Nungwi Beach
Nungwi is the most developed and liveliest beach on Zanzibar's north tip, and one of the few where you can swim at any tide, because the water stays deep close to shore. It has by far the widest choice of hotels, plus dhow-builders on the sand, dive centres, turtle ponds and the best sunset-bar scene, along with the most beach vendors. Best for swimmers, first-timers and action-seekers.
Where to stay in Nungwi Beach
African Bungalows
- Luxury
- Restaurant · Bar · WiFi
- ~$238/night
It's priced as a luxury stay at about US$238 a night but runs intimate rather than resort-scale. Pets are allowed, which is unusual for the tier.
Aluna Beach Apartments
- 4★ Mid
- Pool · Bar · Snorkelling
- ~$162/night
Self-catering apartments with a pool and a bar, plus snorkelling, diving and other water sports arranged on site, near Nungwi's east-side beach for about US$162 a night. No air-con is listed, so ask before the hot season.
Ay Villas I, Nungwi
- Luxury
- Kitchen · Air conditioning · WiFi
- ~$381/night
One of two Ay Villas units, a whole home on the east side of Nungwi with a full kitchen, air-con and an outdoor shower. Best for a group that wants privacy over hotel service.
Ay Villas II, Nungwi
- Luxury
- Kitchen · Air conditioning · WiFi
- ~$381/night
A whole luxury villa on Nungwi's quieter east side, with a full kitchen, air-con and a private backyard set up for barbecues. It rents self-catering, so there's no front desk or restaurant, and it sleeps a group comfortably. One of two Ay Villas units here.
Badolina Bungalows Terrace Room, Nungwi
- Mid
- Air conditioning · WiFi · Breakfast
- ~$139/night
A mid-priced private room at the Badolina Bungalows, with air-con, breakfast included and its own private entrance. The room is named for the terrace that comes with it. This is one room rather than a whole place, at about US$139 a night with parking on site.
Badolina Bungalows
- Mid
- Restaurant · Bar · WiFi
- ~$99/night
Garden bungalows a few minutes back from the beach, with air-con, a restaurant and a bar, and a price that stays reasonable for Nungwi at about US$99 a night. Pets are welcome, which is rare here.
Where is Nungwi Beach?
Frequently asked questions
Is Nungwi worth visiting?
Yes, if you want to swim without watching the tide. Nungwi sits on Zanzibar's north tip, where the water stays deep enough to swim at any hour, so it suits swimmers, first-timers and anyone who wants beach bars, dive centres and boat trips on the doorstep. The trade-off is crowds and persistent beach vendors; it is the busiest, most developed beach on the island. If you want silence, the east-coast villages are calmer.
Is it safe to walk around Nungwi?
Generally yes, with normal caution. Nungwi is busy and used to visitors, and most hassle is pushy 'beach boys' selling tours rather than crime; a firm, polite 'hapana asante' (no thank you) works. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid quiet beach stretches alone after dark, and take a hotel taxi at night rather than walking unlit areas. Petty theft, not violence, is the main risk.
Can you swim at Nungwi at low tide?
Yes, and it is Nungwi's biggest advantage. The reef shelf drops off close to shore, so unlike the east and southeast coast the sea barely retreats and you can swim at low tide as well as high. On the east coast the water can walk out several hundred metres, but at Nungwi and neighbouring Kendwa you can get in the water at almost any time of day.
What is there to do in Nungwi?
Plenty. Watch dhows being built by hand on the sand, dive or snorkel with several established centres, take a sunset dhow cruise, or visit the turtle conservation ponds (Mnarani and Baraka Natural Aquarium, about US$10 per adult or around 25,000 TZS, 2026) to see rescued green turtles. Come evening, Nungwi has the liveliest bar and nightlife scene of any Zanzibar beach.
How far is Nungwi from the airport?
About 1 hour 20 minutes by road from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, roughly 60 km up to the north tip. A taxi or private transfer runs about US$35 to 60 one way (2026, agree the fare first). Booking a fixed-price pickup through your hotel is easiest, as there is no Uber or Bolt on the island.