About Kilindi
Ever since it opened Kilindi has created quite a buzz as one of the best properties on Zanzibar.
Kilindi was originally designed for Benny Andersson, famed for being a member of 1970’s pop group ABBA, and it has established itself as a stylish boutique hotel offering a very high level of luxury.
Kilindi manages to combine elegance and sophistication without being pretentious. With beautiful Arabic inspired architecture and excellent food and service, it is a great a place to relax and be pampered in a quiet area of Zanzibar.
Our view
Kilindi manages to combine elegance and sophistication without being pretentious. With beautiful Arabic inspired architecture and excellent food and service, it is a great a place to relax and be pampered in a quiet area of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
15 rooms
Children
Best for 16+
Open
June to March
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Kilindi
24 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Masala Beach Holiday
9 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Two luxuriously elegant hotels offer relaxation on Zanzibar’s beach-front and exploration of Stone Town. Combine peaceful tranquility with fine dining, indulgent comforts and vibrant culture.
Visiting Stone Town, Northern Zanzibar
US$7,000 - US$9,560 per person
Kilindi: Our full report
Ever since it opened Kilindi has created quite a buzz as one of the best properties on Zanzibar.
Kilindi was originally designed for Benny Andersson, famed for being a member of 1970’s pop group ABBA, and it has established itself as a stylish boutique hotel offering a very high level of luxury.
The design of Kilindi is unique and quite different from properties found elsewhere in Zanzibar - endless curving pale cream walls and stunning sea views are a key feature. It has a very calming ambiance and you instantly find yourself relaxing and unwinding when you arrive here.
The 15 Pavilions are incredibly spacious and airy, and by keeping the décor simple, they optimize the natural light and breeze very effectively. The large domed roofs provide shade from the sun - and are part of the innovative water recycling system used throughout the hotel. Water is collected and stored under each pavilion, helping to keep them cool, while also providing the water for the pools, showers and toilets - making Kilindi a very eco-responsible and forward-thinking lodge.
The pavilions are very spread out and strategically placed among the foliage, allowing for complete privacy. Some rooms are closer to the ocean whilst some are set a little higher up the hillside, however this added height means that these rooms benefit from spectacular panoramic views. Room 1 is closest to the central area whilst room 15 is the most secluded. They are surrounded by a luscious garden filled with bougainvillea and colourful flowers, where guests may spot monitor lizards and red squirrels; in the evenings bush babies come out to play. A short walk down a sandy path, the beach is a small cove where fisherman can be seen.
The bedroom itself is large and the same pale cream stone used throughout the rest of the hotel is used for the bed frame and desk. The large bed is swathed in a mosquito netting and looks out onto the ocean if you have the wooden shutter doors open. A glass dome at the peak of the roof allows light to enter, brightening the room. Behind the beds there is wooden wardrobe, and a desk with a mirror. LED bulbs with coloured recycled glass from Kenya are built into the floors and walls of the room for a beautiful muted light effect, and there are also reading lights by the bed for more light.
Each room has a freestanding fan and an air conditioning unit, which is discretely installed above the beds to help keep the room cool. The innovative rain collection area underneath the pavilion and breezy location also means the rooms stay fairly cool even on warm days.
Through an Arabic arch is a spacious bathroom - completed with a 35cm raindance shower head in the centre, and twin sinks overlooking the sea. Eco-friendly toiletries and bathrobes are provided as well as separate towels for the shower and pool.
Outside, each pavilion has two private plunge pools, with a small waterfall overflowing from the first in to the second. Each pavilion is a little different in design; in some the bedroom doors open on to the top plunge pool where as others the plunge pools are adjoining the lounge. There are plenty of areas to lounge in the sun or the shade. With your own private butler, referred to as your 'room ambassador', for each pavilion it would be easy to only leave for meals before returning back!
Kilindi's beautiful main area is decked out with swathes of cloth draped from the ceiling, and a beautiful waterfall behind the bar that catches the evening light. Sip on a proper cappuccino on the breezy second floor terrace while looking out over the garden or head to the stylish lounge for some relax time. This space also contains a small library, a desk with a laptop, and also a large flat screen TV that is used for major sporting events.
The main bar and restaurant area is simple and spacious, yet comfortable. There are a number of tall tables and chairs dotted around, and guests will often come to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. The bar area is very impressive with a large flat waterfall cascading down a glazed concrete wall behind the bar length of the bar.
In front of the bar area down a small pathway, overlooking the sea, is the striking 25m T-shaped swimming pool, behind which the sun sets each evening. This is a lovely place to relax, however be aware that there are no pool depth markings. There are comfortable mattress-style shaded loungers dotted on the decking surrounding the pool.
For those who want a bit more indulgence the spa at Kilindi features an amazing view and a double hamana suite where couples can enjoy a double massage followed by a private dinner on the terrace. A range of treatments is on offer including body masks and massages; in 2019 the prices for these started at around 50 US dollars for a 30-minute massage.
Kilindi also has a small curio shop which sells a range of locally produced crafts and items of jewellery.
A number of activities are available from Kilindi. There are a few standup paddleboards and kayaks for guests to use. Staff can also arrange for snorkeling or diving excursions to the shallow reefs around Tumbatu Island, or a guided tour around Stone Town or one of the spice plantations. On our last visit in 2019 we were told of plans to introduce yoga.
The overall atmosphere is one of simplisitic luxury and relaxation, and the architecture and colours used manage to achieve this very well.
