Kilindi Zanzibar

Overview

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Type

Hotel

Standard

Very High

Rooms

WI-FI

Yes

Families

Malaria Free

Highlights

Romantic, tropical-beach getaway for couples
Huge, private villas with dedicated butler service
Fresh seafood and organic vegetables with island flavors
Fifty acres of tropical gardens and white-sand beach

Location

Northern coast Unguja Island
Zanzibar Archipelago
NE Tanzania / Indian Ocean

Kilindi Zanzibar is a romantic, tropical beach getaway designed for couples offering luxurious villas, acres of lush gardens, and a private white sand-beach on the northern tip of Unguja Island.

Zanzibar is steeped in history, with centuries of Indian Ocean merchants from the Far East sailing its waters and trading spices, slaves, ivory, and items from the Orient. Zanzibar's exotic islands include beautiful beaches, tropical air, warm Indian Ocean waters and are home to a great diversity of cultures. A visit to the islands is a great add-on to a wildlife safari in East Africa.

View of Kilindi Zanzibar and its guest villas with local fishermen in the foreground.

Kilindi's 15 spacious guest villas, as well as its main building, are Middle-Eastern-style, white-domed pavilions that are spread out over the property's 50 acres of tropical gardens. Guests will feel truly immersed in nature here, with palm trees, tropical flowers, and melodic bird life all around.

The double-level guest villas have open-air arched windows with wooden shutters (instead of glass) to allow in the refreshing tropical air and Indian Ocean breezes. The bedrooms are located on the upper level and a short, open-fronted walkway leads to the huge open-air bathroom which includes a revitalizing rainfall shower.

The lower level of each villa is a shaded lounge with comfortable seating and an area for dining which adjoins an expansive sun deck and plunge pool. A second plunge pool is located just outside the bedroom on the upper level for evening or nighttime refreshment. Each villa includes a dedicated butler who will help customize each day at your whim.

Main guest pavilion at Kilindi Zanzibar.

Kilindi's offers eclectic International cuisine infused with Zanzibari and Swahili flavors using freshly-caught seafood, organic vegetables from the property's gardens, and local spices. Each meal can be enjoyed anywhere on the property, including on the white-sand beach, at your guest pavilion, amongst the lovely gardens, or poolside by the main area's huge infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Activities are varied and include snorkeling and diving in the warm turquoise waters, paddle-boarding, kayaking, jet-skiing, catamaran and exotic sunset dhow cruises, and deep-sea fishing. Day trips include walking tours of historic Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), local spice farms, and Jozani Forest to see the local bird life and hopefully the endangered and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.

Guest villa bedroom view at Kilindi Zanzibar.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar consists of two main islands and about 50 much smaller islands lying 25-50 miles (40-80 kms) offshore from the northern coast of Tanzania, which is known as the Swahili Coast.

Most of Zanzibar's population, which numbers around 1.1 million, live on its two largest islands, Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba. Roughly two-thirds live on Unguja, while most of the rest live on Pemba. Small numbers live on Tumbatu, Fundo, and some of the other small islands in the archipelago.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region belonging to the Republic of Tanzania, with its own government.

The Zanzibar Archipelago have long produced cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and black pepper and together with Mafia Island further south along Tanzania's coast, are known as the "Spice Islands".

Read more about Zanzibar's history on our Zanzibar region page.

One of many beautiful beaches on Unguja Island, Zanzibar.

Unguja Island
Unguja Island covers an area of 643 square miles (1 666 sq kms), measuring 53 miles (83 kms) north-to-south and 19 miles (30 kms) east-to-west at its widest. Zanzibar's capital is Zanzibar City, located on the west coast of Unguja and the only significant urban center on the islands. Zanzibar's top tourist draw is Stone Town, the old Arabian-style quarter of Zanzibar City.

The northern tip of Unguja, around the traditional fishing and dhow-building village of Nungwi, has become Zanzibar's most popular tourist retreat, owing to the myriad water sports available including superb snorkeling and diving. Once an enclave for hippies, Ras Nungwi has emerged as the place to be on Unguja, with a multitude of accommodations, seafood restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.

Aerial view of Stone Town and Zanzibar City on Unguja Island.

Pemba Island
Located 25 miles (40 kms) northeast of Unguja lies Zanzibar's oft overlooked 'other' big island, Pemba. Often called the "Green Island", owing to its lush and densely vegetated landscape, the island covers an area of 381 square miles (988 sq kms), measuring 42 miles (67 kms) north-to-south and 14 miles (22 kms) east-to-west at its widest.

