Pingwe is a quiet beach located on the east coast of Zanzibar. 25 km Stone Town (45 min drive) between Michamvi Kae (3 km north) and Paje (5 km south). Characteristics: dramatic low tide (waters recede 500+ meters discovering sandy bottom 6-8 hours daily) ideal for hiking exploration, high tide (6:00-10:00, 17:00-20:00) allows shallow water swimming. Famous for The Rock Restaurant (iconic sea rock restaurant). Beach less developed touristically vs Nungwi/Kendwa being relaxed destination, some boutique resorts (The Rock Zanzibar Hotel, Upendo, Michamvi Sunset Bay). Dry season Jun-Oct better (25-28°C, minimal rainfall). This guide explains location, activities, accommodation and how to get there.
Location features Pingwe
WhereEast coast Zanzibar, 25 km Stone Town, between Michamvi Kae (north) and Paje (south).
Access: Asphalt road good condition Stone Town → Pingwe (45 min).
Beach featuresBeach: Fine white sand, turquoise waters, extreme low tide (sandy bottom/seaweed visible), quiet, not very crowded.
Main attractionThe Rock Restaurant (iconic restaurant on the sea rock, one of the most photographed places in Zanzibar).
WeatherDry season Jun-Oct (25-28°C, minimal rainfall), rainy season Mar-May (humid, frequent rainfall).
What to do in Pingwe
Pingwe swimming beach
High tideSwimming possible in shallow calm waters (morning 6:00-10:00, afternoon 17:00-20:00).
Low tide: Waters recede 500+ meters discovering sandy/algae bottom (makes swimming difficult but exploration walks observing starfish, sea urchins, crabs).
NoteTide table: Check tide table to plan activities (local hotels provide information).
Snorkeling near Pingwe
Limited beach: Extreme low tide makes it difficult to snorkel/dive directly from the beach.
Organized Tours: Nearby reef boat east coast, Mnemba Atoll (30 km north, tours 50-80 USD including transport/equipment).
Best optionLocal tour operators Paje (5 km south) offer snorkeling/dive reef excursions.
Explore Pingwe surroundings
Michamvi Peninsula3 km north, quiet peninsula, spectacular views, a few boutique resorts.
Pageboy5 km south, popular lively kitesurfing beach, restaurants/bars/kite schools, plus nightlife.
Jambiani10 km south, long quiet beach, authentic local village, inexpensive lodging.
Kuza Cave15 km inland, natural cave swimming, tours 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD).
Spice toursNearby spice plantations, half day tours 40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD).
Pingwe Photography
The Rock RestaurantMost photographed place, best early morning 7:00-9:00 (soft golden light, less tourists, low tide, easy access).
SunsetPingwe beach (18:00-18:45 Jun-Oct).
Low tideUnique landscapes, visible seabed, sand/seaweed textures, water reflections.
Pingwe Lodging
The Rock Zanzibar Hotel: Boutique beachfront resort, self-owned The Rock Restaurant, rooms 150-300 USD/night, swimming pool, restaurant.
Upendo Zanzibar: Quiet boutique resort, private garden villas, swimming pool, 120-250 USD/night.
Michamvi Sunset BayMichamvi peninsula resort 3 km north, spectacular views, 100-200 USD/night.
Local guesthousesBudget options 30-60 USD/night, authentic, quiet, less services but close to the beach.
Alternative Paje5 km south, more accommodation options all ranges (hostels 15-30 USD, mid-range 50-120 USD, resorts 150-300+ USD), more lively restaurants/bars.
How to get to Pingwe
From Stone TownPrivate cab 80,000-100,000 TZS (32-40 USD, 45 min), dala-dala 5,000-8,000 TZS (2-3 USD, 1.5-2 hours change).
From NungwiCab 120,000-150,000 TZS (48-60 USD, 1.5 hours), dala-dala 8,000-10,000 TZS (3-4 USD, 2-3 hours multiple changes).
From PajeCab 20,000-25,000 TZS (8-10 USD, 10 min), beach walk 5 km (1-1.5 hours low tide).
From airportCab 70,000-90,000 TZS (28-36 USD, 40 min).
Transportation rentalCar 50-80 USD/day, motorcycle 15-25 USD/day - flexible option to explore east coast.
Best time to visit Pingwe
Dry season (Jun-Oct)BEST - temperatures 25-28°C, minimal rainfall, low humidity, clear water, less beach algae.
