Kendwa is the next beach south of Nungwi, a long, straight run of soft white sand with gently shelving water. Its great advantage is the tide: it is one of the few places on Zanzibar where you can swim comfortably at almost any time of day, which is why many families and couples choose it over Nungwi.
The mood is calmer too — a handful of resorts and beach bars rather than a village strip. The exception is the monthly full-moon party at Kendwa Rocks, when the beach fills with music and people from all over the island. The sunset view, straight out over the ocean, is as good as Nungwi’s.
Top things to do at Kendwa Beach
Swim, whatever the tide
The simple pleasure that makes Kendwa. Mornings are glassy and calm; in the afternoon a breeze often picks up. Bring reef shoes if you plan to wade along the rocky ends of the beach.
Take a boat to Tumbatu or Mnemba
Most Mnemba snorkelling trips pick up in Kendwa, and Tumbatu Island is a short ride west. Our favourite is the small-group Mnemba dolphin trip that starts right here.
Walk to Nungwi along the sand
At low tide you can walk the beach north to Nungwi in about 45 minutes — go in the late afternoon, have a drink on the west beach and come back by tuk-tuk after sunset.
How to get to Kendwa Beach
- From the airport: about 1–1.5 hours by car, very similar to Nungwi. Transfers to Kendwa are usually priced the same.
- From Nungwi: 3 km — walk the beach at low tide, or take a tuk-tuk or taxi via the main road.
- By dala-dala: Nungwi-bound minibuses from Stone Town can drop you at the Kendwa turn-off on the main road, from where it is a walk of roughly 15 minutes to the beach.
Insider tips
- Full-moon party nights are fun but loud — if you want sleep, check the lunar calendar before choosing a room near Kendwa Rocks.
- There is less choice of independent restaurants than in Nungwi; half board can make sense here.
- Sunset dhow cruises pick up from Kendwa too, so you do not need to go to Nungwi for one.
Best tours & tickets for Kendwa Beach
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Kendwa Beach from Nungwi or Kendwa:
Boat trip from $55 From Kendwa: Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure
The best-reviewed Mnemba trip leaving from the north coast. A speedboat runs round the tip of the island to the atoll, where the crew looks for spinner and bottlenose dolphins before a long snorkel over the reef. Back in time for a late lunch on the beach.
- Look for wild dolphins off Mnemba Atoll
- Snorkel the atoll’s coral gardens with gear included
- Small group, with pickup in Nungwi and Kendwa
Sunset cruise from $14 Zanzibar: Sunset Dhow Cruise in Nungwi & Kendwa
Nungwi and Kendwa face due west, which makes them the best place on Zanzibar to watch the sunset from the water. This relaxed cruise under a lateen sail is the classic evening in Nungwi — and one of the cheapest good things you can book on the island.
- Sail a traditional wooden dhow along the west coast
- Watch the sun drop straight into the Indian Ocean
- Drinks and fruit on board, optional swim stop
Boat trip from $45 Tumbatu Island Snorkelling Tour from Kendwa & Nungwi
The quick, close-to-home alternative to Mnemba: Tumbatu lies just off the west coast, a short boat ride from Kendwa, and its reefs see far fewer boats. Ideal for a morning when you do not want a long day at sea.
- Short boat ride from the north-west coast
- Snorkel quieter reefs off Tumbatu Island
- Pickup included
