All About Nungwi, Zanzibar
- madiartymko
- Jul 11, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 3
When researching Zanzibar to start planning your trip, you’ll often see people say that Nungwi is the best area to go, has the best beaches, and is the best for swimming.
I both agree and disagree with this - after living in Nungwi for a full year, I can share the best places to stay and where to spend the day away from the crowds and chaos!
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The main stretch of Nungwi is the busiest and most commercial beach on the island. It almost feels like a beach in Cancun - packed with tourists; vendors and "beach boys" approaching trying to sell you anything and everything; and local entertainers stopping to put on acrobatic shows. For this reason, I didn't enjoy spending too much time in Nungwi - until now!
Over the past few months multiple new spots have opened that are changing the entire vibe of Nungwi! Keep reading below for the best beach clubs for day passes, restaurants to visit, and where to stay.
Nungwi is the Northern tip of Zanzibar Island, and somehow isn’t as affected by the tides as other areas. This is why people say Nungwi is the best beach and for swimming, because you can see the blue water all day long, and the tide doesn’t go out as far to prevent you from swimming. Keep in mind during certain seasons, there is still seaweed when the tide goes lower.
As you walk to Nungwi beach you'll find lots of souvenir shops, currency exchange and small convenience stores. There is a mix of nightlife for both locals and tourists; but a lot of local bars where I wouldn't recommend frequenting late at night; as people party into the late hours of the night/early hours of the morning, and are known to get quite belligerent and unpredictable by these spots.
Keep this in mind if you're staying at a more budget accommodation in the heart of Nungwi village - you'll likely hear loud music and partying throughout the night!
Scroll down for my recommendations on where to stay - all away from this noise and chaos!
Nungwi is on the sunset side of the island, so you can watch the stunning sunset from the beach, or do a popular sunset cruise!
Guide to Hotels in Nungwi
With over 600 hotels on the island of Zanzibar, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one!
I use Booking.com to book all my hotels. After a few bookings, I gained Genius status so I now get 10%-20% extra off my nightly stays!! You can filter for properties that don't require pre-payment or a credit card hold as well, and they have flexible cancellation options.
Here are my recommendations for the best hotels to stay in Nungwi.
I've personally stayed at all of these properties myself!
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Day Passes in Nungwi
There are limited beachfront hotels in Nungwi, and many more located second line from the beach or more deep in the village. If you don't have the budget to stay at a beachfront property, don't worry! These stunning beachfront spots offer day passes for a minimum spend:
For $30 USD per person, you get access to the property including the large infinity pool, beach area, steps down to the sandbanks, and restaurant. You'll be given a towel, sunbed, and access to outdoor and indoor showers. The $30 fee is redeemable for food and drinks. Note this property is adults only (16+).
A modern, Bali-inspired beach club with fun decor and photo-ops. Different levels of options, based on which seating you would like - deposits are fully redeemable for food and drinks. DJ sets throughout the week, and a stunning sunset view await you here.
Sun Lounger - $20 USD per person
Island Lounger - $150 USD for up to 4 people
Front Row Sofa - $150 USD for 2-3 people
Brand new European style beach club, cliff-side in Kidoti - about 10-15 min drive from Nungwi beach. No beach access from this property, but they do have stunning sunset views.
They charge for sunbed use - and these charges are not redeemable for any food or drinks.
Pool Sunbeds - $40 USD - maximum 2 people
Umbrella Sunbeds - $30 USD - maximum 2 people
Sofa - $20 USD
The Best Activities & Tours in Nungwi
Horseback Riding
Sunset Cruise
Skydiving
Mnemba Island
Flying Dress Shoot
Seawalk
These tours and activities are close-by Nungwi, but there is so much to see on the island!
Read my blog on my recommended 10 Bucket List Activities in Zanzibar for more!
Restaurants in Nungwi
Important to Note
Be Weary of the "Beach Boys"
The “beach boys” in Zanzibar refers to the guys on the beach who will start chatting and end up following you on your entire beach walk trying to sell you a tour or an item. In worst cases, they will try to sell you drugs.
If you want to chat to the beach boys, that’s totally your call! They are usually very friendly, funny and entertaining. If they are making you uncomfortable, say no thank you (“hapana asante” in Swahili) and then start to fully ignore them.
Buying items from the beach boys will likely be way more expensive that they should be, and not authentically handmade. But that is your choice!
I will warn you about booking tours through anyone you meet while walking through town or on the beach though. These might be reliable, legitimate tour operators, but under no circumstances should you pay in advance for a tour. It's a common scam that when you pay in advance, your number gets blocked minutes later, and you’ll never hear from this person again, let alone get your money back.
Check out my other guides on different areas of Zanzibar!
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