Looking for one of the best road trips in Zanzibar?
Northern Zanzibar stands out from the west, east, and south with its perfect blend of vibrant beach life and laid-back village charm. While the west is known for Stone Town’s history, the north offers calm swimming waters, dramatic sunsets, and some of the island’s liveliest coastal towns like Nungwi and Kendwa. For American travelers, renting a car in Zanzibar gives you the freedom to explore this northern stretch without waiting on group tours. It’s the easiest way to turn your beach vacation into a real adventure.
The northern Zanzibar road trip is a great way to explore the island’s best beaches and swimmable tides. This region also has the highest concentration of beach resorts. Whether you're chasing sunsets in Kendwa or learning local history in fishing villages, here are the top places to visit in northern Zanzibar.
Nungwi is one of the most developed villages in northern Zanzibar. It is located about 58 km from Stone Town, and it takes roughly 1.5 hours to drive there. The beach here is ideal for swimming all day, thanks to minimal tidal changes. You’ll also find plenty of water-based tours like snorkeling trips to nearby coral reefs and sunset dhow cruises leave regularly from the main beach area.
While in the village, visit the Mnarani Turtle Conservation Pond, a small lagoon where injured and baby sea turtles are cared for. It’s open daily, and the entry fee supports their work. Just a short drive away, the Nungwi Lighthouse offers a great coastal viewpoint. The structure dates back to the colonial period and is still used for navigation. The path to the lighthouse is walkable from the beach, or you can drive and park nearby.
Unlike many beaches on the island, Kendwa's shoreline is unaffected by extreme tides because of its unique geographic location and gentle beach gradient.Kendwa offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunset dhow cruises. For those seeking adventure, options like jet ski experiences and clear kayak tours are available. The area is also famous for its full moon parties, which are held on the first Saturday after each full moon. Accommodations range from luxury resorts like Zuri Zanzibar to more budget-friendly hotels, all within walking distance of the beach.
Mkokotoni is one of the best cultural stops on a northern Zanzibar road trip. Located about 36 km north of Stone Town, it’s a small seaport town where most locals rely on fishing to make a living. The Mkokotoni Seaport is lined with homes and small stalls, and every morning, fishermen return with their catch.
Visitors can observe the lively trading of various fish species at the Mkokotoni Fish Market, including anchovies, locally known as dagaa, a staple in the Zanzibari diet. The market is busiest at dawn, with colorful boats unloading fresh seafood straight onto the dock. It’s one of the most authentic ways to witness daily life on the island. Roads to Mkokotoni are paved and accessible by car, with parking near the harbor. There are no hotels in town, but it's a rewarding stop before heading further north.
Kinyasini is a lively inland village about 30 km northeast of Stone Town and around 18 km south of Nungwi. The drive takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes from either direction, and the main roads are paved and easy to follow.
The heart of Kinyasini is its open-air market, known for connecting the island’s inland farmers with coastal fishermen. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood to seasonal fruits, local spices like cloves and cardamom, and handmade household goods. The market runs daily, but the busiest days are Wednesdays and Saturdays, when traders from neighboring villages arrive early.
Just 5 km from Nungwi, the Tazari Caves are one of Zanzibar's largest limestone cave systems. Although officially mapped in 2013, locals have known them for generations. Their structure allows cool underground air to flow naturally, which creates natural air conditioning.
Guided tours last 1 to 2 hours and take you through rooms shaped by ancient groundwater and lined with stalactites and stalagmites. The caves also hold deep cultural meaning. Locals believe they were once used as hiding spots during the slave trade and speak of Swahili myths tied to spirits, hidden treasure, and healing springs. If you plan to visit, wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight, and carry cash for entry.
Fukuchani Ruins and Coral Caves sit quietly about 11 km south of Nungwi. These ruins date back to the 16th century, with what locals call the “Portuguese House,” a coral rag building believed to have been built by Portuguese settlers over an older Shirazi site. You’ll notice pointed stone arches, thick walls, and even small gun slits, showing its defensive past. Though partly restored and now covered with a roof, the site remains peaceful and rarely crowded, giving you space to explore at your own pace.
A natural coral cave with a freshwater pool inside is next to the ruins. You can dip or enjoy the cool cave air. Getting here by car from Stone Town takes about an hour, with paved roads and signposts leading the way. Tour groups often skip this spot because it’s not heavily advertised and sits slightly off the main tourist trail.