Pemba is infrequently visited, as it is not touted as a tourism destination by the Zanzibari government. Pemba's infrastructure is far less developed than Unguja, but is far quieter and retains a true old world feel. The island and its offshore reefs are best known for having numerous world-class dive locations. Pemba also offers lovely beaches and several ruin sites.

White-sand beach on Pemba Island, Zanzibar.

About Nungwi

Located at the northern tip of Unguja Island, Nungwi is Zanzibar's most popular tourist retreat, with a multitude of accommodations, seafood restaurants, adventure sports operators, and an established nightlife scene.

The two main stretches of beach are located on the western side of the cape and this is where the hotels, restaurants, and bars are located. The coast between the villages of Nungwi and Kendwa is the hub of tourist activity and snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, dhow cruises, and other water-sports can be arranged from any accommodation. Diving can be booked at one of the PADI-accredited dive centers or at most of the hotels along the beach.

Nungwi Beach, Unguja Island, Zanzibar.

The eastern shoreline of Nungwi is mostly deserted and very peaceful, with no facilities besides a few upscale lodges, making it a romantic destination free from the hectic crowds across the public beaches of the peninsula.

Despite the bustling tourist industry, Nungwi itself is still a fishing village and traditional dhow-building is still a local specialty. The daily fish market is worth visiting when the fishing boats return and the romantic view of the traditional outrigger boats helps retain the old-world feel. The Ras Nungwi lighthouse was built in 1886 and the Mnarani Aquarium is also worth a visit. Cultural Village Tours are a good way to see everything with a knowledgeable guide.

A traditional dhow sails just offshore Nungwi Beach.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

15 guest accommodations in total comprising:

15 arched, double-level, pavilion-style villas. All villas are double-bedded with domed bedrooms on the upper level.

The villa bathrooms are adjoined by a short, open-fronted walkway and include double-basin vanities, a revitalizing rainfall shower, and toilet. The villas are connected to the main guest building by gravel footpaths on the ground.

Guest villa showing one of the plunge pools and the two-level pavilion.

The double-level villas are spread out across the property's 50 acres of lush tropical gardens and each enjoys complete privacy and spectacular views of the turquoise waters of the warm Indian Ocean.

The villas are constructed using white plaster and tile in a Middle Eastern architectural style with Scandinavian minimalism. The wide-arched windows have wooden shutters instead of glass to allow in the refreshing tropical air and ocean breeze.

The upper level houses the bedroom while the lower level is a shaded lounge incorporated into the outdoor pool pavilion. Just outside every villa are two private plunge pools, one outside the bedroom on the upper level and another further down on the private outdoor terrace.

Each villa has a dedicated butler who will offer guests their choice of dining locations for each meal, as well as daily options for activities. Dining choices include the villa's private al-fresco terrace, the main guest area pool deck, or on the white-sand beach which runs the length of the property.

The villas are spacious, covering 2 370 square feet (220 sq meters) of combined indoor and outdoor space.

Other items and features in the villas include:

Two outdoor plunge pools and a spacious deck with loungers.
'Cool Air' air conditioning system providing an oasis from the tropical air over the beds.
Personal bar and fridge.
Coffee and tea making station.
Ceiling fan.
Bathrobes and slippers.
Hairdryer.
Safe.
Mosquito netting over the beds.
24-hour lighting and charging capabilities.
WiFi available in the rooms and main lodge.
Mobile phone signal available, but limited.

Kilindi Zanzibar can accommodate a maximum of 30 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 15 villas. Kilindi Zanzibar is a couples-only property. Family groups can be accommodated only when Kilindi is booked on a fully exclusive basis. The minimum age is 16 years.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and house drinks.
Paddle-boarding and kayaking.
Sundowner drinks.
Laundry services.
Wi-Fi access (available in the main guest area).
Tourism Levy & all statutory taxes.

Excludes:

Champagne, premium wines, and spirits.
Additional activities (Stone Town walking tour, Jozani Forest tour, Zanzibar spice farm tour, catamaran and sunset dhow cruises, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling excursions, scuba diving, jet skiing, private lobster & Champagne beach dinner.
Spa treatments.
Retail purchases at the Boutique.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee (for excisions).
Zanzibar Airport transfers (75 minutes by road).

Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Kilindi Zanzibar is a couples-only property.
Family groups can be accommodated only when Kilindi is booked on a fully exclusive basis. The minimum age is 16 years.

Facilities

Kilindi's main pavilion offers a 'waterfall' bar overlooking a large 25-meter infinity pool which itself has spectacular view out across the sparkling warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Dining takes place either on the alfresco terrace or on the pristine white beach, which runs the length of the property.

Main guest area facilities include:

50 acres of lush tropical gardens.
Spacious bar with a waterfall feature and an indoor/outdoor dining area.
Dining is individual and can be enjoyed anywhere on the property. Meal times are completely flexible. Breakfast and lunch are à la carte menu; dinner is a set menu.
Kilindi’s delectable international cuisine includes eclectic dishes infused with island Swahili flavors and using the freshest seafood caught that day. An organic vegetable and herb garden provides fresh crisp ingredients.
Each meal can be enjoyed in a setting of your choice. Options include a romantic setting on the beach, beside the pool, among the gardens or at your villa.
Spa (with Turkish bath) offering an extensive array of treatments combining African natural ingredients with both modern and traditional methods in the art of beauty.
Kilindi overlooks a picturesque beach that no other hotel uses. The views and colors from the beach are typical of Zanzibar, with pure white sand, sparkling blue water, and traditional dhows traversing the bay.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Mineral water is provided free of charge from bar and restaurant. Mineral water is provided during meals and in the villas.
The property is connected to the national grid and has a generator for backup power. The main areas and villas have 24-hour power.

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Paddle-boarding.
Kayaking.
Swimming pool.
Bird watching in the gardens.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Snorkeling.
Scuba diving.
Jet skiing and water skiing.
Deep-sea fishing.
Spice farm tour.
Stone Town walking tour.
Catamaran and exotic sunset dhow cruises.
Day trips to Jozani Forest.
Spa treatment menu and Turkish Bath.

Great Good Fair Poor

General Tips

The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October, which is the dry season. The same weather patterns of affect most of northern Tanzania, so combining Zanzibar with a safari works quite well in terms of seasonal rainfall. Most visitors prefer to do the safari portion of the trip first, followed by the tropical beaches and air of Zanzibar.

Besides for the period during the 'long rains', which is March through much of May, Zanzibar can be visited at any time.

Kilindi Zanzibar is closed between 01 May and 31 May.

RAINS

The rainy season in northern Tanzania is from November thru mid-May, with two distinct rain seasons. The "Short Rains" (locally called the "mvuli") fall from mid-November to mid-December and are generally lighter and less impactful to safari activities. The "Long Rains" (locally called the "masika") occur between March and May, brining afternoon showers on a near daily basis.

Short Rains
The short rains occur for about one month sometime during November and December (the exact time varied somewhat year to year). This period is called the 'short' rains because the duration of an individual rain event is short and it is rare to have an all-day rain event. Most rain falls as an afternoon shower, while mornings are typically overcast or clear.

Long Rains
The long rains occur between March and May, with April being the wettest month of the year. During this time, rain should be expected almost every day and the showers can last for hours at a time, although all-day rain is not typical. Cloudy skies are typical and temperatures can be chilly at times.

The period between the short and long rains (January and February) also receives rainfall, but many days are clear and the amount and duration of the rain events is unpredictable, with some afternoon showers and the odd long and heavy shower.

Jul through September (as well as February) are the months receiving the least amount of rainfall, but rain can occur at any time during there year in Zanzibar. April and May are by far the wettest months.

Some beach resorts and hotels are closed for some or all of the long rains from March thru May.

Temperatures

The islands of Zanzibar are warm all year due to their close proximity to the equator (between 5 and 6 degrees south). Over the year, the days average a low of 75°F (24°C) and a high of 84°F (29°C).

November through March are the warmest months of the year, with daytime temps reaching an average high of 90-94°F (32-34°C) and falling to 71-74°F (22-24°C) overnight. June through August experience slightly cooler temps, with days averaging a high of 85-86°F (29-30°C) and nighttime temps averaging 69-71°F (20-21°C).

Diving & Snorkeling

The water temperature around the Zanzibar Archipelago averages 79-81°F (26-27°C) throughout the year and underwater visibility averages 65-165 feet (20-50 meters). There are numerous offshore reefs all around the Zanzibari islands and it is a great diving and snorkeling destination throughout most of the year.

The best time to visit northern Zanzibar for diving and snorkeling is from June to October, while the south coast is great between November and March.