Experience Zanzibar's Epic Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks
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Every month on a Saturday after the full moon, Kendwa Rocks Beach in Zanzibar transforms into a legendary beach party under the stars.
Imagine warm Indian Ocean breezes, fire-lit drums and dancers, and a crowd of travelers swaying to Afro-beats – it’s a quintessential Zanzibar nightlife experience.
In fact, one guide raves that this party “is accessible from everywhere on Zanzibar Island” and offers true “hakuna matata” vibes.
Originating from a Finnish moonlit forest gathering, this tropical edition has grown since 1996 into a monthly celebration of beach culture.
Full Moon Party Zanzibar 2025 Schedule and Dates
The Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party is held on the first Saturday after each full moon.
In 2025, the full moons fall on Jan 14, Feb 12, Mar 14, Apr 13, May 12, Jun 11, Jul 10, Aug 9, Sep 7, Oct 7, Nov 5, and Dec 5 (local time). That means the party dates will be:
January 18, 2025
February 15, 2025
March 15, 2025
April 19, 2025
May 17, 2025
June 14, 2025
July 12, 2025
August 16, 2025
September 13, 2025
October 11, 2025
November 8, 2025
December 6, 2025
Each party usually starts in the evening (the barbecue buffet opens around 7:00 PM) and really kicks off by 8:00 PM.
The music and dancing then run late into the night – expect the fiesta to roll on until dawn, so plan any next-day activities accordingly.
Entry Policy and Ticket Prices
If you’re staying at Kendwa Rocks Hotel, your entry is free – you can simply show your hotel ID and join the fun. Otherwise a cover charge applies (around 35,000–40,000 TSH at the door.)
Tickets can be bought in advance online – early-bird prices or promotions are often available through the party’s website or social media.
At some events you’ll see a QR code or link to buy tickets; VIP tables and bottle service are also offered via the listed contact (+255 773 342 312).
On arrival, every guest (even Kendwa hotel residents) must use the resort’s prepaid cash card system for food and drinks. Cash is not accepted at the bars.
You’ll deposit a small amount (around 2,000 TSH) for the card and preload it with whatever you plan to spend. This system helps speed things up at a busy beach party.
Drinks tend to be a bit pricey – cocktails run up to about €5–6 each and beer is cheaper by comparison – but locals say the festive atmosphere is worth it.
Entertainment & Lineup
True to its name, the Kendwa Full Moon Party is more than just a DJ show – it’s an all-night multimedia experience.
The evening often kicks off with a beachfront BBQ buffet (meats, vegetables, seafood, salads) around 7 PM, sometimes accompanied by cultural performances.
After dinner, you’ll see impressive dance troupes and acrobatic shows on the sand – Maasai dancers and fire dancers are a common highlight.
Then an MC or DJ hypes the crowd with African beats, reggae grooves and the latest Amapiano or house tracks.
According to one travel writer, you can expect to be “chatting with local Maasai, eating great food, dancing all night on the beach, and catching some really cool performers”.
Headliners change each month, often featuring popular Tanzanian artists or invited DJs from across East Africa.
Some parties even have special themes (for example, Amapiano or Afrobeats nights). In recent events, the lineup has included a mix of live bands, guest DJs and traditional drummers.
The party’s Instagram/Facebook pages usually announce the performers a week or two in advance, so check those if you want specifics.
No matter who’s on stage, the music only really ends when the sun comes up, with everyone joining the DJ on the beach dancefloor.
Food, Drinks & Payments
A big draw is the beachside BBQ buffet. Tables are set up under the palms with a spread of grilled meats (chicken, beef, fish), veggie sides and tropical salads.
The buffet usually runs for a couple of hours starting around sunset – it’s optional, but a great way to fuel up for the night.
If you buy a ticket in advance or early, dinner might be included. Otherwise you can pay on the spot (with your resort card) if you show up hungry.
For drinks, Kendwa Rocks runs on a cashless bar system.
When you enter, you’ll be asked to buy a swipe card (small deposit) which you top up from 10,000 TSH or so.
This card then works at all the bars – you simply hand it over to the bartender who deducts your drink. (In practice it helps avoid handling coins under dim lights.) Because everything is card-based, make sure to keep track of your balance – no cash tips are needed. And yes, soda and water are available, but most people stick to cocktails or local beers.
