Best Beaches in East Africa: From Zanzibar to Diani Bay — A Real Family Travel Story

As a family who plans our lives around the school calendar and snack breaks, we chose to chase the best beaches in East Africa—spending a week between Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Diani Beach (Kenya). It turned out to be the kind of family beach vacation that balances soft-sand days with culture, wildlife, easy adventures, and plenty of kid-approved meals. This is the story of how we planned it, what we loved, what surprised us, and how we made it work with two energetic kids and one very patient husband.

How We Planned a Family Beach Vacation in East Africa

Choosing Where to Go (and Why)

We wanted a blend of postcard beaches, calm swimming spots, gentle activities for the kids, and a little culture for us. Zanzibar promised spice-scented markets, historic Stone Town, and breezy shores—while Diani Beach Kenya offered powdery white sands, swaying palms, and dolphin-friendly dhow trips. We decided to split our time: three nights in Zanzibar’s north (for relaxed, swimmable beaches), two nights along the southeast coast (for kite-surfing energy and sea-life spotting at low tide), and three nights in Diani for easy days and a final splash of adventure.

When to Go

We looked for a window with dry, sunny weather and calm seas. For a family beach vacation, shoulder seasons can be a sweet spot: warm days, fewer crowds, and more availability at family-friendly hotels. We also checked the tide charts—especially for Zanzibar’s east coast where the sea retreats dramatically at low tide—so we’d plan activities when the water was best for swimming.

What We Packed (and What We Wished We Had)

Beach basics: rash guards, wide-brim hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and light cotton cover-ups.
For the kids: snorkel sets, inflatable arm bands, small beach toys, and a mesh bag for sandy shells.
Essentials we were grateful for: reef shoes (east-coast Zanzibar has coral bits), a small first-aid kit, electrolyte packets, and a simple beach blanket that doubled as a sun shade.
What we wished we’d brought more of: after-sun lotion and extra zip-top bags for wet swimsuits.

Touchdown in Zanzibar: Stone Town First

We started in Stone Town to get our bearings. The kids had never seen a maze-like city of carved wooden doors, rooftop terraces, and alleys where the scent of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom drifts on the sea breeze.

Our Stay and First Evening

We booked a small, family-run inn with a courtyard—quiet by day, lantern-lit by night. The room was simple but comfortable, with a ceiling fan and a mosquito net that made bedtime feel like camping under a gauzy tent. After a quick rest, we climbed to the rooftop for sunset. Dhow silhouettes slid across the orange water while we munched on samosas and fresh mango. The kids tried “sugarcane juice,” wrinkled their noses, and then asked for more.

A Kid-Friendly Walk Through Stone Town

The next morning, we did a short walking tour at our kids’ pace:

Doors & Stories: We counted brass-studded doors; our guide turned it into a scavenger hunt.
Forodhani Gardens: The boys watched locals leap from the pier (do not try!). We visited at dusk another day for street food—more on that soon.
Old Fort: They explored the courtyard and listened to drum beats; we lingered in the shade.

Food Kids Actually Ate

Zanzibar cuisine is fragrant and spiced—not necessarily spicy. Our kids loved:

Pilau rice (aromatic, warm spices, very comforting)
Grilled squid and prawns (simple, lemony, and fresh)
Coconut chapati (soft, flaky, and perfect for dipping)
For the grown-ups, octopus curry with coconut milk was dreamy. We also tried urojo (Zanzibar mix soup)—a tangy, savory bowl layered with crunchy bits; the kids opted for extra chapati instead.

North Zanzibar: Nungwi & Kendwa for Effortless Beach Days

We moved north to Nungwi, which has a gentle slope into the sea and minimal tidal variation—great for families who want to swim at almost any time of day. Kendwa, just next door, is similarly lovely, with satin-smooth sand and a relaxed vibe.

Our Family-Friendly Resort

We chose a mid-range resort with a shallow pool, interconnecting rooms, and on-site babysitting (we used it once for a beach walk date). They provided a crib without fuss, and the restaurant had a children’s menu alongside fresh-catch specials.

The Water: Calm and Clear

The sea here is a painter’s palette of turquoise and jade. The kids loved bobbing in the shallows, and we felt comfortable letting them splash close by. We did short, low-stakes snorkel sessions from the beach, turning it into a “treasure hunt” for parrotfish and starfish.

Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll (Kid-Adapted)

We took a half-day boat trip toward Mnemba Atoll. To keep it kid-friendly:

We chose a provider who offered life jackets in kids’ sizes, shade on the boat, and a flexible schedule.
We brought our own snorkel masks for a familiar fit.
When the swell rose, we limited time in the water to keep it fun.
Back on shore, we rewarded the crew (and ourselves) with coconut water and a lazy lunch. The boys asked if they could be “ocean explorers” when they grow up.

