This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Kilindi
Kilindi
Kilindi
Kilindi
Kilindi
Kilindi
Kilindi

Reviews of Kilindi

Wildlife sightings and reviews

22 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kilindi and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

Showing 1-10 of 22
Duration
Arrival date
Mr & Mrs E
Croydon

"Kilindi review"

4 nights Arrived 26 Sep 2023
"We had a lovely stay at Kilindi.

All the staff were very friendly, especially Lillien, our room ambassador during our stay. The room was beautiful and the housekeeping did an amazing job.

The food was delicious, especially the Zanzibar fish soup we had for lunch." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Ms S.
Bainbridge Isla

"Paradise!"

3 nights Arrived 7 Nov 2019
"What a wonderful way to end our trip.

Our villa was stunning with a gorgeous room, outdoor luxurious bathroom, patio and private plunge pool. Each villa is assigned a their own guest ambassador which feels very personal.

The property itself is an oasis in what is otherwise a stretch of Zanzibar that has been overdeveloped for mass tourism. But with 15 villas on 50 acres you would never know it if you don't leave the property. The beach is great with lots of shaded seating a kayaks and paddle boards. Pool is also lovely. Service throughout is top notch.

A lifetime treat!" See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Jane
Colne

"Privacy and peace at Kilindi"

6 nights Arrived 23 Sep 2018
"We were a little worried on arrival at the airport, its grim, and the drive North gave an indication of how poor Zanzibar is.

On arrival at Kilindi the gates revealed and oasis of calm - tropical gardens, totally private villas, stellar service and great food. It was exactly what we needed after safari. I did use the Spa for a massage on two occasions and it was really lovely.

The tide retreats a hell of along way which means water sports are limited to high tide. The walk down the beach was lovely and we did the 5 mile return journey past Kendwa and onto Nungwi most days. There are a number of hotels down this strip of the coast and a couple of bars. If you want water sport etc they are all available on the beach." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
TC & K
London

"Peaceful, beautiful, romantic hideaway"

7 nights Arrived 9 Jul 2017
"We spent a week at Kilindi as the second part of our honeymoon, following the wedding, long haul travel, and four days safari in Tanzania. We were looking for something luxurious and relaxing, where we could just switch off an unwind. And Kilindi was exactly that.

Each pavilion is discreetly hidden away, giving a welcome sense of privacy. The rooms are bright and spacious, with stunning sea views. There was something special about opening the large balcony doors every day, looking out over the blue water and the fishing boats.

The pool is beautiful, and there's plenty of space between the sunbeds, meaning you never feel like you're on top of other guests. The beach has a private feel to it and relaxing on beach beds, watching the sun go down in the evenings, was a particular highlight.

We should stress, we didn't have any plans to do anything during our week at Kilindi, so it's hard to give an evaluation of what's available outside the resort. Certainly Kilindi is a tranquil place in every sense, and if you're looking for buzzy nights this isn't the place. Instead we were more than happy to spend lazy days by the pool and beach, being pampered by the attentive service. Followed by romantic meals at tables laid out in various different places - this could be out by the pool, in the gardens, on the first upstairs balcony, on the beach, or even in the privacy of your own pavilion.

A highlight of Kilindi has to be the service. Everyone gets a 'butler' and they go out of their way to ensure you want for nothing. Our butler was Baruti and you'd be hard pressed to meet a nicer person. Constantly smiling, unwaveringly helpful, and with a wonderful sense of humour. There's a subtlety to what they do as well - at no point did we ever feel like Baruti was hovering over us, or pestering us. Yet we always felt like he was utterly dedicated to ensuring we had the best possible time, and was always there when we needed him.

All in all this is high end resort where you can sit back, relax, and let everything come to you." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr S
Providence

"Kilindi review"

3 nights Arrived 11 Jan 2017
"Another amazing facility!!! We could not have asked for a better way to "end" our vacation.

Though pricey, the value that we received was excellent." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda; 3n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr F
Cheltenham

"Kilindi review"

5 nights Arrived 24 Dec 2016
"Kilindi is a perfect ending to the rigours of safari. Perfect rooms and views, lovely staff and, certainly in our case, a wonderful butler (Daudi).

