Are you looking for a quiet place to visit in Zanzibar? Fumba is a peaceful village by the sea, far from the busy tourist areas. You’ll find clean beaches, fresh seafood, and calm views of the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect spot if you want to relax and enjoy nature. To get there, it’s best if you rent a car in Zanzibar. Buses don’t go directly to Fumba, and taxis can be expensive. Our Fumba road trip guide will discuss when to go, what to do, and how to make your trip smooth and unforgettable.
Fumba is not crowded like other parts of Zanzibar. It’s a village on Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. The village is small, but there’s a lot to enjoy if you like the sea, nature, and authentic local culture.
The drive from Zanzibar airport covers around 20 kilometers. Head north and merge onto Nyerere Road. After about 2 kilometers, turn right and follow the signs to Fumba Road. This road takes you to the Fumba Peninsula. The route passes local villages, green landscapes, and open stretches of countryside. Once you reach the end of the road, make a few turns to arrive in Fumba village. It’s an easy drive, especially if you rent a car in Zanzibar right at the airport.
When you visit Fumba, trying the local food is one of the best parts of the trip. Many meals use ingredients that come from the ocean and the land nearby. The cooking stle is simple but rich in flavor, using fresh seafood, local spices, and coconut milk. Here are the most popular foods to try in Fumba:
Octopus curry is made with tender octopus, cooked slowly in coconut milk and a blend of local spices. The result is a thick, creamy sauce that is both flavorful and aromatic. You can usually find this curry in restaurants near the beach, served with rice or flatbread. The balance of spice and sweetness makes it a dish you’ll remember long after your trip.
This local dish is not what most people expect from a pizza. Zanzibari pizza is made using a chapati base, then stuffed with vegetables, seafood, or cheese before being folded and fried. It has a crispy outer layer and a soft, flavorful filling. It is cooked on hot plates in local markets or beach stalls.
Coconut rice is one of the most common side dishes in Fumba. It is soft, slightly sweet, and carries the flavor of fresh coconut milk. It pairs well with grilled seafood like prawns, lobster, or snapper, which are often caught by local fishermen the same day. You can enjoy these meals at beach cafés or places like Fumba Beach Lodge, where the chefs use fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden.
Fumba has many beautiful, quiet, and nature-filled places. Most are easy to reach by car or boat. Make time to enjoy these nearby attractions.
Fumba Beach is the main attraction and the heart of the area. The beach has soft white sand, clear blue water, and an untouched atmosphere. It’s perfect for lying under the sun or swimming gently. You can stretch out on a mat, read a book, or simply relax while listening to the sound of the waves. Watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean here is one of the most calming moments.
Just off the coast of Fumba is the Menai Bay Conservation Area, one of the richest marine zones in Zanzibar. This area is home to dolphins, colorful coral reefs, and many species of tropical fish. You can join a dolphin-watching tour or take a boat to one of the sandbanks and islands inside the bay. It’s also a great place to go snorkeling or diving, especially for beginners. The water is clear, warm, and full of marine life.
The Mchangani Mangrove Boardwalk is a peaceful place to walk and learn about the local ecosystem. The wooden path winds through lush mangrove forests, where you can see how these trees protect the coastline and support marine life. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching, quiet reflection, and taking photos. This boardwalk is visited less often than other attractions.
Visiting Fumba Village lets you experience daily life in a small coastal community. You can walk through local markets, talk with friendly residents, and sample street food that is freshly cooked. You might join a local football match or watch schoolchildren on their way home.
Fumba Rock is a good place for a short hike and panoramic views. From the top, you’ll see the coastline and the Indian Ocean stretching into the distance. It’s a natural lookout that is perfect for sunrise or sunset photos. The walk there also takes you through quiet paths, making it a nice way to enjoy Fumba’s natural setting.
You don’t have to just sit on the beach in Fumba. The area is full of outdoor activities that give you a closer look at nature and island life. From ocean adventures to cultural visits, Fumba offers many ways to stay active and learn something new. Everything is nearby, and you can reach each spot easily with a car.
One of the most popular things to do in Fumba is the Menai Bay boat tour. It often includes seeing dolphins swimming and jumping near the boat. These are usually bottlenose or humpback dolphins, and watching them in the wild is something you won’t forget. After the dolphin viewing, the boat stops near a sandbank or small island where you can go snorkeling. The reef below is full of bright coral, colorful fish, and other sea life. Many tours end with a beach barbecue, where you can enjoy grilled seafood and fresh tropical fruit under the sun.
For those who love diving, Ukombe Reef is one of the best places to explore near Fumba. It stretches 8 kilometers on the ocean and is just a short boat ride from the beach. The reef starts at a shallow depth of 3 meters and goes down to about 18 meters, making it suitable for all diving levels. During the right season, you’ll find various fish, soft corals, anemones, and sometimes even humpback whales. The reef is especially rich in macro life like seahorses, nudibranchs, and rare fish species. Local dive centers offer certified PADI diving courses and guided trips for new and experienced divers.
