Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel offers a combination of vibrant Zanzibari nightlife, beautiful beaches, and incredible diving adventures. Explore reefs by day and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this sought-after north coast location.
Perched on Zanzibar’s north-western edge, Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel occupies a beautiful spot overlooking the fine white sands of Kendwa Beach. Unlike much of the island, the turquoise waters here remain accessible at any tide, making it a fantastic choice for swimmers. The resort offers a laid-back and social atmosphere, ideally suited to those who enjoy a lively environment alongside their underwater adventures.
Accommodation is set within a mix of traditional single-storey bungalows and spacious two-storey buildings, providing a comfortable retreat for solo travellers, couples, and groups alike. The 50 well-appointed rooms offer a choice between the privacy of a garden bungalow or the far-reaching panoramas of a sea-view suite, each equipped with modern comforts including air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms. For relaxation and wellness, an open-air gym, sauna and steam room are available to guests, alongside a rooftop spa offering a wide selection of treatments.
The heart of the Kendwa Rocks Hotel is its main restaurant, where guests can enjoy a blend of Zanzibari specialties and international favourites. Freshly prepared food infused with local spices dominates the menu, served in an open-air setting that catches the refreshing sea breeze. As dusk falls, a freshwater outdoor swimming pool with superb ocean views and the Mermaid beach bar become popular hubs for sundowners. For those visiting during a full moon, the resort’s famed Full Moon Parties offer a distinctive taste of island night life.
Beyond the beach, for those eager to get on the water, a variety of activities are available, ranging from kayaking and jet skiing to guided snorkelling trips. However, the most popular activity by far is scuba diving on the nearby fringing reefs.
Located a short stroll from the hotel, One Ocean Kendwa Dive Centre is one of Zanzibar's most established operators. Based on the northwest coast, the dive centre visits the reefs around Tumbatu Island, Nungwi and Kendwa. The dive centre can also help arrange special trips to Mnemba Atoll and Leven Bank at an extra cost. Whether you're a novice diver exploring calm lagoons or an experienced diver seeking a new challenge, the knowledgeable PADI-certified team ensures a safe and memorable experience.
A typical day with One Ocean Kendwa begins in the morning at the dive centre, where you're welcomed by a professional team for a briefing on the day's schedule and safety protocols. Setting sail on a traditional dhow, converted for diving, you head out into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean for two morning boat dives. Whether exploring local reefs around Kendwa, Nungwi or Tumbatu Island, divers can enjoy Zanzibar’s remarkable marine biodiversity, often encountering a fantastic mix of macro critters, reef-dwelling fish, and blue-water species. Boat trips to local sites such as Kendwa or Hunga reefs usually return to Kendwa in time for lunch.
For those keen to do even more scuba diving, afternoon boat dives are available, and the centre also offers night beach dives, providing a fascinating glimpse into the nocturnal world of the reef under the glow of a torch.
With warm waters ranging from 25–29°C and visibility often exceeding 20 metres, diving in Zanzibar offers excellent conditions year-round. One Ocean Kendwa provides equipment rentals and a full range of PADI courses.
Zanzibar promises an unforgettable diving adventure; explore vibrant coral gardens, legendary dive sites, and encounters with sharks and pelagic species, all while soaking up the beauty of this Indian Ocean paradise. Find Out More about Dive Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a flat, palm-clad coral atoll, surrounded by a coral reef structure where abundant marine life can be found, including whale sharks and whales as they migrate. The island’s rich cultural heritage is still very much in evidence, particularly in Stone Town. Find Out More about {acc:title}
