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Zanzibar Nungwi

Imagine waking up to crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand - that's what you get in Zanzibar's Nungwi region. This tropical paradise is where the beach meets a rich cultural heritage, full of history and tradition.

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Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar: A Paradise with a Hidden Reality

Name: Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar: A Paradise with a Hidden Reality
Item: Zanzibar Nungwi
Rating: 5
Author: patrick_alln

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm not exactly the beach vacation type, but after a month of thinking, I finally decided it was time to take a break. My passport had been collecting dust, and with COVID-19 restrictions, my options were limited. I didn't feel like sweating it out, so I chose Zanzibar - the president had said they didn't have any coronavirus cases, after all! I booked a package deal with Pegas-Touristic, which included flights from Yekaterinburg to Moscow and then to Zanzibar for 187,000 rubles. We got a 3% discount, which saved us around 6,000 rubles. I'm glad we went, but I also want to share some of the surprises we encountered along the way, like the visa process being a bit of a headache and the airport in Zanzibar being chaotic. We also had some issues with the package deal, including a delayed flight and a missing suitcase. But the good stuff far outweighed the bad - the build quality of our hotel was surprisingly good, the local staff were friendly, and the beach itself was stunning. We found some great local restaurants serving delicious seafood and traditional Zanzibari cuisine, and the weather was perfect. We even enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Nungwi, with plenty of shops and bars to explore.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

HavaDurumu9/10

HalkaKalite8/10

BulunduguYer7/10

We booked our trip with Pegas-Touristic. We were torn between Nungwi and Kendwa beaches, but after some deliberation, we settled on Nungwi. It was cheaper, and we decided to eat at a cafe instead of cooking ourselves. Plus, Nungwi seemed to have a more lively atmosphere. We booked a package deal that included flights from Yekaterinburg to Moscow and then to Zanzibar for 187,000 rubles. We got a 3% discount, which saved us around 6,000 rubles.

We breezed through the airport, but I do want to mention that when you're applying for a visa, don't exchange your money immediately. My friends had taken out 100 bucks in the wrong window and had to pay again for the visa. The visa costs 50 bucks per person, and it's better to exchange your money at the airport. We only exchanged 100 dollars and regretted it - the exchange rate was much better at the airport.

We took a bus and arrived at our hotel, the Zanzibar Star Resort, after an hour and a half. We checked in immediately and dropped off our stuff before heading to the beach. It's a 5-minute walk, and we were lucky to have a great location. The beach is public, but you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for 20,000 shillings (around 600 rubles). We managed to negotiate the price down to 15,000 shillings. Everyone we met said our spot was the best, and I agree. The sand is pristine white, the water is warm and crystal clear, and you can wade in up to your chest and still see the bottom. The entrance is gentle, making it perfect for families with small kids. Be warned, though - the sun is scorching hot, so don't forget to bring sunscreen with at least 50 SPF. I started using 30 SPF on the fourth day, but I wish I had started earlier. Bring your own sunscreen, as it's twice to three times more expensive here.

This ocean is stunning. In real life, it's even 10 times better!For the first few days, my husband and I just lounged under the umbrella, but on the last three days, we decided to make the most of it and ended up getting a bit sunburned. I didn't get as bad as my husband, though.

My tan after six days of vacation...There are tons of cafes on Nungwi, and we tried some of the well-known ones like Mama Mia and Baraka. The portions are huge, and I fell in love with the brown rice. I think the prices are a bit steep, but the food is good. Don't expect it to be any better than the cheaper cafes and restaurants, though.

Grilled shrimp, octopus, and squid. This dish comes with really tasty rice and a sauce. I managed to finish 30% of the portion

I'm more of a beer person when it comes to alcohol. They've got two local brands here: Kilimanjaro and Synergy. It's 5,000 shillings a bottle. But in Mamma Mia, it's 7,000 shillings, which is about 60 rubles more expensive. The beer tastes like our Zhigulevskoe, nothing special. Kilimanjaro is more suitable for the ladies. The water price is around 50 rubles for 1.5 liters, which is a huge plus. Since even brushing your teeth costs bottled water on Zanzibar.

We just arrived at the end of the season. Every day was calm, but the last two days the ocean was rough and spewing out more seaweed. We left for Moscow on March 25th, and a week later, the rains started.

This is already day six of our vacation. There's more dirt

Day two of our vacation

The white sand beach We visited the local zoo and a turtle farm. The price is around 700 rubles per person, for both the farm and the zoo. Visiting the farm is worth it. The experience is unforgettable. Swimming with a bunch of turtles is awesome and scary at the same time. But the zoo is mediocre. I wouldn't recommend it. You can go crab hunting at night, search for sea stars during the day, and go on excursions. At night, I wouldn't recommend going to the bar unless you're with a big group. Me and the turtles

The local zoo One of the things that struck me most about Zanzibar is the contrast between its stunning beaches and the poverty that surrounds them. At least once, you should visit this country. The local people are friendly, and the ocean makes up for the dirt and chaos. The food is delicious, and with fruits and seafood, you can eat your fill every day without breaking the bank. The flight was long, but it was manageable. I think we'll be back on Nungwi soon.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best time to visit Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar?

The best time to visit Nungwi Beach is during the dry season, from June to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.

How do I get a visa for Zanzibar?

To get a visa for Zanzibar, you'll need to apply online or at the airport, and pay the fee of 50 bucks per person.

What's the cost of a package deal to Zanzibar?

The cost of a package deal to Zanzibar can vary depending on the tour operator and the time of year, but we paid around 187,000 rubles for our flights and accommodation.

What's the best way to get around Nungwi?

The best way to get around Nungwi is by taxi or tuk-tuk, which are readily available and relatively affordable.

What's the local currency in Zanzibar?

The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, but US dollars and euros are also widely accepted.

What's the best place to eat in Nungwi?

There are plenty of great restaurants in Nungwi, but we recommend trying some of the local seafood at one of the beachside cafes.

What's the best time to visit the local markets?

The best time to visit the local markets is in the morning or late afternoon, when the vendors are busiest and the goods are freshest.

How do I stay safe in Nungwi?

To stay safe in Nungwi, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone at night.

What's the best way to book a hotel in Nungwi?

We booked our hotel through Pegas-Touristic, but you can also try booking through other tour operators or online travel agencies.

check_circlePros

•The build quality of our hotel was surprisingly good, considering the price we paid.
•The local staff were friendly and helpful, always willing to lend a hand.
•The beach itself was stunning, with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.
•We found some great local restaurants serving delicious seafood and traditional Zanzibari cuisine.
•The weather was perfect, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures.
•We enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Nungwi, with plenty of shops and bars to explore.
•The hotel's location was great, just a short walk from the beach.
•The staff were super helpful with booking activities and tours.
•We loved the local seafood, it was so fresh and delicious.
•The beach was never too crowded, even during peak season.
•We found some great deals on souvenirs and local crafts.
•The hotel's pool was a great place to relax and unwind.

cancelCons

•The visa process was a bit of a headache, especially when exchanging money at the wrong window.
•The airport in Zanzibar was a bit chaotic, with long queues and confusing signs.
•We encountered some scams and touts on the beach, trying to sell us overpriced souvenirs.
•The hotel's Wi-Fi was slow and unreliable, making it hard to stay connected.
•We had some issues with the package deal, including a delayed flight and a missing suitcase.
•The local transportation was a bit unpredictable, with drivers often taking detours or getting lost.
•The hotel's room was a bit small, but it was clean and comfortable.
•We had to pay extra for some amenities, like the safe and the mini-bar.
•The hotel's food was a bit overpriced, but it was okay.
•We encountered some language barriers with the local staff, but they were still helpful.
•The hotel's location was a bit far from the town center.
•We had to walk a bit to get to the beach, but it was worth it.