Nungwi & Kendwa
Northern Zanzibar beaches are associated with swimming, sunsets, resort facilities and relaxed coast time.
A closer look at Nungwi & Kendwa.
The north coast is a practical choice for travellers who want beach time, swimming and a broad selection of hotels after safari. Sunset views, restaurants and sailing scenes add interest without requiring a full excursion programme. The area can suit a straightforward resort-based finish to the journey.
Nungwi is generally the livelier choice, while Kendwa is associated with a calmer beach rhythm. Both need to be assessed at hotel level, because atmosphere and access vary along the coast. Decide how much nightlife, dining choice and quiet you want before selecting the accommodation.
Wildlife, scenery & local character
- Northern Zanzibar beaches
- Sunset views
- Clear-water beach scenery
- Dhow sailing scenes
- Resorts and restaurants
Things to experience
- Swimming when conditions permit
- Dhow sailing
- Beach relaxation
- Sunset viewing
- Dining by the coast
Getting there & getting around
The north coast requires a transfer from Stone Town or Zanzibar’s airport. Choose the precise beach and hotel rather than treating the whole area as one resort zone.
How long to stay
3–5 nights.
Planning your visit
Compare lively resort areas with quieter hotel locations and arrange airport or Stone Town transfers.
Build your time here around the experiences you most want to enjoy. Allow for transfers, check the location of your accommodation and leave space for weather or wildlife to shape the day.
Connect the journey
Our local team can help you compare overnight stops, choose the right number of nights and connect this destination with the rest of your safari. Tell us your dates, travel style and interests for a specific recommendation.
Find your safari style →Safari ideas featuring Nungwi & Kendwa
Safari from ZanzibarPrivate journey2 Days / 1 Night2 Day Safari from Zanzibar: Tarangire - Savanna Highlights
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
- Zanzibar
- Tarangire
- Zanzibar
A 2-day journey combining Tarangire National Park. Coordinate mainland flights with the Zanzibar stay so that safari time works with arrival and return schedules.
Wildlife SafarisPrivate journey10 Days10-Day Complete Tanzania — North, South & Zanzibar
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
Tanzania's ultimate journey. Complete Northern and Southern circuits followed by a dreamy two-night Zanzibar finale: Stone Town, spice farms, and pristine Indian Ocean beaches.
- Complete Tanzania journey
- Zanzibar beach finale
- All major parks
Safari From ZanzibarPrivate journey1 Day1-Day Ngorongoro Day Trip from Zanzibar
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
- Zanzibar
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Zanzibar
Don't let a beach holiday stop you from seeing the Big Five. Fly from Zanzibar at dawn, enjoy a full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater, return to your hotel by evening.
- Black rhino sighting
- Big Five in one day
- No road travel
A few things you might be wondering
When should I visit Nungwi & Kendwa?
Visits are possible throughout the year, with weather, sea conditions, hotel demand and budget shaping the best dates for a particular trip.
How can I include Nungwi & Kendwa in my trip?
Compare lively resort areas with quieter hotel locations and arrange airport or Stone Town transfers.
Are all activities available year-round?
No. Weather, local conditions, age policies, permits and individual operators can affect availability. Optional walks, marine activities and special experiences must be checked and confirmed for your actual dates.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team