Kendwa is a beach paradise located on the northwest coast of Zanzibar. 20 km Stone Town (45 min by car) being one of the best island beaches for NO significant tide (only northern beach where you can swim all day long no matter the time). Features: perfect fine white sand, shallow crystal clear turquoise waters, shady palm trees, free entry. Location next to Nungwi (1 km south practically connected), Kendwa quieter less commercial. Activities: swimming all day, snorkeling nearby reefs, diving, beach volleyball, dhow rides, spectacular sunsets (best island 18:00-18:45). Accommodation: resorts variety of budgets (budget 30-60 USD/night, mid-range 80-150 USD, luxury 200-400+ USD). Best time Jun-Oct (25-28°C, dry), avoid April-May (rains). This guide explains what to do, accommodation, how to get there and tips.
Kendwa beach characteristics
Perfect sandWhite fine smooth without stones/shells/algae, wide long enough space all.
No significant tideONLY advantage vs. other northern beaches - swimming all day any time (water deepens gradually, always enough swimming depth).
Crystal clear watersTransparent turquoise, warm temperature 26-29°C year-round, excellent snorkeling visibility.
Palm trees shadeNatural tall palm trees provide warm shade for beach areas.
QuietLess commercial / crowded than Nungwi (1 km south) being more relaxed and family friendly.
Free admissionFree beach access at no cost.
What to do at Kendwa Beach
Swimming and relaxation
Main advantageSwimming all day without tidal restriction (always deep enough water).
Shallow waterGradual deepening ideal for families/children safety.
Sun loungers for rent5,000-10,000 TZS (2-4 USD) per day, some hotels include guests free of charge.
Palm hammocks: Relaxing natural shade free of charge in public areas.
Snorkeling and diving Kendwa
SnorkelCoral reefs close to shore (100-200 meters swimming), excellent visibility, crystal clear water, colorful fish, occasional turtles.
Equipment rental: 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD) per day resorts/beach operators.
DivingKendwa operators offer dives at nearby sites/Mnemba Atoll, PADI courses, 2 dives 80-120 USD.
Snorkeling toursBest reef boat (20,000-30,000 TZS/8-12 USD half day).
Kendwa Water Activities
Dhow ridesTraditional sunset sailing tours (30,000-50,000 TZS/12-20 USD, 2 hours, including drinks).
Kayak/paddle boardRent 15,000-25,000 TZS (6-10 USD) per hour.
Jet skiAvailable in some resorts (50,000-80,000 TZS/20-32 USD 15-30 min).
Sport fishingHalf day/full day tours by local operators.
Kendwa Beach Volleyball
Diary: Informal late afternoon beach games (17:00-19:00), locals/tourists participate.
Free: Join spontaneous parties, fun social environment.
Kendwa Sunsets
BEST ISLANDSKendwa west oriented offers spectacular sunsets (18:00-18:45 Jun-Oct, 18:30-19:00 Nov-May).
Beach barsKendwa Rocks, La Gemma dell'Est, Z Hotel offer excellent views with drinks (5,000-15,000 TZS).
Photography: A must-see moment, perfect golden light, palm tree silhouettes/dhows.
Lodging in Kendwa
Economic budget
Gold Zanzibar Beach HousePopular hostel/guesthouse, dorms 15-25 USD, private rooms 40-60 USD, social atmosphere.
White Sands Bungalows: Budget friendly, 30-50 USD/night, basic clean.
Mid-range
Kendwa Rocks: Iconic lively resort, 80-150 USD/night, direct beach, popular bar/restaurant, famous full moon parties.
La Gemma dell'Est: Italian resort, 100-180 USD/night, good food, swimming pool.
Sunset Kendwa90-160 USD/night, quiet family, swimming pool, restaurant.
Luxury
Z HotelBoutique minimalist luxury, 250-450 USD/night, modern design, spa, excellent restaurant.
Gold Zanzibar: 5 star resort, 200-400 USD/night, all inclusive options, multiple pools.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar: Ultra luxury north Kendwa, 300-600+ USD/night, private suites, world class spa.
How to get to Kendwa
From Stone TownPrivate cab 70,000-80,000 TZS (28-32 USD, 45 min), dala-dala 3,000-5,000 TZS (1.20-2 USD, 1.5 hours change).
From airportCab 80,000-100,000 TZS (32-40 USD, 50 min).
From NungwiCab 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD, 5 min), beach walk 1 km (15-20 min).
From Paje/eastCab 100,000-120,000 TZS (40-48 USD, 1.5 hours across the island).
Transportation rentalCar 50-80 USD/day, motorcycle 15-25 USD/day - flexible option to explore.
Location: Consultation Google Maps for exact travel planning routes.
Best time to visit Kendwa
Dry season (Jun-Oct)BEST - temperatures 25-28°C, minimum rainfall, low humidity, clear water, perfect beach conditions.
