Relaxing days at Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar
Last updated: October 24, 2026
My group headed for the shore soon after the Prison Island visit, and after a quick lunch were on our way to Nungwi Beach. Located at the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi is a charming fishing village, and it had some breathtaking beaches. Sugar white with lovely coral outcrops, the ocean was warm, clear, and gentle there, and the village itself was an intrepid one.
Nungwi Beach Quick Facts
| Location | Northern tip of Unguja (Zanzibar island), Tanzania |
| Known for | Swimmable beaches at all tides, sunsets, dhow building and nightlife |
| From Stone Town | About 60 km, 1–1.5 hrs by taxi; cheaper by dala dala (local minibus) |
| Best time | June–October and December–February (dry seasons) |
| Avoid | Long rains (around April–May) |
| Nearby | Kendwa beach (walkable at low tide), Mnemba Atoll, Mnarani turtle aquarium |
The ever-popular Nungwi Beach
Though small with only one daily fish market, a couple of grocery stores, a small mosque/school/clinic and beach restaurants, Nungwi was quite popular and its cheap souvenir stores and a rustic discotheque hummed with tourists. Henna painters, massage shops, and dive bars lined the village, and swaying emerald palms shaded cozy beach huts. The beach itself was like a dream, and it had the softest sand of dazzling white colour. After the culturally immersive experience of Stone Town, Nungwi Beach seemed like a perfect place to relax, let our hair down, and rejuvenate before continuing with the rest of our overlanding trip.
Eat, sleep, relax, and repeat
That is exactly how I spent my days at Zanzibar’s wonderful Nungwi Beach. Swimming, snorkeling, reading books, napping, and long lazy meals constituted my daily schedule. This eat, sleep, and repeat routine was broken only by beach volleyball matches and twilight candlelight dinners by the sea. All these were a far cry from the exotic Stone Town, and the Indian Ocean never ceased to be gorgeous. Nungwi Beach was a much-needed R&R paradise, and after the end of my stay, I unwillingly left its sandy shores.
Zanzibar, I will be back
The gorgeous Indian Ocean was unusually calm on the ferry ride way back to the mainland, and at Dar-es-Salaam, my overlanding group got reunited with our faithful truck. My epic overlanding adventure resumed as per itinerary, and it took me to many beautiful places in different countries in Africa. Zanzibar, especially Nungwi Beach, continued to haunt me with its unique charm, and I realized being bewitched by its clear blue water and red sunsets for life.
Nungwi Beach Travel Guide
Nungwi Beach was voted as one of the loveliest beaches in the world in 2018 by CNN. Located in northern Zanzibar, Nungwi is blessed with practically no low tide. So throughout the day, you can just jump into the ocean and swim away. Boats also launch straight from the beach, and it is a very popular place among backpackers as well as well-heeled star resort travelers. Because of its popularity, Nungwi Beach has a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, activities, and accommodations available. You may call it a party beach, and the 10-minute-away Ras Nungwi will be a better alternative if you are looking for seclusion.
When to Visit and How to Reach Nungwi Beach
Because of its equatorial climate, Nungwi is a year-round destination. Nungwi is 58 kilometers away from Stone Town, and a one-way taxi drop costs around 60 USD. To reach Nungwi Beach by public transport, take the local shared van (dalla dalla) no. 116 from dalla dalla station in Darajani. Since the dalla dalla stops in Nungwi village, and from there you have to walk for 10-15 minutes to reach the main Nungwi side. Head in the opposite direction and walk for about 30 minutes for Ras Nungwi and Sazani beaches. Please note that you need to be quite adventurous to get on a dalla dalla. Though very popularly used by the locals, dalla dalla developed as an illegal taxi system in Tanzania. Many are driven quite dangerously, and on my last dalla dalla ride, I shared my bench with a man who boarded with 3 chickens and 1 baby goat, which sat on my lap the entire way.
