Kilindi, housed in distinctive whitewashed pavilions set in lush forest and overlooking the ocean, this is a high-end, stylish and intimate beach resort that is exceptionally well-run, making it the perfect destination for a romantic break.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Kilindi can be found on the island’s north-western coast. Although it is not far from the party beaches and mass-market hotels of Kendwa, its location is far more peaceful and secluded.
The beach directly in front of Kilindi is quite small, but a 20-minute coastal walk from the resort will take you to Kendwa Rocks, known as one of Zanzibar’s best beaches.
Rooms
There are 15 guestrooms available at Kilindi, all with uninterrupted seafront views and set within private tropical gardens. With their domed roofs and whitewashed walls, these private villas have an efficient and attractive eco-design that deflects heat and collects rainwater for the gardens. Each consists of a lounge, bedroom, large wet-room, a shaded sundeck, and two plunge pools.
Communal Areas
Communal areas at Kilindi are housed in distinctive domed structures that pair understated Scandinavian elegance with Middle Eastern splendour. In a two-storey pavilion, you will find the lounge, where seating areas and coffee tables sit beneath chic gold lanterns and interesting artwork. The top floor flows out onto the roof, where you can fully take in the ocean views.
This grandeur extends to the restaurant, where excellent food is served overlooking the ocean and Kilindi’s impressive 25m infinity pool. Buffet breakfasts, light lunches and formal dinners are all served here.
Anyone in need of some pampering can head to the spa, which occupies a secluded location within the gardens and offers an extensive range of massages, facials, and body wraps.
Activities
Given the size of the property it is no surprise that the onsite facilities are not as sophisticated as in high-end resorts on Zanzibar. This is a necessary sacrifice for such an intimate and private property. A good range of activities is available however, including watersports ranging from water-skiing and jet-skiing to banana boat trips, ringo rides and hobie catting.
Guests can try their hand at fly-fishing and deep-sea fishing, as well as scuba diving and snorkelling. Land-based trips and tours are available, and guests can even enjoy a private sunset dhow cruise along the island’s coastline.
All Inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.