By Emily Crawford

African sunsets just hit different. We know you want to avoid clichés but getting a diverse dose of Zanzibari sunsets with a cocktail that shimmers in that golden hour glow or a freshly cut madafu is one that’s worth indulging in any chance you get. Zanzibar’s sunsets are simply legendary, but you don’t need to follow the crowds to find the magic. Here are our top five picks – from the classic to the completely unexpected.

1. The Rooftops of Stone Town

Yes it’s time to take a break from the beach for a moment. The Tea House Restaurant at Emerson on Hurumzi sits at one of the highest points in Stone Town, where you can watch the sun sink behind a maze of ancient rooftops and winding alleys. Sipping a cocktail while the orange light spills across centuries-old architecture creates an atmospheric experience no beach can replicate. For a chic vibe, Upendo House offers similar sweeping views with the option of a dip in a rooftop pool.

2. Michamvi’s Kae Funk and mangrove boardwalk

Here’s where things get surprising. Michamvi, on the east coast, shouldn’t theoretically be a sunset destination, but this tranquil village proves geography wrong. Head to Kae Funk, accessible across a newly constructed stunning board walk through preserved mangrove forests, where you can lounge on day beds and watch the sky transform in unexpected ways while djs and dancers bring the vibes as the light fades. Take a stroll along the sand or board walks either side of Kae Funk and get lost in wild and lush mangrove forests for an entirely different aesthetic. A serene picnic experience awaits (if the tides allow!)

3. Traditional Dhow Cruise

Why watch from shore when you can drift on the water itself? Skip the luxury catamarans and board a traditional wooden dhow or ngalawa boat – the same vessels Zanzibari fishermen have used for generations. Many cruises feature local performers playing African rhythms and fruit platters, while others are simple a trip aboard an off-duty fishing vessel. Either way, and from most beaches across the island – stunning. 

4. Mtoni Palace Ruins

For sunset with a dose of history, head to the Mtoni Palace Ruins just outside Stone Town. Once home to Zanzibar’s royal family, these atmospheric ruins overlook the Indian Ocean towards Dar es Salaam. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the combination of ancient architecture, lush vegetation, and sparkling water creates a unique vantage point where past and present converge in golden light.

5. Kizimkazi & Fahari Off the Grid

A wildcard entry that truly belongs in the “some might surprise you” category. Kizimkazi, a sleepy fishing village at the southern tip of Zanzibar, feels worlds away from the tourist trail. Locals favourite Fahari Off the Grid is positioned under 250-year-old baobab trees, amongst permaculture gardens, where time slows down to match the rhythm of the peaceful waves. The sunset is spectacular, seeping through towering palms. The restaurant serves Jamaican-fusion cuisine that blends island flavours, a vibe described as “barefoot meets bougie.”

6. Nungwi Beach (The Classic for a Reason)

Okay we added an extra in because yes, it’s popular, but Nungwi earns its reputation honestly. This northern beach delivers everything you imagine: the sun melting into the Indian Ocean, dhows gliding across the horizon, beach volleyball games winding down, and bars buzzing with energy. Sometimes the classic choice is classic for good reason.

Pro tip: Sunset happens between 6:00 and 6:20 pm year-round, so arrive at your chosen spot by 5:00 pm to get comfy and ensure you have a drink in hand.