In the tourist circles, Zanzibar is a new destination that has already won the hearts of travelers with its Maldives-like water, bountiful beaches, fascinating local culture, and affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on a sun lounger, adventure through diving and snorkeling, excitement through surfing, or the thrill of beach parties and African cuisine, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. And that’s where Kendwa Resort (Zanzibar) comes in.
The village of Kendwa, with the beach of the same name, is located in the northwest of Zanzibar, within walking distance (a couple of kilometers along the coast during low tide) from the famous Nungwi Beach. While Nungwi Beach can be quite bustling, Kendwa is a relatively peaceful resort area, although it is home to several large hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and recreational facilities.
By the way, in 1995 there was only one guest house, but over time the luxurious Kendwa Rocks Hotel appeared, in 2006 – the gigantic Gemma dell Est, and with them restaurants, bars, shops and souvenir shops. Today, Kendwa Beach is one of the most progressive in Zanzibar. It’s even called “millionaire’s beach”, because those who need it can rent a five-star accommodation for $300-500 per day, play golf on a perfect field and get lobsters for lunch and dinner. It’s no wonder that Kendu is increasingly being paid attention to by world-class stars, politicians and successful businessmen.
Gyeongdwa Holidays
The tourist infrastructure of Zanzibar is developing at a rapid pace, along with the growing popularity of the island among tourists. This is especially true for Kendwa Beach, which already offers many amenities for tourists’ comfort and needs. It’s not just about the tropical palm trees lining the coast or the sugar-like sand, but also about the increasing selection of hotels, bungalows, delicious food at reasonable prices, and the convenience of transportation within the resort and throughout the island.
There are plenty of regular and water taxis in Zanzibar and Kendwa, and public buses and Dala-Dala (trucks with awnings and shops) run between the villages. There are also ferries to mainland Tanzania, and you can rent a car or bicycle if you wish. However, it’s important to note that the service and amenities are not comparable to those in Europe, as the resort is advanced by African standards.
Kendwa is one of the most expensive resorts on the island, so tourists can even visit shops that specialize in selling alcohol, which can be quite expensive, which is understandable for a Muslim country. Recently, Zanzibar has transformed from a popular destination for “wild” vacations to an elite island that can compete with Barbados, the Maldives, and the Seychelles, but this does not prevent visitors from enjoying the pristine nature of this corner of the world.
Accommodation
There are several large hotels on Kendwa Beach (such as the Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa and the Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa), which are well-known in Zanzibar, as well as mini-resorts and guesthouses. Almost all of the island’s hotels follow the B&B (Bed and Breakfast) system, but there are also many All Inclusive options available. The selection of options may not be as diverse as in neighboring Nungwi, but this is precisely why Kendwa is an excellent destination for privacy and relaxation.
If your goal is a double room in a three- or four-star hotel with a good rating, the minimum cost of accommodation during the high season is:
- In Natural Kendwa Villa – jn $108 per night. The hotel, 300 meters from the beach, has an outdoor pool, a SPA, a restaurant, private parking, and free Wi-Fi.
- At Kendwa Rocks Hotel – from $112 per night. From the hotel, drowning in fragrant gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean. In the local restaurant, you can order dishes of Swahili cuisine, in the bar – exotic cocktails. In the evening, performances are held for guests.
- At Mocco Beach Villa, guests can expect a stay starting at just $120 per night. The hotel is located in Kendwa, just a minute’s walk from the beach. Guests can enjoy a restaurant serving traditional Zanzibari cuisine with fresh seafood, as well as the option to rent water sports equipment.
- If you’re planning a self-catered trip, consider the Palumbo Reef Kendwa Hotel (Palumbo reef Kendwa), which is a well-respected choice in Zanzibar. Opened in 2015, the hotel features an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and other amenities for relaxation and entertainment. You can book it directly on Booking.com at a very attractive price starting from $38 per night.
Food
There aren’t as many restaurants and cafes in Kendwa as there are in Nungwi, but you won’t go hungry. Experienced travelers recommend bringing your own food if you’re only visiting for a day to explore the area, relax on the beach, or engage in water sports. Otherwise, you can explore the hotel restaurants and check out La Fontana Zanzibar and Fisherman Local Restaurant.
The first one will meet guests with a beautiful and cozy interior, fast and polite service, and a very diverse Italian menu. Pasta costs $8-10 here, grilled fish (tuna, sea bream) will cost the same price, and all kinds of fresh juices will cost $3-6.
