A good place, with a great atmosphere, happy and helpful natives, and breathtaking views; what more can one ask for on a Zanzibar tour?
A safari to Nungwi Village and beach means no restrictions to one place; there is life all over the place, from the food, fun, and plenty of restaurant options.
In this village, you can fully immerse yourself in the life of the Zanzibaris.
There are no additives to their culture, so every visitor is encouraged to embrace the rhythm of life.
The beach is what a real beach should be like. It is located in Nungwi village.
Nungwi Village, also known as Ras Nungwi, is located at the northern edge of Zanzibar Island.
It is one of the most renowned areas on the island of Zanzibar, with a population of about 5,563 people, making it the second-largest human settlement on the island.
Until the 1990s, Nungwi village was called the boatyard village, and the local natives were very much opposed to tourism activities.
Yet now it is one of the top tourism destinations on Zanzibar Island.
It is situated in the Kaskazini “A” district, Nyungwi ward, Unguja North region, approximately 54 km from Zanzibar’s popular city, Stone Town, a significant part of Zanzibar Island.
Also known as Unguja, Zanzibar Island is part of mainland Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, neighbored by Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Burundi, among others.
The fame of the island of Zanzibar rose because of two things – slave trade and the spice trade.
But like no other, its beaches, spread across the white sand beach of the Indian Ocean, make it one of the best places for a vacation.
The place is calm, secure, with hospitable people and authentic cuisines.
South of Nungwi is Matemwe village and Tazari villages. Nungwi village was famously known for Dhow building and fishing, activities that shaped their economic stability.
The natives are very calm, enjoy seafood, engage in agriculture, and are known for their entertaining spirit.
Their local cuisine is centered on cassava, corn, beans, lentils, and also fish.
These are mainly Muslims, with a few Christians and traditionalists.
Unless one can speak the local language, Swahili dominates the conversation.
English is used by scholars, and Arabic can be understood for greetings, requests, and jokes.
Most tourist activities take place in the western part, with several resorts, modern inns, upscale supermarkets, and bars.
This beach is one of the few areas on the island still with tourist infrastructure and hotels.
In 2013, more hotel rooms were constructed, taking advantage of the presence of the coast, charming palm, casuarina, and mangrove trees.
A small square with sea turtles is the most recent addition to Nungwi village, nicknamed the “Jambo settlement,” one of the largest settlements on the island of Zanzibar.
In addition to tourism, the residents engage in cultivation, fishing, and trade, among other activities.
Interestingly, in 2018, CNN listed Nungwi beach among the 100 finest beaches in the world because of its beauty, serene atmosphere, and amazing activities.
Whether you’re on a honeymoon vacation, weekend break, business hangout, or family retreat, this is the best place.
Tailor your dress code and expectations to the way of life in this Village; don’t wear short, transparent clothes that reveal parts of your body such as thighs, breasts, or back.
This is out of respect for the dominant Islamic religion on this island.
Accessing Nungwi Village and Beach
Are you in Dar es Salaam, Stone Town, Arusha city, or even in any of the East African countries, and want to spend a weekend, honeymoon vacation, summer or winter break, family retreat, or just in the mood to experience beach life?
Then accessing this beach is easier, safer, faster, and more comfortable than you could ever imagine!
You can reach Nungwi by ferry, a chartered flight, or a bus, which will get you to Nungwi.
You can also take a Dala-Dala (local minibus) or hire a vehicle and travel on a tarmac road via Mtoni, Mahonda, Kinyasini to Kivunge villages.
The cost for the road trip is about 2000 Tanzanian shillings. Dala-Dala 116 departs from Creek Road in Zanzibar at 05:00 and 09:00 local time.
The public bus, using route 14, departs at 07:00 and 18:00 local time from Darajani Terminal in Zanzibar town.
Activities in Nungwi Village and Beach
Nungwi village and beach are by far one of the loveliest and most famous destinations in Zanzibar.
Tourists visit the place all year round and engage in these and more activities; chilling at the beach and exploring the large Nungwi village among several other activities is truly rewarding.
But when you get tired, extending your visit to Kendwa beach, located within a 20-minute walk, is safe and pays off.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
This is an adventurous activity done by everyone with a passion for swimming and aquatic life.
The experience in the water is truly unique, as you imitate what the aquatic life does.
Scuba diving or snorkeling is done with the guidance of an expert diving crew.
All you need is passion, a vest, and fins, among other things.
Snorkeling is best done in the morning hours when the water is still clear and calm.
If swimming is your hobby, then snorkeling, swimming, and diving in Nungwi Beach are a walkover.
Visiting the Fish Market
One of the places that should be captured in your camera is the fishing process, fish, and the dhows.
At about 4 pm each day, the fishermen, in their dhows and white sails, set off to the waters for what they do and understand best; fishing.
Fishing runs the entire night until 07:00 hours in the morning when those who went out for the mission return with a catch.
Their arrival coincides with the local population who will be on the ground to bid for the best catch for trade; then is the best time for you to watch the bargaining tactics and also get some for a taste.
Some of the fish could be very new to you, so you will learn about their names, sizes, and characteristics.
Dhow Boat Building
A visit to the dhow-making plant, next to the fish market, is interesting.
For centuries, local craftsmen have used their skills to make dhows, which are used for fishing and transportation, among other purposes.
As a visitor, you will receive lectures about the dhow, what equipment is used to make them, as well as the duration a dhow can be used.
As part of the unforgettable activities in Nungwi, don’t miss a sunset cruise from about 16:00 local hours to 18:30 hours organized by the locals.
Watching the sun set is a sensation, especially while you are sailing on the sea.
This activity is accompanied by music, stories, and drum beats. What a perfect way to end your day!
Nungwi Village Experience
A happy and welcoming community, an amazing setup, and active natives make a walk around Nungwi village a great opportunity to learn about their way of life.
Like other Zanzibaris, their rhythm of life is amazing and authentic; there are no additives to their dressing code, cuisine, belief structures, or even faith.
This means you shouldn’t try to underrate or influence them in how they do things; rather, try to be part of the village life by eating, dancing, and playing with them.
As part of contributing to the welfare of these people, we encourage you to buy a few of their souvenirs, fruits, spices, food, and paintings, among other things, from the local shops.
Volleyball & Football
At the beach, it is also wise to stretch your legs with some sporting activities such as football, volleyball, and jogging as the day winds down.
These activities are enjoyed by both locals and tourists, as a way of unwinding and making friends.
Everyone can be part of the fun!
Accommodation
Over 100 accommodation facilities are available for visitors to Nungwi, ranging from budget to luxury resorts, hotels, inns, restaurants, and hostels.
Regardless of the class, the facilities offer quality bedding and standard services, including meals, room service, parking, or health centers.
Best Time to Visit Nungwi Village and Beach
Nungwi beach is open all year round, and activities start at around 07:00 local time and run until 18:00 hours throughout the week.
But as mentioned before, be sure to catch up with the ferry, public bus, or Dala Dala schedule.
The most preferred time to visit Nungwi beach is from June to about September and then the festive season of December to February.
Other Activities and Places to Visit
You may want to add other activities and places to your Nungwi Village and Beach tour, including a spice plantation tour, a Stone Town tour, a cultural experience, and primate trekking at the large Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park – the only park in Zanzibar.
As ranked in 2018 as one of the top 100 beaches in the world by CNN, nothing has changed; Nungwi beach is still so authentic, clean, and charming.
The village’s vibrant atmosphere welcomes visitors from the first hours to the last hours of their visit.
Let this place be your next holiday destination.
