Where to stay in Zanzibar; Kendwa, Nungwi or Jambiani?

The Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous territory in political union with Tanzania. A former centre of the spice and slave trades, present-day Zanzibar is infused with African, Arab, European and Indian influences.

The showcase and main reason that tourists visit Zanzibar are the beaches, the turquoise-blue waters of the ocean and powder soft sand have to been seen to be believed. However, the real reason you report home about the magnificent time you had in Zanzibar is the escapism it offers and slower pace of life you experience. Zanzibar may be a small island but it has a lot to offer and where you stay can make a difference. If you're not a strong swimmer but like the sound of a quiet secluded beach, the shallow waters at Jambiani is where you should head. If quiet isn't your thing and you need things a bit more upbeat, Nungwi features some of Zanzibar’s most vivacious beaches - full moon parties are a big deal and the beaches are usually packed daily with people watching the sunset whilst they enjoy happy hour. Finally, for travellers who need their cultural curiosity fed then the largest town in the archipelago and the capital, Stone Town, is a great place to enjoy Zanzibar’s historical roots.

Jambiani: for the 'real' Zanzibar

A little fishing village that is as small as it is quiet. It is approximately 6 kilometres long (we can vouch for this as we ran a 5k along the coastline), with a beautiful stretch of powder soft white sand which literally took our breath away as we stepped onto it with how picture-perfect it looked in the glinting morning sun. Boasting an amazing selection of local as well as tourist bars and restaurants, everything feels familiar and everyone is welcoming. Hakuna-matata isn't just said here, you feel it.

The village remains largely un-spoilt and as such you feel like you're part of the family. The coastline has some beautiful, rustic lodges that will have you staying metres away from the ocean. However, for a cheaper and more authentic experience, the village has many small and intimate places to stay. We stayed in a place called new IDDI villa. It's cheap and cheerful, has no hot water, isn't the easiest to find but it's been one of our favourite stops during our first month of travels due to its court yard setting, good breakfast and warmth of the host Anthony.

Over the past few years, Jambiani has also seen an increase in visitor arrivals with a boom in kite surfing, diving and snorkelling along the lagoon. However, the extremely low tides in the afternoon mean that the water is barely up to your waist as you walk a kilometre out from the shoreline. So, a chilled time can be had if water sports isn't your thing.

Nungwi: the tourist hot-spot

Nungwi is a village with a less quaint feel situated at the northern tip of Zanzibar. Arguably the most popular (and busiest) beach on the island, and somewhere you can see the sunset, the coastline here is favoured by most tourists.

Here, you will find beachside hustle and bustle, populated by hippies, holidayers and gap-year students, all enjoying the beach and high tide. More tourism means more things happening after sunset. So, nightlife is a thing here; however, it’s not about glitzy nightclubs and glamorous strips. Here, it’s about revelling on the beach where bonfires blaze, cocktails flow and the music rocks - especially if you're here for a full moon party.

Kendwa: the all-inclusive paradise

Not far from Nungwi (best walked along the beach during the low tide), Kendwa offers a more upmarket experience in all inclusive, resort-led hotels which jostle for space side by side on the beach. Kendwa beach is beautiful and the water is deep and turquoise-blue. Kendwa itself is smaller than Nungwi or Jambiani, with less happening outside the hotel complexes.

Stone Town: the culture fix

The largest town in the archipelago and the capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town is easily combined with some beach time and is a must-see. Named for the coral stone buildings that were built there during 1800, Stone Town is known as the ‘Old City’ and cultural heart of Zanzibar. Little has changed here in the last 200 years; and as such, it’s rife with historical significance.

The city’s architecture dates back to the 19th century and reflects the diverse influences of several underlying cultures. Due to this rich blend of art and history, Stone Town was designated a UNESCO's World Heritage Site in 2000.

Everything here reflects a mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European culture and history. This includes the people, brass-studded monuments, bustling oriental bazaars, marble balconies, carved doors, twirling stairways and intricate wooden lodgings. With such a variety of sites to explore, it's normal for visitors to spend a day or two strolling along the fascinating and magical labyrinth of narrow streets and cobbled alleyways.

The same excursions and activities are offered all over the island too, so there's also lots to keep you busy. From seeing giant tortoises on Prison Island to snorkeling along a coral reef off the North-East coast, or visiting monkeys in the central National Park to swimming with dolphins in the open sea - you'll have plenty to spend your money on here.