Kena Beach Hotel, Zanzibar ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

Book on our site

Up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

Matemwe, North East Coast, Zanzibar, Tanzania, 0255

Kena Beach Hotel is a locally owned establishment situated on the picturesque shores of Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar. It offers a unique blend of Zanzibari hospitality and a variety of activities, catering to families and couples alike. The hotel features traditional Makuti roofs and boasts its own private beach, setting the stage for a tranquil getaway.

Location

Located on the North Eastern Coast of Zanzibar, Kena Beach Hotel is accessible from Abeid Amani Karume Airport, approximately 75 minutes away. Guests can arrange airport and ferry pickup through the hotel, making transfers simple. The vicinity also offers rich cultural experiences, with nearby attractions reflecting the diverse influences of the Spice Island.

Rooms

Kena Beach Hotel offers a selection of luxury accommodations to suit various needs. Guests can choose from four beautifully designed room types, including Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms with an outdoor shower, and a Deluxe Room featuring a private Jacuzzi. Family Rooms provide inter-connecting options to accommodate larger groups.

Eat & Drink

The Bridge Restaurant presents an international and African a la carte menu, alongside themed dining nights to enhance the culinary experience. Meals are thoughtfully served, with breakfast and lunch stretching from morning until early afternoon, while dinner is available in the evening for guests' convenience. The Mambo and Mnemba Bars offer a wide range of drink options to complement meals.

Leisure & Business

On-site leisure facilities include the PADI 5 Star Dive Center, offering personalized diving and snorkeling sessions for various skill levels. Guests can also enjoy a newly renovated pool area, a games room, and a spa with various relaxation services. For additional excursions, options include tours of Stone Town and the renowned Safari Blue Tour.

View all

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Zanzibar 37.3 km

Airports

Kisauni (ZNZ) 54.5 km

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Delicious Culinary Experience

The dining experience at Kena Beach Hotel was truly really good. Every meal we had, from breakfast to dinner, was a delight. The fresh fruits in the morning were delicious, and the lunch and dinner options were generous and well-prepared. The setting of the dining area, often overlooking the pool with candlelit dinners, made it even more special.

Laurie123. UK, 2024-07-01Read full review on

Comfortable and Spacious Rooms

Our room exceeded expectations with its spacious layout and luxurious amenities. The comfortable king bed and the option of an outdoor shower made for a good stay. I particularly enjoyed the lovely outdoor sitting area that was perfect for relaxing. It was equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable vacation.

Colin89. Canada, 2024-08-15Read full review on

Revitalizing Spa Services

I indulged in a wonderful massage at the hotel’s spa, and it was exactly what I needed to unwind. The peaceful atmosphere and excellent service made it a heavenly experience. I spent several hours lounging in the beautiful pool area, which was surrounded by lush vegetation and created a tranquil setting for relaxation.

Eva_SpaLover. Australia, 2024-09-20Read full review on

Luxurious Bathroom Features

The bathroom in our room was a highlight of our stay. It was not only spacious but also featured a luxurious bathtub and an outdoor shower, allowing for a unique and refreshing experience. The amenities provided were really good and added a touch of luxury to our overall experience at the hotel.

JasonTraveler. USA, 2024-10-30Read full review on

What’s included

General

Wi-Fi
Paid parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Wheelchair access
Lift
Currency exchange
Multilingual staff

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Services

24-hour room service
Bicycle hire
Laundry
Medical facilities service
Shops/Commercial services

Dining

Continental breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Buffet breakfast

Children

Babysitting/Child services
Game room

Spa & Leisure

Swimming pool

Room features

Air conditioning
Balcony

Media

Television

Location

Matemwe, North East Coast, Zanzibar, Tanzania, 0255

Map view

Matemwe, North East Coast, Zanzibar, Tanzania, 0255

City landmarks

Tanzania

Dada Zanzibar Production and Cooking Site

2.6 km

Muyuni Beach

2.2 km

Nearby

Muyuni Beach

980 m

Restaurants

Villa Kiva Resort and Restaurant

1.2 km

Matemwe

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

82%

liked the hotel and would stay again

Spacious and comfortable rooms

Incredibly attentive staff

Regular meal prices high

Limited portion sizes

8.2/10

Great

Rooms

8.8

Location

9.0

Service

8.8

Dining

7.2

Grace

United Kingdom, February 2025

5.2/10

Overall, my stay was a mixed experience. While the hotel has its perks, such as a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, there are clear areas that need improvement, especially regarding the upkeep of the amenities and food quality. If you're expecting a luxurious stay, you may be disappointed.

