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Things to do in Nungwi

Our most recommended things to do in Nungwi

Zanzibar: North Coast and Turtle Sanctuary Tour

1. Zanzibar: North Coast and Turtle Sanctuary Tour

The most popular beaches of Zanzibar are in Nungwi. This is mostly because the tides do not have such a huge impact on the beach. But, did you know that Nungwi is also the capital of local dhow manufacturing? Find out all about how these impressive sailing vessels are made and get the chance to see local craftsmen in action. Later, enjoy lunch including one complimentary drink at a local restaurant. After that, experience a real turtle sanctuary. Here, turtles are treated and healed of any illnesses before being released to the ocean. Get the chance to swim with these incredible animals and feed them.  All fees paid here contribute towards turtle welfare and the education of tourists on their impact on the local environment.

Nungwi Village Tour with Lunch and Optional Sunset Cruise

2. Nungwi Village Tour with Lunch and Optional Sunset Cruise

Discover Nungwi Village and its natural beauty at the northern end of the Tanzanian island of Unguja, familiarly known as Zanzibar. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the people wth a local guide and learn about what the village is doing for nature conservation. Start the tour with being picked up from your hotel and make your way to your first stop, Mnarani Aquarium. See green and hawksbill sea turtles, sheltered in the tidal lagoon of the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond. Off the coast, there are coral reefs teeming with colorful fish including Hunga and Leven Bank. Then, take in the beauty of the wide, palm-lined Nungwi Beach. Visit a nearby boat-building yard where traditional dhow boats are built. See how these local boats are made from scratch. For lunch, sit down to a delicious Swahili meal and try local flavors. Choose the sunset cruise option to experience riding in a traditional dhow. End your day tour with sailing out from Kendwa and see the unmissable Zanzibar sunset.

Zanzibar Buggy Adventure

3. Zanzibar Buggy Adventure

Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup before heading to Nungwi. On arrival, have an introductory briefing and receive your bandanas and protective goggles. Then, hop on your 2 seater buggy and let the adventure begin. First, drive through Nungwi's remote areas and discover its non-touristic side. Drive into the jungle and explore the different jungle tracks. Visit some of local houses and learn about different activities and Swahili lifestyles here before heading back.

Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Tour & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Ticket

4. Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Tour & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Ticket

Enjoy a beautiful day snorkelling around Mnemba island seeing fish like zebrafish, spotted boxfish, spotted pufferfish, clownfish, Dorry, powder blue surgeonfish, Emperor angelfish, Picasso triggerfish, Moorish idol, stingray, lionfish, porcupines fish and turtles swimming around shallow. After you have had your exploring time the captain will be ready to bring you back to shore and your transfers will arrive. The next stop is the Nungwi Aquarium where you will be able to see turtles swimming in their rock pools. Mnarani aquarium, Mnarani meaning, place of the lighthouse’ in Swahili, is located at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island in the small village of Nungwi near the lighthouse that marks this landmark. The pond is a large, natural tidal pool in the coral rock behind the beach. It was originally set up to rehabilitate and study marine turtles that had been caught in fishing nets, and the project was developed to ensure that local baby turtles were also protected.

Zanzibar: Nungwi Turtle Aquarium

5. Zanzibar: Nungwi Turtle Aquarium

Mnarani aquarium, Mnarani meaning, the place of the lighthouse’ in Swahili, is located at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island in the small village of Nungwi near the lighthouse that marks this landmark. The pond is a large, natural tidal pool in the coral rock behind the beach. It was originally set up to rehabilitate and study marine turtles that had been caught in fishing nets, and the project was developed to ensure that local baby turtles were also protected.

Other Sightseeing Options in Nungwi

Want to discover all there is to do in Nungwi? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Nungwi

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 30 reviews

Picking it up worked perfectly, we were alone while swimming with the turtles and could really enjoy it, then we still had time and went to the small zoo (admission not included). It was a very nice experience, everyone was very friendly and courteous.

We've traveled the world a bit, but we've rarely seen anything so beautiful. You don't actually need snorkeling equipment, but if you want to experience the turtle swarming under water, you should bring your own gear. Seemed tastier to me.

Magnificent moment! We were lucky enough to be driven by Harmad who was fantastic; he accompanied us everywhere we went, taught us a lot about the local culture… what a pleasure to meet people like him! Many thanks to Harmad for everything.

Excellent experience with the turtles , really one of a kind .Also people are so sweet the person there took such amazing pics for us and so did our guide .

A unique experience. It's a mixture of sensations never felt to swim together with turtles and feed them in their natural habitat. Wonderfull.