ZanTravelsZanzibar · Tanzania

North Zanzibar

Kendwa Beach

Wide sand, full-moon parties and the island's best sunsets

All-day swimmingFull-moon beach partiesWide uncrowded sandSunset dhow sailingEasy Mnemba and Tumbatu access

About Kendwa Beach

Kendwa is Nungwi's calmer, wider neighbour — a long crescent of soft sand four kilometres south of the northern tip. It shares the same forgiving tide, so swimming is possible all day, but the beach is broader and the atmosphere more relaxed until the famous full-moon party takes over once a month. Sunsets here are the best on the island, with the silhouettes of dhows crossing the channel toward Tumbatu.

Best time to visit

June–October and December–February. Avoid the long rains from mid-March to May if you want dependable beach days.

Tide information

Same gentle northern tidal pattern as Nungwi: the sea recedes only a short distance, leaving a swimmable channel at all times.

Things to do

  • Sunset cruise with grilled seafood
  • Snorkelling trips to Mnemba
  • Kendwa full-moon party
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Beach volleyball and free-diving courses

Nearby hotels

  • · Riu Jambo
  • · Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
  • · Kendwa Rocks
  • · Sunset Kendwa
  • · La Gemma dell'Est

Nearby restaurants

  • · Kendwa Rocks Beach Bar
  • · Sunset Kendwa Grill
  • · Zanzibar Beach Bar & Restaurant
  • · Bella Vista

Where it is

Getting around from Kendwa Beach

60 km · 95mZanzibar Airport (ZNZ)29 km · 46mStone Town57 km · 90mKiwengwa (Northeast)65 km · 103mPaje (East Coast)71 km · 112mKizimkazi (South)YOU AREHERE

Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

60 km ~95 min

Excursion stops on the way: Mkokotoni fish market · Kidichi Persian Baths

Stone Town

29 km ~46 min

Excursion stops on the way: Stone Town old quarter · Mangapwani Slave Caves

Kiwengwa (Northeast)

57 km ~90 min

Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves

Paje (East Coast)

65 km ~103 min

Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

Kizimkazi (South)

71 km ~112 min

Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest · Kizimkazi Dolphin Point

Distances and drive times are planning estimates for a private transfer; traffic in Stone Town can add 15–20 minutes.

Travel tips

  • The full-moon party is monthly — check the date if you want it (or want to avoid it).
  • Beach vendors are friendly but persistent; a polite 'asante, hapana' works.
  • Sunset is around 18:20 year-round — be on the sand by 17:45.

Tours & excursions from Kendwa Beach

Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Kendwa quieter than Nungwi?

Yes, except on full-moon party nights. Kendwa has fewer shops and bars and a much wider beach.

How do I get from Kendwa to Stone Town?

Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by road. We run private transfers and combine them with a Stone Town tour on request.

More beaches in North Zanzibar

Nungwi Beach

Zanzibar's most famous beach — swimmable at every tide