Rooms

6.0

The rooms were spacious and equipped with comfortable amenities but had some maintenance issues like rust and loose fixtures.

Service

5.0

The service was friendly but noticeably under-staffed, leading to long waits and some inconsistency in guest engagement.

Location

6.0

The location is decent but lacks vibrancy, and the pool area could use more attention to make it inviting.

Dining

5.0

The food initially disappointed but improved slightly. It lacked variety, and the late arrivals only received leftovers.

Facilities

5.0

The pool area was quite cold and under-cleaned, and the loungers were worn out.

Frank

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.4/10

My experience at Kena Beach Hotel was largely positive, with stunning surroundings and incredibly friendly staff. The accommodations were spacious and comfortable. However, the food could use some improvement and the pool area felt underwhelming at times. Overall, it's a beautiful place if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, but there are some areas that could be enhanced for a better experience.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious, featuring a lovely patio and an outdoor shower, which added a unique touch to our stay.

Service

10.0

The staff went above and beyond to make our stay memorable, from giving us a cake to celebrate our honeymoon to being attentive during our meals.

Location

10.0

Located in a serene part of Zanzibar, the hotel has beautiful gardens and direct access to Matemwe beach, making it perfect for relaxation.

Dining

7.0

While the dining experience was initially disappointing, it improved with more variety as the days went by; the food was generally delicious after the first couple of meals.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel facilities were adequate, with a good-sized swimming pool and easy access to a dive center, but they felt a bit under-staffed at times.

Ella

United Kingdom, October 2024

9.0/10

What an amazing holiday experience! The hotel is lovely, and the beach is just spectacular. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff truly went out of their way to ensure our stay was memorable. The only downside was the dining prices for regular meals, which I found a bit on the high side for the portion sizes. Overall, it's definitely a great value for the money, especially with the beautiful views and amenities offered.

Rooms

9.0

Our room was huge and very comfortable, featuring a large bathroom with both a bathtub and a walk-in shower, plus an outdoor shower which was such a treat.

Service

10.0

The staff was incredibly obliging, responding quickly to our requests for more water and coffee. Their friendly demeanor made our stay even more enjoyable.

Location

10.0

Being literally right on the beach made for a fabulous location. The surrounding gardens were well-kept, creating a perfect ambiance for relaxation.

Dining

7.0

The buffet offerings were great and changed every night, and breakfast was quite good too. However, regular meals could get pricey relative to their portion sizes.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel had fantastic facilities including a spa and access to a dive shop, which added to our overall experience. The pool area was also very nicely maintained.

Spacious and comfortable rooms

Regular meal prices high

Liam

United Kingdom, October 2024

9.6/10

We had a wonderful stay at Kena Beach Hotel, perfect for relaxing before our safari adventure. The rooms were spacious and clean, while the location right by the beach added to the charm. The food was delicious with various options, but I wish there had been slightly more variety on some days. Overall, it felt great to be away from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to explore.

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were very spacious, comfortable, and well-kept, featuring lovely views and all the essentials for a great stay.

Service

10.0

The staff treated us like family, always polite and accommodating. They made sure our holiday felt special.

Location

10.0

The hotel is located literally on the beach, which was simply idyllic for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.

Dining

9.0

The food was fantastic, with a wide range of delicious dishes and refreshing mocktails. Every meal was a delight.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were clean and modern, with a lovely ambiance around the pool and beach area.

Nigel

United Kingdom, October 2024

8.8/10

I had a fantastic stay at this beautifully renovated hotel in Zanzibar. The spacious rooms with stunning views and large bathrooms made my visit exceptionally comfortable. The dining was overall a positive experience, with high-quality meals and an emphasis on sustainability. The location was secluded yet perfect for those looking for tranquility. However, some facilities could use a little touch-up, which slightly impacted the experience.

Rooms

10.0

The room was incredibly spacious with a large terrace, a huge bathroom that included both a tub and a shower, plus an outdoor shower. It was extremely comfortable, allowing for a good night's sleep.

Service

9.0

The service was attentive and accommodating, as the staff worked hard to make sure all our needs were met, including arranging excursions and providing helpful tips.

Location

9.0

The hotel is tucked away in a tranquil area with direct access to the beach and beautiful gardens, creating a peaceful atmosphere that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Dining

8.0

Dining was enjoyable with a variety of well-prepared meals featuring ingredients from the hotel's organic garden. The breakfast was satisfying and available promptly each morning.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel has wonderful facilities, including a large refreshing pool and beautifully maintained gardens, but a few amenities need some updating.