Major city · Tanzania
Kendwa
Spend 2–3 days in Kendwa for beach time, snorkeling and a Full Moon Party; longer only if you want many water‑sport sessions.
Kendwa is a small beach village on Zanzibar's north coast, best enjoyed with a couple of relaxed days. The main attractions are the white‑sand beach, easy walks to Nungwi, and organised water‑sport tours. Accommodation is limited, so book early in high season.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TZS
- Best months
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb
- avoid Apr–May (rainy), high‑tide periods (check local tide tables)
- Airport
- ZNZ
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a mult…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- East Africa ↗Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a multi-country trip: Uganda and Burundi check it for all arrivals, and a stop in Kenya or Ethiopia makes the next border ask for it.
- East Africa ↗Advice for Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and the Congo border areas can change within days; read your government's page the week you fly and before every regional flight.
- East Africa ↗Price park, reserve and permit fees before comparing lodges: they are charged per person per day, often with VAT, and are fixed whatever bed you choose.
- Tanzania ↗Apply for the Tanzania e-visa only on the official immigration portal; Zanzibar and, from 1 October 2026, mainland Tanzania each require their own US$44 inbound insurance bought from the state insurer's site.
- Tanzania ↗Carry a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from or connect through a risk country such as Kenya or Ethiopia; see a travel clinic about malaria several weeks ahead.
- Tanzania ↗Plastic carrier bags are banned; leave shop and duty-free plastic bags behind before you arrive.
- Tanzania ↗Light aircraft between parks and to Zanzibar have strict baggage limits, usually soft-sided bags only and a low total weight (often around 15 kg); confirm the limit with your operator.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Kendwa112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kendwa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).Tanzania-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodacom, Airtel, Yas (Tigo) and Halotel sell SIMs at airports; registration takes fingerprints and a passport.Tanzania-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; lodges provide filtered water.Tanzania-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% where no service charge.Tanzania-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets D/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Tanzania-wide
- SafetyKendwa is generally safe for tourists; petty theft can occur in crowded beach bars, so keep valuables hidden and avoid walking alone after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and lodges; long-drops at some gates and picnic sites; squat toilets at bus stops.Tanzania-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance · 119 police (non‑emergency) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysGovernment offices close public holidays; on Zanzibar many local restaurants close by day in Ramadan.Tanzania-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Main gateway to Zanzibar, about 55 km (34 mi) north of Kendya; taxi or shuttle ~1½ h).ZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Main gateway to Zanzibar, about 34 mi (55 km) north of Kendya; taxi or shuttle ~1½ h).
- Getting aroundWalk the 30‑minute beach path to Nungwi (low tide) or take a daladala bus (TSh2,000) to the Kendwa junction then walk 1.5 km (0.9 mi) west.Walk the 30‑minute beach path to Nungwi (low tide) or take a daladala bus (TSh2,000) to the Kendwa junction then walk 0.9 mi (1.5 km) west.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Main gateway to Zanzibar, about 55 km (34 mi) north of Kendya; taxi or shuttle ~1½ h)ZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Main gateway to Zanzibar, about 34 mi (55 km) north of Kendya; taxi or shuttle ~1½ h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb. Avoid: Apr–May. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Aug (11 rain days), driest Mar (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kendwa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
4 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
6 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
6 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the 30‑minute beach path to Nungwi (low tide) or take a daladala bus (TSh2,000) to the Kendwa junction then walk 1.5 km west. Taxis from Stone Town cost ~TSh70,000 (≈US$40) for 1½ h. Shuttle services from Stone Town run 1½ h for US$10 per person. Private boat from Nungwi costs TSh20,000 (≈10 min).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Nungwi
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
30‑min walk along the beach at low tide or 10‑min boat ride
Nungwi offers more restaurants, shops and a sunset cruise departure point.
Mnemba Island snorkel tour
cautionDoor to door: Full‑day (≈8 h)
Boat from Kendwa (organised tours)
Tours cost US$17‑20 per person; check reef health before booking.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Amaan Kendwa
Bungalows with en‑suite bathroom, fan and air‑conditioning; good budget option.
Kendwa Rocks
Beach bandas US$30‑70; full Moon Party venue, but rooms can be damp after rain.
Sunset Bungalows
Self‑contained rooms, some with air‑conditioning; mid‑range price US$85 double.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- TZS 30,000–45,000 excl. bed (check)
- Mid
- TZS 45,000–70,000 excl. bed (check)
- High
- TZS 70,000+ excl. bed (check)
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Daladala bus to Nungwi (stop at Kendwa junction)per person | TSh2,000 |
| Taxi from Stone Town to Kendwa≈US$40, 1½ h | TSh70,000 |
| Shuttle from Stone Town1½ h | US$10 per person |
| Private boat from Nungwi≈10 min | TSh20,000 |
| Meal at beach restaurantseafood recommended | US$5–12 |
| Snorkel trip to Coral Gardens (group)check boat availability | TSh15,000 per person |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The back road was re‑graded in 2007 but deteriorates quickly; expect rough conditions.
- High tide makes the beach walk to Nungwi impassable; plan around low tide.
- Full Moon Parties attract loud crowds; families may prefer quieter nights.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
- Police (non‑emergency)
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
KendwaKendwa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tafadhali nenda hapaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
Embassy
US embassy in Dar es Salaam; consulate‑general in Zanzibar (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Daladala bus Stone Town → Kendwa junction: TSh2,000 per person, then 1.5 km (0.9 mi) walkTSh2,000 per person, then 0.9 mi (1.5 km) walk
- Taxi Stone Town → Kendwa: ≈TSh70,000 (≈US$40), 1½ h
Say or show
- Gani bei? — How much does it cost? (gani bei?)
- Nataka kwenda pwani — I would like to go to the beach (nataka kwenda pwani)
- Kituo cha basi kiko wapi? — Where is the bus stop? (kituo cha basi kiko wapi?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kendwa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb · avoid Apr–May (rainy), high‑tide periods (check local tide tables) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Kendwa
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