Spice Farm Stop (and Why It Worked)

On the way back to Stone Town one afternoon, we visited a spice farm for a short tour—perfect for kids with hands-on curiosity. They sniffed vanilla vines, crumbled cinnamon bark, and nibbled tiny bananas. A guide made “leaf crowns,” and somehow the farm cat followed us the whole time, which the kids considered the highlight of the day.

Southeast Zanzibar: Paje & Jambiani for Tide Pools and Kite Colors

We switched coasts for Paje and Jambiani, where the shoreline changes with the tide. At low tide, the ocean pulls back to reveal glassy tidal flats—perfect for wading, spotting tiny fish, and looking for sea stars with gentle, careful hands (we taught the kids to look, not lift).

Kite-Surfing Spectacle

Even if you don’t kite, it’s mesmerizing to watch. Bright wings skim the surface while beginners practice close to shore. Our older child took a kids’ intro lesson on handling the kite on land, learning about wind and safety. It was equal parts science class and superhero daydream.

Practical Tips for the East Coast

Check tide times and schedule swims for mid to high tide, especially with small children.
Reef shoes are your friend—little feet appreciate it.
Sun protection matters more here; there’s less natural shade.
Seaweed farms dot the shore; we took a short educational walk to see how locals harvest and dry seaweed for soaps and cosmetics—an unexpected mini geography lesson.

Hopping to Kenya: From Zanzibar to Diani Beach

We flew from Zanzibar to the Kenyan coast, then arranged a transfer down to Diani Beach. The drive is straightforward with a local driver, and once we reached Diani the pace slowed to the familiar rhythm of beach life: morning swims, afternoon naps, and barefoot dinners at sunset.

Diani Beach, Kenya: Palms, Powder Sand, and Dolphin Days

If Zanzibar felt like an emerald mosaic of culture and coast, Diani Beach brought a broad, luminous canvas of white sand and easy-going days. Palms rustle overhead, the water is clear and warm, and the beach stretches for miles—a natural invitation for shell-collecting missions with the kids.

Where We Stayed in Diani

We opted for a small family villa near the beach with a kitchenette, a splash pool, and two bedrooms. This made mornings relaxed (cereal, fruit, and coffee before the beach) and dinners flexible (sometimes we cooked, sometimes we wandered to a beach café for grilled fish and chips). The villa’s manager arranged a trusted babysitter for a date night—just two hours to walk the beach at golden hour and share a quiet meal.

Easy Adventures for Families

Kisite–Mpunguti Marine Park dhow trip: A classic Diani adventure. We chose a company known for family groups, with shaded seating and kid-sized life jackets. The kids fed fish from the ladder (rice grains only, approved by the guide), while we snorkeled in turns. On lucky days, dolphins surface; on others, the reef fish paint the sea with their colors.
Colobus Conservation visit: A short educational stop to learn about the endangered Angolan colobus monkeys and how to protect wildlife and habitat. The kids were enthralled—and practiced their “forest quiet voices” (a miracle).
Shimba Hills day trip: Break up the beach time with a nature drive and a short guided walk to Sheldrick Falls (assess trail difficulty with your kids’ ages in mind). It felt like a safari appetizer—just enough wilderness to thrill, not tire.
Camels on the beach: A short ride became a treasured memory (and the photo of the trip).
Bikes on the sand: Low tide turned the beach into a natural bike path. We rode slowly, stopping to draw hearts in the wet sand with sticks.

Meals We Loved (Kid-Approved)

Swahili biryani, coconut fish curry, grilled octopus with lime, and chapati for the win. Our favorite kid-friendly plate was simple: grilled catch-of-the-day, plain rice, and mango slices. For dessert, we hunted down coconut ice cream and fresh pineapple—sunshine in a bowl. The kids learned to ask for tamarind juice by name.

Budget Notes & Money Tips

Mid-range family stays: In both Zanzibar and Diani you can find clean, comfortable, mid-range hotels or villas with family rooms, often including breakfast.
Cash vs. card: Many restaurants accept cards, but we kept some local currency for tips, markets, and small beach cafés.
Transport: Booking reputable drivers through your hotel or villa was the easiest with kids; we paid a little more for reliability and car seats where available.

