Northeast Zanzibar

Pwani Mchangani Beach

Long empty sand between Matemwe and Kiwengwa

Very quiet beachSeaweed farms at low tideGood value resortsClose to Mnemba and Kiwengwa

About Pwani Mchangani Beach

Pwani Mchangani — literally 'sandy shore' — is a quiet stretch between the two bigger northeast beaches. It is dominated by a handful of large resorts and a working village, and the beach in between is often completely empty. A good choice if you want northeast scenery without neighbours.

Best time to visit

June–October and December–February.

Tide information

Strong tidal range typical of the northeast; the lagoon empties considerably at low tide.

Things to do

  • Long beach walks
  • Seaweed farm visit
  • Boat trip to Mnemba
  • Kiwengwa caves excursion
  • Kitesurfing lessons in season

Nearby hotels

  • · Diamonds Star of the East
  • · Bluebay Beach Resort
  • · Zanzibar Bahari Villas
  • · Waikiki Zanzibar Resort

Nearby restaurants

  • · Mchangani Beach Bar
  • · Resort beach grills
  • · Kiwengwa restaurants nearby

Where it is

Getting around from Pwani Mchangani Beach

50 km · 79mZanzibar Airport (ZNZ)23 km · 36mStone Town65 km · 103mNungwi (North)59 km · 93mPaje (East Coast)65 km · 103mKizimkazi (South)YOU AREHERE

Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

50 km ~79 min

Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves

Stone Town

23 km ~36 min

Excursion stops on the way: Stone Town old quarter · Mangapwani Slave Caves

Nungwi (North)

65 km ~103 min

Excursion stops on the way: Mkokotoni fish market · Kidichi Persian Baths

Paje (East Coast)

59 km ~93 min

Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

Kizimkazi (South)

65 km ~103 min

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

  • Few independent restaurants — most guests eat at their hotel.
  • Hire a taxi for evenings out in Kiwengwa or Nungwi.

Tours & excursions from Pwani Mchangani Beach

Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pwani Mchangani a good base?

Yes if you want quiet and resort comfort. For nightlife and restaurant choice, stay in Nungwi or Paje instead.

More beaches in Northeast Zanzibar