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Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar is renowned for its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Among the most popular events on the island is the Full Moon Party, a celebration that draws crowds from around the world. Held on the Saturday closest to the full moon, this event offers a unique blend of music, dance, and natural beauty. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning location, the Kendwa Full Moon Party is an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and fun.
Let’s go back to history of a Full Moon Party
Probably you all have heard of the infamous Full Moon Parties in Thailand! Hold on, but did you know that Zanzibar has its own Full Moon Party too? This is usually held on the Saturday after the full moon.
History dates back since 1996 where Full Moon Parties started off with traditional drum and dance groups on the white sandy ground of Kendwa whereby guests used to join with performers in an African style. Bar life started developing, DJs became popular. DJ Yussuf was favorite for many years with his world music-oriented Routes in Rhythm.
The whole idea for Full Moon Party came from Finland: At the time of the Full Moon of August, friends gathered in a remote wild forest to enjoy nature and good company under the magic of the Full Moon.
Full Moon Parties in Zanzibar attract a big crowd of people, locals and guests from as far as Dar es Salaam and Kenya.
The Full Moon Party with a difference
The best thing about this party is that it is still relatively low key and it requires very little forward planning. It is accessible from everywhere on Zanzibar Island.
By attending the Full Moon Party you can engage yourself in chatting to the local Masaai, eating great food, dancing all night on the beach, and catching some really cool performers!
Zanzibar has its own way of doing things and therefore it is entirely possible to have an all-night party with ‘hakuna matata’ (no problem) vibes!
The place to stay
The Full Moon Party is held on the beach of Kendwa Rocks hotel. You can stay there for the night of the full moon and the nights after and before. This is a nice luxury. The rooms are cool and even had a fridge for those pre-party drinks.
Kendwa is only 10 minutes from slightly cheaper Nungwi, therefore, staying there is also an option. Taxis from Nungwi costs around €5 for locals so do not pay much more than this!
What you can do before the party
There are tables for a nice BBQ buffet on the beach during the night with a great selection of meat, vegetables, and seafood.
But, if you are staying outside of Kendwa there is probably no need to be there this early. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach because the party starts and ends late. So, don’t make too many plans that need upfront payment for the day after, as you might end up canceling and you will not get your money back.
The party kicks off
If you decide to opt for the buffet dinner there will be some entertainment towards the end of the meal which can be traditional African dancing. Once a crowd starts to form, a dance show begins which has performers who are seriously impressive and more than happy to keep the crowd dancing even after their performance.
After this dance show, there is usually the main performer who may be an international one or a local one. When the DJ starts everyone dances inside and on the beach. It is very easy to spend the night wandering on the beach, chatting with friends you have made.
Some things to note:
Zanzibar Full Moon Party is usually held on the first Saturday after the full moon in Kendwa on the northwest of the island.
If you stay at the Kendwa Rocks hotel, the entry is free. If not, you pay 20,000 Tshs on entry, this is non-negotiable.
Swahili Music Festival’s Grand Final named Sauti za Busara parties have been hosted by Kendwa Rocks many times; Kendwa Rocks has been sponsoring Sauti za Busara Festival for many years now.
Cash is not accepted at the bar. You must get a resort card. Some months ago it was 2,000 Tsh deposit. You can preload the card to do both of you for the night.
Drinks are a bit more expensive than other bars. Cocktails can be up to about €6. Beer will be less than that.
Drinks are a bit more expensive than other bars. Cocktails can be up to about €6. Beer will be less than that.
Taxis to and from Nungwi are frequent. It is a ten-minute journey. You can pay 10,000 Tshs and you can expect to bargain a little if the price is much more than this.
You can walk to and from Nungwi along the beach but check the tides because sometimes the beach gets cut off by the sea.
Do you crave delicious grill menus, amazing acrobats and fire eaters, dancing music up to late, chilling on the beach or join the dancing crowd? Have you ever been to Zanzibar’s Full Moon Party? Then, you should consider attending this event.
