Nungwi is the prettiest and most popular beach in Zanzibar. There are tourists all year round, and most businesses stay open through all seasons. Unlike other parts of the Island which have big tidal effect, Nungwi beach allows you to swim at any hour of the day. Staying in Nungwi gives you the ability to try different restaurants, bars, beaches, and activities.
Our personal recommendations:
Restaurants / Bars / Attractions
RESTAURANTS
Most restaurants close their kitchen around 21:30. An average dish around Nungwi will cost $10-$15. There are many good restaurants in Nungwi, so you can try a different one each day.
Fisherman’s Grill
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, you will get the best quality here. Excellent food and fine selection of wines just in front of the ocean. With big variety on its menu, everyone will find something they like. Elaborated seafood and meat, cooked to perfection. Check Fisherman’s Grill menu. To reserve: +255 776383214
Sexy Fish
Located in Z Hotel on a beautiful sea view deck, Sexy Fish offers a fine dining experience in an upscale ambience. Great selection of cocktails and wide variety of contemporary African-European fusion seafood dishes. Prices are higher than the average Nungwi meals, but worth it. Make sure to reserve ahead, or you might not have space: +255 699 109 096
Essence Kendwa
Looking for a good dining night away from Nungwi? Essence is located on the beach of Kendwa, 10 minutes taxi drive away from Nungwi.
The restaurant is serving the best Indian food in the area including chicken and fish tandoori plate, lamb in cashew sauce and others. You can also find a good selection of Asian fusion such as pad Thai & chow-mein, as well as good lobster and seafood dishes.
Ambiance is relaxed, service is good, and prices are very reasonable. Essence is a good fit for both romantic dinner and family dinner. Check Kendwa Essence website for menu and reservation.
Baraka Bungalow & Fish Market
Both offer a great fish and seafood grill with rice and vegetables for dinner. Very cheap and tasty. Tables are on the beach, fish and seafood are on display for you to choose from. Excellent choice for dinner. Prepare for a long wait.
Baraka is located at the center of Nungwi hotel area, while Fish Market restaurant is located a bit farther at the local fish market of Nungwi. You can check Baraka´s menu here.
Mama Mia
Mama Mia offers good Italian dishes, and it is great for both lunch and dinner. They also have the best Gelateria in Nungwi where you can grab some homemade ice cream to go. We recommend the Sir Francis or Diavola pizza, very tasty! See Mama Mia menu.
Badolina
Great option for vegetarian or vegan. Cozy environment, for a romantic dinner. Good selection of wines. Our top picks are Samurai Tuna, Bodicea, The Yogi, Jodari. Check out Badolina’s menu.
The Corner
If you fancy a pizza, they make on of the BEST in Nungwi!
Capricciosa, Diavola, Quatro formaggio, Napoli and many more.
Makofi Guest House
BBQ Night – A cozy restaurant under a Flame Tree in Makofi´s beautiful garden, with white sand on your feet. Makofi offers 1-2 times a week BBQ night. It includes a wide variety of local dishes, fish, octopus, squid, curries, veggies, pasta, spinaches, casava and more! Everything is delicious, and cold drinks are available. Finish up with a dessert while watching a fire show. You must book BBQ in advance (before 13.00). You can reserve on Makofi FB or Instagram pages or by passing by.
Makofi Pizza – A real gourmet Roman pizza, made with fresh Italian ingredients. With its crunchy borders and thin base, it is absolutely delicious! They do take away and delivery, or you can just eat it while enjoying the chilled atmosphere and cool vibe of Makofi Guest House.
Check out Makofi’s menu here.
Langi Langi
Langi Langi has been here for more than 20 years. The restaurant offers great atmosphere and reasonable prices. It specializes in spicy Indonesian cuisine. Best plates are fish and seafood in Curry or Masala. Langi Langi is situated on a deck above the ocean, which makes it a great place for romantic dinner.
Local food
Tam Tam offers the most popular local Zanzibari dishes but with a bit higher quality. Meat, fish, rice, pilau, ugali, cooked vegetables, beans, chapati and more. Must try the Zanzibari style spinach in coconut sauce. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Located behind the Z Hotel, next to the ATM.
Machnoo Local Restaurant is a very good option for tasty and cheap local food if you stay in the Ras Nungwi area.
If you want to taste some real local food, check out Nungwi roundabout at night. Try some street food like Chipsi Mayai (omelette with fries), Zanzibari Pizza or Mishkaki (beef or chicken skewers) at one of the stands. This is where all local hang out for street food in the evenings.
Do you require information about Visa, ATM’s, money, safety, Swahili, transport and more? Visit our Travel Information page.
BARS
In most days, bars in Nungwi get empty before midnight. So, don’t get there late! On average, a beer will cost 7,000 shillings and a cocktail 18,000 shillings.
Mangi’s Bar
One of the first bars in Nungwi. This is where you’ll find many of Nungwi’s expats. Great place for a sunset drink on the beach. Expats meet there for darts tournament on Saturday. They offer a wide array of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including burgers, pasta, pizza, seafood, and a tasty local menu. Try their Chili con carne, it is delicious!
