Where to Go for Peace and Quiet in Zanzibar
If you’re looking for peace and quiet in Zanzibar, you’re in luck. While parts of the island are popular with tourists, there are still plenty of places where you can relax, slow down, and enjoy the calm side of island life,away from crowds, loud music, or busy beaches.
Here’s where to go in Zanzibar for a quiet escape:
Michamvi Peninsula (East Coast)
The Michamvi area, especially Michamvi Kae and Pingwe, is known for being one of the most peaceful regions in Zanzibar. There are long, quiet beaches, gentle waves, and fewer tourists. Sunsets here are stunning, especially at Kae Funk Sunset Beach—a relaxed bar with beanbags and soft music.
This area is perfect if you want to stay in a small eco-lodge or boutique hotel and just unwind.
What to expect:
- Calm beaches with hardly anyone around
- Great spots for swimming and sunset walks
- Rustic, local-style lodges and nature-friendly hotels
Matemwe (Northeast Coast)
Matemwe is a quiet fishing village with long, peaceful stretches of beach. It’s close to the famous Mnemba Atoll for snorkeling, but still far from the busier tourist zones like Nungwi.
This area is perfect if you want to relax in a hammock, read a book, or just listen to the ocean with no distractions.
Why go:
- Very quiet, even during high season
- Great small resorts and wellness retreats
- Close to marine adventures but not crowded
Jambiani (Southeast Coast)
Jambiani is more developed than some quiet spots, but it still feels peaceful and authentic. The village is stretched out along the coast, so it rarely feels busy. You can take long walks without seeing many people, and the village atmosphere is friendly and slow-paced.
It’s great for solo travelers, couples, or anyone wanting a local feel without much noise.
Bwejuu (Near Jambiani)
Just north of Jambiani is Bwejuu, a sleepy village with palm-lined beaches and very few tourists. It’s one of the lesser-known places in Zanzibar, but perfect if you want a truly quiet stay by the sea.
This is where you go when you want to disconnect from everything.
Chumbe Island (Eco Island Experience)
If you want total peace and a unique experience, head to Chumbe Island Coral Park, a private eco-island with only a few eco-bungalows. It’s a protected nature reserve with no crowds, no loud music, no Wi-Fi, and very limited visitor numbers.
You can snorkel in protected coral reefs, go on guided forest walks, or just enjoy the silence and nature.
Things to know:
- You need to book in advance (limited space)
- A perfect digital detox spot
- Meals and activities are included
Pemba Island (North of Zanzibar)
Pemba is not technically part of Unguja (the main Zanzibar island), but it’s part of the Zanzibar archipelago. It’s much quieter, more natural, and less developed. Here, you’ll find lush forests, fewer tourists, and total tranquility.
It takes longer to reach, but it’s ideal for nature lovers, divers, or couples looking for true escape.
Fumba (Southwest Zanzibar)
Fumba is on the southwest coast and still feels very untouched. It’s a quiet area near the Menai Bay Conservation Area, good for dhow (traditional boat) trips, kayaking, and bird watching. If you want calm water, village life, and peaceful beaches, this area is a hidden gem.
Tips for a Quiet Zanzibar Stay
- Avoid Nungwi and Kendwa if you want quiet : they’re beautiful but busier and more built-up.
- Travel during May, June, or November for fewer tourists and a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Choose small guesthouses or eco-lodges over big resorts.
- Let your hotel know you’re looking for a peaceful stay, they may recommend quiet beaches or less-traveled paths nearby.
Zanzibar isn’t just for beach parties and tourism, it has plenty of peaceful corners for travelers who want to slow down, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island in peace. Whether you stay in a quiet fishing village, a remote eco-lodge, or on a nearby island, you’ll find that Zanzibar’s slower side is just as magical, maybe even more so.
