Kendwa

Kendwa lies on the north-west coast of Unguja, a few minutes down from Nungwi, and it has what many people picture when they picture Zanzibar: a wide, soft white beach, palms along the back of it, and calm water deep enough to swim at any state of the tide.

Because Kendwa faces west it gets the sunsets, and the beach bars are set up for them. The atmosphere is relaxed through the day and social in the evening, with the monthly full moon beach parties drawing visitors and local residents alike.

The beach itself is wide enough that it never feels crowded even in high season, and the swimming is the best on the island. Water sports run from the beach: jet ski, jet car, kayaking and horse riding along the shoreline. Acrobatic shows and beach games run most afternoons.

Kendwa suits couples, families and anyone who wants to swim without checking a tide table, with the option of walking down to Nungwi for more choice in the evening.

Kendwa has a wide, palm-fringed white beach with calm, swimmable water at every tide. Unlike most of the island the sea does not retreat far, which makes it the most reliable swimming beach in Zanzibar. It faces west, so it also gets the sunsets.

June to October is dry and breezy, the most comfortable time to be on the beach.
December to February is hot and bright, and the busiest period.
March to May brings the long rains and the quietest beach.
The full moon party runs monthly through the year.

Kendwa has beachfront resorts, mid-range hotels and a few smaller properties set back from the sand. Most face west for the sunset. We book across every category and will match the property to your budget.

About an hour and fifteen minutes by road from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. We meet every flight with a name board and a fixed price agreed in advance.