THINGS TO DO IN NUNGWI: THE BEST BEACHES IN ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar is one of the best beach destinations in Africa and in the entire world. Nungwi is a small fishing village in the North of the island where the best beaches are located. With its pristine turquoise transparent waters, white sandy beaches and stunning marine life there are few places in this planet that can beat Nungwi’s chill out heavenly like atmosphere.

Zanzibar is big and when coming for a visit it is important to make a choice on which area to visit. There are plenty of things to do in Nungwi and its beaches are swimmable at all times of the day.

In this guide I will explain you the top activities to do around Nungwi village and explain where the best beaches are located and where to be able to snorkel from the shore. I will also share some pictures of my three months stay in this earthy paradise.

WHERE IS NUNGWI VILLAGE

Nungwi is a fishermen’s village located in the Northern most area of Unguja island, in the Zanzibar archipelago.

The village is located 56,8 meters from Stone Town, the place where the ferries from Dar Es Salaam will bring you, and where the island’s international airport is located.

I am sharing here a map pin with the location:

HOW TO GET TO NUNGWI

When arriving in Zanzibar you will arrive in Stone Town by boat from Dar Es Salaam or by plane from some domestic or international destination.

Nungwi is located 58,6 km from Stone Town and in order to get there there are two options:

• Public transport: The public transport in Tanzania is called “Dala dala”. “Dala dalas” are small vans that get usually overpacked and wait until they are full to leave the departure point. It can be annoying for some travelers to get squeezed with the other passengers and wait until the “Dala dala” is full but it is the cheapest option to get to Nungwi and will allow you to experience the Tanzanian culture and reduce your carbon footprint. “Dala dalas” leave from the Djarani market, in Stone Town, approximately every 20 minutes and will cost you around 2000 THZ.
• By taxi: This is not the most eco friendly way of reaching Nungwi but it will save you some time. The price of a taxi to Nungwi can vary from driver to driver and depending on the time of the day. The average price will be 30 $

SOME AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN NUNGWI

RELAX AT THE BEACH

This is the number one activity to do in Nungwi and the only reason why many people come here. In my opinion Nungwi and its neighboring area is where the best beaches in Zanzibar are located.

Unlike some other beach areas in Zanzibar the beaches are swimmable at all times of the day.

The sand is white and the water color is heavenly turquoise, and there are always friendly Maasai people walking at the beach selling some Maasai handmade beaded jewelry or sandals.

There are a lot of beachfront bars and restaurants where you can take a break during the hottest hours of the day.

GO SNORKELING

Zanzibar waters are brimming with marine life and Nungwi is one of the few spots on the island where you can go snorkeling from the shore and get to see some pretty awesome fish, corals and colorful starfish.

The moment to go snorkeling is at low tide and the best spot in my opinion is in front of Nungwi Inn. You need to make sure the sea is quiet and there is no current on that day as you will need to swim around 30 meters away from the shore to star seeing some scattered coral and marine life.

You can also get a snorkeling trip and go snorkeling to the Mnemba atoll or Tumbatu island.

MNEMBA ISLAND TOUR

The Mnemba island tour will take you to the Mnemba atoll. The Mnemba island is a luxury private resort island so you can only set foot on the island if you book your accommodation there. However the reef around the island is public and one of the top snorkeling spots in Zanzibar. The Mnemba island tours will bring you to snorkel around the island and you will have a huge chance to see dolphins.

I have been close to Mnemba island four times, two times doing the snorkeling and dolphin watching tour and the other two times scuba diving and I have always spotted some dolphins around the island.

Check here the video of my experience and Mnemba island snorkeling and dolphin watching tour.

VISIT THE MAASAI MARKET

The Massai market is close to the famous Coccobello where the best parties in Zanzibar are hosted.

You can find all types of Maasai crafts and souvenirs and always have an interesting conversation with some members of this wonderful tribe.

