Destination guide

North Zanzibar

Powder-white sand, swimmable tides and the last of the dhow-builders

The northern tip of Unguja centres on the villages of Nungwi and Kendwa, whose beaches stay swimmable even at low tide. Its single job for a traveller is easy beach living, sunsets over the dhows and world-class diving off Mnemba.

By the numbers

~30,700

Nungwi population

second-largest settlement on Unguja

Unguja North

Region

capital Mkokotoni

~10-40 m

Mnemba Atoll

dive depths on the protected reef

All day

Swimmable tides

north coast escapes big tidal drop

By hand

Dhow-building

living boatyards on Nungwi beach

Mnarani

Turtle sanctuary

natural tidal aquarium at Nungwi

Best time to visit

The dry seasons of June to October and December to February bring reliable sun and calm seas ideal for diving and dhow sailing. The long rains of April and May are best avoided, though the beaches remain swimmable year-round thanks to the reduced tidal range on the north coast.

Common questions

The north coast has a much smaller tidal range than the east, so the sea stays deep enough to swim throughout the day rather than retreating far out at low tide.

Nungwi is about 55 km and roughly 1.5 hours by road from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport near Stone Town.

Yes, dive centres in Nungwi, Kendwa and Matemwe run daily boat trips to the Mnemba Atoll marine reserve, the archipelago's top site for reefs and turtles.

It suits both: Nungwi and Kendwa have family-friendly resorts and calm swimming, while Kendwa is also known for its lively full-moon beach parties.