Kendwa Beach: Best Known for Sunsets & Swimming

Location: Northwest coast – 56 km from Stone Town
Access: Approximately 80 minutes by taxi or bus
Great for: All-day swimming & amazing sunsets
Popular budget hotels: Sunseabar Beach Hotel, Sunset Kendwa, Kendwa Beach Resort
Best luxury hotels: Zuri Zanzibar, Kendwa Rocks, Riu Palace, Kilindi Zanzibar

Among the most popular beaches in Zanzibar, Kendwa Beach is situated on the island’s northwest coast and is a veritable tropical paradise. The beach boasts a variety of lodging options, from affordable to extravagant, and offers a harmonious combination of the island’s natural beauty with modern conveniences.

The pristine white sands, blue ocean, and breathtaking sunsets of Kendwa Beach have earned it the title of greatest beach in Africa and fourth best beach in the world, according to recent polls. That is very commendable.

Strong tidal variations do not influence Kendwa, in contrast to other Zanzibar beaches. This beach is perfect for those who want to spend the day swimming and lounging on the sand without having to hike far to reach the water when the tide is out. Kendwa isn’t the best spot for kiteboarding or any other wind-powered water sport because the waves are so quiet there. If you’re looking for a place to do kitesurfing in Zanzibar, Paje Beach is the place to go. The beaches on the east coast are also great options.

While neighboring Nungwi is more lively, weekend celebrations and the full moon bring out the crowds in Kendwa, which is still a popular tourist destination.

The Best Place in ZANZIBAR! (KENDWA)

Location & Accessibility

Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital, is 56 kilometers distant from Kendwa Beach. Driving the distance can take up to 1.5 hours. The local minibus known as the “dala-dala” provides a more genuine form of public transit. You can easily find taxis and rental car agencies all around the place.

Natural Beauty

Picturesque coral rock formations frame the beach, which is lined with towering palm trees that wave in the breeze, making it an ideal setting for vacation photos. You will adore Kendwa beach if you are an Instagram enthusiast. Ideal for leisurely wading and providing a glimpse into a diverse marine ecology, the shallow waters close to the beach range in depth from half a meter to two meters. Angelfish, clownfish, and lionfish are just a few of the many fish species that call the surrounding coral reefs home. This makes it an ideal location for snorkelers.

Water Sports & Activities

A variety of water sports and other activities may be found at Kendwa Beach. If you’re someone who loves water sports like kayaking, scuba diving, or snorkeling, then Kendwa is the place for you. You may go kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and a whole lot more at this beach. Famous diving destinations in the region include Mnemba Atoll, where divers may see for up to 30 meters. Also, tandem skydiving is only available in Kendwa, Zanzibar; the beach landing is the icing on the cake (or is it a “reel”?). The safety and enjoyment of all participants is guaranteed by the abundance of local operators who offer equipment rentals and licensed teachers for training in all activities.

Kendwa Beach Accommodation

There is a wide variety of places to stay at Kendwa Beach, from posh resorts to inexpensive hostels. Beachfront villas with private pools and direct beach access are available at renowned resorts like Gold Zanzibar and Zuri Zanzibar. Some alternatives in the middle price bracket are Royal Zanzibar, Sansi Kendwa, and Kendwa Rocks. Back from the beach, there are lots of options for budget travelers, like hostels with shared kitchens and dormitory-style dorms. The majority of hotels offer free Wi-Fi, and some of the fancier ones even include spas and fitness centers right there.

Restaurants and Nightlife

From traditional Swahili fare like Zanzibari biryani to more exotic fare like Italian, Lebanese, and Japanese, Kendwa Beach has it all when it comes to cuisine. Restaurants here serve seafood such calamari, lobster, and freshly caught fish. A number of choices include outdoor seating, with some restaurants even having beachfront locations and others boasting rooftop terraces with breathtaking views. Some of the best local eateries are the internationally minded Essence Restaurant, the seafood-centric Shashlik Mashlik Kendwa, and the appropriately called Fisherman Local Restaurant. The hotels in the area sometimes include public eateries, so you can go about and try whatever strikes your fancy.

As the sun goes down, Kendwa becomes a vibrant yet laid-back center for beach bonfires, live music, and dance performances. Sunset Kendwa and Cholo’s are two prominent nightlife venues known for their extensive cocktail lists.

Cultural Experience

There is a lot more to Zanzibar than just picture-perfect beaches; tourists would be well to immerse themselves in the local culture and help out the people they encounter while on the island. Visitors to Zanzibar can experience the island’s rich cultural legacy firsthand in Kendwa, where they can see traditional dance performances and peruse craft shops. You can also get a wide variety of handcrafted fabrics, jewelry, and other trinkets at the weekly Maasai markets that are scattered over Zanzibar.