Kendwa Beach
“Sunset and Swimming & Skydiving"
Kendwa Beach is one of the best beaches on the northwest coast of Zanzibar Islands. It is famous for its dazzling powdery white sandy beach and striking sunsets. Kendwa Beach is perfect if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing time in Zanzibar. You can participate in various activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, sky diving, sunset cruises and beach volleyball.
If you are a thrill seeker, we challenge you to take on beach sky diving at Kendwa Beach. Other excursions include a day trip to Stone Town, Spice Farm, Prison Island and local markets near Kendwa Beach, where you can experience local cultures, try new foods and buy souvenirs. Adding a safari to your package, such as Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is possible. Many places accept credit card payments, but it is always advisable to bring cash if you want to make payments to a location that doesn’t accept cards.
Experience Kendwa Beach
Known for its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets, Kendwa was recently voted the best beach in Africa and indeed the 4th best beach in the entire world. High praise indeed.
Unlike most beaches of Zanzibar, Kendwa is not affected by strong tidal variations. It is the ideal beach if you are looking to lounge around and swim all day long, without having to walk a long way out to reach the ocean at low tide. Because the ocean at Kendwa is so calm, it is not really a suitable beach for kiting or other similar water sports requiring wind. For wind enthusiasts, the east coast beaches are recommended, with Paje Beach considered the home of kitesurfing in Zanzibar.
Kendwa is slightly more laid back than nearby Nungwi but is still a well known tourist area with some parties over the weekends and around the full moon.
Water Sports & Activities
Kendwa Beach is a hub for water sports and other activities. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, scuba diving, or kayaking, Kendwa is a water sports enthusiast’s dream destination. The beach offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The area is particularly famous for its diving spots, like Mnemba Atoll, where visibility can extend up to 30 meters. Kendwa is also the only place in Zanzibar offering tandem skydiving experiences, with a landing right on the beach a real (or is that a ‘reel’?) highlight. Numerous local operators provide equipment rentals and certified instructors for lessons for all activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Getting There?
By Air: You can access Kendwa Beach by flying into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Later, proceed on a road transfer to your hotel. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The cost of transfer is about $35-$45.
The flight time from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes. You can also access the beach from Kilimanjaro Airport by flying with Coastal Air, Precision Air or Zanair.
By Ferry: If you travel from mainland Tanzania, you can take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, which takes approximately 2 hours. Transfer to your hotel will be provided.
Related Top Destinations
-
Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu Beach is on the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island and is 1.5 hours from Stone Town.it is a picturesque powdery white sand beach with tropical palm trees firmly rooted to the ground. Conde Nast Traveler chose Bwejuu Beach among the top 30 beaches in the world.
-
Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach is one of the best beaches on the northwest coast of Zanzibar Islands. It is famous for its dazzling powdery white sandy beach and striking sunsets. Kendwa Beach is perfect if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing time in Zanzibar.
-
Kizimkazi Beach
Kizimkazi is home to bottle-nosed and spinner dolphins. It is a stunning beach with a beautiful coral reef and magnificent tropical fish.
-
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a remote, undeveloped tropical paradise with powdery white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. It is a haven for scuba diving nature lovers and a fantastic destination for an adventurous traveller seeking a thrilling holiday.
-
Matemwe Beach
The immaculate beach offers buttermilk sand to caress the soles of your feet. The beach is well known for its unique Mnemba Island, a popular spot for snorkelling and diving in Zanzibar.
-
Michamvi Beach
Michamvi Beach is located on the Middle East coast of Zanzibar Island in a remote and uninhabited area. The powdery white sand palm-fringed and blue waters beach is perfect for romantic and relaxing holidays.
-
Mnemba Island
A romantic getaway island is famous for scuba diving activities and occasional sightings of dolphins and turtles. November and March are perfect for calm conditions and maximum visibility.
-
Nakupenda Sandbank
Nakupenda Sand Bank is the perfect place for a day visit for honeymooners as the site gives romantic vibes. Travellers Choices listed the sandbank as the second-best beach in Africa in 2022 on Trip Advisor.
-
Nungwi Beach
With captivating turquoise waters and powdery white sand, Nungwi Beach offers the most beautiful backdrop for your holiday selfies. Nungwi Beach is an excellent choice for an action-packed beach holiday vacation with plenty of water sports, nightlife and restaurants.
-
Paje Beach
Paje Beach is on the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island. It is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. Paje Beach is famous for its water sports and thrilling adventures.
-
Pemba Island
Pemba is known as Clove Island because it is the leading exporter of cloves. While vacationing on Pemba island, you can visit a spice farm, see cloves trees, and witness how cloves are turned into essential oils.
-
Pongwe Beach
Pongwe Beach has breathtaking powdery white sand views with towering tropical palm trees that provide shade, clear blue waters, and magnificent sunsets. The beach is located in the island's remote area and is a perfect gateway for peace and tranquillity.