Geographics
- Location
- Northern Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- 5 nights
- Directions
- Kilindi is about an hour's drive north of Stone Town. Zanzibar is a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- The team at Kilindi is very experienced and as a result the quality of the food is very high. With their own organic vegetable patch onsite, the food at Kilindi is nothing short of excellent. They grow much of the food themselves, and try and source everything else as locally as possible. Dining at Kilindi is very flexible, you can eat where you want, when you want it. Meals are highly personalised and the chef will tailor dishes to your individual preferences.
Kilindi serve a continental breakfast of bread and pastries, cereals, cheeses, cold meats and a platter of fresh island fruit accompanied by frozen yoghurt. They also offer a selection of delicious hot dishes that include lobster benedict stack, a full cooked breakfast and coconut French toast with honey-glazed bacon.
Lunch is often a meze of different types of delicious dishes which you can mix and match - much like tapas.
Dinner is a more formal affair and the menu changes each day - expect some wonderful meat and fish dishes, and imaginative recipes such as garlic and ginger soup. On our most recent visit in September 2019 we started with curry spiced chickpea kofta with tahini yoghurt sauce, goats cheese & cumin seed flatbread and chutney, this was followed by a pina colada sorbet as a pallet cleanser. The main course was flame grilled paprika chicken with a cashew and coconut sauce. For desert we enjoyed watermelon with candied ginger syrup and a sorbet made from bungo fruit. The food here is superb! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes, inside each air conditioned pavilion is a telephone, from which guests can call their personal butler at any time of the day or night.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included, except for Champagne and premium imported wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- The pavilions at Kilindi are exceptionally spacious, luxurious and secluded. It's very private here; each pavilion has two plunge pools and plenty of space to relax. It’s an idyllic spot and one of our top hotels for a romantic Zanzibar honeymoon.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Beach holidays
- With a 500m stretch of white sand, the beach is a main feature at Kilindi. The location on the north-west coast means that sun sets over the sea - a unique feature for the east coast, which creates wonderful evening scenery.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Wellbeing
- Kilindi invokes a great feeling of relaxation upon arrival and is a place to truly unwind. This is helped by the fantastic onsite spa which offers a wide range of treatments including double massages - designed especially for couples.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar
- Luxury
- Combine elegance, sophistication and luxury without being pretentious, Kilindi is one of the best lodges on Zanzibar. Each of its large, secluded pavilions comes with its own private butler. A luxurious place to hide yourselves away and relax.
- See ideas for Luxury in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Kilindi does not accept children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Guests must be over the age of 16 to stay.
- Generally recommended for children
- No
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Electricity is provided from the mains, however there is also a back up generator. All of the water is heated by solar panels.
- Communications
- There is WiFi available in all villas as well as in the communal area, and a plasma TV screen is located in the upstairs lounge.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Filtered water in thermos is provided. Guests are provided with reusable waterbottles.
Sustainability
Promoting the local culture
Kilindi Zanzibar, part of Elewana Collection, provides luxurious accommodation under eco-certified practices recognised by Responsible Tourism Tanzania. In addition to following a comprehensive internal environmental policy to reduce carbon footprint and increase recycling and energy conservation, Kilindi provides financial support to the local primary school through the Land & Life Foundation, the charitable face of Elewana Collection.
On a cultural level, the lodge organises tours to historical places such as Stone Town – a melting pot of civilisations, boosting with influences underlying the Swahili culture and giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European architectural elements. In 2000, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and guests can find out more about the damage caused by slave trade in the 19th century, but also taste and purchase some of the local spices – everything from cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, tumeric, nutmeg, and vanilla, to tropical fruits and tropical plants. Spice trade has been supporting the local communities over the years and represents an exquisite part of the culture in Zanzibar.
For those particularly interested in conservation activities, informative day trips can be organised during which they can learn about a local sea turtle rescue project, colobus monkey preservation in the Jozani Forest National Park, or the challenges of protecting mangrove forests.
See more great sustainability projects in Zanzibar
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The staff at Kilindi are first aid trained, and they have lots of equipment on site. They are also registered with a local doctor who they can call in case of emergency and there is also a 24 hour hospital in Nungwi, just a 10 minute drive.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it's vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- At Kilindi the guards are on duty 24 hours a day at the front gate and the beach and there are 16 Maasai who are subtly dotted around the resort.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside each room at Kilindi, and the staff have had fire training.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Included - takes about 24 hours.
- Money
- Kilindi offers a cash back system; guests can be given cash for activities and excursions, which can then be paid for by credit or debit card at the end of their stay.
The rooms all have electronic safes. - Accepted payment on location
- Cards are accepted for purchases at the shop and for any extra drinks you wish to purchase here - but you shouldn't need to part with much money at all. There is no surcharge for card use.
Kilindi accepts all major currencies including US dollars, Euros, GB pounds and Tanzanian shillings.
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Kilindi's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kilindi.
Excursions from Kilindi
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kilindi. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani ForestOther lodges in Northern Zanzibar
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar is a smart resort hotel on a beautiful beach where you can swim at all stages of the tide.
The Z Hotel
Appealing to younger travellers, the Z hotel is a modern, stylish beach hotel with good facilities located on the vibrant Nungwi peninsula.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
One of the newest hotels in the north of the island, Essque Zalu has the finish and facilities of a large, international-style hotel.
Zanzi Resort
Zanzi Resort is located on the quiet north-west coast of the island, around 30 minutes' drive north of Stone Town.
When to go to Northern Zanzibar
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kilindi in Northern Zanzibar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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