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Nungwi & Kendwa

White Sand and Sunsets at Zanzibar's Northern Tip

Plan this trip
3 daysIdeal stay₹5,710From / night₹1,900Food / day₹950Entry

The two beaches at Zanzibar's northern tip, an hour and a quarter by road from Stone Town: Nungwi, with its dhow-building yard, turtle sanctuary and lively bars, and quieter Kendwa just south. The tide here goes out less than on the east coast, so you can swim at almost any hour, and both face west for the sunset. Dive and snorkel trips go to Mnemba atoll. Resorts range from simple bungalows to big all-inclusives.

Highlights

  • Swim at any tide on Kendwa beach
  • Sunset dhow cruise
  • Snorkelling at Mnemba atoll
  • Mnarani turtle sanctuary
  • Dhow-building yard
  • Seafood dinner on the sand

Things to do

  • Mnemba atoll snorkelling boat tripMorning · 5h
  • Beach day at KendwaAfternoon · 4h
  • Sunset dhow cruise from NungwiEvening · 2h
  • Mnarani turtle sanctuary and the dhow yardMorning · 2h

Tours & tickets

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When to go

Best time: June – October, December – March

Worth knowing

Zanzibar Long Rains

April and May are Zanzibar's wettest months: heavy rain most days, humid heat, rough seas for boat trips, and some hotels closed. Rates are at their lowest.

Worth knowing

Zanzibar's Compulsory Travel Insurance

Every visitor to Zanzibar must hold the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation's inbound travel insurance, US$44 a person (US$22 for children aged 3-17), valid up to 92 days, even with another policy. Buy it online before you arrive; it is checked at the airport and the ferry port.

Heads up

Ramadan in Zanzibar

Ramadan 2027 is expected from about 8 February to 9 March. Many local restaurants and cafes in Stone Town close until sunset, and eating, drinking or smoking in the street by day causes offence; cover shoulders and knees, and swimwear stays on the beach. Hotels and resorts serve visitors normally. Eid (about 10 March) fills the ferries and flights.

  • Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr — Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim. During Ramadan (expected about 8 February to 9 March 2027, by moon sighting) many local restaurants in Stone Town close until sunset, eating, drinking and smoking in public by day is frowned on, and modest dress matters more than ever; hotels and beach resorts serve visitors as usual. The evenings are lively, and Eid (about 10 March 2027) brings three days of celebration, fairs and full ferries.
  • Christmas and New Year peak — The busiest fortnight of the year in Zanzibar and on the northern circuit: lodges set peak rates and minimum stays, Zanzibar resorts add gala dinners, and Kilimanjaro climbs fill. Book lodges, bush flights and the climb by September or October.