Kilindi Zanzibar Review • The Best Zanzibar Honeymoon Resort

We’d been on Zanzibar for nearly two weeks by the time we checked into Kilindi Zanzibar and had high hopes after the few photos we had seen of the resort. Kilindi is a collection of well-spaced white domed villas that look as if they were built for a sultan.

Although no Sultan was involved in the making they do feel fit for a King and Queen. We found Kilindi Zanzibar to be the best escape for anyone looking for a Zanzibar honeymoon.

The Ultimate Zanzibar Honeymoon at Kilindi

The Rooms at Kilindi Zanzibar

Kilindi Resort The Best Hotels In Zanzibar

The pavilions at Kilindi are one of a kind, designed tastefully with minimalistic flair. Each “room” has three circle pavilions that open up to the tranquility of the Indian ocean. There is the main bedroom, open air bathroom, and then a private lounging deck. In each setting, you are completely at one with the Zanzibar nature.

There are two pools in each of the villas. An upper pool extends right off the main room, and lower larger pool for a little more space and sunbathing. The pools are private which is just what is needed for a relaxing couples holiday on Zanzibar.

Each room also comes with a personal valet. Someone who is there to answer any request you may have. Would you like coffee? No problem! Do you need your laundry done? Sure thing! No request is too small for the wonderful staff at Kilindi Zanzibar. They go out of their way to make sure your Zanzibar holiday is perfect on all accounts.

The Food at Kilindi

Speaking of personal butlers, your Kilindi butler is also there to help you with all food decisions. It’s safe to say that after the first day he or she will completely remember what you like and prefer and will cater to all your dietary requests.

The food at Kilindi is some of the best that we’ve had in all of Africa. Each breakfast, lunch, and dinner has a plethora of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes sure to satisfy any appetite.

We chose to start each day off with breakfast in our room that consisted of things like a lobster and egg tower, mango smoothies, and stuffed banana crepes. Lunch can be had in your room, at the beach, or at the main lobby overlooking the pool and beach. Lunch is always a blend of healthy lightweight options from the land and nearby sea.

We met with the head chef at our first dinner at Kilindi Zanzibar. He introduced himself and told us all about how Kilindi will buy all their seafood day of from the local Zanzibari fishermen. “A true resort should give back to the local people,” he told us. Something that we find to be so true at the African lodges we stay at. From then on out we ordered as much seafood as we could handle, knowing that the lobster, prawns, and fish were all fresh from the surrounding sea.

Kilindi Zanzibar Location

Kilindi Zanzibar is located on the northwest coast of Zanzibar island right near Kendwa beach. The cove that Kilindi overlooks is almost private, with the only people around being the local Zanzibari fishermen and villagers. The view from the massive infinity pool at Kilindi offers the most breathtaking views of the clear blue and turquoise waters and is the perfect spot to enjoy a Zanzibar honeymoon from.

It’s hard to pick between the views at the pool or the white sand beach at Kilindi. We were also informed that the beach near Kilindi is so clean because they hire out the locals to do a monthly cleanup. Again, it’s this “give back” mentality that draws us into resorts like this.

It’s safe to say that Kilindi Zanzibar is a rare retreat reserved for those who want a truly special experience. We personally think it is the best hotel in Zanzibar for a honeymoon. The ambiance, seclusion, and attentive staff make this one of the very top resorts to choose from on Zanzibar. We can’t wait to return one day.

Book A Stay at Kilindi Zanzibar

Check Out Some Lodges in Tanzania

Sand Rivers Selous

The lodge was founded in the 1990s by a legendary guide Richard Bonham. The fantastic camp sits in an amazing spot in the Selous Game Reserve, where the Rufiji River makes a wide curve on its way to the Indian Ocean.

Eight thatched guest bandas, are set on raised wooden platforms that overlook the river. The rooms are open-fronted, low-key and permit the wilderness to drift into the villas. The sounds of the babbling Rufiji river are ever-present while hippos grunt happily along the river banks all day and night.

Read About Our Time At Sand Rivers Selous

Book A Stay at Sand Rivers Selous

Kigelia Ruaha Camp

Kigelia Camp is located along a dry river bed beneath Kigelia Africana trees. Each of the six tents is the perfect size for two people to enjoy comfortable beds and an outdoor seating area.

It’s worth noting that there is also a family tent for children above 12 to enjoy with their parents. Each tent has a flush toilet and a classic outdoor bucket shower. All in an effort to preserve water a precious resource in the park.

