Nungwi Beach, Coastal beach in Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania
Nungwi Beach is a wide sandy shore on the northern tip of Zanzibar, lined with palm trees and facing the Indian Ocean. The sand is composed of coral fragments that create a bright white surface stretching along the water's edge.
This area started as a fishing village and boat-building center before becoming a well-known tourist destination. The shift from traditional maritime work to tourism happened gradually over recent decades as visitor numbers grew.
Fishermen work daily along the shore, building and repairing wooden dhow boats as they have done for generations. You can watch this traditional craft firsthand and see how fishing remains woven into daily life here.
Swimming conditions remain good throughout the year with minimal tidal changes compared to other Zanzibar beaches. Wear shoes to protect against the coral sand and bring sun protection, as there is limited shade in many areas.
The white coral sand has an unusual property where it glows faintly at night, creating a soft luminescence along the shore. This glow comes from tiny bioluminescent organisms in the sand and water.
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