Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
racks nearby, and rough-hewn planks slowly take on new life as skilled boat builders ply
their centuries-old trade. Yet you only need to take a few steps back from the waterfront to
enter into another world, with blaring music, an internet cafe, a rather motley collection of
guesthouses packed in against each other, interspersed with the occasional five-star hotel,
and a definite party vibe. For some travellers it's the only place to be on the island (and
it's one of the few places you can swim without needing to wait for the tides to come in);
others will probably want to give it a wide miss. Most hotels and the centre of all the action
are just north and west of Nungwi village, where it gets quite crowded. If partying isn't
your scene, there are some lovely, quiet patches of sand on Nungwi's eastern side (where
swimming is more tidal), and Kendwa (
Click here
) is only a short walk, boat or taxi-ride
away.
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
Other than diving, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach, you can watch the dhow builders,
and visit the
Mnarani Aquarium
(admission Tsh5000; 9am-6pm) , home to hawksbill
and green turtles that are being nurtured as part of a laudable local conservation initiative.
It's near the lighthouse at the northernmost tip of Ras Nungwi. The lighthouse, which dates
to 1886, is still in use and not open to the public. Just up from Mnarani Aquarium, with the
entrance diagonally opposite Mnarani Beach Cottages, is
Baraka Aquarium
(admission
Tsh7500;
8am-6pm) , where you can also see green turtles, an assortment of fish and
some snakes.
DIVING & OTHER WATER SPORTS
The best diving in the north is around Mnemba, which can be readily arranged from Nung-
wi, though it's a bit of a ride to get there. Leven Bank is closer and can be quite rewarding,
but you'll need previous experience. Otherwise, there are various sites closer in that are
good for beginners. For more on diving around Zanzibar,
Click here
.
Locally based operat-
ors include the following:
East Africa Diving & Water Sport Centre
DIVING
( 0777-420588;
www.diving-zanzibar.com
)
Next to Jambo Brothers Beach Bungalows.
Zanzibar Watersports
DIVING
( 0773-235030;
www.zanzibarwatersports.com
)
A PADI five-star centre based at Ras
Nungwi Beach Hotel, with branches at Paradise Beach Bungalows and at Kendwa Rocks.
There is also kitesurfing and parasailing, both based near Paradise Beach Bungalows:
Kiteboarding Zanzibar
(
www.kiteboardingzanzibar.com
)
