Why are Nungwi and Kendwa better for swimming?

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.

How far is Nungwi from the airport?

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

Can I dive Mnemba from the north coast?

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.

Is the north coast good for families or parties?

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.

Destination guide

North Zanzibar

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

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

Kivunge Hospital

Hospital

Kivunge, Unguja North

district hospital serving the north of the island

View details & directions

Mnazi Mmoja Hospital

Hospital

Stone Town, Zanzibar City

main public referral hospital, about an hour south

View details & directions

Nungwi private clinics

Clinic

Nungwi

small clinics and resort doctors for minor care

View details & directions

Nungwi Police Post

Police

Nungwi

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Carry travel-medical insurance with emergency air-evacuation cover, ideally including AMREF Flying Doctors membership. The nearest district hospital is Kivunge, but serious cases are referred to Mnazi Mmoja in Stone Town or flown to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi.

NHIF (national) AAR Insurance Jubilee Health Strategis Insurance AMREF Flying Doctors