Nungwi is considered the “best beach” of Zanzibar…but it has it’s pros and cons!
Nungwi definitely has the best water for swimming. Zanzibar is a very tidal island and Nungwi is in the Northern tip, and somehow less affected by the tides.
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In some areas at low tide you can walk out for kilometres until reaching water deep enough to swim in, and you’d have to wear water shoes to avoid sharp rocks and things like sea urchins. But in Nungwi, at low tide it’s barely a difference and you can still swim.
Nungwi also has some of the best sunsets on the island, as it’s the only area on the same side that get sunset as Stone Town.
But Nungwi is definitely the busiest area - and with more tourists, comes more beach boys trying to sell you tours, souvenirs, and even drugs. Some bars stay open all throughout the night playing loud music.
But I’ve found 3 hotels in the Nungwi area that still give you that amazing view of turquoise blue water, but without the chaos of tourists, beach boys, and noise from bars all night.
Keep reading to find out more about these stunning properties and links to book - a different hotel for each price point!
Nungwi Dreams is my favourite go-to spot in Nungwi. After living here so long, I am really tired of the beach boys and chaos of Nungwi, but Nungwi Dreams is around the corner and away from allll of that.
This is definitely a quiet, luxury stay, with modern rooms, incredible welcoming staff, and delicious food. They have two infinity pools looking over the ocean, a poolside restaurant and bar, an upstairs restaurant, and SkyBar - a rooftop bar where you can watch the sunset, have snacks and drinks, and even movie nights!
Nightly rates stay under $300 USD, changing slightly depending on season.
The quality and standards are so high at Nungwi Dreams I’m still shocked by the price per night.
Safaya Luxury Villas is a small little piece of paradise.
Located closer to the busier area of Nungwi, but still around the corner, Safaya offers you you’re own space of the beautiful beach with a small private plunge pool and lounge area. They have sun-beds on the beach you can use, and some swings that are perfect for photos!
They have a security guard at the beach at all times, so no outside guests can come close to the lounge area or your villa, keeping you safe and secure.
They have one restaurant and offer extras like a floating breakfast and romantic beach dinner.
We were lucky to do both, and both were delicious!! Their chef is definitely talented…the food was honestly amazing, and with the romantic beach dinner being 4 courses I was stuffed!!
The rooms are aesthetic and clean, with a boho style to them that’s really well done. Even though it’s simple, it’s clean and comfortable, and still modern in it’s style.
The rates per night start at $290 USD and go up to $600 USD depending on season.
Keep in mind they are adults only and don’t serve alcohol.
SafiraBlu is a different level of its own.
Once you drive down the long, bumpy, dirt road, you’ll see why - your jaw will drop as you drive through the gates and property.
The sheer size of it all is the most overwhelming your first time through the gates, but just wait until you get to your villa!
SafiraBlu is villas only and high on the scale of luxury and personalized service.
The villas are either one floor or two, with one or two bedroom options. Some of them have their own private beach with steps right from your villa. Every villa has a bathtub with ocean views, and an outdoor jacuzzi hot tub.
The most magical part of SafiraBlu is the privacy - the property itself cannot really be physically accessed by walking along the beach on either side, so you’re totally protected from both tourists and locals walking by or disturbing your peace and relaxation.
The main pool is stunning, with 5 different levels of infinity pool leading into the other. Lounge chairs with canopies throughout, and sunken beds in the first level of the water.
They have two dining options - a beach bar, Drunken Monkey (you’ll see why from the decor!) and a more upscale dining restaurant - BluFire. And of course in villa dining is always an option.
A gym, spa, clear kayaks, full spice garden for tours, optional activities like a beach picnic, Maasai show, painting class from a local expert, movie night on the beach, and more.
You’ll be constantly in awe of this property, but this price reflects that!
Rates start at $900 USD per night and go up to $3000 USD per night (during high season and holidays like New Years!) but the price depends on which villa and season.
With over 700 hotels on the island, there may be more quiet spots in Nungwi I haven't been to yet - but I am only showing you hotels that I have physically stayed in, otherwise I wouldn’t feel right recommending them!
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.
Check out my other guides on specific areas of Zanzibar!
Stone Town - Central Zanzibar City | Kiwengwa - East Zanzibar | Nungwi - North Zanzibar | Jambiani - South Zanzibar
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