THE COMPLETE NORTH COAST ZANZIBAR RESORT GUIDE

INTRODUCTION — WHERE SUNSETS BECOME GOLD AND THE OCEAN NEVER LEAVES

North Coast Zanzibar resorts ; There are beaches in the world… and then there is the North Coast of Zanzibar.

A coastline where the ocean stays full and blue at all hours.Where the tides barely shift — rare for Zanzibar.Where the sun melts into the horizon in deep gold and orange.

Where resorts sit on wide-open beaches with soft waves brushing the sand like breathing.

This is Nungwi & Kendwa — the heartbeat of luxury, nightlife, culture, and ocean adventure in Zanzibar.If Paje is for surfers and Jambiani is for peace, the North is for swimming, sunsets, nightlife, and premium resorts that look like they belong on magazine covers.

This guide walks you through the best resorts, the best beaches, what to expect, where to stay, where to eat, and how to experience the North Coast like a traveler who knows exactly what they’re doing.

Let’s begin the journey.

“Where the tides stay full, the sunsets burn gold, and luxury meets the Indian Ocean — welcome to North Coast Zanzibar.”

WHY THE NORTH COAST IS THE MOST FAMOUS BEACH REGION IN ZANZIBAR

Before choosing a resort, understand why the North Coast is unique.

• The ONLY part of Zanzibar with minimal tides

  
  

Zanzibar’s tides are dramatic — but Nungwi & Kendwa escape this.You can swim morning, afternoon, evening.No long walks to the ocean.No disappearing shoreline.

• Perfect sunset coastline

  
  

Most of Zanzibar faces sunrise.But Nungwi & Kendwa face the sunset, turning evenings into cinematic gold.

• Best nightlife in the archipelago

  
  

Bars, beach parties, lounges, music — especially Kendwa Rocks.

• The most walkable beaches

  
  

Kilometers of soft white sand.No seaweed heaps.No rocks near the main resort stretch.

• World-class luxury hotels

  
  

Some of the continent’s best boutique and luxury resorts sit here.

• Water clarity at its peak

Perfect for snorkeling, diving, fishing, jet skis, and dhow cruises.

• A mix of authenticity + tourism

  
  

Villages still exist.Fishermen still work nearby.You get culture + comfort.

No wonder the North Coast is always in demand.

BEST LUXURY RESORTS IN NUNGWI & KENDWA (2025 EDITION)

Let’s break down the absolute top hotels — cinematic descriptions, vibe, pricing, who it’s best for, and what makes each special.

1.North Coast Zanzibar resorts ; Zanzibar — The Design Icon (Nungwi)

Rating: ★★★★★Style: Eco-chic luxury, boutique, architectural masterpieceBest For: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, design lovers

Zuri isn’t a hotel — it’s an experience.

• Award-winning botanical gardens

• Private bungalows with outdoor baths

• Sunset-facing beach

• Perfect privacy

• Insane food (some of the best on the island)

  
  

Why it stands out:

No other resort in Zanzibar blends nature, architecture, design, and luxury as beautifully as Zuri.

Price Range: $480–$1500 per night depending on season.

2. Riu Palace Zanzibar — Adults Only, All Inclusive (Nungwi)

Rating: ★★★★★Style: All-inclusive luxuryBest For: Couples who want convenience + value

• Adults-only peace

• Private beach area

• Huge infinity pool

• International buffet & à la carte

• Fitness center, spa, activities

  
  

Why it stands out:

You get luxury + all-inclusive convenience without losing elegance.

Price Range: $300–$700 per night.

3. Essque Zalu Zanzibar — Iconic Jetty & Giant Makuti Roof

Rating: ★★★★★Style: Artistic, bold, architecturalBest For: Photographers, couples, lifestyle travelers

• One of the most famous jetties in East Africa

• Giant makuti roofs that create a cathedral-like feeling

• Perfect for sunset cocktails

• Quiet, peaceful side of Nungwi

  
  

Why it stands out:

This is the resort people photograph more than almost any other in Zanzibar.

Price Range: $350–$1000 per night.

“Nungwi and Kendwa aren’t just beaches — they’re Zanzibar’s golden coastline.”

4. Kendwa Rocks — The Social Heartbeat of the North

Rating: ★★★★Style: Fun, youthful, beach party vibeBest For: Solo travelers, young couples, groups

• Famous full moon parties

• Daytime beach bars

• Affordable beachfront rooms

• Lot of activities + energy

  
  

Why it stands out:

If you want fun + activity, this is your spot.

