Northeast Zanzibar
Pongwe Beach
A sheltered crescent with almost no seaweed
About Pongwe Beach
Pongwe is a small, protected bay ringed by coral outcrops that block most of the seaweed drifting along the northeast. The result is one of the cleanest, calmest swimming beaches on this coast, with a handful of small lodges and essentially no crowds. It is a beach for reading, swimming and doing very little.
Best time to visit
Tide information
Things to do
- Snorkelling straight off the beach
- Sunrise swims
- Sandbank picnics
- Spice tour
- Stone Town day trip
Nearby hotels
- · Pongwe Beach Hotel
- · Santa Maria Coral Park
- · Tiki Beach Club & Resort
- · Next Paradise Boutique Resort
Nearby restaurants
- · Pongwe Beach Hotel restaurant
- · Tiki Beach Club
- · Santa Maria grill
Where it is
Getting around from Pongwe Beach
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves
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
Paje (East Coast)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
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
- Very few shops — bring anything you need.
- Ideal for honeymooners wanting quiet.
Tours & excursions from Pongwe Beach
Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pongwe have seaweed?
Far less than the rest of the east coast; the coral outcrops shelter the bay.