Beach bungalows and guesthouses
Simple bungalows and small guesthouses on or just behind the beach, with a sunbed on the sand and a beach bar next door.
Kendwa village
Zanzibar · Tanzania
Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar
A long curve of white sand on the northwest tip of Zanzibar, where the sea stays close to shore through the tides and the sun sets straight into the Indian Ocean. One of the island's easiest beaches for swimming at any time of day, and a perfect place to end a safari.
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Travelers' Choice Awards
June to October and December to February
Northwest coast of Zanzibar, near Nungwi
About 1 to 1.5 hr by road from Zanzibar airport
Swimming at any tide, sunsets, sunsets
Kendwa: The Zanzibar Beach Where the Sea Stays Close
Kendwa is a small village and a long, gently sloping beach on the northwest coast of Unguja, Zanzibar's main island, just south of Nungwi. Much of Zanzibar's east coast is shaped by dramatic tides that pull the sea out for hundreds of metres. Kendwa is different: the sea stays deep enough close to the sand that you can swim at almost any time of day. Because the beach faces west, every evening ends with the sun setting over the ocean, and sunset dhow cruises, beach bars and barefoot dinners on the sand are part of the rhythm. The sand is fine and white, the water clear and turquoise, and the reefs of Mnemba Atoll and Tumbatu Island are within easy reach by boat.
Kendwa has a relaxed but sociable feel. Its hotels range from simple bungalows to large resorts, and around each full moon the beach hosts one of Zanzibar's best-known parties. The rest of the month it is calmer, and behind the hotels it is still a working village of fishermen and small shops. Kendwa makes a perfect end to a safari. Flights from Arusha reach Zanzibar in around an hour and a half, and from the airport it is a scenic drive up the island. Our bush to beach safari and Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday both finish on the island, and our guide to Zanzibar activities covers what to do across Zanzibar.
Things to Do in Kendwa
Kendwa is made for doing very little, very well. But when you want more than a sunbed, the whole northern tip of Zanzibar is on your doorstep, from coral atolls to Swahili villages.
Swimming at any tideThe beach shelves gently into clear water that stays close to shore through the day, so you can swim whenever you like, which is rare on Zanzibar.
Snorkelling at Mnemba AtollBoat trips to Mnemba Atoll off the northeast coast bring coral gardens, turtles, reef fish and sometimes dolphins. It is the most famous snorkelling in Zanzibar .
Sunset dhow cruiseSail out on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun drops into the ocean, with drinks on board and the coast turning gold behind you.
Scuba divingDive centres on the beach run courses and trips to nearby reefs, including the walls off Tumbatu Island and the sites around Mnemba.
Nungwi and the turtle aquariumA short walk or ride away, Nungwi has a busy dhow-building beach and the Mnarani turtle aquarium, a community project caring for sea turtles in a natural tidal lagoon.
Stone Town and spice toursA day trip south to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Stone Town tour, pairs well with a spice farm tour and a boat trip to see the giant tortoises of Prison Island.
The Best Time to Visit Kendwa Beach, Month by Month
Zanzibar is warm all year, with sea temperatures that rarely drop below the mid-20s °C. What changes is the rain, the wind and how busy the island gets.
June to October: dry and breezy. Sunny days, cooler evenings and low humidity. The most popular time, and the perfect end to a dry-season safari. West-facing Kendwa is sheltered from the worst of the seasonal trade wind.
November: the short rains Brief tropical showers, often in the afternoon, with plenty of sunshine between them. Quieter and good value.
December to February: hot and dry The hottest, calmest months, with flat seas and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving. Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks, so book early.
March to May: the long rains. Humid, with heavy rain especially in April and May. Some hotels close or offer big discounts, and it can still be a lovely, quiet time if you do not mind showers.
Kendwa stays swimmable when the tides empty the east coast beaches, which makes it a reliable choice in any month. For more on the weather, see our Tanzania weather guide. Whatever your dates, let us know and we will match your beach days to your safari. →
Where to Stay in Kendwa
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Boutique beach hotels
Stylish, friendly hotels right on the sand, with pools, sea-view rooms, good restaurants and easy access to dive centres and boat trips.
Kendwa Beach
Resorts and private villas
Full-service resorts and villas with infinity pools, spas, private terraces and beachfront dining. Ideal for honeymoons and for ending a long safari in comfort.
Kendwa Beach
Safari and Kendwa Beach Holidays, Tailored to You
Start with one of these safari and Zanzibar trips, then work with a local planner to add Kendwa, change the pace or extend your beach stay.
Kendwa Beach Questions We Get Most Often
Can you swim at Kendwa Beach at low tide?Yes. Unlike many Zanzibar beaches, especially on the east coast, Kendwa keeps enough water close to shore that you can swim throughout the day, whatever the tide.
Kendwa or Nungwi: which is better?They are neighbours, a few kilometres apart. Nungwi is livelier, with more restaurants, bars and a busy village. Kendwa's beach is wider and calmer, and better for swimming. Many guests stay in Kendwa and walk along the shore to Nungwi for dinner at low tide.
How far is Kendwa from Zanzibar airport?About 60 km, or roughly an hour to an hour and a half by road depending on traffic. We arrange private transfers from the airport or from Stone Town.
Is Kendwa good for families?Yes. The gentle slope, calm water and swimmable tides make Kendwa one of the better Zanzibar beaches for children. We can suggest quieter, family-friendly hotels and steer you away from the full moon weekend if you prefer a peaceful stay.
What is the Kendwa full moon party?A monthly beach party held on the weekend around the full moon, with music, fire shows and people from across the island. It is great fun if that is what you want, and easy to avoid if it is not.
How many nights should I spend in Kendwa?Four to five nights after a safari gives you time to rest, snorkel at Mnemba and take a day trip to Stone Town. Seven nights is ideal for a true beach holiday.
Can I combine Kendwa with a safari?Yes, and it is the most popular way to finish a Tanzania safari. Flights from Arusha and the parks reach Zanzibar easily, and we arrange everything from the last game drive to the first swim. Our bush to beach safari is a good example.