Staying in these tents allows guests to connect with the wild. Falling asleep to the sounds of hyenas and lions in the night is a memory never to be forgotten

Read About Our Time At Kigelia Ruaha Camp

Book A Stay at Kigelia Ruaha Camp

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

There are only a handful of lodges that are on the rim of the crater and we were lucky enough to stay at one of them – the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. The stone hotel blended well into the crater’s edge while the atmosphere of the lodge was relaxing and intimate.

We enjoyed the main lounge which featured communal fireplaces and great views of the crater with floor to ceiling windows. The focus of the property is obviously the crater. With numerous balconies around the property ensuring a serene spot to relax and enjoy afternoon tea or sundowners.

Read About Our Time At Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Book A Stay at Gondwana Canyon Village

What to Pack for Zanzibar

Travel Insurance

We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country and it’s best to be prepared. World Nomads provides good short term coverage.

SafetyWing is perfect for digital nomads. See our full review here!

Check Rates

Bathing Suit

You’ll need a bathing suit for all these fabulous Zanzibar beaches!

Cute Bathing Suits

Travel Water Bottle

Plastic pollution is a problem in Tanzania so it’s best not to contribute to the problem buying plastic water bottles everywhere. Bottles like the Grayl are great for purifying unsafe water!

However, we also love filtered water bottles in areas we’re uncertain of the water supply. Read more about favorite water bottle for travel in our post.

Best Travel Water Bottles Grayl Ultralight Water Bottle

Camera Gear

Chances are you’ll want a camera for your trip to Zanzibar. Our favorite pocket-sized point and shoot camera for quick trips are the Sony RX100V. It takes fantastic photos and video and is the size of your palm.

For more professional photographs we use our Fuji XT-3, and LOVE IT.

Fuji X-T3

Best Cameras for Safari Best Cameras for Vlogging Best Travel Cameras

Cover up

A cover-up is one of those beach vacation clothes you should always travel within your luggage. When packing for a day at the beach, make sure you don’t forget one. Not only do they look cute, but they will also protect you from the suns harsh rays.

Many establishments don’t allow beachgoers to wear just a swimsuit, so this is where the cover-up is essential. Most of my cover-ups come from Pitusa.

Check the Prices

Guide Book

You may not have internet to do research in all of Zanzibar. For wireless nights we typically turn to Lonely Planet.

Lonely Planet

Rain Jacket

We both have rain jackets made by Arc’teryx. They are lightweight, durable, packable, waterproof, and windproof. Any rain jacket will do, but the top dollar ones will hold up and really help in inclement weather. If you’re looking for a more affordable jacket we’re big fans of Columbia’s outdoor wear for a good value.

Arc’teryx Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket Columbia Shell Jacket

Dry bag

Dry bags are great if you’re going to spend time at the beach or find yourself out on a boat. See the best reviewed dry bags here.

Dry Bag

Rainbow Sandals

Want to fit in around Zanzibar? Get yourself some Rainbow brand sandals, seriously everyone around you will be wearing them – and for a good reason. They are uber comfortable once you break them in and last forever!

Rainbow Sandals

Travel Shoes

If you’re wondering what travel necessities to bring to Tanzania then good walking shoes should be your top concern.

I love my Merrell Moab Ventilators and Allbirds for travel, I’ve been going strong in them for two years! Check out my other recommendations on women’s shoes, and the best men’s travel shoes.

Allbirds

Beach Tote!

No matter what you will need a beach bag when heading to the beach. This is to throw in anything like towels, a book, a speaker, sunglasses, snacks, and sunscreen. As full-time travelers, we often use our daypacks for trips to the beach since a tote is unnecessary.

However, a classic tote that everyone has in their closet is a great option for those on short trips or live close to the beach. They also travel well as they can fold flat and lie in your luggage. For family beach goers I recommend a large yet durable beach tote like this one.

Shop Beach Totes

Sunscreen

Skin cancer is for real! Don’t forget your SPF when traveling around Zanzibar. We recommend ordering some online before leaving the house as you will need it underneath the sun in the summer.

We highly recommend getting an eco friendly sun cream that does not contain harmful chemicals.

Purchase Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Make sure to protect your eyes from the sun. There are a lot of options for sunglasses and everyone should own at least a pair. It’s best to make sure they do have UV protection for the health of your eyes.

We made our first investment in quality polarized sunglasses with a pair of SMITH Optics Lowdown 2. Truthfully, not everyone needs to invest $150 in a pair of sunglasses, but they do make a huge difference from the crappy $10 ones.

See Sunglasses

Travel Towel

Most hotels will provide you with a towel, but they often aren’t suitable or allowed on the beaches. I like to travel with a microfiber towel because they are light and fold up small, and they also don’t cling on to sand our dirt. Here are a few of our favorite travel towels.

Best Towels For Travel