Nungwi

Travel Guide

Nungwi
Nungwi Beach featuring general coastal views
Nungwi Beach featuring a pool, general coastal views and a luxury hotel or resort
Nungwi Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes
Nungwi Beach featuring food

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
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! (329 reviews)
"From the staff to the amenities and the beach everything it’s perfect thank you very much"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
My Blue Hotel
My Blue Hotel
4 out of 5
Nungwi Beach, Nungwi
The price is P10,879 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P10,879
P13,074 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Nungwi. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (113 reviews)
"Great stay! The rooms are comfortable and clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. The grounds are very well kept and the pools are sparkling. Highly recommend staying at My Blue Hotel!"

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025

My Blue Hotel
Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar - All Inclusive - Adults Only
Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar - All Inclusive - Adults Only
5 out of 5
Nungwi Road, Nungwi
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (653 reviews)
"We will be back."

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar - All Inclusive - Adults Only
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
"Very good property. Literally a minute away from the beach. Very welcoming and friendly staff. They did their best to make our stay comfortable. Also the complimentary breakfast at Mahi Mahi was also good. I will recommend this place to my friends and family. Try to book room 7 or 8 for the best ..."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Aluna Beach Apartments
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
4.5 out of 5
Zanzibar, Nungwi, Unguja North Region
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Nungwi. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach ...
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
Misonobarini Sweet Villa
Nungwi
Stay at this villa in Nungwi. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and slippers. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located nearby.
"The room wasn’t very clean, bathroom very run down. The host was lovely and booked excursions. But personally I think the property needs some upgrades for the price. Air con, fans, new bathrooms"

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2025

Misonobarini Sweet Villa
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.

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