Nungwi Travel Guide

Tourist 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 colourful 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
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! (302 reviews)
"I had a great experience! 1000/10. I would highly recommend Rui Jambo to friends/ family. The bartenders make great drinks. The food is delicious and the views are amazing. The beaches are a bit crowded but you get over it."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 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 £138 per night from 11 May to 12 May
£138
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (171 reviews)
"Incredible hotel.. breakfast is everything. Beach is boring"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco
Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco
4 out of 5
Nungwi Village, Nungwi
The price is £148 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£148
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (586 reviews)
"The resort nickel and dimed you for everything. Keycards, having guest stop by your room. The beach was wonderful. If you are coming with a spouse or romantic partner then wonderful. But absolutely do not come here if you are coming for any good vibes or party environment. This place is strictly ..."

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco
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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"From the moment I checked in, the staff - Leon, were warm and welcoming. They ensured I had everything I needed, helped organise the tours I was interested in, and went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable throughout my stay."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

Aluna Beach Apartments
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
4 out of 5
Zanzibar, Nungwi, Unguja North Region
Stay at this 4-star villa in Nungwi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are ...
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
panopano house
panopano house
2 out of 5
Nungwi
Stay at this holiday home in Nungwi. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker 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
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!

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