Kendwa Family Holiday Activities

October 31, 2026

Parents, please note (October 2026): Tanzania carries a US Level 3, Reconsider Travel, rating (travel.state.gov ). Britain does not advise against Zanzibar itself, although it lists assault and sexual aggression among incidents at Zanzibar beaches and resorts, and it cautions that demonstrations may follow elections. Families should keep to resort beaches and registered operators and check the UK advice before departure.

Kendwa Family Holiday Activities

A family holiday at Kendwa is mostly a beach holiday. The bay is wide and west-facing, and a handful of boat and animal outings add variety. The list below separates the easy options from those that need more planning.

Easy wins

Swimming in the bay

Kendwa is the north-west bay where the water stays swimmable whatever the tide. Tidal range is small but real, so the depth near the shore still shifts. Nungwi’s village beach to the north is more tidal and has long walks out over the flats at low tide. No lifeguards are guaranteed at either place, so an adult should be within reach of young swimmers. Entry to the sand costs nothing.

Beach days

Resorts give loungers to their guests and to customers eating or drinking. Pack shade, sun hats and a refill bottle, because the sun is hard on children.

Sunset on the sand

The sun drops straight into the sea on this west coast, which makes the end of the day a calm family ritual.

Outings with more planning

Mnemba snorkel trip

Children aged 5 to 15 pay US$5 for the Mnemba conservation area, against US$10 for adults, and the Special Area near the island costs US$10 for a child and US$25 for an adult. Operators often include these charges. Ask about child-sized life jackets, boat times and sea conditions on the day. The island itself is closed to visitors. Search family snorkel trips

Sunset dhow sail

Each operator sets its own rules for children, so confirm before you book.

Prison Island tortoises

Aldabra giant tortoises live on Prison Island, a boat ride from Stone Town. With a drive of 1h15 to 1h30 each way, this is a full-day outing and best for older children.

Mnarani turtle pond

The pond in Nungwi is for looking. Children should not feed, stroke or lift the turtles, and a small entrance fee is paid at the gate. Reviewers have raised welfare concerns, so consider whether it suits your family.

Evenings

The monthly Kendwa Rocks full moon party lets children in until midnight. Outside drinks are banned. Most families will prefer a quieter night.

Practical advice

Zanzibar insurance is compulsory for each traveller. Adults pay US$44 for up to 92 days, and the child rate is lower, so confirm current age bands with zic.co.tz .
Keep drinks and bags in sight on the beach.
Cover shoulders and knees when you walk through the village.
Dolphin sightings on boat trips depend on luck, and you should avoid any trip that sells swimming with dolphins.
Wikivoyage says the reef in front of Kendwa is small and damaged, so snorkelling needs a boat. See Wikivoyage’s Kendwa page .