×

Tanzania🇹🇿 | beachesKendwa BeachSwimmable at any tide, west-facing sunsets, full moon nights, dive boats | things to do and best time to go

Explore Jambiani BeachExplore Kigamboni

Backpacking in Kendwa Beach
🏆 Top pickbeach ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Kendwa Beach keeps its sand wide and its water swimmable at every tide, which is the one thing its neighbor Nungwi cannot promise. It sits on the northwest tip of Zanzibar in Tanzania, a ride up the coast from Stone Town. Let me be blunt about the downsides: beachfront resorts line much of the shore, day-trippers arrive in waves, and a drink or a meal on the sand costs more than almost anywhere else on the island. Still, you can cut costs by walking the village lanes behind the beach, where small guesthouses and local eateries charge far less. Push past the sunbed rows and the rewards stack up fast. The sand is powder-white and swept clean each morning, boat captains tout dhow trips and snorkeling runs, and dive shops sign you up for reef outings. Come full-moon night, the whole shoreline turns into one long party, with fire dancers working the sand until the small hours.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Tanzania Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 beach in TanzaniaThe unique appeal for travelers

Kendwa Beach earns its stop for two reasons, and the first is the water. Along the Zanzibar coast, tides drain many beaches into mudflats and seaweed shallows, but the sea here stays deep enough to swim at low tide too. You can plan a day around floating, not around a tide chart.

The second reason is the full moon parties, a monthly tradition that began here and pulls travelers from across the island. Hostel dorm mates become dance partners, DJs play from the beach, and fire performers add some theater. On those nights, even people who came for the quiet end up staying a few more days.

There is also a practical role. Kendwa Beach works as a calmer, wider alternative to neighboring Nungwi, close enough that a walk along the sand at low tide connects the two. Backpackers use it as a pause … read more 👉
Kendwa Beach earns its stop for two reasons, and the first is the water. Along the Zanzibar coast, tides drain many beaches into mudflats and seaweed shallows, but the sea here stays deep enough to swim at low tide too. You can plan a day around floating, not around a tide chart.

The second reason is the full moon parties, a monthly tradition that began here and pulls travelers from across the island. Hostel dorm mates become dance partners, DJs play from the beach, and fire performers add some theater. On those nights, even people who came for the quiet end up staying a few more days.

There is also a practical role. Kendwa Beach works as a calmer, wider alternative to neighboring Nungwi, close enough that a walk along the sand at low tide connects the two. Backpackers use it as a pause before or after the island's east coast and Stone Town, spending a few days on swimming, snorkel trips and sunsets with a drink. Accommodation ranges from pricey resorts to modest rooms in the village, so you can choose how much of the beach comfort you pay for.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Full Moon Party: The beach's signature event happens around each full moon, with DJs, fire dancers and a crowd that spills across the sand until late. Even if you skip the dancing, watching the moon rise over the water is worth showing up for.
  2. Swimming at Any Tide: The sea stays deep enough here when other Zanzibar beaches retreat to flats. Wade in at low tide and you still get clear turquoise water, which makes it easy to build lazy days around the shore.
  3. Sunset on the Sand: Kendwa Beach faces west, so evenings are the main show. Walk the waterline as the sky goes orange and pink, then settle at a beach bar for a cold drink and a front-row view.
  4. Dhow Sailing Trips: Local captains offer traditional wooden sailboat trips, often timed for the late afternoon. They are slow, quiet and a good way
… read more 👉
  1. Full Moon Party: The beach's signature event happens around each full moon, with DJs, fire dancers and a crowd that spills across the sand until late. Even if you skip the dancing, watching the moon rise over the water is worth showing up for.
  2. Swimming at Any Tide: The sea stays deep enough here when other Zanzibar beaches retreat to flats. Wade in at low tide and you still get clear turquoise water, which makes it easy to build lazy days around the shore.
  3. Sunset on the Sand: Kendwa Beach faces west, so evenings are the main show. Walk the waterline as the sky goes orange and pink, then settle at a beach bar for a cold drink and a front-row view.
  4. Dhow Sailing Trips: Local captains offer traditional wooden sailboat trips, often timed for the late afternoon. They are slow, quiet and a good way to see the coastline from the water, usually with a swim stop on the way.
  5. Snorkeling and Diving: Boats leave from the beach for reefs off the northern coast, including trips toward Mnemba Atoll. Dive operators on the sand run courses and guided dives for beginners and certified divers alike, and snorkelers can join the same boats.
Kendwa Beach can fill a lazy full day with swimming, a sailing trip and sunset, and a diving or snorkeling outing adds another half day.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Kendwa Beach