TAKE A WALK TO KENDWA BEACH

Kendwa beach is another of the best swimming beaches in Zanzibar and when the tide is low you can walk along the white sand beach until Kendwa. The walk is really beautiful and there are several Zanzibar artists selling paintings along the beach.

The distance from Nungwi to Kendwa is only 4 km and you can also ta ke a “Boda boda” (motorbike taxi) to get there if the tide does not allow for a walk.

LEARN PARAGLIDING AT KENDWA BEACH

There is a paragliding center where you can learn or jump if you already have some experience.

Book here

GO SCUBA DIVING

There are several diving sites close to Nungwi suitable for all levels of diving. The most popular diving spots are in Mnemba island and there are also many nice diving spots on the reef not too far from the Nungwi coast.

You can see different types or hard and soft corals and many colorful tropical fish and turtles.

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One of the most popular day trips from Nungwi is to Mnemba island. The local people call Mnemba island, “Bill Gates” island although this island is not owned by Bill Gates.

Mnemba island is a resort island. The resort in the island is a high luxury resort and it is called andBeyond.

The sea water color around Mnemba island is from beyond this world and there is a nice sandbank close to the island where the tours will bring you. If you are there during low tide you can sunbathe at the sandbank.

The coral reef around the island is one of the best in Zanzibar island and group tours will let you snorkel for one hour and a half.

You can snorkel on the reef and walk on the sandbank however getting to Mnemba island beach is not allowed as it is a private island. There are beautiful red soft coral, Trumpetfish, Nemofish and Octopus among others in the area.

There are dolphins around the island and you will be able to see them during most tours.

TAKE A TRIP TO TUMBATU ISLAND

Tumbatu island is one of the best diving and snorkeling sites close to Nungwi beach. The trips will take you to this island and you will just scuba dive and snorkel around the reef.

Tumbatu island is only inhabited by local people and if you would like to visit the village and explore the culture of the island you will need to get permission from the chief of the village. Your tour operator can arrange this, but you need to make sure when you book your tour that it includes a visit to the village. Not all tours bring you there.

DHOW BOATS BUILDING

Nungwi village is famous in Zanzibar for its unique Dhow building style. You can walk along the beach everyday and see how the boats are built under the scorching Sun.

THE FISH MARKET

There is a fish market at the beach in Nungwi, in the local area of the village. Fish is just brought from the sea and really fresh. It is really an experience just to observe the local life on the fish market.

If your accommodation comes with a kitchen included do not miss this opportunity of cooking some delicious Zanzibar fresh sea delicacy.

THE VILLAGE

The beach area around the local Nungwi village is really quaint and full of life. There are usually lots of boats being built and children playing at the beach.

Local women usually go in the sea and make a circle to fish together and walking in between the houses and observing how the inhabitants of this beautiful place live is a true cultural experience.

Ask permission for taking photos as some people do not like it.

ENJOY A SUNSET CRUISE

Sunsets are spectacular at Nungwi beach and the sunset cruise will bring you around for a couple of hours while nice drums and music is played.

SWIM WITH TURTLES AT THE BARAKA AQUARIUM

The owners of the place claim that the turtles in the aquarium are sick or injured turtles rescued from the sea. The turtles stay there until they are completely healthy and after that they are released back to the sea.

I did not see anything out of the normal when I visited the place and the guardians were taking care that not many people were entering the water at the same time to avoid bothering the turtles.

You will get some seaweed to feed the turtles. You must enter the water with caution though, as you might get bitten by a turtle. And they bite really hard.

KILOSA CONSERVATION ZOO

The Kilosa zoo is a flora and fauna conservation project registered under the government of Tanzania. The place is beautiful and even if the animals are kept in captivity you can see them enjoying some space and some similar environment to their natural habitat.

You can see many different species of animals. From the famous Tanzanian chameleons to the adorable bush babies, among others.

TAZARI CAVES

The Tazari caves are located 5,6 km from Nungwi village. You can get a “boda boda”, taxi or walk to them from Nungwi. The Tazari caves entrance fee is 20 000 THZ.

