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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
Bathing Suit
You’ll need a bathing suit for all these fabulous Zanzibar beaches!
Travel Water Bottle
Plastic pollution is a problem in Tanzania so it’s best not to contribute to the problem of 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 our favorite water bottles for travel in our post.
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.
Guide Book
You may not have internet to do research in all of Zanzibar. For wireless nights we typically turn to Lonely Planet.
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.
Thanks For Reading
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