Makunduchi: southern Zanzibar village, beaches, Kizimkazi and the Mwaka Kogwa festival (2026)
Makunduchi is the main town of southern Zanzibar, about one to one and a half hours by road from Stone Town. No luxury hotel or resort: a market, fishermen, quiet beaches and the Shirazi New Year festival, Mwaka Kogwa, in late July. It is not a classic beach destination but a stop for anyone who wants to see local life while heading down the coast to Kizimkazi, its dolphins and wild beaches. Allow half a day.
Highlights
The village and the south coast
Shallow sea and a fisherman on his outrigger canoe; life stays slow and little touristy.
Mwaka Kogwa
Every year in late July the village celebrates the Shirazi New Year, with banana-stalk fights and a burned hut; see the dedicated page for dates.
Kizimkazi further west
The neighbouring village is known for its sea trips to see dolphins (see the Kizimkazi page).
Practical info
Tips
- Come with a driver or guide rather than by dala-dala if you want to combine several stops in the south; public transport exists, but schedules change: ask your hotel. There are few places to eat: eat in a small local restaurant or go back to Paje or Jambiani. Before heading south for the festival, see Mwaka Kogwa in Makunduchi. For dolphins, see Kizimkazi; to sleep, see Jambiani or Paje.
How to get there
In the south of the island, about one to one and a half hours by road from Stone Town and a little less from Paje or Jambiani. Taxi or driver with your hotel; see getting around Zanzibar.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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