Nungwi Beach — Attraction in Unguja

Zanzibar is actually really disappointing for me, online you see a paradise with beautiful beaches, people snorkelling and swimming with turtles but in reality it’s not at all glamorous, there is rubbish all over the ground everywhere you go, people are living in super run down houses right next to massive fancy hotels, low tide is during the middle of the day so all of the beaches you want to swim at are just sand and reef until high tide at night time and it’s EXPENSIVE. There are much nicer places with lovely beaches that you can travel to for much cheaper and are easier to get around! (Thailand and the Philippines especially)

As a young person travelling Africa with a currency that’s not USD, Euro or Pound (we’re travelling on the Australian dollar -Aud) it’s been pretty reasonable with the conversion but in Zanzibar specifically it’s been crazy expensive, they try to charge everything in USD so trying to hire a moped or scooter for three days they wanted not only $60 USD for the hire ($97 Aud) but also $15 USD ($25 Aud) for a “government driving permit” even when we both have an international license or an IDP (international driving permit) that’s the second “government” fee we’ve come across because you now have to get mandatory Zanzibar insurance when entering at the airport which was $45 USD ($73 Aud) aswell as the Visa I needed for entrance to Tanzania which was $50 USD ($80 Aud) what is the government doing with all this money they’re extorting from tourists if it’s not to try clean up atleast some of the rubbish that’s everywhere, making nice roads or helping with peoples housing.

All of the restaurant menus are in USD and obviously not what the local price is because what local is paying $7 USD ($12 Aud) for a stew, no one. It’s just frustrating because they do obviously make their livings off of tourists (especially the middle age demographic of Americans) which is what you would expect from a popular destination like this but it’s pushing the price of everything up for everyone else. It’s disappointing as someone who loves to travel because of course things cost money but this has got to a point of actually just being ridiculous.

We’re staying where we heard most people stay in Jambiani which was an hour from the airport (it cost us 90,000 TZS/ $35 USD which is $56 Aud) because they only do taxi there’s no ride share app in Zanzibar so trying to get to and from the airport is crazy expensive.

So because we’re staying in Jambiani if we wanted to go and do a snorkelling tour, the turtle sanctuary cave or anything like that it’s all up on the top of the island (roughly a 2 hour drive) in Matemwe which would already be hard on a rented scooter but because the scooter hire is expensive we’d have to try get either a tuk tuk, taxi or on the back of a motorbike all the way there and back for the day it would be not only hard to find someone who would do it but also costly as well, so if you’re planning on doing those things while in Zanzibar (snorkelling tour, swimming with dolphins, turtle sanctuary cave, anything like that) it’s most likely up near Matemwe so definitely spend the extra money on accommodation up there to save the hassle of trying to get there.

Zanzibar is a tourist scam....

Immerse yourself in the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean at Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar. This idyllic destination offers a serene and relaxing experience for those seeking to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the ocean.

As you step onto the soft white sands of Nungwi Beach, you'll be greeted by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The calmness of the sea creates a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating in the gentle waves.

Dive beneath the surface and discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful marine life. The coral reefs near Nungwi Beach provide an excellent opportunity for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore and observe the diverse ecosystem that thrives beneath the surface.

If you prefer a more laid-back experience, find a comfortable spot on the beach and listen to the soothing sound of the waves. Feel the warm sun on your skin as you relax under the shade of palm trees, letting the gentle ocean breeze wash away any worries or stress.

For the ultimate tranquility, consider booking a sunset cruise or a dhow sailing trip. Drift along the calm waters as the sun sets on the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and gold. It's a magical experience that will leave you in awe of nature's beauty.

Whether you choose to dive into the inviting waters or simply bask in the peaceful ambiance, the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean at Nungwi Beach provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's an experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul, leaving you with lasting memories of...

I give this 2 stars for a few reasons. It is a lovely white sandy beach with beautiful turquoise water which is like getting into a bath it’s so warm, this is definitely has that Caribbean feel to it in Africa! Sections of the beach are private to hotels where others are more open which creates that buzzing bustling atmosphere with locals filling up for sundown,

Unfortunately I have to state this because I feel it will eventually ruin what is right now a beautiful destination albeit still a developing tourist location, but the waste and pollution Iv seen along the beach in the sea and on the sand especially during low tide is quite hard to look at. I managed to fill a bin up just during an afternoon in the sea,

I know the people are all doing there best and are lovely people but if there was some kind of incentive to help reduce and remove waste and recycle correctly it would do wonders for their main attraction.

Which goes to say about the beach boys, Iv done enough travelling to comfortably and politely steer away from them, but they seem to focus on young ladies on their own or groups applying a lot of pressure to buy local gifts from their associated shops, I know they’re doing what they have to earn money but this will put people off coming and give Zanzibar a bad name if it continues,

Otherwise yes I loved it here the beach area is quite small in non private sections when the tide is in but there are some nice relaxing beach bars you...