Tazari caves are the biggest and most extensive caves in Zanzibar.

Find here a pin with the location of the Tazari caves

PARTY

Nungwi is one of the best places in Zanzibar for partying. The best parties in Zanzibar are in Coccobello and Kendwa rocks.

There are many other small beachfront little bars where you can enjoy some drinks in a more relaxed manner.

WATCH A SUNRISE AT SUNRISE BEACH

The sunrise beach in Zanzibar is not only a dream paradise where you can still enjoy solitude as there are usually nobody there. You can walk the beach almost by yourself.

You cannot miss watching the sunrise at this beach.

WHERE TO EAT IN NUNGWI

There many places to eat in Nungwi. From very local restaurants where you can eat Tanzanian local food that will not break your budget to very expensive restaurants by the sea front:

Find here some of my favorite restaurants in Nungwi:

Nungwi Inn: This is the beach restaurant that belongs to the Nungwi Inn hotel. They have a variety of Western dishes. My favorite dish when eating here was “Pasta Pomodoro” They have some local and seafood dishes but for those options it can be a bit pricey. if your budget allows you can enjoy a wonderful dinner at the beach while enjoying a breathtaking sunset over Tumbatu island.

Baraka beach restaurant: If you would like to enjoy some nice and not too pricey lobster at the beachfront in Nungwi, this is the place for you. They usually have a wide variety of fresh seafood that you can chose and ask the cooker to prepare for you.

Mama Africa: This is restaurant is located very near the beachfront and it serves local food at a more affordable rate that the beachfront restaurants and hotels. Best dish I tried here it was fish soup with rice.

Mr Nyam Nyam: This place is in Nungwi village, in the main road. You can get many different types of snacks. The best food they serve is “Urojo”, a soup typical from Zanzibar and the Tanzanian coast, consisting of egg, boiled potato and Tamarindo sauces. They add some more species that I am not really aware off. The soup is delicious and really filling and you can eat it for a very low price.

Badolina: If you are looking for Italian delicacies in Nungwi, this is the place for you. Located just in the market behind the beach, this restaurant is beautifully decorated and it offers great service.

WHERE TO STAY IN NUNGWI

There is plenty of accommodation choice in Nungwi. These are my favorite places to stay in Nungi beach:

Highland Bungalows: Highland bungalows is located in Nungwi village, 10 minutes walking from the beach. The bungalows are simple and located in a closed area with a nice pool. There are also some beautiful trees and lounge chairs where you can relax. I spent 22 days in this place and I love it.

Essque Zalu: If you are looking for high end accommodation in Nungwi in an area where it is very quiet and far away from the beach parties. This is the place for you.

Palm tree villa: If you are looking for a budget accommodation with friendly stuff check out this place.

NUNGWI FAQs

WHICH BEACH IS BETTER NUNGWI OR KENDWA?

Both beaches Nungwi and Kendwa are privileged beach spots in Zanzibar as they are not very much influenced by the tidal effects and they are swimmable all day long.

During low tide they are basically the same beach as there is walkable sand stretch from Nungwi to Kendwa. I personally like better Nungwi beach at this time as there are some pretty stunning snorkeling spots reachable from the shore.

CAN YOU SWIM IN NUNGWI?

Yes, Nungwi beach is one of the few beaches in Zanzibar that you can swim at all times of the day.

WHERE CAN I WATCH THE SUNSET IN NUNGWI?

The best spot to watch the sunset in Nungwi is the area in front of Nungwi beach. You will see the sun setting over Tumbatu island and the spot is full of people doing acrobatics at that time of the day.

IS NUNGWI WORTH VISITING?

Yes, Nungwi is worth visiting. The beach is stunning and there are so many fun things to do in Nungwi.

Nungwi is one of the most popular beaches in Zanzibar for a reason. I have traveled many countries and seen many beautiful beaches and I can tell you, Nungwi is one of my favorite beaches in the world.