Z Hotel Rooftop Bar
Best place for a sunset drink. Let the day end in style with a breathtaking view. Watch the sun set over the ocean while enjoying a Dawa – our favorite cocktail. The bar offers good tapas to go with your cocktail. Happy hour at 17:00 -20:00. Get there early to find an empty sit, as it gets quite busy. Please note that there is a minimum spending of $20 per person.
Che Rock Bar
Che’s Bar is Nungwi`s first and only Rock bar, located right behind the main beach at Pasha Hotel. This cozy small bar offers great atmosphere, has very friendly staff, always cold beers and a good variety of cocktails. You can also watch soccer games live on TV or grab a bite of pizza or burger. This is where you will find our instructor Susanne on most evenings.
Kendwa Rocks
If you are looking for a crowded beach party, this is obviously the place. Every Saturday from 22:00 until the morning. It is located on Kendwa Beach. Taxi costs 20,000t Shillings each way and entrance fees are 30,000 Shillings. Every full moon, they organize the biggest and most famous party of the island: “Full Moon Party”!
Kibanda Beach bar
Live DJ on Sundays, nice cocktails, and very tasty food. It has a beach lounge vibe, perfect to chill in their sunbeds during the day and have some party during the night, avoiding the big crowds. You can take a refreshing dip in the ocean in between your drinks! We recommend the burgers, pastas, and poke bowls!
Highland Bungalows
Located in a bustling street, full of local bars and vibrant nightlife, Highland Bungalows offers good and affordable food and drinks in a beautiful open space bar. If you like playing pool, you will find here 2 tables and good players to challenge! Try the stir fry noodles, chapati wraps and their local menu!
If you are a football fan, you can watch here most of the important games of the night, especially during World Cup and Premier League!
ATTRACTIONS
Spending time relaxing on the beach is great. But, if you are getting restless, there are many things to do around Nungwi. It is safe to walk around and Nungwi is quite a big village to explore. When the tide is low, you can even visit Kendwa beach, located 20 minutes walk along the beach.
Diving or Snorkeling
Mnemba Atoll, located just a boat ride from Nungwi, is Zanzibar’s famous marine park. It offers a rich variety of aquatic life as well as frequent Dolphin encounters. This makes it a great place for spending a day out on a boat, snorkeling, or even diving. In fact, if you have never dived before but can swim, there is no better place to Try Diving.
The fish market
The local fishermen leave for their night fishing around 4pm every day, dotting the horizon with tens of dhows and their white sails. It is just a gorgeous moment that you’ll want to make sure you have your camera for.
The next morning at around 07:00, the fishermen are back with their catch of all shapes and sizes. See fish and sea creatures you have never seen before on the market, ready for sale. Watch as the locals bid for the best catch, or if you feel like cooking, try to snag a tuna or snapper for grilling.
Dhow Boats Building
Next to the fish market, you can see the local craftsmen building the dhows boats. Watch the techniques that have been used for decades and centuries.
Sunset cruises
Every day at around 16:30 to 18:30 you can enjoy a sunset cruise organized locally. The local guys will entertain you with some drums and songs. It’s the perfect way to finish your day.
Nungwi Village
Nungwi is a vibrant village where you can walk along its main street. Buy some fruits, local food, paintings and souvenirs from the local shops. Please be advised that when going to the village you should keep your shoulders and knees covered to respect the local culture.
Horse Riding Club by Z Hotel
Located at the rear entrance of the Z Hotel, this horse club has 2 stables, at Nungwi and Kidoti. From there, they offer different daily trips, catering all kind of riders. From sunset rides, swimming in the ocean, and cultural rides in the Nungwi village, to 3–4-hour trails, covering over 8 km of beaches, for the most experienced riders. All rides can be booked online.
Skydive Zanzibar
Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? This thrilling adventure starts at Kendwa Rocks hotel, where Skydive Zanzibar´s office is located. After a short drive to Nungwi´s airport, you will get into a small plane with your tandem instructor. After a 20-minute flight, you will jump from 3050 meters, enjoying a magnificent view of Nungwi and other parts of Zanzibar. You will land on Kendwa beach, as Zanzibar is one of the few places in the world where it is allowed to land on the beach.
Quad tours
If you are looking for a more “adventurous” activity, Osseliche organizes a 4-hour tour with their ATV´s. During this tour, you will stop in 3 different places: 2 of the most beautiful beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, and the village of Kilimani. There, you will have the chance to interact with local people and kids, who will cheerfully welcome you. Bring swimwear and clothes that could get dirty with you, as there are off-road paths to go through!
Turtle Aquarium
$10 entrance fee. The Mnarani Aquarium offers a chance for the non divers to see and feed turtles. The turtles swim in a natural coral pool.
Supposedly, turtles that are injured or caught by fishing nets are brought here by local fishermen in order to rehabilitate. Once a year, some turtles are released back into the sea. We are in doubt regarding how this business helps to conserve Zanzibar’s turtles. In fact, the turtle population around Nungwi is decreasing every year. Many healthy turtles are brought to the aquarium and kept there for long periods of time, mainly for business reasons.
