Things To Do In Nungwi Zanzibar

When talking to friends about going to Tanzania, I was typically met with blank stares - but then mention Scuba Diving in Nungwi Zanzibar and it turned to deer in the headlights. I didn’t realize just how beautiful Zanzibar truly was with the crystal clear blue waters and the warm and friendly people. There are so many things to do in Nungwi Zanzibar like  Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Sky Diving, Seafood, and beautiful smiles quietly suggesting you ‘Pole Pole’ - just take it easy. This is what will greet you in Nungwi, but there are a few logistical, social, cultural and safety issues I want to mention before you visit. 

Scuba Diving

There are dozens of Scuba Diving shops you can use in Nungwi, however only East African Diving is able to do Nitrox if you want it. It is run by a gentleman out of Europe (I believe - he wasn't there when we were there due to a family emergency) that hires locals to help bring guests out. It costs $125 for 2 dives with packages up to 10 dives, and $10 per day for renting your gear, if you dive at Mnemba it is an extra $30 park fee. It is suggested to tip 20% per day, or anything equivalent to $15-$20 per day or more depending on the number of dive shop staff that goes out with you. 

I absolutely LOVED diving in Nungwi, and I found out about this through the African Oriental and Travel Company. This tour company is exceptional in how they handle the vacations, the patience with my plethora of questions from travel nerves. The two main tour guides, Raf and Francisca, also lived in Tanzania for quite awhile and Francisca also studied Anthropology here and they both speak Swahili, which makes negotiating prices very handy.

The dive shop staff were so so good, really energetic and loved I even had a bit of a panic after my mask filled with water and I inhaled a bunch of sea water. It was the first time it had happened with salt water and also happened quite quickly so I didn't have time to prepare. Luckily I was one on one with the dive master (as the other members were much more advanced than I, and more recent experience) - he calmed me down, we got the water out, and was able to continue the dive. 

Over 6 days we dove at Magic Reef, Shane's Reef, Mdwangawa, Ras Miskitoni, Kichafi, Hunga, Misoli, and the Coral Gardens - a few of the locations were so incredible we dove them two days in a row. The coral is so healthy, the fish colorful and so varied it was hard to know where to point the camera. There were only 1-2 days where there was a mild current, and a bit cloudy as far as visibility. There weren't any injuries, only a few people who weren't divers who got a bit bored, and ended up going to another part of the island - unfortunately their partners had to abandon their dive dreams. I wouldn't say it is a trip for those who just snorkel while their partner dives, unless they know how to be independent & are brave enough to explore on their own. 

I cannot recommend traveling here enough if simply for Scuba Diving for all my bubble blowers. 

Snorkeling

Mnemba Island is probably your best bet for snorkeling, when I visited Nungwi just off the beach there were lots and lots of sea urchins. To get to the island you need to hire a tour company because it does require a boat to get there. I didn't personally do any snorkeling on the Island, but I did want to mention the urchins, there is also Jelly Fish here (beware of stings) - so make sure you have swim skins, water shoes, and some hydrocortisone cream just in case you do get stung. 

I would go snorkeling with a dive shop if you can, they seem to have a greater respect for the ocean due to their training. I saw some questionable activities, as far as sustainability. I would also ensure there is some kind of sun coverage on their boats, whoever you choose - the sun can be pretty brutal when you are out on the boat for a few hours - and many of the boats are painted brown which can add to the heat, especially on your feet. 

Do NOT Swim With Dolphins....Trust Me

When I mentioned questionable activity with marine wildlife - this is what I'm talking about. The boats that go out to do 'swim with Dolphins', made me want to cry watching it all happen while we were diving. I don't think I've ever been so angry about behavior than when I saw this. There were at least 10 boats that had about 8-15 people each, if the boats spotted a pod of Dolphins - then they would all race to get to the pod of Dolphins, then all the people would jump off the front of the boats and try to swim with the Dolphins. Some of the individuals would even try to jump on the Dolphins to try to catch them. 

The thing about Tanzania, is that more often than not the government regulations are more like suggestions - Zanzibar (where Nungwi is located) is also trying to become its own nation - so it muddies the waters even further. If you have any respect for marine wild life or dolphins whatsoever - please please please do NOT support these boats, companies or individuals that go out and do these sorts of behaviors. 

