The Kendwa Beach Experience

Celebrated as the best beach in Africa, Kendwa is a destination that captivates with its powdery white sands, clear turquoise waters and breathtaking sunsets.

NATHAN
Travel Blogging Guru

AFRICAS BEST BEACH. EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY.

Set on Zanzibar’s northwestern coast, Kendwa Beach is a sanctuary of calm, free from the tides that shape much of the island’s shoreline. Its inviting waters and sun-kissed sands promise relaxation and adventure, no matter the hour. Along its most pristine stretch lies Zuri Zanzibar, offering a seamless blend of luxury and natural beauty that perfectly complements the beach’s timeless appeal.

Kendwa: A Beach Like No Other

Kendwa Beach stands apart as a rare gem on Zanzibar’s coastline. Recognized as Africa’s finest beach and the fourth best in the world, it offers an unparalleled escape where soft sands meet crystal-clear waters. Located along the most picturesque stretch of Kendwa, Zuri Zanzibar enhances the experience with a thoughtful blend of natural beauty and refined luxury. Together, the beach and its surroundings create a setting that captures the essence of effortless relaxation and timeless adventure.

Soft sands meet crystal-clear waters on Kendwa Beach

Rating Zanzibar’s Beaches

1. Kendwa BeachKendwa stands out for its all-day swimmable waters, a rarity on Zanzibar’s coastline. Its spacious shoreline offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, balancing tranquility with just the right amount of energy. A selection of upscale restaurants and beachside lounges enhances the experience without overwhelming the serenity. Recently crowned Africa’s best beach and ranked the fourth best in the world, Kendwa is without a doubt 5 stars!
2. Nungwi BeachNungwi shares Kendwa’s tide-free advantage, making it one of the better beaches for swimming. It is busier, with a more energetic vibe, a dense concentration of hotels, and a lively nightlife scene. While it offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options, Kendwa provides a more spacious and serene alternative.
3. Matemwe BeachA quieter, more remote beach, Matemwe is known for its local fishing village charm. Its tidal shifts make swimming inconsistent, with long stretches of exposed seabed at low tide. Amenities are fewer, with a handful of boutique accommodations and small eateries catering to visitors seeking seclusion.
4. Kiwengwa Beach BeachPopular with resorts, Kiwengwa offers a beautiful stretch of coastline but is highly tide-dependent, making swimming possible only at high tide. It has a mix of local restaurants and larger hotels, creating a semi-busy but not overly commercialized environment.
5. Jambiani Beach BeachJambiani offers a laid-back, authentic Zanzibar experience with a mix of small guesthouses and beachfront cafés. The tides here are strong, making swimming unpredictable, with long stretches of exposed seabed at low tide. It has a lively but relaxed village atmosphere, offering cultural charm but fewer upscale amenities.

A Tide-Free Haven of Unrivaled Beauty

Kendwa Beach offers a rare and exceptional experience that sets it apart from the rest of Zanzibar’s coastline. While much of the island is shaped by the ebb and flow of dramatic tidal changes, Kendwa remains a tide-free sanctuary. Its calm, swimmable waters are available all day long, providing an uninterrupted opportunity to relax and enjoy the sea.

Kendwa Beach View to ZURI ZANZIBAR

However Kendwa’s real charm lies in its versatility. It is a haven for those seeking serenity, with quiet spots perfect for lounging under the shade of a palm tree or reading by the shoreline. Yet it also invites adventure, with marine life waiting to be explored just offshore. Here, every hour of the day holds the promise of something special, whether it’s an early swim, a leisurely stroll, or the view of the sun setting over the horizon.

Flavours and Moments to Savour

Kendwa Beach is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the senses. Freshly caught seafood, locally grown produce, and the island’s signature spices come together to create dishes that are full of flavour and tradition. Dining by the beach is a highlight in itself. From a leisurely lunch with toes in the sand to a candlelit dinner under the stars, the beach setting is effortlessly enchanting.

Freshly caught seafood on Kendwa Beach, ©ZURI Zanzibar

Zuri Zanzibar on Kendwa

Zuri Zanzibar enhances these moments with unique culinary experiences that connect visitors to the essence of Zanzibar. Its on-site spice garden is a tribute to the island’s history as a global hub for spices, offering a chance to explore the origins of the flavours found on the plate. Guests can also enjoy a range of dining options, from casual beachfront bites to gourmet meals prepared with a creative twist on local traditions.

Kendwa Beach

Traveller Reviews of Kendwa Beach

Kendwa beach is by far the best beach if you prefer no seaweed and no low tide. (We saw a lot of different beaches in our 2 week trip). The corner on Kendwa beach where Zuri is located is even better! We started our holiday here and it was top class from the start.
P.G. Netherlands
If you love to swim, Kendwa is great. Unlike the east coast where swimming is only possible at high tide, you can swim here the whole day. The sand is soft, white and very nice to walk on.
M.W. Switzerland
The beach is beautiful! No other way to describe it. It is a semi private beach and every evening there would be some form of sundowner entertainment being provided with drinks being regularly supplied by the Bahari Bar. You can spend a lot of time at the beach, it was amazing.
S.M. Canada
Kendwa beach is one of the nicest beaches in the best beach area in Zanzibar, if that is what you are looking for. Very nice and well maintained grounds with beautiful trees and plants. Well designed resort, would highly recommend for a honeymoon!
R.D. United States

Sunset on Kendwa Beach brings a special kind of magic. As the sky transforms into a masterpiece of oranges and purples, there’s no better time to enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal. This is when Kendwa is at its most serene, offering the perfect moment to pause and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

Kendwa Photo Gallery

Kendwa: A Beach to Remember

Kendwa is more than just a beach or a place – it’s an experience that lingers long after your journey ends. Every aspect of this extraordinary beach invites you to pause, explore, and reconnect.

For those seeking a seamless blend of natural beauty and refined comfort, the stretch of Kendwa Beach where ZURI Zanzibar is located offers an unparalleled experience. With thoughtful touches that complement the serenity of the surroundings, Zuri ensures that every moment on Kendwa is as effortless as it is unforgettable.

Enjoy Zanzibar with Zuri

The Zuri Zanzibar is perfect for anyone that is wanting a truly unique experience as this beautiful resort offers everything that you could need for a dream vacation. If you are looking for something that is off the beaten African tracks, a place that allows you to feel absolute peace and tranquility, then the Zuri Zanzibar is just right for you.