Kendwa

Why Kendwa Is the Calmer North Coast

Kendwa lies just south-west of Nungwi on Zanzibar’s north-west shoulder, and it offers the same prize — deep, swimmable water at all tides — with a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere. The beach is wide and gently sloping, the sand soft and pale, and the sunsets every bit the equal of its busier neighbour’s.

Where Nungwi buzzes, Kendwa unwinds. A scattering of beach resorts and low-key bars line the shore, the pace is slower, and there is more room to simply lie on the sand. The exception is the well-known full-moon beach party, which draws a crowd once a month for those who want a night out.

Kendwa is ideal for couples and anyone after a swimmable beach without the bustle, and it is easy to dip into Nungwi’s livelier scene whenever you like. It is around an hour from Stone Town and the airport, a simple beach finish to a safari.

What to See & Do

• Wide, tide-free swimming beach with soft pale sand
• A calmer, more laid-back feel than neighbouring Nungwi
• Superb west-facing sunsets over the Indian Ocean
• The famous monthly Kendwa full-moon beach party
• Easy access to Nungwi’s dive centres and nightlife

How a Visit Works

Kendwa is about an hour by road from Stone Town and the airport, just minutes from Nungwi. Accommodation ranges from relaxed beach resorts to boutique retreats. Most travellers stay three to five nights as a beach extension to a safari, dipping into Nungwi for diving and dining when they want more activity.

All the swimmable water of Nungwi but half the noise — we spent five days doing very little except swimming and watching the sun go down. — Guest review, TripAdvisor

Things to Do

• Guided exploration and wildlife viewing
• Photography-focused safari days
• Custom private itinerary planning