Sea Turtle Sanctuary

When I asked my guides about the Sea Turtle Sanctuary, they said that the facility 'claims' to rescue turtles - but they question this - but also admitted they hadn't been themselves to inquire. The entrance is $10 and is called Mnarani Aquarium, they do allow people to feed the turtles who swim in a natural pool. 

They say that the turtles are brought in by local fishermen to be rehabilitated. This is another issue I have with interactions with marine life in Nungwi, there are some (not all fisherman) that use bomb fishing techniques to catch fish. This is where they throw small explosives into the waters to stun the fish to the top of the water, then bring their nets in quickly to catch the fish. I didn't see this often, maybe once or twice while I was there - but it is quite damaging not just to the fish, but also to the coral and could be why Sea Turtles are getting hurt. 

Despite the claims of conservation, the sea turtle population around Nungwi is decreasing every year - and there is a big suspicion that turtles are brought here for buisness reasons and kept longer than needed for recovery to help make money as well. 

If you do go, I would make sure you are careful about giving money to any organization or conservation group - more often than not it operates in corrupt ways to make money. I do understand that families want to provide, feed their family, and send their kids to school - so it is completely up to you what you decide to do - but want to make sure my readers are able to make an informed decision about what and where their money is doing and going towards. 

Shopping

There is plenty of shopping around Nungwi, for my solo travelers, I would go as a group and don't directly approach the shop. I would walk through the entire shopping area, decide which shops to go back to, and then negotiate a Swahili price, not an American price. A good rule of thumb I have is this, if I wouldn't pay that amount in the States for the item, I walk away.

Also try on any clothes you want to purchase before leaving, each country has a different size, shape, material, textures, and coloring they use - want to make sure it fits YOU, and you aren't allergic to any materials that are in the item. 

Keep in mind as well, that anything made of solid wood is going to be quite heavy - so bring a luggage weight with you if you want to get a lot of souvenirs. 

Common souviners you will find are Swahili wooden masks, wooden chess sets, drums with animal skins, lots of materials with Swahili designs, lots and lots of paintings, there were also some incredible looms with beautiful wool blankets/shawls etc..., lots of Swahili jewelery which utilizes tiny beads and often have the traditional large necklaces that the Swahili women wear. I personally try to visit the shops where the women are running the shop as many times women are home with the kids - and men run the shops.

If you decide to buy any wooden items (masks, drums, chess sets) keep in mind you often cannot take these in your carry-on because they are heavy and can be considered weapons. I also wouldn't trust the mailing system here - they do have some shops when you get past security that have some of these items, but they are often about four times the price that you find in the markets. 

Sunset Sail With Drums

Jet lag hit me hard, and I wasn't able to do the sunset boat tour with the drums. You will see the main man that does this in my Youtube video, who was really really great. He is quite talented with the drums, and you can't miss his boat - it is the biggest one there (at least when I was there) and looks a little like a mini version of the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean. 

You go out around 4:30 pm, watch the sunset, jump off the ship, there is dancing, drums, a BYOB type environment, and sounds like it was an incredible time. I regret not going, but was getting hit hard with Jet Lag, Malaria pills side effects, and getting used to the humidity and didn't want to wear myself out for my first day of Diving. 

If you end up going, make sure you have cash and bring a tip for the end. The sunsets here are absolutely INSANE and I would not miss a single one. Getting a hotel or B&B right on the beach is well worth the price just for this. 

Spice Tour As You Leave

Take the tour, it is a great opportunity to learn about the spices grown here - that played such a major role in the economy here. This really isn't something you can do on your own as the areas are highly regulated, and protected (for obvious reasons). 

Most of the guides have to have have a rigorous education, equivalent to a bachelors degree in the spice plantations, plants, biology, medical uses throughout the world, and history accompanying each of the plants. I learned about a plant that in Jamaica was used to track where slaves went if they tried to escape, but in Zanzibar it is used to treat Asthma. The plant is called 'touch me not' because when you brush the leaves, or if a heavy wind blows - the leaves close up for several minutes. 

We learned about Jackfruit, Bananas, pineapples, all sorts of spices and which parts of the plant are used for different reasons. It is hard to list it all here, but make sure to head to my Youtube channel to watch the whole tour. 