Zanzibar Airport Transfers Pickup and Drop off/departure

Zanzibar Airport Transfers Pickup and Drop off/departure

5.0(116) 1h
From €23
per personViator
Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide

Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide

5.0(78)
From €18.11
per personViator
Private Tour Zanzibar Unique Stone Town with spice Farm Plantations

Private Tour Zanzibar Unique Stone Town with spice Farm Plantations

5.0(60) 5h
From €67
per personViator
Private Transfer from Zanzibar airport/port - Pick & Drop off

Private Transfer from Zanzibar airport/port - Pick & Drop off

5.0(51)
From €23
per personViator
Private Stone Town Walking Tour

Private Stone Town Walking Tour

5.0(40) 3h
From €39
per personViator
Day Trip From Zanzibar To Mikumi

Day Trip From Zanzibar To Mikumi

5.0(34) 10h
From €453
per personViator
Private Stone town and Spice farm Tour with swahili lunch

Private Stone town and Spice farm Tour with swahili lunch

5.0(33) 6h
From €119
per personViator
Zanzibar Archipelago Private 3 Day Tour

Zanzibar Archipelago Private 3 Day Tour

5.0(32) 72h
From €811
per personViator
Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar

Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar

5.0(29)
From €127
per personViator
Stone town Private Walking Tour

Stone town Private Walking Tour

5.0(29) 2h 30m
From €18.11
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Kendwa Beach

  • June to October: Dry, breezy and the easiest stretch for Kendwa Beach, with days of 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F) and nights near 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F). The sea is calm and clear, and daylight runs roughly 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. July, August and the holiday weeks bring the biggest crowds and the highest bed prices.
  • December to February: Hot and humid at 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), with short showers and a lot of sun. This is the second busy window, around Christmas and New Year, when prices spike and the full moon parties draw crowds.
  • March to May: The long rains. Expect downpours at 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), choppy water, cloudy skies and reduced boat trips. Many guesthouses cut prices by a third or more and some small places close.
  • November: Short rains arrive in bursts, but the beach is quiet and rates
… read more 👉
  • June to October: Dry, breezy and the easiest stretch for Kendwa Beach, with days of 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F) and nights near 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F). The sea is calm and clear, and daylight runs roughly 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. July, August and the holiday weeks bring the biggest crowds and the highest bed prices.
  • December to February: Hot and humid at 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), with short showers and a lot of sun. This is the second busy window, around Christmas and New Year, when prices spike and the full moon parties draw crowds.
  • March to May: The long rains. Expect downpours at 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), choppy water, cloudy skies and reduced boat trips. Many guesthouses cut prices by a third or more and some small places close.
  • November: Short rains arrive in bursts, but the beach is quiet and rates are lower.
Book ahead for the full moon weekend, since beds on the sand fill days earlier.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: below average for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutTanzania Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Tanzania
The digital guide (396 pages) contains:
✅ 103 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The northwest coast of Zanzibar, on the sand at Kendwa itself, is where most backpackers sleep, with the neighboring village of Nungwi a short walk or ride up the shore as the second choice. Kendwa is the calmer of the two, a single long strip of beach with beach bars, dive shops and a few budget guesthouses and dorm-style places set just behind the sand. Swimming works at any tide here, which is rare on this island, and the social scene forms naturally around sunset volleyball, beach bonfires and the monthly full moon party.

Nungwi suits you better if you want cheaper food, more local restaurants … read more 👉
The northwest coast of Zanzibar, on the sand at Kendwa itself, is where most backpackers sleep, with the neighboring village of Nungwi a short walk or ride up the shore as the second choice. Kendwa is the calmer of the two, a single long strip of beach with beach bars, dive shops and a few budget guesthouses and dorm-style places set just behind the sand. Swimming works at any tide here, which is rare on this island, and the social scene forms naturally around sunset volleyball, beach bonfires and the monthly full moon party.

