Côte Nord (Nungwi & Kendwa)

Where to stay on North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa) : complete guide

Zanzibar's North Coast reveals its treasures between Nungwi and Kendwa. Immaculate white sand stretches caress a sparkling turquoise sea, while palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze. Sunsets set the horizon ablaze with vibrant colours, creating living tableaux. Lively villages blend authenticity with refinement, with dhows gliding across the waves and coral reefs inviting exploration. This area embodies tropical luxury, between absolute tranquillity and marine discoveries.

Safety score: 8/10luxuryHoneymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsFamilies with childrenLuxury-seeking travellers

Pros

  • Immaculate white sand beaches
  • Turquoise waters for snorkelling
  • Spectacular sunsets
  • Authentic village atmosphere
  • Luxury beachfront hotels

Cons

  • Sometimes bumpy roads
  • Rapidly growing tourism
  • Mosquitoes in the evening
  • Limited dining options

The 5 best hotels in Côte Nord (Nungwi & Kendwa)

Horizon Kendwa - Vue d'ensemble
1

Horizon Kendwa

3-star hotel
8.7342 reviews
Top pick

Horizon Kendwa is located on the North Coast of Zanzibar, in Kendwa. This three-star property offers an airport shuttle and free private parking. Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi and room service. The restaurant serves varied cuisine in a simple, functional setting. The hotel suits travellers seeking a practical seaside stay.

Navette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageRestaurantParking gratuitParking privé
From ~185EUR / night
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Sand and Sunset - Vue d'ensemble
2

Sand and Sunset

3-star hotel
8.5142 reviews
Excellent

Sand and Sunset is situated on the North Coast of Zanzibar, between Nungwi and Kendwa. This three-star hotel features a pool and Wi-Fi throughout the property. The airport shuttle and room service ensure a comfortable welcome. The restaurant offers varied meals in a calm environment. Its positioning attracts visitors wishing to combine relaxation and convenience.

1 piscineNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageRestaurantWi-Fi disponible partout
From ~158EUR / night
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Golden Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
3

Golden Hotel

4-star hotel
9.4337 reviews
Recommended

Golden Hotel is set on the North Coast of Zanzibar, in the Kendwa area. This four-star property offers a pool and a fitness centre. The airport shuttle and room service complete the amenities. The restaurant provides refined cuisine in a polished setting. Travellers appreciate the level of comfort and modern equipment.

1 piscineNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageCentre de remise en formeRestaurant
From ~230EUR / night
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Oasis Blu Beach Resort-Adults Only - Vue d'ensemble
4

Oasis Blu Beach Resort-Adults Only

4-star hotel
9.3383 reviews

Oasis Blu Beach Resort is located on the North Coast of Zanzibar, beachfront in Kendwa. This four-star adults-only property offers a pool and a fitness centre. The airport shuttle and room service guarantee a seamless stay. Direct sea access is a major asset. The hotel appeals to clients seeking calm and attentive service.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageCentre de remise en forme
From ~705EUR / night
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Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas - Vue d'ensemble
5

Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas

5-star hotel
9.6219 reviews

Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas is situated on the North Coast of Zanzibar, directly beachfront in Nungwi. This five-star property offers spacious villas and a private pool. The fitness centre and room service complete the premium offering. The airport shuttle ensures smooth transfers. The hotel suits travellers seeking exclusivity and premium amenities.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageCentre de remise en forme
From ~3047EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

The North Coast reveals an idyllic setting where fine white sand stretches for kilometres, bordered by turquoise water with shifting hues. Coconut palms form a natural canopy that filters the sun's golden light. At Kendwa, the beaches open onto clear horizons perfect for admiring spectacular sunsets. Nungwi retains an authentic village atmosphere with its colourful house-lined alleys and local markets. The sea, calm in the morning, becomes lively in the afternoon as winds make the sails of traditional dhows dance. Nearby coral reefs create a striking contrast between shallow waters and deep blue depths. This region offers the perfect balance between preserved nature and touches of modern comfort, bathed in brilliant tropical light all year round.

