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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

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"We had a fabulous experience from start to finish working with Bianca and Discover Africa. Bianca is an excellent travel planner and quickly and efficiently assisted us whenever we needed her help. This was the first private tour my husband went on, and Bia..."

Darlene Slaugenhaupt, United States•12 Sep 2026•

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"We initially felt quite overwhelmed by the number of different tours, lodges and options available when planning an African adventure, so we decided to speak with Discover Africa to help us create a memorable trip. We are so glad we did! Chrizaan took th..."

Leanne & Cassie, Australia•18 Aug 2026•

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"My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can't say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinera..."

Debby Anziano, United States•05 May 2026•

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"This was the most thrilling vacation I have ever taken. Justin at Discover Africa planned everything down to the finest detail so it was effortless, magical and perfect from start to finish. A trip of a lifetime and then some!"

Heili Lehr, United States•06 Apr 2026•

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Trustpilot review

"This was my 6th trip to South Africa and Botswana and, as always, Matthys van Aswegen made it a happy, safe, and exciting experience! My roommate, Glenna, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa's Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Reserv..."

JJ Towler, United States•02 Apr 2026•

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"Chrizaan Troch of Discover Africa helped us organize a recent safari in Chobe National Park. She was great to deal with - listened to what we wanted, and also offered other suggestions. She was very efficient, and always replied promptly to our questions. ..."

Celia Schroeder, Canada•03 Dec 2025•

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