Nungwi, at the northern tip of Zanzibar, is one of the island’s favourite beach villages — and it’s where our team is based. Unlike many Zanzibar beaches, the sea here stays deep enough to swim at any tide, and the sunsets over the Indian Ocean are famous. Here are the best things to do in Nungwi, from our local point of view.
1. Swim with sea turtles at Baraka Aquarium
At the Baraka Natural Aquarium, you can swim with and feed rescued green sea turtles in a natural lagoon fed by the ocean. It’s one of the most family-friendly experiences on the island.
2. Watch the sunset from a dhow
Nungwi faces west, so it’s one of the best places in Zanzibar for sunset. Board a traditional wooden dhow for a sunset cruise with drinks and music as the sky turns gold.
3. Discover Nungwi village and the Fukuchani ruins
Nungwi has been a dhow-building village for generations, and you’ll often see boats being shaped by hand on the beach. Our Nungwi cultural tour takes you through village life and also visits the 16th-century Fukuchani ruins and caves on the way north.
4. Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll
Zanzibar’s best snorkeling spot is a short trip from Nungwi. Join our Mnemba Atoll snorkeling trip for coral gardens, turtles and a good chance of dolphins.
5. Walk to Kendwa Beach
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is a long stretch of white sand with calm water. At low tide you can walk along the shore between the two villages.
6. Try deep sea fishing
The deep water between Zanzibar and Pemba is famous for big game fishing. Our deep sea fishing trips go out for marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado.
7. Day trip to Stone Town and the spice farms
Stone Town is about an hour and a quarter from Nungwi by road. Combine the Stone Town tour with a spice tour for a full day of history and flavour, or add Prison Island to meet the giant tortoises.
8. Go diving
The reefs off the north of the island are excellent for beginners and experienced divers alike. Ask us about diving and snorkeling in Zanzibar.
Getting to Nungwi
Nungwi is about 1 hour 20 minutes by road from Zanzibar Airport. Our airport transfers to Nungwi and Kendwa are a fixed $40 per vehicle — book on WhatsApp in seconds.
Where to stay
Our north coast holiday packages combine a Nungwi or Kendwa beach hotel with the island’s top tours.
Plan your Zanzibar trip with us
We’re a local tour operator based in Nungwi. Tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the best tours for your trip — message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry.