Are you planning a relaxing beach vacation in Zanzibar? Kendwa Beach. You will find soft white sands, calm turquoise waters, and sunsets on the island's northwestern coast. To make your Zanzibar beach getaway easier, you should think about mobility. Public transport is limited and often crowded. If you want freedom, it is best to rent a car in Zanzibar. Driving allows you to visit Kendwa directly from the airport or explore nearby towns like Nungwi. With a car, you set your own schedule.
Driving from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport to Kendwa Beach takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes covering 66 km. Once you leave the airport, you follow Nyerere Road, which is heading north. The route is scenic, passing small villages, palm groves, and stretches of rural Zanzibar.
As you continue, the road joins Nungwi Road, the main route that leads directly toward the north coast. The drive is smooth, though traffic can be heavier near Stone Town. You will notice how the air changes closer to the sea. With the windows down, you will feel the island breeze long before you see the water.
Once you reach the Kendwa area, signs for the beach and local tour operators guide you to the coast. Parking is available near most beach entrances; from there, it is only a short walk onto the sand. By driving, you avoid crowded shuttles and keep your holiday flexible. With your own vehicle, you can explore Kendwa, nearby Nungwi, or even make detours to spice farms and cultural villages before reaching the shore.
Kendwa Beach stands out as one of the best beaches in Zanzibar because of its unique natural setting and visitor-friendly conditions. Here are reasons to go to Kendwa Beach:
Kendwa is one of the few places in Zanzibar where you can enjoy swimming all day. Other beaches often have strong tidal variations, meaning the water disappears for hours. At Kendwa, the sea stays accessible, calm, and warm. It is safe for families, children, and people who are not strong swimmers. The gentle slope into the water means you do not need water shoes.
One of the highlights of Kendwa is its west-facing position. This location gives you sunset views. The sky changes into shades of orange, red, and purple every evening. Many people enjoy cocktails on the sand or join dhow cruises to watch the colours over the Indian Ocean. Kendwa sunsets are so beautiful that they have helped the beach gain global recognition, including being voted the best beach in Africa and the fourth-best in the world.
Compared to nearby Nungwi, Kendwa offers a balanced atmosphere. Nungwi can feel crowded and commercial, while Kendwa is quieter but enjoyable. Couples and honeymooners come here for peace. Backpackers enjoy the budget lodges and friendly vibe. Families like the safety of the calm waters. Adventure seekers find plenty of activities.
Kendwa Beach enjoys a tropical climate, so travellers can visit year-round. Air and sea temperatures stay comfortable, but each season offers a slightly different experience depending on rainfall, crowds, and activities. Knowing the seasonal patterns helps you plan the perfect Zanzibar beach getaway.
The dry season from June to October is the most popular time to visit Kendwa. The weather is cool, dry, and comfortable, making it the best time for outdoor activities. Temperatures range between 24°C and 30°C, with low humidity. This is perfect for swimming, diving, and beach sports. The sunsets are also more vibrant during these months.
The hot season from December to March brings higher temperatures and more tourists, especially around Christmas and New Year. The atmosphere is lively, with more events and parties. Days are sunny, and the sea stays warm, making it an excellent time for a Zanzibar beach getaway. If you don’t mind crowds, this season offers great energy.
April and May bring the long rains, while November brings the short rains. These months are quieter, and some tours may pause. However, there are still bright days between showers, and accommodation is cheaper. Visiting during these months is an option for travellers who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Kendwa is more than a place to relax on soft sand. The beach is also a base for activities, ranging from underwater exploration to cultural tours.
Kendwa is a good base for snorkelling and scuba diving. The waters are clear, and nearby reefs are full of colourful fish, corals, and even turtles. Angelfish, clownfish, and lionfish are some of the species often seen here. Trips usually go to Mnemba Atoll, where visibility reaches up to 30 metres, and Tumbatu Island, known for its untouched reefs. Dive centres in the area provide training for beginners and advanced courses for experienced divers. Because the sea near Kendwa is unaffected by tides, snorkelling can even start directly from the beach.
For adventure lovers, Kendwa offers a wide range of water sports. You can try jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The calm conditions here make paddleboarding a relaxing way to explore the shoreline. One activity unique to Kendwa is tandem skydiving, which ends with a beach landing. Kayaks and paddleboards are easy to rent, and some hotels provide snorkelling sets for guests.
Kendwa faces west, which makes it one of the best places in Zanzibar for sunset dhow cruises. Traditional wooden boats set sail in the evening, carrying groups out into the Indian Ocean to watch the colours shift across the horizon. These cruises often include drinks or light snacks. Some tours also offer half-day trips to sandbanks or small islands, where you can swim, snorkel, or enjoy a picnic by the sea. You can take in views of coral rock formations and palm-lined beaches along the coast.
For those who prefer calm activities, Kendwa is also known for its wellness options. Many resorts and lodges offer beachfront massages, facials, and spa treatments, often set under palm trees or in open-air pavilions. Yoga sessions are popular, especially at sunset.
At Kendwa, you can visit local villages nearby and experience daily life in Zanzibar. Traditional dance performances, Maasai markets, and craft stalls are part of the cultural scene around Kendwa. A 1-hour and 30-minute drive takes you to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can wander through narrow streets, see historic forts, and explore bustling markets. Spice tours are another highlight, where you see and taste cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg fresh from the farms. For a quick side trip, you can walk or drive to Nungwi, only 10 to 15 minutes away, to enjoy its lively nightlife, turtle aquarium, and lighthouse views.
The Full Moon Party at Kendwa is a small beach gathering with drums, fire shows, and friends. Over the years, it has become one of Zanzibar’s biggest events. What began as a local celebration is now an international party where you experience music, culture, and the rhythm of the island under the moonlight.
The party takes place on the first Saturday after every full moon. The evening usually begins with a beachfront barbecue buffet serving grilled meats, seafood, and salads. Performances include Maasai dancers, fire acrobats, and traditional drumming, creating a unique cultural setting before the DJs take over. As the night goes on, international and local DJs play Afro-beats, reggae, house, and Amapiano. People dance on the sand until sunrise, with the beach lit by torches and moonlight.
If you stay at Kendwa, entry may be included, but expect to pay a cover charge. Tickets can often be bought online, sometimes with early-bird discounts. Once inside, the party runs on a cashless prepaid card system for food and drinks, which makes service quicker at busy bars. Arrive by 7 to 8 PM if you want dinner and a good view of the performances. By 10 PM, the beach is crowded.
Kendwa offers a wide range of accommodation options. Most places are within walking distance of the beach, and you can choose from simple hostels to upscale beachfront resorts. Because Kendwa is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, rooms here fill quickly during peak season, so it’s best to book early.
If you want comfort, Kendwa has luxury resorts with beachfront suites, infinity pools, and private villas. Many include spa facilities, fine dining restaurants, and direct access to the sand. These are popular with honeymooners and couples looking for privacy and premium services. Beachfront villas often feature large terraces or private pools with ocean views.
For balanced comfort, Kendwa has mid-range hotels close to the beach. These provide modern amenities, good service, and reliable Wi-Fi. Some have tropical gardens or rooftop terraces for sunset views. Families and groups often choose this category because it combines comfort with reasonable prices. It’s also common for mid-range stays to include breakfast and basic beach facilities such as loungers.
Kendwa is also friendly to backpackers. The beach has budget guesthouses and clean, simple, and affordable hostels. Many have dormitory-stle rooms, shared kitchens, and social areas where you can meet other travellers. During the Full Moon Party, these budget options are especially popular, as you can walk straight to the beach celebrations.
Some properties in Kendwa focus on eco-friendly tourism. These lodges use solar power, practise water conservation, and work with local communities. They often feature natural materials in their design, blending with the coastal environment. Choosing this type of stay supports responsible travel and helps protect the natural beauty of Zanzibar’s coastline.
Kendwa offers various dining options, from simple beach shacks to upscale restaurants with ocean views. Because the beach attracts locals and international travellers, you will find traditional flavours and global dishes.
Being on the coast, Kendwa is known for fresh seafood. Popular dishes include grilled prawns, lobster, octopus curry, calamari, and catch-of-the-day fish. Many restaurants set up tables on the beach so you can enjoy your meal while listening to the waves. Buffets are sometimes served on special nights, especially Full Moon Party weekends. You can enjoy many seafood dishes and salads.
For a more authentic experience, try Zanzibari cuisine. Traditional dishes such as pilau rice, biryani, coconut-based curries, and samosas are widely available. Meals are often served with fresh tropical fruits or flatbreads. Drinks like spiced tea and sugarcane juice reflect the island’s Swahili culture. Some places also organise cultural evenings where food is served alongside music and dance performances.
Kendwa caters to many different tastes. Alongside local dishes, you will find Italian pizzas and pasta, Indian curries, Lebanese grills, burgers, and salads.
Kendwa Beach is a special place in Zanzibar where you enjoy calm waters, glowing sunsets, and a friendly vibe. It is one of the few beaches where swimming is possible all day. You can relax on soft sand, try water sports, or join lively cultural nights. Rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals to make your trip smooth. You can pick up your vehicle from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and drive directly to Kendwa. Final Rentals offers a wide range of cars, from budget to premium, with flexible booking and instant confirmation.
