Kendwa beach | Beaches in Zanzibar
Kendwa Beach Zanzibar
Kendwa Beach is a long stretch of sand extending down the west coast about 3km south of the tip of Zanzibar Island. Not surprisingly, this idyllic location means a string of resorts, hotels and guesthouses, but there is still lots of space on the beach. Other attractions include a range of water-based activities, and favourable tidal patterns that ensure swimming at all hours.
The once sleepy village of Nungwi is still the traditional centre of dhow building on Zanzibar. An old favourite among backpackers and hippies, the scene has transformed in recent years with hotels, bars, hostels and dive centres now lining the sandy shoreline in a near continuous strip southwest to Kendwa. The still relatively quiet village of Kendwa has also expanded, but its uniquely wide beach and understated resorts continue to offer a more laid back vibe.
Full moon beach parties: Although relatively quiet for the rest of the month, Kendwa pumps up the volume each full moon with a lively beach party that draws visitors from around the island. Kendwa’s full moon parties are legendary, though overly extreme, and remain one of Zanzibar’s favourite attractions.
Best Beach Resorts Around Kendwa
DOUBLE TREE HILTON ZANZIBAR
Enjoy views of the Indian Ocean and direct beach access five minutes from the traditional fishing village of Nungwi.
THE ZANZIBAR HOTEL NUNGWI
Located on the edge of a small rocky cliff with stunning views over the Indian Ocean out to Mnemba Island.
RIU PALACE NUNGWI ZANZIBAR
The Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is located on Nungwi Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach with crystalline waters.
SMILES BEACH HOTELS
Enjoy views of the Indian Ocean and direct beach access five minutes from the traditional fishing village of Nungwi.
SANDIES BAOBAB BEACH
Sandies Baobab Zanzibar is a 4 star resort located along the north west coast of Zanzibar, near Nungwi.
ROYAL ZANZIBAR BEACH
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is a luxury resort located amidst the pristine beaches; and offers an ideal vacation destination.
Dhow building and village tour: Nungwi beach remains a focal point for Zanzibari ship building where skilled shipwrights use age-old methods and tools to turn rough timber planks into ocean-going dhows. Village tours can also be arranged for those interested in discovering the cultural side of dhow building and how the tradition persists through the centuries.
Travel tips
Although luxury hotels are now available, Nungwi and especially Kendwa remain two of the best destinations on Zanzibar Island for quality, affordable accommodation – head here if you’re looking for a party. Kendwa has the better beach, and the deeper water on the north-western strip means swimming is possible throughout the day; the island’s eastern beaches are almost all tide dependent.
Best Safari tours from Zanzibar
Often overlooked by many safari operators in favour of the northern parks, the southern parks of Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Park are worth serious consideration and are the preferred destination for most who are really keen on their safari.
The benefits of heading to the south is that, where the very north of the Serengeti gives the numbers of game, along with some seclusion, the southern parks are still very much “frontier” parks and so are noticeably less busy (they also feature the same spread of species as the north, but more like a thousand, rather than 2 million).
The second important point is that, where the average lodge cost in the north is around $700 per person per night, the lodges in the south, where they offer a similar experience, are around $2-300 less.
The south and west of Tanzania are often overshadowed by the more famous and iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the north. Some agents feel that the south and west are better suited to the seasoned safari-goer and don’t recommend them for a first timer – however we would disagree! We have sent thousands of first timers to southern Tanzania where they have had an excellent safari experience.
Kendwa Beach and Zanzibar archipelago Maps
Kendwa Beach and Zanzibar Beach FAQ
YES! From May 2021 a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test certificate with QR code is required for all travellers using a sample collected within 96 hours before arrival to Tanzania. Fully vaccinated travellers are also required for a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test certificate with no exception.
Yes, you can drink alcohol in Zanzibar, but be discreet. If you drink in the appropriate places and respect the local Muslim culture, having a few drinks is fine.
Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania on 6 degrees south in the Indian Ocean. The climate is tropical due to the proximity to the equator. In accordance with the tropical climate, there are few fluctuations in temperatures during the year. The temperatures in Zanzibar are high all year round and average between 25 degrees and 28 degrees.
It is the “coolest” from June to August, the highest temperatures are around 30° C, while in the other months it is definitely well over thirty degrees. The nightly low temperatures range between 23 and 25 degrees in the course of the year, but can drop, albeit rarely, to just under 20 degrees in the cooler months. The driest time in Zanzibar is between June and October and in January and February with two to five rainy days per month.
Pictures of buildings and scenery, including people, can be taken any time. It is however strictly prohibited to take pictures of governmental buildings, persons or vehicles.
Most Western countries have a rather liberal and casual attitude when it comes to clothing. Zanzibar dress code, as required by Islam on the other hand, is a more conservative minimum dress code for both, men and women.
The best of Zanzibar’s beaches can be found on the south coast. Kizimkazi beach is where you’re guaranteed to see beautiful bottlenose dolphins in the ocean. Head to Kizimkazi if you wish to snorkel, dive or swim with the amazing creatures and other marine species in Zanzibar.
Yes, Zanzibar is very safe for swimming. The Indian Ocean is warm and the waves tend to be small. Zanzibar is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. Conditions do vary from beach to beach and season to season, but overall many of Zanzibar’s beaches are ideal for swimming.
The Zanzibar archipelago consists of many small islands including two big ones, Pemba Island & Unguja. The latter being referred to informally as Zanzibar. Zanzibar has more than 25 beautiful, white, palm fringed beaches, the sea is warm, and the atmosphere is easy.
The average price of a 7-day trip to Zanzibar is $2,386 for a solo traveler, $4,285 for a couple, and $8,034 for a family of 4. Zanzibar hotels range from $38 to $217 per night with an average of $64, while most vacation rentals will cost $20 to $400 per night for the entire home.
I belive Kendwa has the better beach, and the deeper water on the north-western strip means swimming is possible throughout the day; the island’s eastern beaches are almost all tide dependent.
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