Nungwi

Travel Guide

Nungwi
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach
With opportunities to enjoy a wonderful beach, experience turtle conservancy and meet Masai warriors, this Zanzibar community provides eclectic vacations.

At the northernmost tip of Zanzibar is the small town of Nungwi, known for the beautiful Nungwi BeachOpens in a new window. Visit the Mnarani Natural AquariumOpens in a new window to see conservancy of sea turtles in action.

Nungwi also has an extensive fishing community. Associated crafts support the industry. See fishermen repairing their nets or artisans building new dhows. Watch the sailing vessels depart in the evening for overnight fishing expeditions.

Walk along Nungwi Beach, letting your toes wiggle in the soft, clean sand. At low tide, look for shells and notice local residents gathering marine animals for their dinner. The long beach is a great place for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Beach boys are likely to ask if you want to purchase goods or have any other needs. Take advantage of their offers or give a firm no. Some of these beach visitors might be tall Masai warriors in colorful native dress. Ask permission to take their photos and offer a small tip.

The white Mnarani lighthouse rises above the palm trees at the north end of the beach. Next to the lighthouse, find the Mnarani Natural Aquarium or Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond. Here, hatchling and adult turtles are nurtured in a natural tidal lagoon until they can be released into the ocean in February. Learn about the work local citizens conduct to ensure the survival of endangered hawksbill and green turtle species.

Along the shoreline are numerous places to stay, ranging from private bungalows to luxury hotels. Dine at hotels, restaurants or small cabanas along the beach.

You’ll also find several dive shops and operators. As Nungwi is surrounded by a coral reef, diving and snorkeling are quite interesting. Arrange a spot on an expedition to Mnemba Island off the northeast tip of Zanzibar.

Drive just over 1 hour north from Stone Town to reach Nungwi. Public transportation is very limited. Once in the town, walk easily from one side of the city to the other or between attractions along the beach.

Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Nungwi Road, North Coast Zanzibar, Nungwi, Unguja North
The price is €262 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€262
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (289 reviews)
"Everything was fantastic 10/10"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
4.5 out of 5
North Coast, Nungwi
The price is €141 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€141
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (160 reviews)
"This property is surly a dream. The property overall is very well kept and you can constantly see the staff doing all kinds of up keep. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff is absolutely amazing; From the amazing front desk crew to the restaurant and the rooftop pub (except at the morning ..."

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
My Blue Hotel
My Blue Hotel
4 out of 5
Nungwi Beach, Nungwi
The price is €132 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€132
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Nungwi. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (110 reviews)
"Great stay! The rooms are comfortable and clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. The grounds are very well kept and the pools are sparkling. Highly recommend staying at My Blue Hotel!"

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2025

My Blue Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aluna Beach Apartments
Aluna Beach Apartments
4 out of 5
Nungwi Beach, 8, Nungwi, Unguja North Region
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"We had an amazing 2 weeks here everything was really perfect . The owner eas around sometimes and when he was he was really pleasant and you can tell he has pride in the place and wants his customers to have a wonderful experience. All the staff were very friendly,approachable and you can tell they ..."

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2025

Aluna Beach Apartments
panopano house
panopano house
2 out of 5
Nungwi
Stay at this vacation home in Nungwi. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Nice
"Good communication"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2024

panopano house
One-of-a-kind Villa with Rooftop Pool and 2 Bedrooms and Fully Equipped Kitchen
One-of-a-kind Villa with Rooftop Pool and 2 Bedrooms and Fully Equipped Kitchen
Nungwi
Stay at this villa in Nungwi. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
One-of-a-kind Villa with Rooftop Pool and 2 Bedrooms and Fully Equipped Kitchen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Nungwi

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 8%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

Fabulous beaches/friendly people. Our disappointment was arriving to Zanzibar Star Resort with was no room booked! The manager Kelvin said iExpedia did not send the booking through until the arrival date even though we had booked 10 TEN months ago!