Zanzibar — Nungwi & Kendwa

Nungwi and Kendwa, on the northern tip of Zanzibar, are the island’s liveliest and most celebrated beaches — long stretches of powder-white sand and clear turquoise water that, crucially, are barely affected by the tide, so swimming is excellent at any hour, unlike much of the east coast. Nungwi is the larger and more energetic of the two, a former fishing and dhow-building village now lined with restaurants, beach bars and dive centres, while neighbouring Kendwa is a little quieter and famous for its sunsets and full-moon gatherings. The reefs offshore offer good diving and snorkelling, sunset dhow cruises are a fixture, and accommodation runs from relaxed to genuinely luxurious. For travellers who want beach life with energy and reliable swimming, the north coast is the natural choice to end a safari.