1 / 4🇹🇿 Tanzania
Nungwi
Elevation
5 m
Ideal stay
4 days
Nearest airport
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), 50 km south; Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR), 140 km; Arusha Airport (ARK), 350 km for safari connections
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1 / 4Elevation
5 m
Ideal stay
4 days
Nearest airport
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), 50 km south; Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR), 140 km; Arusha Airport (ARK), 350 km for safari connections
Nearest town: Zanzibar City, 50 km south — main commercial hub for ferries and flights; Stone Town, 45 km south — UNESCO World Heritage site with hotels and restaurants
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Daily costs average $80-150 per person for mid-range accommodation and meals. Snorkeling excursions cost $25-50, scuba dives $60-90, and dhow cruises $30-60. Combined safari-and-beach packages range from $1,500-3,500 per person for 7-10 days including flights, lodging, and activities. Budget guesthouses offer rooms from $20-40 nightly; luxury resorts charge $200-400+. There is no park entry fee for beach access.
June to October offers the best conditions: dry weather, calm seas (ideal for diving), and temperatures around 24-28°C. December to February is warm (26-30°C) with occasional rain but fewer crowds. Avoid April-May when heavy rains make water choppy and visibility poor for diving. July-August and December-January see peak tourist numbers and higher prices; November is unreliable for water activities.
Marine life includes bottlenose dolphins, green and hawksbill sea turtles, reef sharks, groupers, snappers, parrotfish, and manta rays (seasonal). Coral reefs support hundreds of tropical fish species. Birdlife includes frigatebirds and terns. Nungwi itself is primarily a beach destination; major land wildlife (Big Five) requires safari trips to nearby Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, typically 2-3 days away by road.
Fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (50 km away, 1.5-hour drive) or Dar es Salaam International Airport (140 km, 3-4 hours). From there, take a taxi or arrange a transfer to Nungwi. Most safari operators include airport transfers in multi-day packages. Ferries from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar run 2-4 hours and operate multiple times daily.
Yes, Nungwi is family-friendly for ages 6+. Shallow, calm beach areas are safe for swimming; snorkeling is suitable for children with parental supervision. Scuba diving requires children to be at least 10 years old with certification courses available. Spice plantation tours and dhow cruises accommodate all ages. Many family resorts offer kids' clubs and babysitting. Avoid traveling during April-May when rough seas pose safety risks for small children.
3-4 days allows time for beach relaxation, snorkeling, and one dhow cruise. 5-7 days lets you combine Nungwi with a 2-3 day safari to Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. Most travelers book 7-10 day packages mixing beach and safari. A single day is insufficient to enjoy water activities and cultural experiences.
Budget accommodations ($20-50/night): Nungwi Beach Bungalows, Nungwi Inn, local guesthouses. Mid-range ($60-150/night): Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel. Luxury ($200-400+/night): Baraza Resort & Spa, Matemwe Lagoon Lodge. Most lodges cluster along the main beach and offer diving packages, restaurant facilities, and airport transfers. Book beachfront rooms for sunset views and morning snorkeling access.
Yes, Nungwi is worth visiting if you seek beach relaxation, water sports, and cultural experiences. Its main value is as a safari-and-beach combination destination: 3-4 days unwinding after an intense safari. Snorkeling and diving among coral reefs are excellent and accessible. The village offers authentic Swahili culture without the crowds of Zanzibar City. However, if you want only wildlife viewing, the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater are better choices.
Guides are not required for beach activities but highly recommended for snorkeling and diving excursions (required for scuba). Local guides cost $15-25 per day and enhance cultural tours and spice plantation visits. For safari connections, guides are essential and included in package bookings. Self-guided beach time is safe; however, hiring a guide prevents overcharging and provides authentic local insights.
You can compare safari packages, read verified traveler reviews, and book through trusted operators on SafariFind.com. This lets you compare prices for beach-and-safari combinations, read detailed itineraries, and find operators specializing in multi-day Tanzania packages. Most packages include flights, lodging, meals, and guide services. Book 6-8 weeks in advance for peak seasons (July-August, December-January) to secure preferred dates and rates.
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