Uroa
Calm, pretty swimming at high tide, a short drive from town
Updated
Uroa is a quiet village on the north-east coast, between Kiwengwa and Pongwe, and it is a short drive from Stone Town. The beach is calm and the water clear, with the reef lagoon filling at high tide.
It suits travellers who want a quiet base with good-value rooms and easy access to the north-east coast attractions. It is less developed than Nungwi or Kendwa, with a mix of guesthouses and small hotels.
Highlights
Calm, pretty swimming
Uroa's beach is calm and the water clear, with the reef lagoon filling at high tide. It is a good choice for families and travellers who want a quiet base with easy swimming.
Short drive from Stone Town
Uroa is a short drive from Stone Town, making it a good base for travellers who want to explore the town and the north-east coast without a long transfer.
Good-value accommodation
Uroa has a mix of guesthouses and small hotels, with prices generally lower than Nungwi or Kendwa. It is a good base for travellers who want comfort without the north-coast crowds.
Easy access to Mnemba
Boats to Mnemba Atoll's reef leave from Uroa's small harbour, a shorter trip than from Nungwi. The reef is one of the island's best for snorkelling.
Good for
- Quiet, good-value base
- Calm, pretty swimming
- Short drive from Stone Town
- Easy access to Mnemba Atoll
Know before you go
- Swimming follows the tide table: the flats empty at low tide and the water is shallow and warm at high tide.
- Fewer restaurants and shops than Nungwi; pick a guesthouse near the places you will actually eat.
- ATMs are scarce; bring cash from Nungwi or Stone Town.
- The transfer from Stone Town takes about an hour and a quarter by road.