Nungwi Zanzibar Holidays
Nungwi
Holidays
Zanzibar's most popular beach village — powder-white sand, turquoise water, dhow sunsets and the best nightlife on the island
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Flight Time
9h from London (via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam)
Best Time
June to October, December to February
Country
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Suppliers
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Nungwi Holiday Guide
Nungwi is Zanzibar's most popular and lively beach destination — a traditional fishing village at the northern tip of the island with powder-white sand, turquoise water and the best sunset views on the island. The water doesn't disappear at low tide, making it the best beach for swimming at any time of day.
The Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary is a natural tidal pool where you can swim with green and hawksbill turtles — a magical experience. Dhow sunset cruises (approximately £25–35) are one of the most romantic experiences in Zanzibar. The coral reefs off the northern tip are excellent for snorkelling and diving.
The beach bar scene is the best in Zanzibar — cold Kilimanjaro beer, fresh coconut cocktails and excellent grilled seafood as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. The traditional dhow-building on the beach is extraordinary to watch.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is June to October (dry, cooler) and December to February (dry, hot). We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best deals, with the FIBI discount applied automatically.
Popular Areas in Nungwi
Average Temperatures
Jan
30°C
Feb
31°C
Mar
30°C
Apr
28°C
May
26°C
Jun
25°C
Jul
24°C
Aug
25°C
Sep
26°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
29°C
Dec
30°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Nungwi
The beaches, turtles, diving and sunsets that make Nungwi Zanzibar's most popular and rewarding beach destination.
The Beach — No Tidal Retreat
Nungwi's greatest advantage over other Zanzibar beaches is that the water doesn't disappear at low tide — the beach faces west and the tidal range is minimal, meaning you can swim at any time of day. The sand is powder-white and the water is a brilliant turquoise. The beach stretches for several kilometres and is lined with beach bars, sunbeds and water sports operators.
Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary
The Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond, at the western end of Nungwi beach, is a natural tidal pool that serves as a sanctuary for green and hawksbill turtles. Visitors can swim with the turtles in the pool — a magical experience. The sanctuary rescues injured turtles and releases them back into the ocean when they have recovered. Entry costs approximately £3.
Dhow Sunset Cruises
Dhow sunset cruises from Nungwi are one of the most romantic and memorable experiences in Zanzibar — traditional wooden sailing dhows sail along the northern coast as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, with snorkelling stops at coral reefs and a fresh seafood dinner on board. The cruises depart from the beach at approximately 3pm and return at sunset. Cost approximately £25–35 per person.
Snorkelling & Diving
Nungwi has excellent snorkelling and diving — the coral reefs off the northern tip of Zanzibar are among the best in East Africa, with excellent visibility, abundant fish life and occasional encounters with whale sharks and dolphins. The Mnemba Atoll (a 45-minute boat ride) is the finest dive site in Zanzibar. PADI courses are available from several dive centres on the beach.
Beach Bars & Sunset Drinks
Nungwi has the best beach bar scene in Zanzibar — a string of bars along the beach serving cold Kilimanjaro beer, fresh coconut cocktails and excellent seafood. Langi Langi, Nungwi Inn and the Flame Tree Cottages beach bar are all excellent. The sunset from Nungwi beach is extraordinary — the sky turns orange and pink as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean.
Traditional Fishing Village
Nungwi is still a working fishing village — the beach is shared between tourists and the local fishing community, and the sight of traditional wooden dhows being built and repaired on the beach is extraordinary. The dhow builders use techniques unchanged for centuries. The fish market in the village is at its most atmospheric in the early morning when the fishing boats return.
Fresh Seafood
Nungwi has the finest fresh seafood in Zanzibar — grilled lobster, crab, prawns, octopus and fresh fish, all caught that morning by the local fishing boats. The beach restaurants serve seafood at prices far below equivalent restaurants in Europe. The Nungwi Night Market (held on the beach most evenings) is excellent for grilled seafood and local Zanzibari food.
Water Sports
Nungwi has the best water sports in Zanzibar — kitesurfing (the northern tip of the island has consistent winds), windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and deep-sea fishing are all available. The water sports operators on the beach are well-equipped and professional. Kitesurfing lessons cost approximately £40 per hour.
Explore Nungwi on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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