My tour guide was a self-made woman powerhouse called "Happy Baby", she runs her own buisness bossing men around ;) - can't recommend her enough. She was accomodating with me video taping, took photos for me, gave me suggestions on the best places (and poses) for photos - she was amazing and SO MUCH FUN! She was also quite honest about what was a 'good price', where to find good deals for souviners and buying spices, tips on how to negotiate, and how to tell the difference between a real Swahili guy, and a 'beach boy' or the ones that dress up as Swahili to get laid with tourists or those looking to fall madly in love with tourists to get a VISA (called a canine VISA apparently). Here is her number, download the app called WhatsApp, message here there and let her know Janiel sent you :) +255 758 653 5999

Best Beaches In Nungwi

The beaches Riu, Zuri, and Gemma Dell L’est are probably the best beaches and are in front of resorts. You can get in trouble for using resort beaches so just be careful. Otherwise, negotiate a price for to a reserve a chair on the sand but know you will get hounded by people wanting to braid your hair, taking you on a tour, beach boys, and kids doing acrobatics all of which will ask for money. Just say no-thank you or just don't make eye contact and don't respond. 

Cultural Things To Know Before Visiting

I want to put a disclaimer here, that I share these things - not to put a bad light or a negative tone to Zanzibar or your trip. No matter where you go in the world there are issues. For people like me, who are often solo female travelers, we tend to be a bit more on guard and vulnerable in male dominated cultures. I share this to help you be aware, how to avoid issues if it makes you uncomfortable - and participate on your terms without feeling pressured to do so. 

There is a tipping culture here you need to be aware of. When you first arrive at the airport, there will be lots of men wanting to help you with your bags, some can only take you to the door, then someone else takes you to your car. At each step there is a $1-$2 tip expected. While you can technically do it yourself, it is part of the culture here. Especially for female travelers, there is a very much a masculine role that women shouldn’t lift their own bags - sometimes they can be quite insistent about it. I would either plan on not acknowledging them, saying no thank-you with kindness but a bit of gusto, or just bringing some extra bills to let them help you out after a long travel day. This is also true for hotels, bringing your bags to the room etc… 

Beach Boys and Canine VISAs are a thing here, especially in Nungwi. You can see these boys prowling the beach from dawn until dusk dressed as Swahili, but according to our spice tour guide - they aren’t ‘real’ Swahili as they don’t have they tend to have nicer jewelry that they wear on their wrists and ears instead of beaded jewelry. I was told by my guide, who was once a local here - that they often go for middle aged women with a bit of fluff on them.

They reel you in with a simple hello, or even making eye contact my guide advised me against. What apparently happens, is that they are very nice, wrap you up in a world of romance with total dedication (aka love bombing) - tell you they can’t live without you then ask you for a VISA to visit you. When you show up to the consulate for a VISA they sometimes also show up with their wife, and since they are already in the office there is nothing you can really do. If you are followed, or approached by one of them and feel uncomfortable - find the nearest hotel and ask a security guard or staff to help you. They try to either book a guided tour (if alone) or with someone else (if with friends).

There are also boys who come and do acrobatics in front of you, if you watch, they ask for a tip. I would either turn to the side so you aren’t watching, or plan on a $1-$2. There are also women who will braid your hair for you for $20 who are also quite persistent - up to you on if you want to participate or not. 

Pole Pole, pronounced po-leah po-leah, this is a term you will hear a lot. It is a term used to encourage you to ‘slow it down’ and ‘take it easy’ - as not just Americans but the hustle culture can make us impatient to the slow life they live in Zanzibar. Expect to be forced, in a kind way, to take things slow - to take an hour or two with your meal. If you ask for something in the room to be checked, it can be done in 30 minutes to 4 hours - but just know it will get done that day - and if not, a gentle reminder is all that is needed. It is important to remember that what we deem as ‘normal’ may not always be ‘normal’ for those of other cultures, but it doesn’t always mean it is wrong - maybe it is exactly what we need to slow down and take it easy and actually enjoy the vacation. 

Another term you will hear a lot is Jambo (Jaam-bo), it is a Swahili term meaning ‘hello’ or ‘how are you’. You can reply with Nauru (nZooree) which means fine. 

