Zanzibar?

Just wondering which beach is the best to stay at on Zanzibar. We are travelling in Jan 08 and looking for a laid back place with good swimming and snorkelling. Recommendations for low to mid range accomodation would be appreciated too.

Thanks

paje or nungwi

Well, it would be good to define what you consider mid-range. I suggest Matemwe Beach Village, but some might not consider that mid-range. It is definitely super laid back and there is a dive shop on site (One Ocean) that can arrange snorkeling tours of the area around Mnemba Atoll. Tides are extreme here, so you have to time your swimming. But, when the tide is out there is a pleasant pool. I had a great time there!

For swimming, the northern beaches (Nungwi and Kendwa) are your best options, as anywhere along the east coast (Matemwe, Paje etc.) the tide goes out a long way, making swimming almost impossible for long hours every day. Snorkelling trips to Manmba (as well as Tumbatu) can also be arranged from Kendwa / Nungwi..

I was just at Paje beach in October and had a great time. We stayed at the Cristal Resort for $50 USD a night and had a really nice bungalow on the beach with a fan, however A/C is also an option for a higher price. The beaches at Paje have white sand and blue water. Definately nice and relaxing! Cristal also has a pool.

I stayed at Paje in September , very beautiful and laid back beach , thoroughly enjoyed it