DestinationsBeach destination · Zanzibar North
Zanzibar North
At Zanzibar's northern tip, around Nungwi and Kendwa, the water stays deep close to the shore, so you can swim from the beach at most hours of the day and watch the sun set straight into the sea.
- Recommended nights
- 4 nights
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Jun +5
- Airstrip
- Fly in possible
About
About Zanzibar North.
At Zanzibar's northern tip, around Nungwi and Kendwa, the water stays deep close to the shore, so you can swim from the beach at most hours of the day and watch the sun set straight into the sea.
That is the real difference from the east coast. There the lagoon drains towards the reef at low tide; here the tide rises and falls but rarely leaves the beach dry, so a swim fits around breakfast or the late afternoon rather than the tide table. The north is also the busier side of the island, with restaurants, dive centres and boat crews along the beach at Nungwi. Kendwa, a few minutes south on the west facing shore, is calmer.
Nungwi is still a working village. On the beach, boatbuilders shape wooden dhows by hand, as they have for generations, and the fishing boats land their catch on the sand in the afternoon. The Nungwi village tour goes into the village with a local guide and ends with a local lunch.
Priced excursions start from the north too, each an optional extra: snorkelling trips to Mnemba Atoll, spice tours and the Taste of North Zanzibar inland, Stone Town for the day, and the sunset dhow cruise, the classic evening on this coast. Each island operator runs its own list, and the trip builder shows what yours offers, with its price, before you book. Diving with the centres along Nungwi beach is paid locally.
The lodges range from Kilindi, fifteen domed pavilions with their own plunge pools on the north west shore, adults only, to The Z Hotel on Nungwi beach and its newer sister The Z2 a short walk inland, Warere Beach Hotel on a quieter stretch just east of Nungwi, and Kidoti Villas, two private villas on a low cliff for a family or group taking the whole house. It is the coast for first visits, for honeymooners who simply want to swim, and for anyone who would rather not plan the day around the tide.
When to go
Best time to visit Zanzibar North.
- January: best
- February: best
- March: not a best month
- April: not a best month
- May: not a best month
- June: best
- July: best
- August: best
- September: best
- October: best
- November: not a best month
- December: best
The north is good for most of the year. June to October is cool and dry, with steady breezes and clear water, and it pairs neatly with the dry season on safari. December to February is hotter and usually sunny, with calm seas that suit snorkelling and boat days.
The long rains from March to May bring heavy showers, and several northern lodges close for them: The Z Hotel, The Z2 and Kidoti Villas in April and May, and Kilindi in May. November's short rains are lighter and usually pass quickly. Because the water stays deep near the shore, the tide matters less here than on the east coast in any month.
Gallery
A closer look.
On the map
Zanzibar North and its neighbours.
5.990° S, 39.380° E
Government fees
Fees at Zanzibar North.
Passed through to the Tanzanian government, paid directly to the authority on top of accommodation. Our trip builder itemises every line.
| Fee | Amount | Peak | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax | $5.00 | No peak rate | Per person per night |
Read nextZanzibar beach guideWhich camps close in the long rainsTanzania park fees 2026
Where to stay
Lodges and camps here.
Properties we work with directly. Each links to a dedicated lodge page with rooms, amenities, and best months.
AHG Hisia Nungwi Experience Hotel
Twenty nine rooms in Nungwi village, a few minutes walk from the sunset side of the island
- Beach
- Rest After A Safari
- Sunsets
Kidoti Villas
Two private villas on a cliff above the sea at the northern tip of Zanzibar, with an infinity pool, a garden of tortoises and a chef who cooks for you alone.
- Families With Children Of Any Age
- Groups Of Friends
- Two Or Three Couples Together
Kilindi Zanzibar by Elewana
Fifteen domed pavilions on the north west shore of Zanzibar, each with its own plunge pool and a path down to the beach. Adults only.
- Honeymoon
- Adults Only
- Beach Extension
The Z Hotel
Forty rooms on Nungwi beach at the northern tip of Zanzibar, with an infinity pool that runs straight onto the sand.
- Couples
- Honeymoons
- Beach After Safari
The Z2
Twenty six rooms around a black stone pool in a jungle garden, a short walk from Nungwi beach, with The Z Hotel next door to share.
- Couples
- Friends Travelling Together
- Beach After Safari
Warere Beach Hotel
Authentic Zanzibari hospitality on a quiet Nungwi beach, where three rooms sit right on the tide line.
- Beach Extension
- Family
- Honeymoon
Common questions
Questions, answered.
Is the north of Zanzibar good for swimming?
Yes. Around Nungwi and Kendwa the water stays deep close to the beach, so you can usually swim at most times of day. On the east coast the lagoon empties at low tide, so swims there follow the tide table.
Nungwi or Kendwa: which should I choose?
Nungwi is livelier, a working fishing village with dhow builders, restaurants and dive centres along the beach. Kendwa, a few minutes south on the west facing shore, is quieter, with a long beach that faces the sunset. Both have deep water close to shore.
When is the best time to visit north Zanzibar?
June to October is cool and dry, and December to February is hot and usually sunny. Both suit the beach. The long rains from March to May are the quietest time, and several northern lodges close in April and May.
What is there to do in Nungwi?
Watch the dhow builders at work, take the Nungwi village tour with a local guide, snorkel at Mnemba Atoll, head inland on a spice tour or the Taste of North Zanzibar, and sail on a sunset dhow cruise. These are optional extras. Each island operator runs its own list, and the trip builder shows what yours offers, with its price, before you book. Diving with the beach dive centres is paid locally.
Which lodges in north Zanzibar are adults only?
Kilindi takes adults only, from eighteen, and The Z Hotel and The Z2 take guests from sixteen. Kidoti Villas, two private villas on a low cliff, suit families and groups who want a whole house to themselves.
How many nights should I spend in north Zanzibar?
Three to five nights suits most trips after a safari. If you also want Stone Town, add a night or two there first or last, since it is a drive of an hour or more from the northern tip.
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