Nungwi
WHERE THE TIDE
Four days on the northern tip of the island, the one stretch of coast where the tide barely moves — so you can swim whenever you feel like it rather than consulting a chart.
- Swimmable at any tide
- West-facing sunsets
- Mnemba reef nearby
Year-Round Sunshine
Protected Reefs
UNESCO Old Town
Direct Operator Pricing
Why the north
THE ONLY COAST
Zanzibar’s east coast has a tidal range that pulls the sea back half a kilometre twice a day. Beautiful, but swimming happens on the ocean’s schedule rather than yours.
Nungwi is the exception. The water stays deep enough to swim at any hour, the beach faces west so sunsets happen in front of you, and the dhow builders still work on the sand.
- Deep water at every tide — swim whenever you want
- West-facing, so sunset happens over the water in front of you
- Closest base to the protected Mnemba Atoll reef
Day by day
YOUR ITINERARY
Price from
On request
per person, private group
4 Days
Duration
Year-round
Swimming
1
Arrive Zanzibar, transfer to Nungwi
Met at the airport or ferry and driven north, about an hour and a quarter through villages and spice plantations.
- ~75 min transfer
- Sunset on the beach
2
Mnemba Atoll snorkel
Out by boat in the morning to the protected reef off Mnemba, the clearest water on the island. Back by early afternoon.
- Half-day boat trip
- Free afternoon
3
A day with nothing in it
Deliberately unscheduled. The turtle sanctuary at Mnarani is a ten-minute walk and the sunset dhow cruise can be booked that morning.
- Free day
- Optional dhow cruise
4
Transfer and departure
A late checkout where the hotel allows it, then the transfer back south to the airport or the ferry.
- Transfer included
- Airport or ferry
What you came for
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Swim At Any Hour
The one beach on Zanzibar where the tide does not strand you. Walk out of your room into deep water at any point in the day.
Sunsets Over The Water
Nungwi faces west. Every evening the sun drops straight into the Indian Ocean in front of you, usually with a dhow crossing it.
Mnemba Atoll
A protected marine reserve twenty minutes offshore with the clearest water and the best reef on the island.
Dhow Builders
Traditional boat builders still work by hand on the sand at the north end of the village, using centuries-old methods.
Turtle Sanctuary
A community-run conservation pool at Mnarani rehabilitates green and hawksbill turtles before releasing them back to the reef.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Sail out on a traditional wooden dhow for the last hour of light, with the island shrinking behind you.
Timing it right
WHEN TO COME
Zanzibar is warm all year. What changes is the rain and the crowds.
June - October
Dry and busy
Clear skies, low humidity and the main European season. Pairs with the Serengeti dry season — book early.
December - February
Hot and clear
The hottest months, with excellent visibility underwater. Peaks over Christmas, then quietens through February.
March - May
Long rains
The wettest stretch of the year. Many smaller hotels close, but those that stay open offer the lowest rates.
A look at it
NUNGWI IN PICTURES
No surprises
WHAT'S IN,
Included
- Airport or ferry transfers on Zanzibar
- Accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- All guided excursions in the itinerary
- Entry fees for Stone Town sites and the spice farm
- English-speaking local guide throughout
- Bottled water on all excursions
Not included
- Flights to Zanzibar (booked separately)
- Lunches and dinners unless stated
- Travel insurance
- Watersports, diving and spa treatments
- Tips and personal spending
- Anything not listed under Included
Before you ask
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
How do I get to Zanzibar from the Serengeti?
Direct flights run daily from Seronera airstrip and from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Ninety minutes, and it saves a full day of driving plus a ferry.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so your Tanzanian visa covers it. You will pass a short immigration check and need proof of travel insurance.
What should I wear in Stone Town?
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and Stone Town is conservative. Shoulders and knees covered is both respectful and cooler. Beachwear is fine at the resorts.
Which beach should I choose?
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have minimal tidal variation so you can swim at any hour. Paje and Jambiani on the east have dramatic tides and suit kitesurfing.
Nungwi
READY WHEN
Send your dates and group size. We confirm availability and hold your place with a $200 deposit.