What are you looking for?

Nungwi & Kendwa

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

On Zanzibar Island’s northernmost tip, the once sleepy village of Nungwi is still the traditional centre of dhow buildings on Zanzibar.

An old favourite among backpackers and hippies, the scene has transformed in recent years with hotels, bars, hostels, and dive centres now lining the sandy shoreline in a near continuous strip southwest of Kendwa.

The still relatively quiet village of Kendwa has also expanded, but its uniquely wide beach and understated resorts continue to offer a more laid-back vibe.

This region is perfect for a relaxing holiday in Zanzibar and is suitable for young travellers looking for a good time.

Highlights of Nungwi & Kendwa

Full moon beach parties: Although relatively quiet for the rest of the month, Kendwa pumps up the volume of each full moon with a lively beach party that draws visitors from around the island.

Kendwa’s full moon parties are legendary and remain one of Zanzibar’s favourite holiday attractions.

Dhow building and village tours: Nungwi Beach remains a focal point for Zanzibari shipbuilding, where skilled shipwrights use age-old methods and tools to turn rough timber planks into ocean-going dhows.

Village tours can also be arranged for those interested in discovering the cultural side of dhow building and how the tradition persists through the centuries.

Travel Tips for Nungwi & Kendwa

  • Although luxury hotels are now available, Nungwi and especially Kendwa remain two of the best destinations on Zanzibar Island for quality, affordable accommodation – head here if you’re looking for a party.
  • Kendwa has the better beach, and the deeper water on the north-western strip means swimming is possible throughout the day; the island’s eastern beaches are almost all tide-dependent.

$1350 USD

$1890 USD

per person sharing

$2290 USD

$3500 USD

per person sharing

$4250 USD

$5050 USD

per person sharing

Zanzibar Tours

$4250 USD

$5050 USD

per person sharing

$1350 USD

$1890 USD

per person sharing

$4480.00 USD

$5380.00 USD

per person sharing

$2290 USD

$3500 USD

per person sharing

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

933 Reviews - 5/5 Stars

Craft your journey with the expertise of our dedicated Africa Safari Experts

Start Planning

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"It was an amazing experience. We were worried about lodging and game drives but it turned out that Bianca did an amazing job arranging everything for us. I would highly recommend Bianca and Discover Africa if you ever decide to do a Safari."

Andrea Illescas, United States•23 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"Discover Africa Safaris made the entire experience very enjoyable. If anything went wrong Dev and his team were on it in moments. Every part of the trip was conducted by professionals from Federal airlines to the two safari lodges. I can't say enough abo..."

Dave, United States•08 Jul 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"Our entire experience was magnificent. Everything was in place and perfectly reliable. We wanted for nothing and were taken care of every step of the way. To use the word "life changing" seems so cliché, but my husband and I both found the whole trip an ama..."

Julie Ferguson, United States•03 May 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"As a party of seven guests we found the travel arrangements seamless and the accommodation well suited to both older and younger members. In addition, we were of mixed bush experience with some seasoned safari members and some first timers. The Lodges and e..."

Jenny Ashley - Smith, Canada•18 Mar 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We were initially overwhelmed with all of the options for African Safaris when we first started planning our trip. Luckily, Discover Africa responded promptly to our initial request for information and we were quickly scheduled for an initial consult with A..."

John Stanton, United States•26 Nov 2025•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We had a very well-organised itinerary by Chrizaan that suited our needs. It was a truly memorable holiday. Highly recommended."

Isaac, Malta•22 Oct 2025•

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.