Day Trips from Kendwa, Zanzibar

Travel advisory, October 2026: At the time of writing the US State Department lists Tanzania at Level 3, Reconsider Travel (see travel.state.gov ). The UK does not advise against travel to Zanzibar, but it notes that earlier Zanzibar elections turned violent, that ferries and internet access can be disrupted, and that you should not photograph protests. Keep your plans flexible on any day trip.

Day Trips from Kendwa, Zanzibar

Kendwa sits on the north-west coast, so the big sights are a long drive away. Plan one major outing per day and book your return transport before you leave.

Stone Town

Stone Town is about 60 km from Kendwa, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a day gives you time for the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), the Anglican Cathedral, the Forodhani waterfront and its evening food stalls. The House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) is the big waterfront landmark, but it has been reported closed for restoration, so enjoy it from outside and check before you plan to go in. Other opening hours and entry prices are best confirmed locally.

The Anglican Cathedral and the memorial to the former slave market are solemn places. Visit quietly and respectfully, and dress modestly.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Jozani is the home of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. It lies about 30 to 35 km south-east of Stone Town, which makes it about two hours each way from Kendwa, so it suits an early start. A guide is required, and the fee is paid at the gate.

Prison Island (Changuu)

Boats leave from Stone Town for Prison Island, where Aldabra giant tortoises live. Entry is about US$4 plus the boat fare, so budget a little more for the crossing.

Spice farm visit

Spice farms are about an hour from Kendwa by road. Ask your hotel desk to arrange a farm visit and a driver.

Closer to home

  • Nungwi: the village about 3 km north has a dhow-building yard and an early-morning fish market. The walk from Kendwa is only possible at low tide, and a short taxi or boat ride is the alternative.
  • Mnemba Atoll: a boat trip for snorkelling. The island is closed to landing.
  • Tumbatu: snorkel trips and guided visits by arrangement, with modest dress in the village.

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Getting there and back

  • A private taxi from Stone Town costs at least TSh 70,000 or about US$40, according to Wikivoyage’s Kendwa page .
  • An airport shuttle from Stone Town has been about US$10 per person.
  • The daladala route 116 from Darajani in Stone Town goes to Nungwi. You get off at the Kendwa junction and walk about 1.5 km downhill. Daladalas are crowded and a poor choice with luggage.
  • If you drive yourself, keep left and ask the rental agency about the Zanzibar temporary licence you need on top of your home licence.

Zanzibar’s compulsory visitor insurance costs US$44 per adult for up to 92 days and must be bought before arrival at visitzanzibar.go.tz .

Read more: Multi day trips including Kendwa and Attraction tours around Kendwa .