Where to Stay and Eat
Nungwi has a wide variety of accommodations available. I stayed at the lovely Nungwi House, and a friend of mine practically bargained himself into a local household as a paying guest. There are also Flame Tree Cottages, Jambo Brothers, DoubleTree by Hilton, Mnarani Beach Cottages, and many more. Nungwi Beach is famous for its local seafood, and there are plenty of places to choose from. Langi Langi is supposed to be the most famous, and Mangi’s Bar is very popular.
Things to Do at Nungwi
Apart from walking around the beach, there are plenty of things to do in Nungwi. Visit the local fish market at 6 am to watch the locals bid for the best catch. There is a boat shed next to the fish market where you can watch local dhow making. You can take a boat ride to Mnemba Atoll for some excellent snorkeling, and there are daily sunset cruises which have live local music. The nearby Mnarani turtle aquarium and injured turtle rehabilitation center is pretty interesting too (5 USD entrance fee). Walk around Nungwi Beach, play volleyball or beach ball with the locals in front of the Nungwi Inn Hotel.
Things to Remember
- Though quite popular with tourists, Nungwi is a conservative Muslim village, so keep your bikinis strictly for the beach. When going to the village, try covering your shoulders and knees to respect the local culture.
- Nungwi Beach has two main sides. The main strip is the busy, noisy party zone. Be prepared to get hassled by local beach boys (papasi in Kiswahili)) into buying weed, souvenirs, and sex. You may be targeted more if found traveling alone as a woman. The local women also sometimes hustle you into buying souvenirs, massages, or getting henna painted on your hands. Look out for the Masais in their traditional clothing walking on Nungwi Beach. They usually ask for money for getting their photographs taken.
- Ras Nungwi is the quiet side where you can spend time without getting hassled.
- Try to bring cash in Nungwi. There is NO ATM there. Money exchange is possible in the main village, though the rates are very bad. Usually, a 5% surcharge is imposed on all credit card payments in Tanzania, and most places ask you to pay in Tanzanian Shillings.
- Free wifi is available in many hotels and cafes at Nungwi.
Follow the rest of the Tanzania series
- My overlanding Tanzania trip
- Kenya Tanzania itinerary for 2 weeks
- Safari, wildlife, and an epic road trip
- Serengeti Safari Guide
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area Guide and Safari Tips
- Ngorongoro Crater, the cradle of humanity
- Welcome to Zanzibar
- Stone Town, slave market, and spice gardens
- Zanzibar Travel Guide
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE
Things to Do in Nungwi (with Approximate Prices)
Prices are typical tour rates in US dollars and vary with season and bargaining.
| Activity | Approx. cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset dhow cruise | US$20–40 per person | Book on the beach; drinks often included |
| Mnemba Atoll snorkelling trip | US$40–70 per person | Start early for calm water; marine conservation fee may apply |
| Scuba diving | From about US$60–80 per dive | Several PADI centres on the beach |
| Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond | Small entry fee | Short walk from Nungwi |
| Dhow-building yard | Free to watch | On the beach near the village |
| Day trip to Stone Town | Taxi US$30–50 each way | Combine with a spice tour |
Where to Stay in Nungwi
- West-facing beachfront: best for sunsets and swimming, with lively bars – book a sea-view room.
- East side (towards the lighthouse): quieter boutique resorts and cliff-top views.
- Kendwa (next door): wider, calmer beach and less tidal change; good for families.
- Budget: guesthouses in Nungwi village a few minutes’ walk from the sand.
FAQs
How do I get from Stone Town to Nungwi?
A taxi takes about 1–1.5 hours, while the local dala dala minibus is cheaper but slower. Many hotels also arrange transfers.
Is Nungwi good for swimming?
Yes. Unlike many east-coast beaches, Nungwi has relatively little tidal change, so you can swim at most times of day.
What is the best time to visit Nungwi?
June to October and December to February are the dry seasons with the best beach weather. Avoid the long rains around April and May.
Can you snorkel at Mnemba from Nungwi?
Yes. Boat trips to Mnemba Atoll leave from Nungwi and take around 45–60 minutes each way.
