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This hot spot on the northeast coast is probably the fastest developing beach on Zanzibar. It is also one of the island’s longest and prettiest beaches, suited to everything from swimming and sunbathing to kitesurfing and
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snorkel excursions. A choice of owner-managed seafront lodgings and Italian restaurants in Kiwengwa village makes this beach popular with independent travelers. It is also home to some of Zanzibar’s largest and longest-serving package resorts, but these generally lie some distance from the village and operate independently of it.-
Size
- ± 6km / 3.7mi long
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Best Time To Go
- January, February and June to October
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Crowds
- Relatively busy but not crowded
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Sleeping
- Several package resorts and a growing number of budget lodges
Pros & Cons
- One of the most beautiful beaches on Zanzibar
- Good swimming at high tide
- Plenty of dive schools and kitesurfing centers
- Lively bar and restaurant scene with a strong Italian influence
- Plenty of budget accommodations
- Jet Skis feel out of place and pose a threat to swimmers
- Swimming isn’t really possible when the tide is out
- Lots of vendors and touts close to the village
The Beach
Kiwengwa is a very attractive swimming beach. A palm-lined strip of white sand runs far enough back from the high-tide mark that you can walk along it or sunbathe even when the sea is at its
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highest. And there are plenty of shabby-chic beach bars and restaurants where you can chill over a coffee, beer or pizza and watch the passing parade.Kiwengwa is a beach of two parts. Around the village, it is lined with hotels, restaurants, kitesurfing centers, dive schools, craft stalls, and massage and braiding kiosks. These places are generally low-rise and in keeping with the environment, but there’s a bit of a party feel about things. Altogether more tranquil and beautiful is the series of sandy coves and coral-rock overhangs reached by walking north along the beach for 30 minutes. Although the beach here is public, it is fringed by a couple of large exclusive resorts that are closed to day visitors, so it tends to be quiet.Sleeping
Not so many years ago, the hotel scene at Kiwengwa Beach was dominated by a few large all-inclusive resorts catering mainly to package tourists. That has changed dramatically in recent years. The large resorts are still
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there, but the village now also hosts an ever-growing number of small owner-managed lodges aimed at independent budget and mid-range travelers. One thing that hasn’t changed is that Kiwengwa, more than anywhere else on Zanzibar, remains dominated by the Italian market, but not to the extent it once was. These days you’ll come across a mix of languages and nationalities here.Eating & Drinking
Kiwengwa differs from other resort beaches on Zanzibar’s northeast coast thanks to its very lively restaurant scene. Several chic Italian-owned restaurants are complemented by a few simple and down-to-earth local eateries. Most restaurants in Kiwengwa serve
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seafood, but many also have wood-fired pizza ovens and an extensive menu of pasta and other Italian fare. Even the most upmarket restaurants here tend to have a relaxed seaside atmosphere: expect soft sand below your feet, a light sea breeze to keep you cool, and palm fronds rustling overhead.Restaurants at Kiwengwa almost invariably have a full drinks menu, and there are also several bars and cafés. By day, you can sip on Italian-style coffee and freshly made fruit juices and smoothies. In the evening, most places serve a good selection of cocktails, beers and imported South African and Italian wines.Things To Do at Kiwengwa
Kiwengwa is a pleasant and enjoyable place to hang out. There are any number of beach bars and restaurants where you can relax with a cold drink and enjoy the beachside vista. This is also a
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great swimming beach, except at low tide when the water is very shallow. During those times you may prefer to hang out at the swimming pool (assuming your hotel has one).Kiwengwa is less popular than Paje for kitesurfing, but it does host a growing water sports scene. Several beachfront kitesurfing centers offer courses for beginners and rent out equipment to more experienced hands. This is also a great beach for long barefoot walks, whether you’re in it just to enjoy the scenery, or you want to shop for local paintings, handicrafts and clothing at some of the many stalls that line the beach.Nearby Things To Do
Most of Kiwengwa’s package hotels offer boat excursions to Mnemba Atoll, as do several beachfront dive shops. Mnemba lies a short distance off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, and its colorful and coral reefs offer excellent diving
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and snorkeling. Only 3km/2mi inland of Kiwengwa village, the atmospheric Kiwengwa Caves are protected in the Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve, which is also home to a variety of birds and monkeys. However, monkeys and other wildlife are more easily seen on a guided walk at Jozani Forest, which lies farther south on the island.A popular day outing from Kiwengwa is a guided tour of Stone Town. This lively and absorbing town on the west coast of Zanzibar has been an important trade port for centuries and its alleys are lined with interesting old forts, palaces, mosques and churches. You can combine a Stone Town tour with a visit to an old spice plantation or a boat trip to Changuu (Prison) Island and Nakupenda Beach.How To Get to Kiwengwa
Kiwengwa is located on Zanzibar’s northeast coast, approximately 40km/25mi from Stone Town and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Transfers by road or taxi can be arranged through hotels or tour operators and typically take little more