East Coast Zanzibar
Michamvi Beach
The east coast beach where the sun sets over the water
About Michamvi Beach
Michamvi sits on the peninsula that curls around Chwaka Bay, so its western side — Michamvi Kae — is the only place on the east coast where you watch the sun set over the sea. The water here is deep and calm, protected from the open-ocean swell, and the beaches are almost private.
Best time to visit
Tide information
Things to do
- Sunset drinks at Kae Beach
- Kayaking in Chwaka Bay
- Blue Lagoon snorkelling
- Kitesurfing downwinders from Paje
- Seafood lunch at The Rock
Nearby hotels
- · Konokono Beach Resort
- · The Loop Beach Resort
- · Upendo Beach Boutique
- · Qambani Luxury Resort
Nearby restaurants
- · The Rock Restaurant
- · Kae Beach Bar
- · Upendo Beach restaurant
Where it is
Getting around from Michamvi Beach
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Stone Town
Excursion stops on the way: Stone Town old quarter · Mangapwani Slave Caves
Nungwi (North)
Excursion stops on the way: Mkokotoni fish market · Kidichi Persian Baths
Kiwengwa (Northeast)
Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves
Kizimkazi (South)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest · Kizimkazi Dolphin Point
Distances and drive times are planning estimates for a private transfer; traffic in Stone Town can add 15–20 minutes.
Travel tips
- Book The Rock in advance and check the tide — access is on foot or by boat depending on the hour.
- The peninsula is spread out; hire transport for restaurant hopping.
Tours & excursions from Michamvi Beach
Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the sunset from the east coast?
Only at Michamvi Kae, on the bay side of the peninsula. Everywhere else on the east coast faces the sunrise.