duration: 2-4 days sufficient Pwani Mchangani (relaxing quiet beach, snorkeling/kitesurfing, local culture fishing village), combined with Kiwengwa 2 km (more dining/nightlife options), Stone Town 35 km (culture/history), Jozani Forest 20 km (colobus monkeys) creating a balanced northeast Zanzibar itinerary. According to Travel + Leisure, Pwani Mchangani dry season is "optimal time" being "perfect conditions combining ideal weather, water sports, absolute tranquility and authentic east coast".