Criticisms? We didn't feel the food was that wonderful.
We would have loved the sea food more simply cooked but I accept that is a personal view.

I recommend Kilindi unreservably." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Mr M & Ms O
UK

"Kilindi review"

5 nights Arrived 21 Jan 2016
"Well Wow, did not realise this place was designed and built for Benny of ABBA as a private residence for him and his entourage!
requested to do a trip advisor by Kilindi so posted as below:

Well I have had the privilidge over the years of staying in some of Africa's finest lodges and camps. This one does not let you down, a stunning location!

You arrive to be greeted by Peter the manager who then introduces you to your own private butler in our case wonderful John. You are then shown around and taken to your private Pavillion complete with waterfall and 2 plunge pools (not every one is the same) we are keeping ours a secret ! The service from all was amazing what ever you want is never a problem.

The surrounding habitat is full of wildlife, chameleon,monkeys,monitor lizards and stunning greater Bush Babies (if you can get a photo you are better than me! they are quick!!)
Food was good but not particularly our bag a little spicy but what do you expect in a spice island! Having said that anything you wish they will cook for you without an issue it is a personal preference.

To sum up major wow factor loved the place vowed to go back one day just need to save up!! Not everyones cup of tea but if you like isolation, away from it all and you can stay here if you wish and see nobody except your butler and cleaning staff (lovely) as all meals can be served in your room Plus a little wildlife then this is the place for you! Its the place for us! Martin & Loz" See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 7n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Grantham

"Wonderful, peaceful chill out hideaway"

7 nights Arrived 5 Nov 2015
"We had a lovely time at Kilindi. This is one of the places to go if you want some total downtime.

The site is quite spacious so all the rooms are quite secluded so it would, theoretically, be possible to be a hermit here if you so wished. The pool / public areas of the hotel overlook a beach much of which is used as a working fishing bay by the local village and during our walks we watched the progress on a boat being built and one being repaired using all the old fashioned tools and not a nail in sight - all put together with perfect wooden pegs. There is quiet, secluded beach area with beds which is away from the fishing activity if you wanted the beach rather than the pool.

The food was stunning. This is the only place that, as a vegetarian, I have had a vegetarian menu each night with as many choices as the standard menu and the balance of flavours was gorgeous.

The staff are friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble. The hotel will arrange excursions for you if you wish, but there is no pressure brought to bear. This is not a place if you want lots of water sport activity, although there are some kayaks, but is the best place we have found so far if you want peace and space. The food, again, was amazing!" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
PA, USA

"The most romantic place"

4 nights Arrived 5 Aug 2015
"WOW. We were totally shocked after the ride we took from the airport when we arrived at kilindi. How could this place exist here. We could hardly believe our eyes.

We had a our very own little compound with 3 separate buildings that all had just amazing views of the ocean. Simply put it was breathtaking and dreamy. It was the perfect place to do nothing but enjoy your surroundings.

The service was exceptional. If you go, I strongly recommend requesting Vicki to be your butler ( ugh I really hate that word but that' swhat they call it). She was amazing! The food was very good and plentiful. In fact that would be my only critique, too much food. Good problem to have, I reckon for some." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr CJB
London

"As close to paradise as you can get..."

3 nights Arrived 29 Oct 2014
"Kilindi is as close to paradise as one can get.

A perfect escape for a honeymoon, surrounded by perfect beaches and the sea. All the staff are excellent, esp Vicky, our personal assistant; the food is amazing; and the room was ideal.

A truly perfect experience." See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Showing 1-10 of 22
96%
22 reviews of Kilindi by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
18
4
0
0
0
Filter by month

Holiday styles & special interests in Zanzibar

From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zanzibar.


Beach holidays

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling

Diving & snorkelling

Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Other lodges in Northern Zanzibar

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Zuri Zanzibar

Zuri Zanzibar

Zuri Zanzibar is a smart resort hotel on a beautiful beach where you can swim at all stages of the tide.


95% (11 reviews)
The Z Hotel

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.


83% (7 reviews)
Essque Zalu Zanzibar

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.


93% (3 reviews)
Zanzi Resort

Zanzi Resort

Zanzi Resort is located on the quiet north-west coast of the island, around 30 minutes' drive north of Stone Town.


80% (1 review)

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa