Nungwi is one of the most famous destinations on the northern tip of Zanzibar. It is well known for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water, and lively atmosphere with village life and modern resorts. Before you arrive, think about how you want to get around the island. It’s best to rent a car, especially if you plan to move between Nungwi, Kendwa, and Stone Town. Driving from the airport takes about 90 minutes to a few hours. Our Nungwi travel guide will give you an overview of what to expect when you visit. You’ll learn about the area, its highlights, and what makes it stand out in Zanzibar.
Unlike the east coast of Zanzibar, Nungwi is located on the island's northern tip. Tides in Nungwi Beach are stable, so swimming and enjoying water sports are possible throughout the day. As one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, families with children enjoy the shallow entrance and calm water. The reef is also close to shore, so divers and snorkellers do not need long boat rides.
Sunsets on Nungwi Beach are one of the best sights. The village sits at the northern tip of Zanzibar, so you will face directly to the west, where the Indian Ocean glows with deep orange and pink colours as the sun goes down. The sight of dhow boats often frames this with white triangular sails catching the evening light.
Nungwi is not only about resorts and hotels. The village life is active here, and you will be able to see the real side of Zanzibar. The fish market is a lively spot where fishermen bring in their catch each morning. Skilled craftsmen carve and hammer traditional wooden boats in the dhow-building yards using age-old methods. Walking through the town, you’ll find women weaving colourful baskets, men selling fruit such as mangoes and pineapples, and children playing football on sandy streets.
The best time to visit Nungwi is during the dry seasons from January to March, then again from June to October, and also in December and February. These months give you long sunny days, with air temperatures climbing above 30°C and the Indian Ocean staying at a warm 27°C. The water is usually calm and crystal-clear, making it the ideal season for activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and swimming confidently at any time of day.
The peak season attracts many visitors because Nungwi is one of the island’s most popular beaches. The busiest months are June to August, when many Europeans arrive during summer holidays, and again in December and January, when the festive season brings lively celebrations and cultural events. Expect higher hotel rates, busier restaurants, and more crowded beaches during these times.
If you visit outside the peak period, you will find a calmer pace. Prices for hotels and excursions are lower, and the beaches are less crowded. You might experience short rain showers, especially in the shoulder months. Many travellers enjoy this time because they can still enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds, and the full beauty of Nungwi.
Reaching Nungwi Beach from Abeid Amani Karume Airport or Stone Town usually takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and police checkpoints. The road north is well-paved, passing through Mkokotoni and Kinyasini, where you see lively village life with locals selling pineapples, mangoes, and fresh fish.
The most flexible way to travel is to rent a car in Zanzibar. With your car, you can stop along the way, explore side roads, or visit fruit markets. Unlike other parts of the island, Nungwi has reliable roads. You can also drive with detours to places like Pwani Mchangani or Kendwa, which are close to the main route. Having a car makes it easier to manage luggage, travel on your schedule, and avoid waiting for shared vehicles to fill up.
Other transport options include private transfers, which take you straight to your hotel but often cost more than renting; shared shuttles, which are cheaper but slower as they carry groups of tourists; taxis, which are easy to find though prices must be agreed before the trip; and dala-dalas, the crowded public minibuses that are very cheap but unreliable and much slower due to frequent stops.
Nungwi is one of Zanzibar’s most visited villages because it combines a lively beach scene with cultural and marine activities. Here are some of the best activities to do in Nungwi:
One of the main reasons tourists come here is the beach. The sand is soft and white, and the water stays clear throughout the day. You can relax on a sunbed, take long walks, or enjoy a swim without interruption from tides. During low tide, you can also explore coves and small rock formations that feel more private. You can walk the 2-kilometer stretch from Nungwi to Kendwa Beach. It is especially lovely during low tide and gives you another view of the coastline.
For divers, Nungwi is one of the best bases in Zanzibar. You can join dive shops that organise trips to Mnemba Atoll, Leven Bank, Tumbatu Island, and Kendwa Reef. The reefs are full of colourful coral, tropical fish, and sometimes even turtles and dolphins. Dive centres offer courses for beginners, refresher dives, and advanced trips. Equipment rental is available at some shops.
A traditional dhow cruise is one of the most popular activities. At sunset, the boats sail out with travellers relaxing on cushions, listening to drums, or simply enjoying the quiet sound of waves. In the early morning, you can also watch fishermen pushing their dhows into the sea, a timeless daily scene.
If you prefer adventure, Nungwi has many options. You can try kitesurfing or windsurfing, with steady winds of 12 to 20 knots between June and August. Jet skiing and parasailing are also available along the coast. For the extreme traveller, skydiving at nearby Kendwa Beach offers a 35-second free fall over turquoise waters.
Walking through Nungwi village gives you a closer look at local life. You can join tours that include stops at weaving groups where women make colourful bags and mats, or visit the busy fish market where fishermen sell the day’s catch. The dhow-building yards are also worth visiting, where craftsmen use old methods to build strong wooden boats. Local restaurants serve affordable meals compared to beach resorts.
Nungwi has two turtle centres. The Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond, started in 1993, rescues turtles caught in nets and cares for hatchlings before releasing them into the ocean. You can see different sizes of turtles in the lagoon and learn about their protection. Visit the Baraka Natural Aquarium if you want to swim with turtles.
Dining in Nungwi is one of the most enjoyable parts of your stay. Many places set up their tables directly on the beach, so you can eat with your feet in the sand. As evening falls, candles or lanterns often light the shore. Seafood is the star of the menu here. You can expect freshly caught octopus, lobster, prawns, and tuna, often grilled right in front of you and served with spiced rice or vegetables.
Zanzibari dishes such as pilau and seafood curry are especially popular, blending the island’s African, Indian, and Arabian influences into rich flavours. If you’re exploring the village streets, you’ll find small eateries serving chipsi mayai, a fried potato and egg dish with spicy sauce, or urojo soup, a tangy mix known locally as “Zanzibar mix.” Fried cassava, grilled skewers, and tropical fruits are also typical snacks.
Go to Nungwi to experience some of the most vibrant nightlife in Zanzibar. When the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, the beach transforms into a lively scene filled with music, bonfires, and dancing. Beachfront spots often set up tables and chairs directly on the sand, where you can enjoy cocktails, grilled seafood, and the sound of the waves with live performances. Local rhythms, including Bongo Flava, which mixes hip hop, R&B, reggae, and traditional Tanzanian sounds. Most songs are in Swahili, and the lyrics often talk about love, daily life, or social issues.
The energy is powerful during weekends and holidays. Fire shows, drum circles, and spontaneous dancing are common. For those who prefer a calmer pace, there are also quieter areas along the coast where you can sip a drink, listen to the ocean, and watch the glowing lanterns of fishing dhows on the water. Another highlight is the Full Moon Party, held nearby once a month. Many travellers in Nungwi attend this large celebration, where DJs, live bands, and beach dancers keep the crowd moving until late.
Nungwi is where you can balance adventure and relaxation. The northern beaches are some of the best in Zanzibar, and the village brings colour with its fishing traditions, markets, and welcoming community. Rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals to make the most of your trip. You can book online, choose from various vehicles, and enjoy affordable prices. Start your journey smoothly with convenient pick-up points, including Abeid Amani Karume Airport, Stone Town, and the ferry terminal.
