Kendwa

About Kendwa

Kendwa sits on Zanzibar's northwest coast, just south of Nungwi, and shares its neighbor's prized advantage of being largely unaffected by the island's dramatic tides -- meaning the beach stays swimmable throughout the day rather than emptying out at low tide as much of the coastline does. It is best known among travelers for its full moon beach parties, a monthly fixture that draws visitors from across the island.

What to Expect

Beyond the parties, Kendwa offers some of Zanzibar's finest sunset views, with the beach curving gently around a bay that catches the evening light particularly well. It is quieter and less developed than Nungwi itself, while still being close enough to reach its restaurants and dive centers easily.

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons from June to October and December to February bring the calmest seas and clearest skies for sunset watching.

Getting to Kendwa

Kendwa is about an hour from Stone Town and a short walk or taxi ride from Nungwi, making it easy to combine both in a single beach stay.

Combine With: Kendwa's proximity to Nungwi means many travelers stay in one and visit the other for dinner or a party night, effectively getting access to both beaches without needing to choose just one for the whole trip.

Outside of full moon nights, Kendwa is a genuinely relaxed beach with soft white sand and calm, swimmable water throughout the day. Sunset here draws a reliable crowd to beachfront bars, making early evening one of the most social times to be on this stretch of coast.

A handful of dive centers based here offer courses and excursions to nearby reefs, and the beach's gentle slope into the water makes it a comfortable choice for families traveling with children.

A short walk along the shore connects easily to Nungwi for travelers wanting to sample both beaches without arranging separate transport.