Kiwengwa and Pongwe

The village of Kiwengwa lies on Zanzibar Island’s north-eastern coast, roughly halfway between Nungwi and Chwaka.

Large, all-inclusive hotels and stylish upmarket lodges dot Kiwengwa’s long, immaculate beach, which runs nearly unbroken all the way north to Matemwe. 

A few breezy kilometres to the south, the even sleepier Pongwe supports around a dozen, mostly stylish, mid- to upmarket resorts with little else to do but kick back and relax.

If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in Zanzibar, Kiwengwa and Pongwe are the way to go. 

Highlights of Kiwengwa and Pongwe

Learn kitesurfing in Kiwengwa: With its year-round, stable winds and beautiful wide lagoon, Kiwengwa is a great place to learn to kitesurf.

A handful of friendly kite schools dot the beach – simply wander in, have a chat, and book an impromptu lesson if the place grabs you. If you want an active holiday in Zanzibar, kitesurfing in Kiwengwa is an excellent choice.

Peaceful Pongwe: There is nothing to do in Pongwe but chill and have a relaxing holiday. If ultimate downtime is what you’re after, Pongwe is the perfect beach for your Zanzibar vacation. 

Travel Tips for Kiwengwa and Pongwe

• Both Kiwengwa and Pongwe are easy to reach by road from Zanzibar Town. 
• There’s a small ‘mall’ in Kiwengwa with a cash machine, supermarket, and pharmacy – but nothing in Pongwe. 
• Kiwengwa’s resorts attract many visitors from Italy, and you’ll find many shopfronts and menus written in Italian.