Nungwi is widely regarded as the most beautiful and vibrant beach area in Zanzibar. It attracts visitors year-round, with most businesses remaining open in every season. Unlike many other areas of the island that experience significant tidal changes, Nungwi Beach offers swimming conditions throughout the day. Staying in Nungwi also gives you easy access to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, beaches, and activities.
RESTAURANTS
Most restaurants close their kitchen around 21:30. In Nungwi, an average main dish costs between $10 and $20. With so many restaurants in the area, you can easily enjoy a different dining experience each day.
FRESH FROM THE OCEAN
Fisherman’s Grill
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, you will get the best quality here. Excellent food and a fine selection of wines just in front of the ocean. With a wide 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
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, while 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.
Mahi Mahi
If you prefer it a bit quieter and want to escape the hustle and bustle from Nungwis main area, we recommend Mahi Mahi restaurant.
It is a small, stylish beach restaurant, right at a quiet part of Nungwi`s northern beach, where you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner with your feet sunk into the sand. The menu is small but thoughtfully curated, focusing on fresh seafood and international favorites. Additionally, you can chill on sunchairs while enjoying your smoothie or cocktail.
Opening hours from 7:30 am – 11:30 pm
SWAHILI YUMYUM
Tam Tam
Located across from Nungwi Park, behind Z Hotel, TamTam 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.
Machnoo
Machnoo Local Restaurant is a very good option for tasty and cheap local food if you stay in the Ras Nungwi area. It offers a huge variety of dishes, all freshly prepared. The sitting area is upstairs, without the hustle from the street.
Combo 1990
Located in the middle of Nungwi village, you will find this charming local restaurant. The 7 tables, equipped with cushioned couches, create a cosy atmosphere. We highly recommend the Swahili tapas. You can choose 5 different local dishes in tapas style, with rice/ugali and chapati. That meal definitely leaves you filled and gives you the chance for a true Zanzibarian food experience. Lots of vegetarian options are available.
Opening hours from 12.00 – 23.00 pm, closed on Mondays.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Badolina (temporarily closed)
The best meat restaurant in Nungwi, and also 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 and of course the steak dishes. Check out Badolina’s menu.
Mama Mia (the most popular in Nungwi)
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.
The Corner
If you fancy a pizza, they make one 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 per week BBQ night. It includes a wide variety of local dishes, fish, octopus, squid, curries, veggies, pasta, spinach, cassava and more! Everything is delicious, and cold drinks are available. Finish up with a dessert while watching a fire show. You must book the 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.
Zava
Right next to Bobo Beach Bar, this spot stands out with its beautiful wooden structure, tables with benches for families and groups. Head upstairs to the second floor for sweeping ocean views — the perfect place to watch the sunset. During the day, you can chill on cushioned sunbeds or lounge on the wooden steps right by the beach.
The food is generous and full of flavor, with plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. Don’t miss the halloumi tropical or the poké bowl — both are our favorites. When Bobo Beach winds down around 8:00 pm, Zava comes alive for dinner, accompanied by the soothing sound of waves. Some evenings feature live local drumming and singing. Take a peek at the menu here.
Langi Langi
Langi Langi has been here for almost 30 years. The restaurant offers a great atmosphere and reasonable prices. It specializes in spicy Indonesian cuisine. The 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 a romantic dinner.
Hanoi House
Are you a bit fed up with Pizza, Pasta or burgers?
Hanoi House offers great, authentic Vietnamese kitchen. They use only fresh ingredients and create tasty Asian dishes (if you don`t like coriander, better let them know!). Located at the main road, but sheltered with lots of plants, it`s a small cosy oasis where you can indulge in delicious homemade dishes. Get a glimpse on the menu here.
Opening hours from 11.00 am – 23.00 pm.
FOR COFFEE FANS
JF Kili Coffee
If you’re in the mood for a really good coffee, JF Kili Coffee House is a great choice. They have two locations in Nungwi: one on the main road across from Hanoi House, and another at the big square next to MJ—a cozy coffee truck with a few tables out front. Along with excellent coffee made from locally sourced Tanzanian beans, they also serve delicious waffles and cakes that are perfect for a sweet treat. Opening hours are from 8.00 am – 9.00 pm.
If you are staying in an Airbnb and don`t feel like going out, check out the App ZNZNow.
It offers plenty of food options for delivery to any location in Nungwi!
Do you require information about Visa, ATM’s, money, safety, Swahili, transport and more? Visit our Travel Information page.
BARS & BEACH CLUBS
On most days, bars in Nungwi get empty before midnight. So, don’t get there late! On average, a beer will cost 8,000 shillings and a cocktail 18,000 shillings.
Mangi’s Bar (temporarily closed)
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 a 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 tacos or burgers. This is the hangout spot for our guides after work.
Kibanda Beach bar (best place on Sunday)
Live DJ on Sundays, nice cocktails, and very tasty food. It has a beach lounge vibe, perfect to chill in their sun beds during the day and have a 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!
Bobo Beach bar
If you want to enjoy a beach day with a comfy sunbed, and without hassle from beach boys, Bobo Beach is a good option, especially if you are a single traveller. You pay $15, either for using the sunbed, or for consuming food & drinks. They offer tasty smoothies and cocktails, food options and shisha. Free wifi, shower and clean toilets are a bonus.
No matter if you prefer shade or sun, the waiters are super attentive to move around the umbrella for you and watch your bags while you dip in the ocean.
Between 5-7 pm they turn up the volume of the music, a DJ is playing club house music. Around 8 pm it gets quiet, and they set up tables to enjoy food with the sound of waves only.
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 20,000 Shillings each way, and entrance fees are 25,000 Shillings. Every full moon, they organize the biggest and most famous party of the island: “Full Moon Party” (entrance fee 50.000 Tsh)!
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.
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 to 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 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 be rehabilitated. 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.
