Nungwi and Kendwa
The only two beaches in the north where the tide does not empty the lagoon twice a day.
Duration
3 hrs – 6 hrs
Best time
Late afternoon
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
Most of Zanzibar's beaches have a considerable tidal range: at low tide the water pulls back hundreds of metres and leaves an exposed flat where swimming is impossible. That is how the east coast normally works.
Nungwi and Kendwa, at the northern tip, escape that: the shape of the lagoon keeps water there at all hours, and they are the only two beaches on the island where you can swim whenever you like. That explains how busy they are, and the price difference with the rest of the island.
Getting there
The island's northern tip, an hour and a half by road from Stone Town. Daily shared shuttles.
What to bring
- Reef shoes
- Swimsuit
Rules on site
These are the only two beaches where the tide does not empty the lagoon: everywhere else, check the timetable before counting on a swim. Beachwear is fine on the sand, but cover up as soon as you leave it.