Rainy season (Mar-May)Avoid - frequent rains, high humidity, abundant algae, less than ideal conditions.
Intermediate season (Nov-Feb)Acceptable - high temperatures 28-32°C, occasional short showers, good choice to avoid crowds.
Tide: Hotel/online tide table consultation/planning swimming (high tide) vs. exploration/photography (low tide).
Length of stay1-2 days enough Pingwe (relaxing quiet beach), combined with Paje/Jambiani east coast more complete.
Frequently asked questions about Pingwe
Where is Pingwe and what is the beach like?
Pingwe is a quiet beach located on the east coast of Zanzibar. 25 km Stone Town (45 min car, 80,000-100,000 TZS/32-40 USD cab) between Michamvi Kae (3 km North) and Paje (5 km South) characterized by dramatic low tide unique backwaters 500+ meters discovering sandy/algae bottom 6-8 hours daily creating spectacular scenery exploring hiking and observing marine life (starfish, sea urchins, small crabs) but making swimming/snorkeling difficult during this period. High tide (morning 6:00-10:00, afternoon 17:00-20:00) allows calm shallow water swimming ideal for families/children. FeaturesThe Rock Zanzibar: Fine white sand, turquoise waters, less touristically developed beach vs Nungwi/Kendwa being a quiet laid back destination, some boutique resorts (The Rock Zanzibar Hotel 150-300 USD/night, Upendo 120-250 USD, guesthouses 30-60 USD), famous for The Rock Restaurant (iconic restaurant built on ocean rock being most photographed Zanzibar spot). According to Lonely Planet, Pingwe represents "tranquil east coast escape" being "ideal travelers seeking authenticity away from tourist crowds" with "fascinating low tide phenomenon unique experience".
What to do in Pingwe Zanzibar?
At Pingwe you can: (1) Swimming/beach relaxation - high tide (6:00-10:00, 17:00-20:00) shallow calm water swimming, low tide (rest of the day) walks to explore the seabed visible 500+ meters from the beach observing marine life; (2) Photography - The Rock Restaurant most photographed place best morning 7:00-9:00 golden light, spectacular sunsets 18:00-18:45, unique low tide landscapes; (3) Explore surroundings - Michamvi Peninsula 3 km north (quiet peninsula views), Paje 5 km south (lively kitesurfing, restaurants/bars), Jambiani 10 km south (authentic village), Kuza Cave 15 km inland (cave swimming 10,000-15,000 TZS), spice tours plantations (40,000-60,000 TZS half day); (4) Snorkeling/diving - organized boat tours to nearby reefs/Mnemba Atoll 30 km north (50-80 USD including transport/equipment), Paje operators offer better options; (5) Relax resorts - quiet boutique resorts less crowded pools/spa vs. north island. Duration1-2 days enough Pingwe (quiet beach, photography, relaxation), combines with Paje/Jambiani coast this diverse itinerary. According to Travel + Leisure, Pingwe is "perfect to disconnect" being "the ideal beach for those seeking tranquility and nature without giving up access to nearby modern conveniences".
When is the best time to visit Pingwe?
Best time to visit Pingwe is dry season jun-oct (RECOMMENDED) offering ideal temperatures 25-28°C, minimal rainfall, low humidity, clear water, excellent visibility, less algae on the beach (rainy season sea-may abundant algae making swimming difficult), perfect conditions for photography/beach relaxation. Intermediate season Nov-Feb acceptable high temperatures 28-32°C, occasional short rains, fewer tourists vs. peak Jun-Aug. Avoid rainy season Mar-May frequent daily rains, uncomfortable high humidity, abundant east coast algae, less than ideal conditions. Tide: Consult tide tables (hotels provide or Tide Times) plan swimming (high tide morning 6:00-10:00, afternoon 17:00-20:00) vs. exploration/photography (low tide rest of day visible bottom 500+ meters). Best day photographyEarly morning 7:00-9:00 soft golden light, less tourists, low tide easy access to The Rock vs. midday hard light crowds. Duration1-2 days enough Pingwe being quiet beach best combined with Paje (5 km lively kitesurfing) or Jambiani (10 km authentic village) creating balanced east coast itinerary. According to The Guardian Travel, Pingwe dry season jun-sep is "optimal time" being "perfect weather conditions combining good weather, less algae, calm sea ideal for families".