Swimmable Beaches
Nungwi's beaches are less affected by the tides than the east coast, so swimming is possible for much of the day.
Tanzania Cities & Coast
Nungwi, Zanzibar
At the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi's white sands, turquoise water and fiery sunsets meet a centuries-old dhow-building village and the island's famous sea turtles.
- Location
- Northern tip of Zanzibar
- Known For
- Beaches, sunsets & turtles
- From Stone Town
- About 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time
- June – October
Discover Nungwi
Zanzibar's northern paradise.
Nungwi sits at the very northern tip of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, and is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the archipelago. Zanzibar is famous for its sultry tropical climate, idyllic sandy beaches, coral reefs and warm, welcoming people, and Nungwi brings all of these together in one unforgettable corner of the island.
Unlike many beaches on Zanzibar's east coast, Nungwi is less affected by the dramatic tides, so you can swim for much of the day in clear turquoise water. Its west-facing shore also makes it one of the best places on the island to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean, often with a traditional dhow silhouetted on the horizon.
Beyond the beach, Nungwi remains a working fishing village with a long tradition of dhow building. Visitors can meet the giant sea turtles of Nungwi at the Mnarani turtle conservation pond, snorkel and dive on nearby reefs, go game fishing, and take day trips to Stone Town, the Kizimkazi dolphins, the primates of Jozani Forest and the island's spice farms.
Why Nungwi
Sun, sea and Swahili life.
Nungwi is the perfect place to round off a safari with sand, sea and a taste of island culture.
Unforgettable Sunsets
The west-facing shore offers some of Zanzibar's finest sunsets, best enjoyed on a traditional dhow cruise.
Mnarani Turtles
A community-run conservation pond in a natural tidal lagoon, where rescued sea turtles are cared for and some are released back into the ocean.
Diving & Snorkelling
Easy access to coral reefs, the Mnemba Atoll and deeper dive sites, with colourful reef fish, turtles and occasional dolphins.
Dhow-Building Village
Watch craftsmen shape wooden dhows by hand on the beach, a tradition passed down through generations.
Game Fishing
The deep waters off northern Zanzibar offer exciting sport fishing for species such as tuna, sailfish and marlin.
Location
Where is Nungwi?
Nungwi lies at the northern tip of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, roughly 60 km north of Stone Town. The drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or Stone Town usually takes around one to one and a half hours. Zanzibar is reached by short flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Dar es Salaam, or by fast ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town.
Kendwa beach is a short walk or drive along the coast to the south-west, while Mnemba Atoll, the island's most famous snorkelling site, lies off the north-east coast and is easily reached on a day trip.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Nungwi story.
Nungwi enjoys warm weather year-round, with the dry seasons offering the calmest seas and clearest water.
Dry Season
Sunny, breezy and dry, with comfortable temperatures. The most popular time for beach holidays after a safari.
Hot & Dry
Hot, calm and sunny, with excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving.
Short Rains
Brief showers between sunny spells; a quieter, good-value time to visit.
Long Rains
The wettest months, with heavy showers and some hotels closing for maintenance; very quiet beaches.
What is the best month to visit Nungwi?
Nungwi is a year-round beach destination, with June to October and December to February the most reliable months.
Hot and sunny, with calm seas and clear water for diving.
One of the hottest months, with excellent snorkelling at Mnemba.
Long rains usually begin later in the month, with humid air.
Often the wettest month; expect heavy showers and quieter beaches.
Rains ease late in the month and green landscapes return.
Dry season begins, with fresh breezes and pleasant temperatures.
Cool, sunny and breezy, a popular month for safari and beach combinations.
Dry and sunny, with lively beaches and beautiful sunsets.
Excellent weather and good sea conditions for boat trips.
Warm, dry and calm, one of the best months for diving.
Short rains bring brief showers between sunny days.
Hot and sunny, with festive-season visitors on the beaches.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Nungwi.
Nungwi is more than a beach, with village life, conservation and ocean adventures close at hand.
Northern tipRas Nungwi & the LighthouseThe very tip of Zanzibar, crowned by a historic lighthouse and lapped by turquoise water.
VillageMnarani Turtle Conservation PondA natural tidal lagoon where the local community cares for rescued green and hawksbill turtles.
BeachfrontDhow-Building YardsWooden dhows still take shape by hand on the sand, and fishermen land their catch on the beach.
West coastNungwi & Kendwa BeachesLong stretches of white sand facing the sunset, ideal for swimming at most stages of the tide.
OffshoreMnemba Atoll & TumbatuBoat trips to the coral reefs of Mnemba and the shores of Tumbatu Island for snorkelling and dolphin spotting.
Wildlife
Marine life around Nungwi
Nungwi is surrounded by coral reefs and open ocean. The Mnarani conservation pond gives close views of sea turtles, while snorkelling and diving trips reveal colourful reef life. Dolphins are often seen around Mnemba Atoll, and a day trip south brings the Kizimkazi dolphins and the primates of Jozani Forest within reach.
9 animals to look for
Green turtle
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Mnarani Turtle Conservation Pond
The giant sea turtles of Nungwi can be seen up close at the community-run conservation pond.
1 / 9
Hawksbill turtle
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Mnarani pond and nearby reefs
Recognised by its hooked beak and patterned shell; also cared for at Mnarani.
2 / 9
Reef fish
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Coral reefs and Mnemba Atoll
Parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish and clownfish are common on snorkelling and dive trips.
3 / 9
Dolphin
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Around Mnemba Atoll and off the north coast
Bottlenose and spinner dolphins are often encountered on boat excursions.
4 / 9
Moray eel
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Reef crevices on dive sites
Frequently seen peering out from holes in the coral.
5 / 9
Octopus
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Shallow reefs and rocky areas
Masters of camouflage, often pointed out by dive guides.
6 / 9
Whale shark
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Open water off northern Zanzibar
The ocean's largest fish is occasionally seen at certain times of year.
7 / 9
Humpback whale
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Deep water off the coast
Humpbacks pass Zanzibar during their seasonal migration and are sometimes spotted from boats.
8 / 9
Zanzibar red colobus
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Jozani Forest (day trip)
An endangered monkey found only on Zanzibar, easily seen on a guided Jozani visit.
9 / 9
The Turtles of Nungwi
Meet Zanzibar's gentle giants.
In the heart of Nungwi village, the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond is a natural tidal lagoon where green and hawksbill turtles are cared for by the local community. Many arrive after being caught in fishing nets, and the project works with fishermen to protect turtles, nests and hatchlings along the coast.
Visiting the giant sea turtles of Nungwi supports local conservation and education. Combine it with a stroll past the dhow builders, a swim from the beach and a sunset dhow cruise for a perfect Nungwi day.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that include Nungwi
Zanzibar beach holidays and safari-and-beach combinations featuring Nungwi.
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Zanzibar
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 11 days
11-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Stone Town · Nungwi · Kizimkazi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania & Kenya · 12 days
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania: The Essence of East Africa Expedition
Amboseli · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Stay in 中文
Where to stay in Nungwi
Beach resorts, boutique hotels and villas along Nungwi's sunset coast.
Silver tier
Nungwi, TanzaniaZanzicrown HotelA small, friendly hotel in Nungwi village, just a short stroll from the white sands of Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar's northeBoutique beach hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Nungwi, TanzaniaThe Z HotelA stylish boutique hotel on the white sands of Nungwi Beach, with an infinity pool, a rooftop bar and sunsets over the IBoutique beachfront hotelView lodge
Platinum tier
Nungwi, TanzaniaRoyal Zanzibar Beach ResortAn all-inclusive beachfront resort on Zanzibar's northern tip, with a private beach, sparkling pools and tropical gardenAll-inclusive beach resortView lodge
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Nungwi.
For generations Nungwi has been a fishing village and one of Zanzibar's centres of dhow building. Craftsmen still build wooden dhows by hand using skills handed down through families, and the boats remain at the heart of daily life on the north coast.
The village sits on Ras Nungwi, the northern point of the island, where a lighthouse has guided ships through the channel for well over a century. Like the rest of Zanzibar, Nungwi's culture blends African, Arab, Persian and Indian influences, seen in its Swahili language, food and Islamic traditions.
Tourism has transformed the area in recent decades, and community conservation projects such as the Mnarani turtle pond help balance development with protection of the reefs, beaches and marine life that make Nungwi so special.
Where is Nungwi?
At the northern tip of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, about one to one and a half hours by road from Stone Town and the airport.
Is Nungwi good for swimming?
Yes. Nungwi is less affected by tides than Zanzibar's east coast, so swimming is possible for much of the day.
What is there to do in Nungwi?
Swimming, sunset dhow cruises, snorkelling and diving, game fishing, visiting the Mnarani turtle pond and watching the dhow builders at work.
Can I see turtles in Nungwi?
Yes. The Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond in the village cares for green and hawksbill turtles, and turtles are sometimes seen on nearby reefs.
How far is Nungwi from Mnemba Atoll?
Mnemba lies off the north-east coast and is an easy half-day or full-day boat trip from Nungwi.
Can I visit Stone Town from Nungwi?
Yes. Stone Town is around one to one and a half hours away and makes an excellent day trip, or you can spend a night there before or after your beach stay.
When is the best time to visit Nungwi?
June to October and December to February offer the most reliable sunny weather; March to May is the wettest period.
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