Nungwi is more than just a beach town. It’s also home to the Mnarani Natural Aquarium, a lagoon-based turtle sanctuary just steps from the shore at the northern tip of Zanzibar. The Mnarani Aquarium rescues injured sea turtles and raises hatchlings before releasing them into the ocean.
You can watch feedings, learn about turtle conservation, and even help release turtles during certain times of year. Entrance costs around $5 to $10 USD, and you can park nearby on a road trip through the north. There are two essential tips for visiting. Don’t wear anything green, as turtles may mistake it for food and bite. Also, avoid using sunscreen or body lotion before stepping into the lagoon. Chemicals can wash off and harm the turtles.
Tumbatu Island sits just off the northwest coast of Zanzibar and is only accessible by local boat from Mkokotoni or Nungwi. The island is known for its ancient Shirazi ruins, traditional Swahili architecture, and deep cultural roots. These ruins date back to around the 11th or 12th century, built by settlers of Persian (Shirazi) origin who were among the first Muslims on the island. These ruins include old coral-stone mosques, graves, and foundations of Swahili-stle homes.
Unlike more touristy areas, Tumbatu has strict rules for visitors. You must obtain permission from the village community before stepping ashore. Because of its protected status, the island sees very few outsiders. This has helped preserve both the culture and the environment. A boat ride to Tumbatu takes about 30 minutes, and local operators in Mkokotoni can help arrange trips.
Located 2 km north of Fukuchani, Mwana wa Mwana is one of northern Zanzibar’s most peaceful beaches. It’s perfect for travelers seeking quiet, swimmable shores without the crowd. The sand is soft and white, and the water stays calm, especially at high tide. With no big resorts nearby, it feels like a secret spot only locals know.
Mwana wa Mwana is also a favorite local dive site. The reef here ranges from 2 to 15 meters deep, making it ideal for snorkeling and shallow diving. The name means “baby of the baby” in Swahili, and at low tide, it connects by sandbank to nearby Tumbatu Island. Divers and snorkelers can spot seahorses, silverfish, cuttlefish, scorpion fish, lionfish, nudibranchs, moray eels, octopus, and leaf fish in these waters. The site is reached via a short detour off the Kendwa–Fukuchani road, with nearby parking.
Kigomani is a fishing village located about 8 km south of Matemwe and around 47 km northeast of Stone Town. It’s an easy 20-minute drive from Matemwe. There's a small open area near the entrance where you can park your rental car, though the roads narrow as you enter the village.
The shoreline in Kigomani is known for its active seaweed farming, one of Zanzibar’s most important coastal livelihoods. At low tide, you can walk right up to the rows of staked seaweed lines, often maintained by groups of local women. This is also an excellent spot for photography, with clear views of Mnemba Island in the distance and traditional fishing boats lining the shore.
While the beach is not ideal for swimming due to coral and seaweed beds, it offers a more authentic experience of Zanzibar’s coastal culture, away from commercial resorts and crowds. The village has no formal visitor facilities, so bring your own water and snacks.
Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve is a stunning sandbank that appears only during low tide. The beach offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs.
Tours to Nakupenda often include snorkeling gear, beach umbrellas, and a seafood lunch featuring grilled shrimp, squid, lobster, and fresh tropical fruits. The sandbank is only accessible by boat and is best visited during low tide when fully exposed. Many tours also combine a visit to Prison Island (Changuu Island).
Driving in Zanzibar can be fun, but it’s important to adjust to local conditions. First, remember to drive on the left side of the road, as Zanzibar follows British driving rules. American travelers in Zanzibar should carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Police checkpoints are frequent, and you’ll be asked to show both. When planning your route, it’s best to fuel up in larger towns like Stone Town or Mkokotoni, as smaller villages often don’t have gas stations.
Northern Zanzibar is a great place for a road trip if you want both fun and quiet moments. You’ll find lively beaches, calm villages, and secret caves to explore. There are so many things to do in northern Zanzibar, like snorkeling near Mnemba, seeing seaweed farms in Kigomani, or visiting old ruins in Fukuchani. Renting a car is the best way to see it all. With Finalrentals, you can pick your vehicle, enter travel dates, and get instant confirmation online. It's the smoothest way to explore the island on your own time.