Things to see and do

Visitors can explore Nungwi beach to observe traditional boat building. Snorkelling at Kendwa reef reveals colourful fish and sea turtles. A visit to Nungwi's historic lighthouse offers panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Dhow excursions reach surrounding islets for picnics on the sand. Nungwi's night markets offer local crafts and fresh fruit. Dive centres organise sessions to Mnemba spots or Kendwa reef. Horse rides along the coast at sunrise provide magical moments in contact with wild nature.

Where to eat and drink

Beach restaurants serve fresh grilled fish, octopus in coconut sauce and spiced local pilaf rice. Specialities include chapati, seafood samosas and lobster curry. At Kendwa, seafront bars offer cocktails made with tropical fruit and fresh coconut juice. Markets sell mangoes, pineapples and coconuts directly to travellers. Upscale establishments provide candlelit dinners with ocean views and daily seafood tastings.

Transport & access

Zanzibar airport is about an hour's drive from the North Coast. Taxis or private transfers are the most comfortable options for reaching Nungwi or Kendwa. Main roads are tarmacked but the final kilometres can be bumpy. Local dala-dalas serve the villages at lower cost. Scooter hire offers freedom to explore surrounding beaches. Hotels often provide shuttles from Stone Town or the airport.

Who is it for?

Honeymoon couples appreciate private villas and romantic sunsets. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts find exceptional sites nearby. Families enjoy the shallow waters and child-friendly activities. Travellers seeking relaxation and tropical luxury feel perfectly at ease in the upscale resorts.

Other neighborhoods in Zanzibar

Stone Town

Honeymoon couplesHistory enthusiastsTravelling photographers

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Stone Town, a historic pearl nestled at the heart of Zanzibar. Its narrow alleys wind between ochre houses with carved doors of precious wood, witnesses to a past blending Arab merchants, Indian navigators and European colonists. The Indian Ocean borders this living labyrinth scented with spices, cloves and tropical fruit. Minarets pierce the sky while the setting sun bathes the facades in golden and orange hues. Every step reveals a unique sensory tableau, inviting rich and intimate cultural immersion.

Côte Nord-Est (Matemwe & Kiwengwa)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsAuthenticity-seeking travellers

Zanzibar's North East Coast reveals its treasures between Matemwe and Kiwengwa, where white sand meets a sea of turquoise and emerald hues. Fishing villages retain their authenticity while refined lodges nestle discreetly beneath the palms. Trade winds caress the foliage and coral reefs reveal a fascinating underwater world. At dawn, golden light bathes the colourful pirogues and coconut groves stretch as far as the eye can see. This preserved coast offers a rare balance between wild nature and contemporary elegance, ideal for escaping the beaten track.

Côte Est (Paje & Bwejuu)

Honeymoon couplesPassionate kitesurfersFamilies with children

Zanzibar's East Coast, between Paje and Bwejuu, unfolds like a living tableau where immaculate white sand caresses the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Palms sway to the rhythm of trade winds while lagoons emerge at low tide, revealing infinite sandbanks. This area blends authenticity and refinement with its Swahili villages, lively beach bars and discreet resorts. Flamboyant sunsets paint the sky in gold and pink, inviting contemplation. The atmosphere is serene, punctuated by the lapping of waves and scents of local spices.

Côte Sud-Est (Jambiani)

Honeymoon couplesKitesurfersFamilies with children

Nestled on Zanzibar's south-east coast, Jambiani reveals infinite white sand beaches bordered by coconut palms swaying in the sea breeze. Turquoise waters caress coral reefs where colourful marine life thrives, while coral stone Swahili villages preserve rare authenticity. Far from crowds, this peaceful spot offers flamboyant sunsets painting the horizon in oranges and pinks. The atmosphere invites slowness and contemplation, between spice scents and tropical bird songs. Jambiani charms with its unique blend of preserved nature and vibrant local culture.

Côte Sud (Kizimkazi & Menai Bay)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsCultural travellers

Zanzibar's South Coast, between Kizimkazi and Menai Bay, reveals a haven of wild beauty where turquoise waters caress immaculate white sand beaches. Bordered by lush mangroves and authentic fishing villages, this region invites peaceful immersion away from the crowds. Vibrant coral reefs shelter abundant marine life, while the setting sun paints flamboyant skies. Kizimkazi, with its historic atmosphere, and Menai Bay, a paradise for nature lovers, offer an enchanting blend of Swahili culture and oceanic serenity. Perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and idyllic landscapes.