Note that prices are modestly higher than a regular bar – think €5–6 for a fruit cocktail, and beers less than that.
If you’re on a budget, you can nurse a beer for a while or swap into soft drinks later.
Getting to Kendwa Rocks (Transportation)
Kendwa Rocks is on the northwestern tip of Zanzibar Island, about 10–15 minutes south of Nungwi village.
That means many partygoers stay in nearby Nungwi or Kendwa and just walk or taxi over to the hotel.
Taxis around the north coast are reasonably priced – from Nungwi village expect to pay roughly €5 (about 15,000 TSH) for the ride.
If you’re coming from farther away (Stone Town or Jambiani, for example), you can take a public minibus (“dala-dala”) heading to Nungwi/Kendwa and then grab a short taxi to the beach.
For visitors flying in, the main Zanzibar airport is in the south (Kisauni). Most people then hire a car or get a shuttle to the northern beaches.
Some hotels offer airport pickup or free daily shuttles to Kendwa Rocks – check ahead.
As a fun alternative, adventurous types sometimes rent scooters or bicycles for the day (though at night taxis are wise).
In any case, plan to arrive at least an hour before the party if you rely on public transport, as buses slow near nightfall.
Once you’re on site, Kendwa Rocks is compact, so you can just leave your taxi and walk onto the sand.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Timing is everything. The party really starts at sunset. Arrive around 7 PM if you want to enjoy the buffet dinner; by 9–10 PM the beach will be packed. Remember that this is an all-night event. As one guide advises, you’ll be dancing until dawn – so avoid scheduling any early-morning plans the next day. In short, book at least two nights of accommodation so you can sleep in after the party.
Bring essentials. Sunscreen and a hat are wise if you’re there before dark. After dark it can get chilly by the shore (especially if there’s wind), so a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is handy later on. Footwear is up to you – flip-flops or sandals are fine for the beach floor, but some prefer sneakers for dancing.
Stay connected. Cell signal is generally good, but the crowd can overwhelm it. Charge your phone fully (and bring a power bank) so you can take photos or call a taxi at the end. If you bought tickets online, have the QR code/email ready to show at the entrance (or just screenshot it).
Cash and card. You'll mainly need Tanzanian shillings. Carry some cash for tips or small souvenirs, but remember the resort card is required for drinks. You can buy extra credit for your card inside, but it’s easier to withdraw local currency beforehand. (ATMs are available in Nungwi and Stone Town.)
Be open and respectful. This is a multicultural party. Locals in attendance might wear Kanga or traditional outfits, and performers often showcase Swahili dances. A friendly greeting in Swahili (“Jambo!”) goes a long way. It’s a fun, laid-back crowd – don’t be shy about dancing or chatting with fellow travelers.
Safety first. As with any big event, watch your belongings. There are guards and staff, but it’s best to keep valuables in a secure pocket or locker at the venue. Never leave your drink unattended, and stay hydrated with water throughout the night. If you’re traveling alone, consider making a buddy at the start – the atmosphere is very social, and most people are friendly.
Enjoy the moment. Embrace the beach-party spirit. Let the African drums and DJ beats guide you. If there’s a fire show or a cultural performance, don’t be afraid to jump in and dance. By the full moon’s light, Kendwa Rocks becomes a global village under the palms – soak it all in and have fun!
Origins and History of the Full Moon Party
It might surprise you, but the “Full Moon Party” concept actually began in Finland. Back in the day, Finnish friends would gather in August forests under a bright moon, dancing around bonfires.
Kendwa Rocks brought that idea to Zanzibar in 1996. That very first moonlit beach bash – with acrobats and drums – caught on, and “a tradition was born”.
As Kendwa Rocks grew, so did the party. Today, it “welcomes thousands of people from all over the world” to celebrate under the African sky.
So when you join the Full Moon Party in Zanzibar, you’re part of a two-decade story: a tropical evolution of a Finnish forest rave.
Kendwa’s party is a chance to mix with the locals, savor great food, and dance until dawn in true Zanzibar beach party style.
Whether it’s your first time or fifteenth, the Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks remains one of the highlights of Zanzibar nightlife.
