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Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) → Kendwa transfer

Kendwa lies 62 km from Zanzibar Airport, a private drive of about 81–102 minutes that typically costs around €45–60 by car or €60–80 by minivan. The exact price is shown before you book.

From
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
To
Kendwa
Distance
62 km
Typical drive
81–102 min

Kendwa sits on the north-west coast just south of Nungwi. It is known for a broad, bright beach and calm water that is good for swimming through most of the day.

What to expect on the road north

The route follows the main road from Stone Town up through the centre of the island. Most of the way you drive through villages, small markets and green farmland, with frequent speed bumps and occasional police checks.

Shortly before Nungwi the driver turns off towards the west coast. The final access roads to some Kendwa hotels are narrow and sandy, which is part of why the drive can take a few minutes longer than the trip to Nungwi despite the similar distance.

The beach and who stays in Kendwa

Kendwa’s sand is wide, and the tide has little effect on swimming here, which makes it popular with couples and families who want to be in the water at any hour. The beach faces west, so sunsets are a daily event.

Hotels range from simple bungalows to larger resorts, stretched along one long beach. Kendwa is known for occasional beach parties around full moon; if you want quiet nights, ask your hotel about its location on the beach.

Your transfer step by step

  1. Before you fly

    Book online or via WhatsApp and add your flight number and hotel name. Request child seats or declare diving gear at this point.

  2. On arrival

    After passport control and baggage claim, your driver waits in arrivals with a name sign. Details of the meeting point are confirmed by phone or WhatsApp.

  3. The ride

    Direct private drive north, roughly an hour and a half, without stops at other hotels.

  4. At the hotel

    The driver brings you to the hotel entrance or the nearest point a car can reach on the beach access road.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Kendwa from Zanzibar Airport?

Kendwa is 62 km from the airport. The drive usually takes 81–102 minutes, depending on traffic in the villages and the access road to your hotel.

What is the typical price to Kendwa?

Usually around €45–60 for a car with up to three passengers and €60–80 for a minivan. You see the exact price before booking.

Kendwa or Nungwi: which is closer to the airport?

They are almost the same distance away. Kendwa is slightly closer in kilometres but can take a little longer because of the hotel access roads.

When should I leave Kendwa for my flight home?

Leave about five hours before an international departure. That covers the drive of up to about 100 minutes and roughly three hours at the airport.

Can I walk from Kendwa to Nungwi?

At low tide many people walk along the beach between the two, and the trip by car takes only a few minutes. Your hotel can advise on the tides.

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