Intermediate season (Nov-Feb, Jul-Aug)Good - temperatures 28-32°C, occasional rains, more tourists peak Dec-Feb.
Rainy season (Mar-May)Avoid - frequent rains, high humidity, less ideal although April-May less tourists low prices.
No tideAdvantage Kendwa - visit any time of the day without worrying about tide (vs Nungwi/other beaches where low tide makes swimming difficult).
Updated weather: Consultation Weather.com for accurate pre-trip forecasts.
Beaches near Kendwa
Nungwi: 1 km south practically connected, more commercial/animated, more restaurants/bars/nightlife, abundant tour operators.
Mnemba Atoll15 km east, marine reserve, spectacular reefs, best snorkeling/diving Zanzibar, organized tours 80-150 USD.
Matemwe25 km east, authentic quiet beach, less touristy, dramatic low tide.
Kiwengwa30 km east, long beaches, all-inclusive resorts, slightly cooler water.
KizimkaziDolphin tours (50-80 USD), spectacular sunsets, 60 km south, dolphin tours (50-80 USD).
Preguntas frecuentes sobre Kendwa
Where is Kendwa and why is it special?
Kendwa is a beach paradise on the northwest coast of Zanzibar located on the 20 km Stone Town (45 min car, 70,000-80,000 TZS/28-32 USD cab) being one of the best island beaches by unique characteristic: NO significant tide (only northern Zanzibar beach where you can swim all day any time without restriction vs Nungwi/other beaches where low tide 6-8 hours a day makes swimming difficult and water recedes leaving a sandy bottom). Features: Perfect fine white sand without stones/shells/algae, transparent crystal clear turquoise waters, warm temperature 26-29°C, palm trees, natural shade, ample long enough space for everyone, free entry public access. Location1 km south of Nungwi practically connected, but Kendwa quieter less commercial ideal for families/couples looking for relaxation vs. lively Nungwi nightlife. Sunsets: Best islands west facing offering spectacular sunsets 18:00-18:45 golden light perfect for photography. According to Lonely Planet, Kendwa is "perfect Zanzibar beach" being "ideal combination of pristine sand, crystal clear waters, no disturbing tide, relaxed atmosphere".
What to do in Kendwa Beach?
At Kendwa you can: (1) Swimming all day - main advantage no tidal restriction (water always deep enough, gradual deepening ideal for families/children), sun loungers rental 5,000-10,000 TZS (2-4 USD) or free palm hammocks; (2) Snorkeling/diving - coral reefs 100-200 meters offshore (excellent visibility, colorful fish, occasional turtles), equipment rental 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD), boat snorkeling tours 20,000-30,000 TZS (8-12 USD half day), diving 2 dives 80-120 USD; (3) Aquatic activities - sunset dhow rides (30,000-50,000 TZS/12-20 USD, 2 hours drinks included), kayak/paddle board (15,000-25,000 TZS/6-10 USD hour), jet ski (50,000-80,000 TZS/20-32 USD 15-30 min); (4) Beach volleyball - daily evening games 17:00-19:00 locals/tourists free social environment; (5) Spectacular sunsets – best islands 18:00-18:45 beach bars (Kendwa Rocks, La Gemma, Z Hotel) excellent views excellent drinks 5,000-15,000 TZS, unmissable photo golden light; (6) Explore nearby - Nungwi 1 km walk beach 15-20 min (more lively restaurants/nightlife), Mnemba Atoll 15 km snorkeling/diving tours. According to TripAdvisor, Kendwa is "perfect relaxation/activity balance" being "enough to do while remaining calm not overwhelming".
What is the best accommodation in Kendwa?
The best lodging Kendwa depends on budget: (1) Economic budget – Gold Zanzibar Beach House (popular hostel, dorms 15-25 USD, private 40-60 USD, social travelers), White Sands Bungalows (30-50 USD basic clean); (2) Mid-range RECOMMENDED – Kendwa Rocks (lively iconic resort 80-150 USD/night, direct beach, popular bar/restaurant, famous full moon parties, social atmosphere), La Gemma dell'Est (Italian 100-180 USD, good food, swimming pool), Sunset Kendwa (90-160 USD quiet family); (3) Luxury – Z Hotel (minimalist boutique 250-450 USD, modern design spa restaurant excellent), Gold Zanzibar (5 stars 200-400 USD, all inclusive multiple pool options), Essque Zalu (ultra-luxury 300-600+ USD, world-class private spa suites). Best locationAll hotels Kendwa are direct beach being excellent location with no significant differences. CouncilMid-range offers better value for money by combining comfort/location/ambience without overspending, Kendwa Rocks especially popular social travelers looking to meet people. High season (Jun-Oct, Dec-Feb) booking 2-3 months in advance prices increase 30-50%, low season (Mar-May, Nov) best deals. According to Booking.com, Kendwa offers "excellent variety of accommodations for all budgets" being "difficult to find a bad option given all of them in front of a paradisiacal beach".