Nungwi Beach Zanzibar Review: Africa's Best Sunset

© Written & Curated by Travel Writer Erin

Zanzibar was named one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa by CNN,

and TripAdvisor travelers even voted Nungwi Beach

as one of the top beach destinations in the world.

Where is Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar?

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Nungwi Beach is located at the northernmost tip of Unguja,

the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania.

It is a bit of a drive from Stone Town,

but when you plan a trip to Zanzibar,

both Stone Town and Nungwi Beach are absolute must-visit spots.

Depending on how you spell it,

it is widely known as Nungwi Beach.

While many travelers choose to fly into Dar es Salaam and take the ferry,

I decided to fly directly into Zanzibar Airport.

The official name is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).

It is small and has a very nostalgic, analog feel,

making the arrival experience feel like a true adventure!

When you travel frequently,

you encounter many of these tiny regional airports,

and sometimes you get used to them...

But there is still a unique romance to it.

Getting to Africa can be a long journey.

Most flights route through major hubs like Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi.

Round-trip flights generally cost around ~$960.

Since there are no direct flights, prepare for a long but rewarding journey!

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The Stunning Turquoise Waters of Nungwi

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Many other beaches around Zanzibar

experience dramatic tidal shifts, meaning

the water recedes very far during low tide.

However, Nungwi Beach is different.

You can enjoy the brilliant turquoise-blue water

up close throughout the entire day.

When the sun shines, the white coral sand

sparkles brilliantly, creating a dazzling view.

There is almost no seaweed here,

which makes the water look incredibly clear and pristine.

The waves are calm and gentle, making it

the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing.

The local children find joy in the simplest things.

With just a single soccer ball, they play happily for hours,

drawing in the sand and running along the shoreline.

It is such a pure and heartwarming sight to witness.

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The Breathtaking Sunset at Nungwi Beach

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Nungwi Beach is world-famous for its sunsets,

captivating travel writers from all over the globe.

Because the beach faces northwest,

watching the sun sink directly below the horizon is spectacular.

The red and golden hues slowly bleed across the horizon,

and when the silhouette of a traditional dhow sailboat

passes by, the view becomes an absolute masterpiece.

The magic hour starts around 6:00 PM.

The best season to enjoy these clear, beautiful sunsets

is during the dry season from June to October.

My trip was in September, and it was perfect.

Sitting on the sand, watching the sun go down,

I remember thinking that I had never seen

a sea so peaceful and calm.

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It feels wonderful to look back at these Tanzania memories.

I will definitely share more stories soon!

Next time, I will bring you along on my wild safari adventures.

Enjoying a cold Kilimanjaro Beer and Safari Lager by the ocean...

Oh, how I wish I could go back to that moment!

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