Real-World Challenges (and What Worked)

No family trip is perfect. Here’s what challenged us—and how we handled it:

Heat & Sun: We planned a “split day”—mornings at the beach, mid-day rest in shade or indoors, late-afternoon water play. We refilled water bottles constantly and used mineral sunscreen under rash guards to reduce reapplication battles.
Tides in Paje/Jambiani: On days with big low tides, we treated it as a tide-pool adventure or shifted to a pool morning and beach afternoon. Checking tide tables saved the day.
Mosquitoes: Long sleeves at dusk, repellent on ankles and elbows, and properly tucked nets. Our villa provided nets; we brought a small plug-in repellent for bedrooms.
Ferry & Transfers: Travel days are patience days. Snacks, downloaded shows, and a “travel prize” (tiny toy) helped keep spirits high.
Tummy Upsets: We stuck to filtered water, peeled fruit, and freshly cooked foods. When one kid had a mild upset, we paused dairy and used our electrolyte packets. Within a day, they were back to sandcastle engineering.

Family-Friendly Tips for the Best Beaches in East Africa

Pick your base by beach personality.
- Nungwi/Kendwa (Zanzibar north): Swimmable most of the day; great for small children.
- Paje/Jambiani (Zanzibar southeast): Big tide swings; magical flats at low tide and kite-surfing energy.
- Diani Beach (Kenya): Long, wide, and calm—ideal for slow, sandy days with optional adventures.
Book family rooms or villas with shade and a pool. Swimming options beyond the sea make nap schedules and tides easier.
Plan short excursions and rotate who “adults.” On boats, one parent snorkels while the other snacks with the kids, then switch.
Make culture kid-sized. In Stone Town, we turned a history walk into a door-hunting game and kept the tour under two hours.
Bring reef shoes and your own snorkel masks. Comfortable gear equals confident kids.
Learn a few Swahili words. “Jambo” (hello) and “Asante” (thank you) became daily favorites.

A 7-Day Family Itinerary (Zanzibar to Diani)

Day 1 – Stone Town: Arrive, rooftop sunset, early dinner, sleep.
Day 2 – Stone Town & Prison Island: Short walking tour + tortoise visit; evening street-food tastes at Forodhani Gardens.
Day 3 – Nungwi/Kendwa: Transfer north; beach swim and pool time; seafood dinner by sunset.
Day 4 – Mnemba Atoll (half-day): Gentle snorkel; afternoon nap; spice farm stop or beach stroll.
Day 5 – Paje/Jambiani: Move southeast; tide-pool exploration; kite-watching; chapati and coconut curry.
Day 6 – Fly to Kenya, Diani: Settle into a family villa; evening shells and sand art.
Day 7 – Diani dhow trip: Kisite–Mpunguti snorkeling; lazy afternoon; coconut ice cream celebration.

Have more time? Add a Shimba Hills day trip or extra downtime in Diani.

What Stood Out Most to Our Family

The colors: Zanzibar’s alleys at golden hour, kites over Paje, and Diani’s endless white.
The kindness: From guides who adjusted boat plans to hotel staff who produced extra bananas at breakfast “for the little swimmers.”
The balance: Enough activity to feel adventurous, enough downtime to feel like we truly rested.

Our youngest still talks about the starfish in Jambiani (“the one with the tiny polka-dots!”), while our older child asks when we’ll go “door hunting” again in Stone Town. My husband swears that sunset over Nungwi is the definition of vacation. For me, it was the quiet hour in Diani—walking a long ribbon of beach with the kids zigzagging ahead, their laughter shrinking and growing with the wind.

Frequently Asked (Kid) Questions We Can Now Answer

“Can we swim any time?”
In Nungwi/Kendwa and Diani, usually yes. In Paje/Jambiani, check the tide chart.

“Are there animals?”
Yes—giant tortoises near Stone Town (on Prison Island), monkeys near Diani (at the Colobus center), and reef fish almost everywhere you snorkel.

“What’s for dinner?”
Fresh seafood (grilled and simple), rice, chapati, coconut curries, and enough fruit to fill a rainbow.

“Will there be ice cream?”
Absolutely. Coconut, mango, passion fruit—pick your paradise.

Final Reflections: Why East Africa Is Perfect for a Family Beach Vacation

If you’re dreaming of the best beaches in East Africa for a trip that satisfies both restless kids and weary parents, pairing Zanzibar beaches with Diani Beach Kenya is a winning formula. You’ll get culture and calm, tide-pool science and dhow-day dreams, spice and sea. The distances are manageable, activities scale beautifully for different ages, and the hospitality is the kind that remembers your child’s name and their favorite juice.

We returned home sandy, salty, and a little more connected—to each other and to the world beyond our daily routine. The kids learned new words and new ways to play; we learned to slow down and watch the tide as if it were a clock. East Africa’s shores are generous like that: they give you time back, quietly, wave by wave.

Would we go again? In a heartbeat. Next time, we might linger longer in Diani or add a few extra days in Kendwa. But we wouldn’t change the spirit of the trip: easy mornings, curious afternoons, and evenings under a sky that glows like mango. For families planning their own family beach vacation in this corner of the world, I’d say this—pack light, plan the tides, and leave room for the serendipity of the sea.