Kiwengwa
Kiwengwa is the largest and, in my opinion, the nicest resort on the northern half of Zanzibar's east coast.
Of all the surrounding resorts, it has the largest facilities in the form of services such as mini markets, ATMs and restaurants, as well as the nicest beach.
What I liked about Kiwengwa:
- Beautiful long beaches
- Plenty of facilities in town (ATMs, mini-market and more)
- quieter environment than larger resorts like Nungwi or Paje
- cheap and good quality hotels
Beach facilities
Kiwengwa Beach is spacious and covered in fine white sand great for running, walking and sunbathing.
Like all beaches in the east, you can only swim at high tide. At low tide, the sea recedes more than 500 metres from the shore.
On the beach you will find many vendors selling souvenirs or small snacks such as coconuts or oranges.
Local street-food stalls are available between the beach and the main road, and expensive tourist restaurants can be found in each of the hotels.
Holidays with a tour operator - the best hotels
Kiwengwa has several hotels that are mainly used by tour operators and travel agencies from Europe.
Holidays in Kiwengwa are great for those who love both the peaceful surroundings and the ample range of services and excursions.
We recommend you take a look at the tours to these hotels:
- Voi Kiwengwa Resort **** - a large resort right in the centre of the resort with good value for money
- Bluebay Beach Resort ***** - the cheapest 5* resort close to the resort centre
- Meliá Zanzibar ***** - luxury without compromise in a very quiet part of Kiwengwa
Best hotels on booking.com
Kiwengwa is also a good choice if you are travelling around Zanzibar on your own.
You'll find several cheap apartments here with prices starting from 40 usd per night.
We would recommend these very cheap accommodations:
- Zanzibar Tropical Sunset Boutique Hotel - one of the cheapest well rated guesthouses about 300 meters from the beach
- Surfescape Zanzibar - simple clean rooms, the cheapest hotel right on the beach
If you are looking for classic hotels right by the beach, then we would recommend these accommodations:
- Seashore Beach Hotel **** - great value for money, compared to other hotels in the same category it has nice and clean facilities
- Turkuaz Beach Zanzibar ***** - cheap 5* resort in a quiet area south of the centre
How to get there
If you are travelling to Kiwengwa as part of a holiday package through a travel agent, you will be taken directly to the hotel from the airport by free bus. The journey usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
If you will be travelling around Zanzibar by public transport (dala-dala buses), you will use this line to get to Kiwengwa:
- 117 - direction Stone Town
- 223 - direction Pongwe, Uroa, Stone Town (some services run only on the Stone Town - Pongwe section and do not go to Kiwengwa)
Taxis or tuk-tuks are also commonly available in the centre of Kiwengwa. Take inspiration from our experience of travelling around Zanzibar:
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