To say ‘no thank you’ politely to people who want to sell you things, just say Asante (ass-an-te) which means. If you just want to say thank you, then it is Karibu (Kah-ree-boo). 

There is no ice anywhere, or it is rather limited typically. You really don’t want to drink water with ice in it anyway - because ice tends to not be filitered water. When it is rather hot and humid, you won’t find the cold beverages, margaritias etc… last cold very long. The smoothies and margaritas tend to be just barely cool because the fruit is blended in, the fruit is kept at room temperature. If you want a really cold beverage - I would stick to water, ginger beer, or beer. 

Speaking of beer - make sure you are hydrating well - especially with the humidity or if you are swimming in the ocean. I tried to bring my own Grayl water bottle filter, and it ended up leaking all over, wouldn’t completely filter the water in the bottom and would just make consuming the water questionable. While the hotels say the tap water can be safe to drink, it is often in tanks that are refilled and you can run the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. While I don’t like buying water in bottles, I also really don’t like to risk getting sick in a different country when I’m traveling alone and don’t know the language. It all comes down to risk vs benefit. 

Cholera you find more at the open food markets. Seafood you just want to make sure it is fresh, caught that day/morning. Stick to fruits you can peel or require peeling. 

Make sure to wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The sun down this far is quite strong, especially in September to March. If you are out on the water, you also want to make sure you are putting sunscreen on the tips of your ears, as well as on the underside of your face, chin etc… The reflection from the water can cause a sunburn as well. 

Tours Near Nungwi

I personally took a tour with the African and Oriental Travel company, you can find them on Facebook. They primarily do Scuba Diving tours - but also some land tours in conjunction with that. I didn’t sign up for any tours while I was in Nungwi, but did take a Spice Tour and tour of Stonetown that they helped me set up. My guides are from England and the Netherlands, but used to live in Zanzibar for a long time. These are the tours they said may be worthwhile, but couldn’t recommend any one specifically because they change all the time. 

Horse Riding Club by Z Hotel

Right behind Hotel Z, there are 2 horse stables that you can go riding at sunset with. You don’t have to be a seasoned rider to get on the horse, and you can do a quick ride all the way up to 4 hours of trail riding around Nungwi. Book your ride with the horse club.

Skydive Zanzibar

This skydiving outfit is in Kendra Rocks Hotel - you can sky dive high above the island and see the incredibly clear waters for miles around. You travel to the Nungwi airport, take a quick flight up to 10,000 feet - then jump out of the plane to soar over paradise with an adrenaline rush. The unique thing about this sky diving, is that you can land on Kendwa Beach, which is one of the few places in the world that allow it. Book Skydive Zanzibar and let me know in the comments below what you thought!

Quad tours

If you want to explore Zanzibar without the risk of the chaf from riding the horses, then they also offer ATV tours up to 4 hours. Taking you along some of the beautiful beaches in Nungwi, Kendwa, and the village of Kilimanjaro. Prepare to make friends with lots of locals on this one, get incredibly dirty from the exhilarating ride and see some of the more off-the-beaten-path places. Osseliche is the outfit that was recommended to me, but haven’t personally used them.

My Takeaway Of Visiting Nungwi

If you are looking for a more laid back feel, more intimate interaction with locals, a taste of the rural areas of Zanzibar then Nungwi is the place to be. It isn’t just the Scuba Diving, Sky Diving, incredible beaches and delicious sea food - it is the feeling of being welcomed by a community that is so close knit and isn’t afraid to sit down and have a deep conversation with a stranger. Nungwi is the essence of Pole Pole, or as the Danish call it Hyggae. Far enough away from the hustle of Stonetown, you are surely to forget your daily woes back home and enjoy the stunning sunsets here. 

If you have any questions about visiting Nungwi, or would like to add some suggestions for other readers to do while there - please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. 

As always, thanks for your support and never stop exploring. 

Where to stay in Nungwi

I stayed at Flame Tree Cottages which was so lovely, there was also a ledge that kind of protects you from any of the beach boys or traveling shows. They do charge quite a bit more for meals than restaurants that are next to it, but also is run by an English Couple that require food and handling of food be up to standard from the UK. 

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Guided Tours Near Nungwi

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