The Fumba Peninsula is also a paradise for bird watchers. More than 50 species of birds can be seen here, especially around the mangrove forests and wetlands. Some of the most beautiful birds include the Mangrove Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, and the Paradise Flycatcher. Their songs fill the air, making each walk a peaceful experience. You don’t need to go far. Many birds can be seen near the mangrove boardwalk, the coast, or your lodge. This is a chance for nature lovers to observe rare birds in their natural habitat.
You can rent kayaks or windsurfers from local lodges like Fumba Beach Lodge to stay active on the water. The waters near the shore are calm and safe, perfect for paddling along the coast. You can explore hidden coves, spot fish in shallow areas, or enjoy the sun from your kayak. Windsurfing is best in the afternoon when the breeze picks up, giving you a gentle push across the surface.
Fumba Beach Lodge has a restored Zanzibari dhow boat called Sherazade. It offers sailing trips that give you a view of the area from the sea. These cruises take you around Menai Bay, past mangrove forests, and sometimes to small islands like Komonda and Pungume. You can go swimming, enjoy a picnic, or sit on the deck and watch the waves.
If you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful place to stay in Zanzibar, Fumba Beach Lodge is one of the best options. It is on a protected part of the Fumba Peninsula inside the Menai Beach Conservation Area, surrounded by tropical forest, mangroves, and the clear Indian Ocean. The lodge is known for its privacy, eco-friendly design, and relaxing atmosphere.
Fumba Beach Lodge offers 26 spacious rooms, giving guests privacy and comfort. You can choose between 20 deluxe bandas, 4 luxury suites, and 2 Baobab Suites. All rooms have king-sized beds, mosquito nets, and private terraces with ocean or garden views. The Baobab Suites are especially unique. They are built around a 300-year-old baobab tree, with open-air bathrooms and direct beach access. The luxury suites also include outdoor showers, private rooftops, and large soaking tubs, making them perfect for romantic stays.
The Baobab Spa is one of the highlights of the lodge. It’s built around the same ancient tree and offers various treatments. You can choose from deep tissue massages, facials, body scrubs, and even relax in a Jacuzzi built into the tree. Many spa products use natural island ingredients like vanilla, clove, frangipani, and sea salt.
Dining at the lodge is a full experience. The chefs use herbs and vegetables from the lodge garden and buy seafood from local fishermen. Meals are served in an open-air restaurant, and the menu includes grilled fish, lobster, fresh fruits, and tropical desserts. The food is a mix of African and Mediterranean flavors.
Fumba Beach Lodge offers a long list of activities for guests who want to explore. You can rent a kayak, go windsurfing, or book a traditional dhow cruise. The lodge’s boat Sherazade takes guests on scenic tours through Menai Bay, stopping at nearby islands like Komonda and Pungume, where you can swim, picnic, or walk along the beach.
If you are interested in wildlife, join whale-watching tours in August and September. If you prefer to stay on land, the lodge also arranges day trips to Stone Town, where you can visit historic sites and learn about Zanzibar’s mixed cultures. Other popular trips include tours to the Jozani Forest, home of the rare red colobus monkey, and local spice farms where you can smell and taste the island’s famous spices. There’s also a full-service dive center for guests who want to explore Ukombe Reef. The diving team includes certified instructors offering PADI courses for all skill levels.
Fumba is a peaceful place to visit all year, but hotel prices and crowd levels can change depending on the season. Some months offer lower prices and fewer visitors, while others bring higher demand and busier beaches.
The cheapest time to visit Fumba is between December and February. Hotel rates are usually at their lowest during these months, and the weather is still warm and pleasant. This makes it an excellent time for travelers who want to relax without spending too much. Fumba is also quieter at this time, so you can enjoy calm beaches, shorter wait times, and more personal service at local restaurants and lodges.
If you visit Fumba from June to August, expect higher hotel prices. This is the peak tourist season, and many visitors arrive during school holidays and warm summer months. Hotels and lodges tend to fill up quickly, especially places like Fumba Beach Lodge. If you plan to visit during this time, book early to find the best rooms and avoid last-minute price increases.
No matter the time of year, book your hotel and rent a car in Zanzibar as early as possible. Early planning helps you get the best deals and allows more time to enjoy Fumba’s natural beauty, local food, quiet roads, and coastal adventures without the stress of last-minute decisions.
Fumba Town shows a new way of living on the Swahili coast. It is a modern place built with eco-friendly ideas. The town is quiet and safe, focused on community and nature. Houses are built to save energy, rooftops have plants, and cool walkways are shaded. The town is easy to walk around or explore by bike.
You’ll find local markets, coffee spots, wellness centers, and co-working spaces. These are designed for locals and long-stay visitors who want more than just a quick holiday. Fumba Town is a great place to connect with others, learn about permaculture practices, and enjoy a slower pace of life near the ocean. Weekly events and cultural programs make the town feel alive without being busy. If you're visiting Fumba, take time to explore here. It shows how urban development can be done with care for people and nature.
Ready to visit Fumba? Every moment counts, whether you're watching dolphins, exploring coral reefs, or strolling through the village markets. To simplify things, you can rent a car with Final Rentals online a few days before arrival. We offer fair prices, a range of vehicles, and hassle-free pick-up right by Zanzibar Airport.
