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 €188 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€188
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (291 reviews)
"The staff were all lovely, friendly and helpful. Plenty of pool choice. Plenty of loungers around the pool. Beach loungers get taken very quickly. Sea is amazing and warm. Food plenty of choice, though wasn't always hot! Always some where to sit. The two restaurants in the sea were a faff to book ..."

Reviewed on 17 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 €143 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€143
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (164 reviews)
"It is a great place to stay"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar
Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar
4.5 out of 5
Nungwi Road, Nungwi, Zanzibar
The price is €213 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
€213
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (155 reviews)
A wonderful little gem with great staff
"We had an absolutely amazing time here. The hotel and grounds are spotless. The staff are very friendly and it is situated in beautiful location with a stunning beach on site. I would highly recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2025

Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar
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 aparthotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 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!