Price Range: $80–$300 per night.

5. Nungwi Dreams by Mantis — Quiet, Polished, Elegant

Rating: ★★★★☆Style: Boutique luxuryBest For: Couples who want quiet luxury without crowds

• Elevated beach views

• Rooftop pool

• Clean modern rooms

• Great for relaxing

  
  

Why it stands out:

A hidden luxury escape without paying Zuri prices.

Price Range: $200–$450 per night.

3. COMPARING THE TWO MAIN NORTH COAST AREAS: NUNGWI VS KENDWA

Here is the clean, simple breakdown:

NUNGWI

• Best for couples

• Best snorkeling & diving

• More restaurants & shops

• More premium resorts

• More village life

• A balance of quiet + activity

  
  

Vibe:Romantic, cultural, premium.

KENDWA

• Best for nightlife

• Best for young travelers

• Best social beach

• Swimming all day

• Wide beach, lots of bars

• Perfect sunset location

Vibe:Energetic, social, cinematic at sunset.

4.NORTH COAST EXPERIENCES — WHAT TO DO WHILE STAYING HERE

Nungwi & Kendwa offer the most diverse activities in all of Zanzibar.

• Sunset dhow cruises

  
  

The most beautiful in the entire island.

• Turtle sanctuary (Mnarani)

  
  

Learn about conservation while seeing rescued turtles.

• Fishing trips with local captains

  
  

Nungwi has generations of boatmen.

• Nungwi Village Walk

  
  

Deep cultural experience, including artisans & fishermen.

• Snorkeling at Mnemba (best access from North)

  
  

Clear water, dolphins, coral gardens.

• Diving

  
  

One of the top African dive zones.

• Beachfront nightlife

  
  

Especially Kendwa Rocks + Z-Bar.

• Jet skis, parasailing, water sports

  
  

The North is the water-sport capital of Zanzibar

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• Sandbank experiences

  
  

Magical, cinematic, perfect for photography.

5.WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELER SHOULD CHOOSE THE NORTH COAST?

This region is perfect for:

• Couples

• Honeymooners

• Luxury travelers

• Beach lovers

• Sunset lovers

• Party + nightlife travelers

• Families who want calm, swimmable beaches

• Anyone who wants Maldives-type water without Maldives prices

  
  

If you love quiet nature only, choose the South or East.But if you love sunsets, swimming, nightlife, restaurants, and luxury, the North Coast is unbeatable.

6. BUDGET GUIDE — HOW MUCH YOU NEED FOR A NORTH COAST TRIP

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Accommodation:

• Budget: $40–$90

• Midrange: $120–$240

• Luxury: $300–$700

• Ultra-luxury: $800–$1500+

  
  

Food:

• Local food: $3–$10

• Resort meals: $20–$60

• High-end restaurants: $40–$100 per person

  
  

Activities:

• Sunset dhow: $20–$65

• Snorkeling Mnemba: $35–$65

• Diving: $90–$150

• Nightlife: $10–$50

• Spa: $25–$120

  
  

“Swimmable all day, cinematic every evening — this is where Zanzibar feels endless.”

7. DO’S AND DON’TS FOR THE NORTH COAST

DO:

• Swim any time of day — tides won’t stop you

• Book sunset cruises

• Visit both Nungwi and Kendwa

• Try seafood grills

• Carry reef-safe sunscreen

• Book top resorts early

DON’T:

• Stay too far inland (you’ll miss the magic)

• Expect cheap prices in luxury zones

• Ignore safety in late-night areas

• Forget that Kendwa Rocks gets loud during parties

CONCLUSION — THE NORTH COAST IS ZANZIBAR’S GOLDEN COASTLINE

If Zanzibar were a movie, the North Coast would be its cinematic climax.

Sunsets exploding over turquoise water.Luxury resorts glowing at golden hour.Music drifting from beachfront lounges.Fishermen pushing dhows into the sea.Couples walking along endless soft sand.The ocean staying full, warm, and inviting.

This is Nungwi.This is Kendwa.This is the North Coast — the most glamorous, swimmable, golden stretch of paradise in Zanzibar.

The perfect blend of culture, beauty, luxury, nightlife, and ocean magic.