Nungwi
Nungwi
Nungwi • Image 2
Nungwi • Image 3
Nungwi • Image 4Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Tanzania
Warm and humid
Year-round travel
Green turtles
5 key species listed
4 to 7 Nights
Tailored itinerary
June to October is dry and breezy
High & Green seasons
About Nungwi & Destination Guide
Nungwi is at the northern tip of Zanzibar and is one of the island's most popular beaches. It suits couples and groups who want swimming at any tide, resorts, restaurants and sunset cruises in one place.
Days are simple. Swim in the morning, take a dhow or boat trip, eat lunch by the sea and walk to the village or the point for sunset. Dhow building is still done on the beach.
The trade-off is that it is busy. The village is lively, there are many hotels and you will meet other visitors. For something quieter, look at Matemwe or Jambiani. The sea is calm, which is why Nungwi is good for swimming rather than for kite surfing.
Nungwi is far from the airport at the other end of the island (about 1 hour 15 minutes by road). We run the transfer, boat trips and sunset cruises from here. Kendwa is a short drive south.
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Take a private or shared transfer from Zanzibar airport (ZNZ). The drive from the airport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Booking ahead gives you a fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals. See the airport to Nungwi transfer page and the arrival guide.
Private air-conditioned road transfers and scheduled ferry services connect all coastal resorts, towns, and beaches with full luggage assistance.
exploreNungwi Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Nungwi.
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
June to October is dry and breezy. December to February is hot with warm water. Expect rain in March to May. The sea is swimmable at all tides at any time of year.
Warm and humid. The water is clear and swimmable at all tides, which is the main difference from the east coast. Breezes are good in the dry months. Rain falls mostly in March to May.
Highlights & Wildlife in Nungwi
petsKey Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
Nungwi Beach: swimming at all tides
Sunset dhow cruises
Dhow building on the beach
Boat trips to Mnemba for snorkelling and dolphins
Beach restaurants and resorts
Mnarani turtle sanctuary (also called the Mnarani Natural Aquarium)
Activities & Things to Do in Nungwi
Swimming with Turtles at Nungwi
This is a short trip to a turtle lagoon at Nungwi where you can swim and snorkel with green turtles in a protected pool (the Mnarani Natural Aquarium). You are met at the entrance, given a short talk, and then enter the water with a guide. The turtles live in a sanctuary lagoon, so this is not a wild sighting. Follow the guide's rules: do not chase, touch or hold the turtles. Combine it with a sunset at Nungwi or Kendwa.
North Coast Tour
This day tour covers the north coast beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, with a stop at a turtle sanctuary (the Mnarani Natural Aquarium). You swim at the beaches, walk the village and see dhows being built. The north coast has water you can swim in at any tide, which makes it easy for families. It is busy, and the drive from Stone Town is long.
Featured Safaris & Tours in Nungwi
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Nungwi
Request Custom ItineraryWhere to Stay in Nungwi
Flame Tree Cottages
mid range Tier
Mnarani Beach Cottages
mid range Tier
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Nungwi?
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June to October is dry and breezy. December to February is hot with warm water. Expect rain in March to May. The sea is swimmable at all tides at any time of year.
How do I get to Nungwi?
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Take a private or shared transfer from Zanzibar airport (ZNZ). The drive from the airport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Booking ahead gives you a fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals. See the airport to Nungwi transfer page and the arrival guide.
What is the weather like in Nungwi?
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Warm and humid. The water is clear and swimmable at all tides, which is the main difference from the east coast. Breezes are good in the dry months. Rain falls mostly in March to May.
What can I see and do in Nungwi?
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• Nungwi Beach: swimming at all tides • Sunset dhow cruises • Dhow building on the beach • Boat trips to Mnemba for snorkelling and dolphins • Beach restaurants and resorts • Mnarani turtle sanctuary (also called the Mnarani Natural Aquarium)
What should I pack for Nungwi?
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Light, breathable cotton clothing, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable sandals. A light layer helps for breezy evenings. In Stone Town and in villages, clothes that cover shoulders and knees are polite.