Kendwa holidays

Holidays to Kendwa are based on one of Zanzibar’s best beaches, where you can swim all day and party all night.

Another side to the ‘Spice Islands’

Kendwa is a little coastal town near the northern tip of Zanzibar, the archipelago in the Indian Ocean known as the ‘Spice Islands’. And while fragrant farms do grow cinnamon, cloves and cardamom on its outskirts, a different aroma fills the air down by the beach. Traditional pancake-like pizzas sizzle in pans at waterfront restaurants all day long, while grills add a smoky flavour to fresh seafood brought in on dhow boats. And that’s only half the reason why most people spend their holidays here right on the sand.

The beach that never sleeps

Imagine a slab of coconut ice, but the white layer fades into light blue rather than baby pink. That’s what Kenda Beach looks like. And unlike the sugary treat you usually find in old sweet shops, it’s anything but bite-sized. The shoreline stretches out as far as the eye can see, and the water stays deep from dusk ‘til dawn, since it’s not affected by the tide like most beaches on the south of the island. It’s well worth staying by the ocean after dinnertime, too – this place is famous for sunset-watching and moonlit beach bashes. There’s even a monthly Full Moon party that’s been going on since the 90s.

Snorkels and sightseeing

Trade your sunnies for a pair of snorkels, and you can dive into Zanzibar’s snorkelling scene. There’s a small reef right by the main beach, and a whole cluster of corals at Tumbatu Island – the secluded home of the Shirazi descendants, which tours must get special permission to visit. The more famous Mnemba Island is also well worth a daytrip, especially if you fancy a chance at spotting dolphins and endangered sea turtles. Rather stay on dry land? The UNESCO-listed Stone Town is within day-tripping distance and boasts an Arab fort and Zanzibar’s first public baths, plus a museum where Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was born.