Zanzibar · Beach

Nungwi & Kendwa

Sunset beaches on the northern tip

Size

Northern tip of Unguja

Location

About 1–1.5 hours from the airport

Best time

Jun–Oct and Dec–Mar

Known for

Swimming at all tides · Sunsets

About the area

Zanzibar's classic beach

Nungwi and neighbouring Kendwa sit at the very northern tip of Zanzibar, where powder-white sand meets clear turquoise water. Unlike the east coast, the tide here goes out only a little, so you can swim at almost any time of day, and the west-facing beaches give the island's best sunsets.

Nungwi is a working fishing village as well as a resort, famous for its dhow builders who still shape boats by hand on the beach. Kendwa, a short walk south, is quieter and calmer, with a gently shelving beach that is ideal for families.

Highlights

Why visit Nungwi

Swim at any tide

Deep, clear water close to shore all day long.

Island sunsets

West-facing beaches with sundowners as the dhows sail home.

Snorkelling & diving

Easy boat trips to Mnemba Atoll and Tumbatu reefs.

Turtle sanctuary

Visit the community-run Mnarani turtle aquarium.

When to visit

Best in the dry seasons, June to October and December to March, with sunny days and calm seas. April and May are the main rainy months, when some hotels close and prices drop.

What you'll see

Dhow builders at work, green and hawksbill turtles at Mnarani, reef fish, dolphins on boat trips, the old lighthouse at Ras Nungwi and spectacular sunsets.

Getting there

About 1–1.5 hours by road from the airport or Stone Town. Boats leave the beach for snorkelling trips to Mnemba and nearby reefs.

Visit with Asili

Trips to pair with Nungwi

5 days

Plan your Nungwi beach stay

Tell us your style, from barefoot boutique to all-inclusive, and we'll find the right beach hotel in the north.

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