East Coast Zanzibar
Makunduchi Beach
The southeast corner — remote, wild and rarely visited
About Makunduchi Beach
Makunduchi sits at the southeastern tip where the east coast turns west. It is a large village best known for Mwaka Kogwa, the Shirazi new-year festival held every July, when the community stages a mock stick fight and burns a ritual hut. The beach is wide, wild and almost empty.
Best time to visit
Tide information
Things to do
- Mwaka Kogwa festival
- Kizimkazi dolphin trip
- Explore the lighthouse point
- Village walks
- Fishing with local crews
Nearby hotels
- · Ras Michamvi-style small lodges
- · Zanzibar Sunrise at Bwejuu (nearby)
- · Guesthouses in Jambiani, 20 minutes north
Nearby restaurants
- · Local Swahili eateries in the village
- · Jambiani and Kizimkazi restaurants nearby
Where it is
Getting around from Makunduchi Beach
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Stone Town
Excursion stops on the way: Stone Town old quarter · Mangapwani Slave Caves
Nungwi (North)
Excursion stops on the way: Mkokotoni fish market · Kidichi Persian Baths
Kiwengwa (Northeast)
Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves
Kizimkazi (South)
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
- Very limited tourist infrastructure — visit as a day trip unless you want total isolation.
- Mwaka Kogwa is a genuine community event; go with a local guide.
Tours & excursions from Makunduchi Beach
Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is Makunduchi famous for?
The Mwaka Kogwa Shirazi new-year festival each July, one of the most important cultural events in Zanzibar.