Nungwi

About Nungwi

Nungwi sits at Zanzibar's northernmost tip, and its position gives it a rare advantage over the rest of the island's coastline: because it lies outside the main tidal reef system, the sea here stays swimmable at any hour, rather than retreating far out at low tide as it does along the east coast. That, combined with some of Zanzibar's best sunsets, has made it the island's most developed resort area.

What to Expect

Alongside its beach resorts, Nungwi retains a working dhow-building tradition -- craftsmen still construct the traditional wooden sailing boats by hand on the beach much as they have for generations. The Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond, a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary, sits right at the point, and the surrounding reefs are a popular base for snorkeling and diving trips. Nungwi also has Zanzibar's liveliest nightlife, with beachfront bars and restaurants drawing a younger crowd than the quieter south and east coasts.

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons from June to October and December to February bring the calmest seas and best diving visibility, though Nungwi's tide-free swimming makes it a reliable choice throughout the year.

Getting to Nungwi

Nungwi is about an hour's drive from Zanzibar's airport and Stone Town, and pairs naturally with a Stone Town visit or diving trip to nearby Mnemba Atoll.

Good to Know

Nungwi works well as either a full beach-holiday base or a shorter final stop after touring Stone Town and other parts of the island, thanks to its concentration of restaurants, dive centers, and evening entertainment within easy walking distance of most hotels.

Many visitors split their Zanzibar time between Nungwi and Stone Town, or between Nungwi and the quieter east coast, using Nungwi's dive centers as a base for exploring nearby reefs before relaxing on its beaches for the rest of the stay.