Zanzibar · Safari Lodge
Kilindi Zanzibar by Elewana
Fifteen private pavilions on Zanzibar's north coast, each with its own plunge pool and a path down to the beach. Adults only.
About
Kilindi Zanzibar sits on the quieter northern coast of Zanzibar near Kendwa, fifteen all-inclusive private pavilions strung along the bluff above the beach. Each pavilion has its own plunge pool, a private outdoor shower, an indoor-outdoor lounge, and a path down to the white sand. The setting is deliberately minimalist: bare hardwood, white linens, and the Indian Ocean as the only decoration.
The property runs adults-only and on a full All-Inclusive plan, which covers all meals, soft drinks, the on-site beverages, daily laundry, and most water activities (paddle-boarding, kayaking). Snorkelling excursions to Mnemba Atoll, dhow cruises along the coast, and Stone Town historical tours are bookable on demand at extra cost. Service runs notably attentive — most pavilions have a dedicated butler for the stay.
Best for honeymoons (the privacy of the pavilions and the adults-only policy are the headline reasons couples come here), short three-to-five-night beach extensions after a Tanzania safari, and travellers who want a beach property that is genuinely restful rather than activity-driven. The All-Inclusive structure also makes it easy to switch off entirely for a few days after the intensity of the bush.
The lodge closes in May for the long-rains season. Otherwise it operates year-round, with the best beach weather running June through October and again December through February.
Access is by flight from Arusha to Zanzibar (1hr 15min Cessna or 1hr 45min commercial), then a 1hr 15min road transfer up to the northern coast. One-way airport transfer is included with most rates.
Signature experiences
Mnemba Atoll snorkelling
Half-day dhow excursion to Mnemba Atoll, one of the Indian Ocean's better coral reefs. Spinner dolphins are commonly encountered en route. Booked separately.
Private beach paths
Each pavilion has its own short path down to the white-sand beach below the bluff. The beach is publicly accessible at low tide but the proximity makes Kilindi feel like a private stretch.
Stone Town historical tour
Full-day guided tour of Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed centre of Zanzibar with Swahili-Omani architecture, the slave market memorial, and the spice market. 1hr 30min drive each way.
Spa treatments
Half-day spa menu in the central pavilion. Common safari-recovery package over two consecutive days.
Amenities
- Beach
- Plunge Pool
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Adults Only
- Wi-Fi
Best for
- Honeymoon
- Adults Only
- Beach Extension
- Luxury
- Privacy
Wildlife you might see
- Mnemba Atoll Coral Reef And Spinner Dolphins (half-day Boat)
- Sea Turtles Nest On The Beach During The Long-rains Break
- Resident Sunbird And Weaver Bird Populations In The Property Gardens
- Reef Fish And Rays Visible From The Beach During Low Tide
Best time to visit
January, February, June, July, August, September, October, December
Location & access
Zanzibar
Fly-in: Approximately 3 hours total: 1hr 15min Cessna Caravan from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), then a 1hr 15min road transfer up to the northern coast. Alternative routing via JRO uses a 1hr 45min commercial flight (ATCL or Precision) on the JRO to ZNZ leg. One-way airport transfer is included with most rates.
Drive: Not applicable: Zanzibar is not drivable from Kilimanjaro. All access is by flight.
Room types
Double Suite Garden View Villa
Garden-view pavilion with king bed, private plunge pool, and a short path to the beach. The entry-level pavilion category.
Luxury Garden View Villa
Larger garden-view pavilion with additional living space and a more secluded plunge-pool deck.
Luxury Ocean View Villa
Ocean-view pavilion with direct line-of-sight to the Indian Ocean from the plunge pool and deck. The premium category.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation
- All Meals
- Soft Drinks
- House Beverages On The Property
- Laundry
- Paddle Boarding And Kayaking
- Scheduled On-site Activities
- Airport Transfer (one Way) Included With Most Rates
Not included
- Premium Drinks
- Excursions To Mnemba And Stone Town
- Spa Treatments
- Flying Doctors Evacuation Cover
- Flights And Airport Taxes
- Gratuities
- Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax Of $5.00 Per Person Per Night
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many rooms does Kilindi Zanzibar have?
Fifteen private pavilions in three categories: Double Suite Garden View, Luxury Garden View, and Luxury Ocean View.
When is Kilindi Zanzibar open?
Year-round except for closure in May for the long-rains season. Best beach weather runs June to October and December to February.
How do guests reach Kilindi?
By flight to Zanzibar Airport (1hr 15min Cessna from Arusha, or 1hr 45min commercial from Kilimanjaro), then a 1hr 15min road transfer to the northern coast. One-way airport transfer is included with most rates.
Is Kilindi adults-only?
Yes. The lodge is strictly adults-only. Children are not accepted as guests.
What's included in the rate?
All meals, soft drinks, house beverages on the property, daily laundry, and scheduled on-site activities (paddle-boarding, kayaking). Excluded: premium drinks, off-site excursions to Mnemba and Stone Town, spa treatments, flying-doctors cover, flights and airport taxes, gratuities, and the $5 per person per night Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax.
What is the best time to visit?
June through October for the driest weather and best swimming conditions. December through February is a second peak. Avoid March, April, and November for the rainy seasons; the lodge fully closes in May.
What's nearby
- Stone Town1hr 30min drive south. UNESCO-listed Swahili-Omani old town with the spice market, slave-trade memorial, and Forodhani night food market.
- Spice farm tour30min drive. Working spice plantations growing clove, cardamom, vanilla, and pepper. Cooking demonstrations included on most tours.
- Jozani Forest1hr drive south. Endemic red colobus monkey population in protected mangrove and coral forest.
- Kendwa beach15min drive. The widest sand beach on Zanzibar''s north coast, with a few casual lunch spots if guests want a change from the lodge restaurant.
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