Jambiani

Travel Guide

Jambiani Beach
Jambiani Beach
Jambiani Beach
Jambiani Beach
Jambiani Beach
Learn to cook with a range of spices and see the women in sarongs collecting seaweed at low tide in this traditional village.

Jambiani is a sleepy fishing village flanked by a stunning beach with an intricate maze of seaweed plantations. It is one of the oldest parts of the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago. Wander through the village and along the beach to get a glimpse into one of the island’s most traditional parts. 

Sunbathe on the stunning Jambiani BeachOpens in a new window to enjoy the year-round hot weather. April and May are particularly wet months. Note the huge difference in appearance between high and low tides. Local women dressed in sarongs collect seaweed at low tide. The exportation of seaweed is an important part of the local economy.

Take a trip on a traditional wooden sailboat, known as a dhow, out on the water. Ride the boat to the area’s coral reef and go snorkeling to see the range of colorful aquatic creatures. Spot coral, starfish and even octopuses. 

Stay at one of the guesthouses and lodges flanking the beach. Notice that many locals walk barefoot on the sharp rocks of the village’s main road. Away from the beach, you are expected to dress fairly formally out of respect for the local Muslim culture. Rent bicycles or scooters to navigate the quaint alleys of the village. 

Embark on a guided tour of the Tangawizi Spice Farm to learn about spices used in typical Zanzibar meals. Take a Tangawizi Cooking Class to find out about Jambiani cuisine. Local meals are often made up of such ingredients as fried fish, pilau rice and coconut milk. Purchase seafood from the stalls in the village.

The town is on the southeastern part of the main island of Zanzibar. Drive southeast for 33 miles (53 kilometers) to get here in around 1 hour from Zanzibar International Airport near Zanzibar City. Get around the small village on foot. See nearby highlights, such as the Jozani Forest, the Muyuni Forest and the town of Paje. 

Jambiani offers a picturesque insight into local customs and topography.

Bamboo Zanzibar

Bamboo Zanzibar

4 out of 5
Jambiani Mfumbwi, Jambiani
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Jambiani. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Jambiani Beach and Paje Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Our stay at the Bamboo Hotel was truly wonderful. The grounds are absolutely stunning, and the unique architectural design—where you can gaze out at the ocean as if it’s a living, breathing TV screen—is incredibly relaxing. The rooms were spotless and clearly well-maintained; the staff does an exceptional ..."

Reviewed on 2025/5/30

Bamboo Zanzibar
Alma Boutique Hotel

Alma Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar, Jambiani, Unguja South Region
The price is NT$13,899 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
NT$13,899
NT$16,282 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Jambiani. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Jambiani Beach and Paje Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"This small hotel is beautiful. The rooms are wonderful and very well stocked with all you need. The staff are very helpful and all spoke very good English. The food was amazing and very tasty, good selection of veggie stuff for the wife too. Overall just a great stay."

Reviewed on 2024/11/7

Alma Boutique Hotel
Jambiani White Sands Beach Bungalows

Jambiani White Sands Beach Bungalows

3.5 out of 5
Jambiani Beach, Mwendawima, Jambiani
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$1,803 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
NT$1,803
NT$2,313 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Jambiani. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Jambiani Beach and Paje Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (82 reviews)
"Accommodation was a bit rustic but the customer service was exemplary. Friendly and endlessly helpful the staff at the White Sands Bungalows enhanced my Zanzibar experience!"

Reviewed on 2024/10/1

Jambiani White Sands Beach Bungalows
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Oasis Residence

The Oasis Residence

3.5 out of 5
Jambiani, 0000, Jambiani, Unguja South Region
Stay at this 3.5-star residence in Jambiani. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Jambiani Beach and Paje Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
See you soon!
"Everything was perfect, I would just recommend improving the menu. 🙈"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

The Oasis Residence
Aquamarina Hotel

Aquamarina Hotel

3 out of 5
raffia beach aparthotel Jambiani, Jambiani, Unguja South Region
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Jambiani. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Jambiani Beach and Paje Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"From the time I arrived to the hotel both of the front desk people were so nice a male and a female(i am horrible with names unfortunately) I had to wait for my room to check in, which was not an issue. I sat at fhe beach for a while then had lunch. The hotel isa small boutique hotel and i loved ..."

Reviewed on 2025/3/31

Aquamarina Hotel
Baobab Bungalows

Baobab Bungalows

3.5 out of 5
Jambiani rd, Jambiani, Unguja South Region
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Jambiani. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Jambiani Beach and Paje Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Barbara Was so helpfull with everything 😃"

Reviewed on 2025/5/4

Baobab Bungalows
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit