The beach and the lagoon
Kiwengwa's sand is among the finest in Zanzibar. The reef keeps the waves at bay and makes swimming peaceful; the strong tides reshape the landscape every day. Dhows and fishermen dot the horizon at sunrise and sunset.
The destination
Kiwengwa, on the finest coast of Zanzibar
Kiwengwa stretches along the north-east coast of Zanzibar, in Tanzania. Its lagoon, sheltered by the coral reef, reveals a vast expanse of white sand at low tide and fills with turquoise water at high tide. It is one of the island's finest shores, ideally placed between Stone Town and the tips of Nungwi and Matemwe.
Beach
7-minute walk to the Kiwengwa lagoon
Coastal hotels
in the heart of the main beach-resort area
Police station
5 minutes away
Supermarket
large grocery store 10 minutes away
The lagoon, a seven-minute walk away
Excursions and activities
Snorkelling and diving on the reef, a dhow trip to the sandbanks, swimming with dolphins in the south, the Jozani forest and its monkeys, the spice farms inland: Baraka helps shape each day to your wishes. Stone Town, a World Heritage site, makes a great day trip.
Getting around
Zanzibar international airport is a drive away from Kiwengwa. On site, the villa's bicycles are enough to explore the village and reach the beach; the scooter, once compliant, opens up the neighbouring coves. Baraka is happy to arrange taxis and transfers.
When to come
Zanzibar enjoys a warm climate all year round. The long dry seasons, from June to October and December to February, bring the most sunshine and the clearest sea, ideal for both the pool and the lagoon.
A living village, not a gated resort
Kiwengwa is still a real east-coast village, where local life carries on beside the seafront hotels. You come across fishermen returning at dawn, women gathering seaweed at low tide, children on their way to school. Staying in a neighbourhood house, rather than behind a resort's gates, lets you feel that gentle rhythm while keeping the privacy of your own garden. The village market, the small shops and the fruit sellers are a few minutes away, and the warmth of the residents is part of what you remember from a stay in Kiwengwa.
Eating and shopping nearby
A large grocery store, about ten minutes away, covers the essentials: water, fresh produce, groceries, beach supplies. The restaurants right on Kiwengwa beach serve grilled fish, lobster and Swahili cooking scented with coconut and island spices. At the villa, the covered summer kitchen and barbecue also invite you to cook market produce or fish brought back from the harbour, for long meals under the thatched pavilion. Baraka gladly points out the good addresses and can bring in a cook for an evening.
Kiwengwa compared with the other coasts of Zanzibar
To the north, Nungwi and Kendwa offer swimming at any hour and a lively nightlife; to the east, Paje and Jambiani draw kitesurfers and dramatic tides; Stone Town appeals for its history. Kiwengwa, on the north-east coast, holds a balanced position: one of the island's finest lagoons, the presence of the large beach resorts for services and activities, and the calm of a village that is still preserved. It is the compromise sought by those who want the beach and the excursions without the bustle, with a private house to come home to each evening.
Kiwengwa stretches along the north-east coast of Zanzibar, reputed to be one of the finest on the island. Its lagoon, sheltered by the coral reef, its white sand and its turquoise water make it a leading destination, at an ideal distance from Stone Town as well as the tips of Nungwi and Matemwe.
This page presents what makes the Kiwengwa coast so beautiful, how to enjoy the beach and the excursions here, what sets it apart from the island's other areas, and who it suits best. You will also find practical answers to the questions you ask yourself before choosing where to stay in Zanzibar.
Why the Kiwengwa coast is among the finest
On the north-east coast, Kiwengwa lays out some of the finest white sand in Zanzibar and a lagoon of exceptionally clear water, sheltered by the reef. The tides, very pronounced, redraw the landscape every day: at low tide, a vast foreshore is revealed; at high tide, the lagoon fills with turquoise water.
This beauty comes with a central position on the island. Kiwengwa remains a genuine village, alive with fishermen and local life, while benefiting from the presence of the large beach hotels for services and activities. It is this blend of unspoilt nature and amenities that gives it its reputation.
The beach and excursions from Kiwengwa
The beach lends itself to swimming in calm waters and to snorkelling on the reef. A trip aboard a traditional dhow leads to the sandbanks and the best diving spots. Further south, you set off to swim with dolphins; offshore, the Mnemba atoll ranks among the finest diving sites on the island.
From Kiwengwa, the interior is easy to explore too: Jozani forest and its endemic monkeys, the spice farms, and Stone Town, the listed old town, which can be visited in a day. This central position lets you range across the island without spending your holiday on the road.
Kiwengwa compared with the island's other coasts
In the north, Nungwi and Kendwa offer swimming at any hour and a lively nightlife; in the east, Paje and Jambiani draw lovers of kitesurfing and spectacular tides. Kiwengwa, on the north-east coast, holds a position of balance: one of the finest lagoons on the island, the services of the large establishments, and the calm of an unspoilt village.
It is the compromise sought by those who want the beach and the excursions without the bustle, with a central position from which to explore the whole island. For a stay that blends relaxation and discovery, Kiwengwa brings together assets that few other areas combine.
Who a stay in Kiwengwa suits
Kiwengwa suits families particularly well, thanks to a calm lagoon, amenities nearby and a central position for excursions. Couples and travellers seeking peace and quiet appreciate its village atmosphere, far from the bustle of the most festive areas.
Those who wish to alternate beach days with outings around the island find an ideal base here, all the more so if they stay in a quiet private villa between two excursions. Kiwengwa is thus for anyone seeking the finest coast of Zanzibar without giving up comfort or serenity.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Kiwengwa in Zanzibar?
- Kiwengwa is on the north-east coast of Zanzibar, in Tanzania, at an ideal distance from Stone Town and the tips of Nungwi and Matemwe. It is one of the finest beaches on the east coast of the island.
- Can you swim at any hour in Kiwengwa?
- The tides here are pronounced: at low tide, the foreshore is widely revealed, while at high tide the lagoon fills with turquoise water. This rhythm of the tides is part of the charm of the east coast.
- What is there to do in Kiwengwa and from the villa?
- Snorkelling and swimming in the lagoon, a dhow trip to the sandbanks, swimming with dolphins, Jozani forest, spice farms and Stone Town are all easily reached from Kiwengwa.
- How do you get to Kiwengwa from the airport?
- Zanzibar international airport is reached by car from Kiwengwa. The villa's house management is happy to arrange the private transfer on arrival as well as departure.
Kiwengwa brings together what you look for on the finest coast of Zanzibar: an exceptional lagoon, varied excursions and the calm of a village. To make the most of it, discover the private villa a seven-minute walk from the beach, or check availability for your dates.
Your base in Kiwengwa
A private villa to explore the island
From the villa, reach the beach on foot and let Baraka arrange your excursions across Zanzibar.
Plan my stay