Nungwi suits you better if you want cheaper food, more local restaurants and a livelier evening scene. It has the island’s main fishing and dhow-building village, a bigger choice of budget rooms a few streets back from the water, and easy access to ATMs and shops. The walk between the two beaches along the sand takes around 30 to 45 minutes at low tide.

Staying in the village lanes behind Kendwa saves money, though you give up the sea view. Rooms right on the beach cost noticeably more in high season. Solo travelers meet people fastest in places with shared dining areas and group dive or sailing trips.
Best hostels in Tanzania


Best quality hotels in Tanzania

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Kendwa Beach is a safe, easygoing place to swim, and most visitors only deal with sun and the occasional pushy vendor. The sea is sheltered and has no real rips, and unlike Nungwi and the east coast, tides barely change the swimming depth here, so you can wade in at any hour. Waves are small, though the wind can chop things up in the long rains. Sea urchins sit on rocky patches and in the seagrass, so wear reef shoes if you walk beyond the clean sand, and watch where you step at low tide. Jellyfish are rare. The equatorial sun is strong and the white sand reflects it, so reapply sunscreen after every swim and cover up between late morning and mid-afternoon. Beach sellers and tour touts are persistent but friendly, and a polite no works. Keep phones and cash out of sight on the sand, especially … read more 👉
Kendwa Beach is a safe, easygoing place to swim, and most visitors only deal with sun and the occasional pushy vendor. The sea is sheltered and has no real rips, and unlike Nungwi and the east coast, tides barely change the swimming depth here, so you can wade in at any hour. Waves are small, though the wind can chop things up in the long rains. Sea urchins sit on rocky patches and in the seagrass, so wear reef shoes if you walk beyond the clean sand, and watch where you step at low tide. Jellyfish are rare. The equatorial sun is strong and the white sand reflects it, so reapply sunscreen after every swim and cover up between late morning and mid-afternoon. Beach sellers and tour touts are persistent but friendly, and a polite no works. Keep phones and cash out of sight on the sand, especially during full moon parties, and walk back along the shore at night in a group or take a taxi.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Kendwa Beach lies on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, about 60 to 70 km from Stone Town. A private taxi or shared minibus (dala-dala and tourist shuttles) takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, and shared shuttles cost around US$8 to 12 per person while private taxis run US$40 to 60. Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take about 2 hours to Stone Town, and flights land at Zanzibar airport, 45 minutes or so from Stone Town by road.
Kendwa Beach is excellent for swimming, because its water stays deep enough at any tide, unlike Nungwi and the east coast, where it recedes far. Surfing is not realistic here as the waves are tiny, but kayaking, paddleboarding and sunset dhow cruises are easy to arrange for around US$15 to 30. Snorkeling is possible with boat trips to nearby reefs such as Mnemba Atoll, which typically cost US$40 to 70 including gear.
Kendwa Beach is free to walk on and swim at, as all Zanzibar beaches are public. Some beach resorts charge a small day-use fee of around US$5 to 15 if you want to use their loungers or pool, and the monthly full moon party usually has an entry charge of about US$10 to 20. Cash in local shillings is handy for small purchases, and prices at bars and for activities are often quoted in dollars.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Tanzanian beaches near Kendwa Beach

Explore more nearby:

  • Nungwi Beach—Dhow builders, northern-tip sunsets, turtle lagoon, atoll dive trips| 3 km away
  • Matemwe—Mnemba Atoll boats, dawn snorkel, village lanes, low-tide flats| 14 km away
  • Kiwengwa Beach—East-coast lagoon, sunrise shore, coral rag forest, seaweed farmers| 28 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Tanzania including Kendwa Beach and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all beaches

Or checkout all Tanzania has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Tanzania
Country photo of Tanzania
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Kendwa Beach

Kendwa Beach pairs best with Nungwi, a short walk away along the sand, and with Stone Town on the way in or out. I would stay in the village behind the beach, eat there, and only spend on the sand at sunset. Time your visit for a full moon, and book a room early.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Tanzania. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story