Fisherman Local Restaurant is the epitome of Africa. Here you can try freshly cooked fish, grilled seafood ($25 per portion), pizza ($5.5 for a Margarita, $11 for a seafood pizza). On the one hand, there are delicious dishes made from octopus and squid that have just been caught in the ocean, tuna and shrimp, accompanied by rice, French fries, and a vegetable salad, as well as cold juices, carbonated drinks, and beer. On the other hand, there is an authentic interior with slightly dirty tables. However, the portions are huge and the prices are reasonable – you can have a hearty lunch or dinner for $30-50.
For your information! Every day, fishing boats with fresh fish and seafood dock at the beach. If you buy fish or seafood from the fishermen, you can ask a chef you know from a restaurant to prepare a special dinner just for you.
Entertainments
Zanzibar is a dream come true for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Thousands of people come here to dive into the crystal-clear tropical waters and explore the underwater world. One of the best diving spots is the reef near Kendwa Beach. It is home to sea urchins, turtles, starfish, crabs, squid, butterflyfish, and stingrays. The most fortunate can encounter whale sharks, common dolphins, and humpback dolphins, which migrate past the island twice a year.
Contact a specialized dive center to get the support of experienced instructors who know the perfect places for diving and snorkeling, get the necessary equipment, and ensure your own safety. Estimated prices for two dives are $100-150.
If you’re tired of diving, you can take a walk to the nearby beach of Nungwi during low tide. Previously, it was a simple fishing village, but today, the dilapidated houses have been replaced by hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars, shops, and souvenir stalls.
As soon as the sun disappears in the ocean, the peaceful atmosphere of the beach is filled with the spirit of parties, which is why the indefatigable youth flock here. Many tourists have quarreled over whether it is better to choose between Kendwa and Nungwi. Fortunately, the distance between the resorts in Zimbabwe is relatively short, so you can find the answer to this question for yourself. For a more objective perspective, we recommend visiting the sea turtle aquarium and immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Nungwi.
The excursion program of Kendwa is not too rich for a sophisticated tourist – you can drive around the island by car, get to the sights of Stone Town and Jozani Chwaka National Park, arrange a boat trip or shopping, and go fishing. Given that local fishermen fish with nets, do not count on a large catch, but an interesting pastime is guaranteed.
Kendwa Beach
Kendwa is the most comfortable place for a beach holiday in Zanzibar. The piercing blue-green water, the wide strip of snow-white coral sand, the palm trees reaching for the sky, the picturesque views, but most importantly, the constant ebb and flow of the water does not affect the desire of vacationers to swim. The water does not recede for many hundreds of meters, leaving behind a mass of algae and forcing you to go to the pool.
Please note! Even the residents of Zanzibar do not know the exact time of high and low tides. In the morning, the water can reach the hotels located on the beaches, and by lunchtime, it can expose several kilometers of completely dry seabed to the African sun. In this regard, Kendwa Beach is unique, as the tides are barely noticeable.
Another advantage is that there are far fewer people on Kendwa Beach than on Nungwi Beach, although Nungwi Beach is the only beach on Zanzibar that offers water activities. Additionally, the sand is always clean, there are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, and there is a freshwater shower.
Weather and climate
Zanzibar’s climate boasts stability, so it’s important to know the recommended months for visiting the island. Keep in mind that Zanzibar is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that the winter months are hotter and drier than the summer months. From December to February, the daytime temperatures range from +28°C to +37°C, while from June to October, the temperatures are around +26°C.
It rains during the days and nights of April, May, and November. The rains can be light or so heavy that they close hotels and entire islands. Visiting Zanzibar during this time can be dangerous due to the presence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. It is recommended to visit Zanzibar in September or October, during the winter months, in the first half of March, or in the summer.
How to get to Kendwa Beach
The fact that Kendwa is located in close proximity to Nungwi has already been mentioned. There is a La Gemma Dell`Est pier between these resorts, which is specifically designed for traveling from one beach to another. Additionally, you can take a taxi from any part of Zanzibar to reach Kendwa Beach, either by hailing one on the road or negotiating with the drivers who usually wait for customers in the central areas of the settlements. Please note that taxis do not have meters, so you will need to negotiate the price in advance. Prices can range from \$3 (for short distances) to \$50.
It’s good to know! There are also official taxis with English-speaking drivers, air conditioning, and the “Private hire” sign. However, these services can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from around \$60 for a ride from Stone Town to Kendwa (approximately 60 kilometers).
As for public transport, there are almost no such things as “level roads,” “regular routes,” or “bus stops” in Zanzibar. In the center of cities and villages, there are platforms where buses and Dala-Dala wait for passengers. Departures are based on demand, stops are made as needed, and payment is made to the drivers.
If you are in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, you can get to Kendwa by driving through the rough terrain. 5 kilometers from Nungwi, you will see the main landmark – the first turn that will lead you to the right point. When traveling independently by renting a car on this road, it is necessary to be very careful and attentive.
