Bwejuu holidays

Holidays to Bwejuu highlight Zanzibar’s quieter side, where an ice-white beachfront takes most of the spotlight.

Laidback island vibes

A leggy ribbon of sugar-white sand and palm trees which lean towards the Indian Ocean's calm, shallow waters – that's Bwejuu in a nutshell. It’s a compact coastal village, where luxury villas and cosy, friendly resorts are tidily tucked into the shoreline. If you're after a spot of R&R with 'island time' vibes, this place hits the spot.

The quiet life

Bwejuu is pretty low-key, and has the activities to match. Think snorkelling along the reef, gentle swims in shallow lagoons at high tide and daytrips on traditional dhow boats. If you're after a bit more of an adrenaline rush, it's just a five-minute taxi ride along the coast to Paje. This place is popular with kitesurfers, thanks to the windier conditions.

Seafood and seaweed

When it comes to the local economy, forget about skyscrapers and city slickers – Bwejuu is all about the sea life. Lots of locals make their living from the likes of seaweed farming and artisanal fishing, and you'll regularly spot the local fishermen on their wooden dhows while you sunbathe on the sands. If you venture out to the island's markets and restaurants, you’ll see plenty of locally-caught produce on the menus.

Daytrips out

If you fancy venturing out a little, there are plenty of places within 30 minutes' drive. Paje is just up the coast, and its lively beach bars are popular haunts for the kitesurfers who flock here for the waves. The quaint fishing village of Jambiani is just 15 minutes down the coast, too, and its local food stalls and artisanal craft sellers are particularly popular. Head around 20 minutes inland, meanwhile, and you'll reach the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park – home to the Zanzibar red colobus. This particular breed of monkey’s an endangered species, and you’ll only find it here.