Kendwa
Wide golden sand, all-tide swimming, full-moon parties
Updated
Kendwa sits ten minutes south of Nungwi on the north-west tip, and it shares the advantage that makes the north coast special: the seabed drops away close to shore, so you can swim at any tide. The beach itself is broader and more open than Nungwi's, with the island's most reliable sunsets dropping straight into the sea.
By day it is calmer than Nungwi; around the full moon it is the loudest place on the island. Both facts matter when you book.
Highlights
Swim at any tide
Like Nungwi, the water off the main beach stays deep through the tidal cycle. The swimming is why many travellers split a north-coast stay between the two villages.
Full-moon parties
The beach bars of Kendwa host the island's famous full-moon parties, with dates that follow the lunar calendar. Around those nights the village is loud and fully booked; the rest of the month it is quiet.
The widest beach on the island
Kendwa's sand is broad and open, with room to spread out even in high season. It is the best beach on Zanzibar for long walks and actual swimming rather than tide-pool wading.
Sunsets into the sea
The north-west coast faces the setting sun over open water. Bring nothing but a towel; the show is free every evening.
An easy link to Nungwi
The two beaches connect on foot along the sand at mid to high tide, or by a short dala dala ride. Restaurants and bars of both villages stay within easy reach.
Good for
- All-tide swimming on a wide beach
- Sunsets over open water
- Full-moon nightlife
- A quieter daytime alternative to Nungwi
Know before you go
- If you want quiet sleep, book rooms away from the party beach around the full moon.
- Development is moving fast; the village is less compact than Nungwi.
- Kusi winds (June to October) can chop up afternoons; mornings are usually calmest.
- Shade is scarcer than on the east coast; pack sunscreen and plan around midday.