Nungwi Village Cultural Tour

Nungwi a village at the northern part of Zanzibar Island. This trip focuses on a cultural village visit to Nungwi, including sightseeing and free time to relax on the white sand beaches of the north.

In Nungwi there are number of very interesting things to see and do, including a natural aquarium that is home to endangered sea turtles and a variety of fish. The aquarium itself is a natural formation carved out from the coral bedrock by the erosion of millions of waves crashing against the shore. The depth of the water rises and falls with the tides providing a natural environment for its inhabitants.

The best time to visit Nungwi is in the early morning when the fish market is in full swing – depending on the catch the previous night you might see tuna, king fish, dorado and a variety of other large fish for sale. In the morning, local fishermen (and women) wade out to the edge of the coral reef to catch a number of different small sea creatures including squid, octopus, puffer fish and the occasional ray – their catch will be sold at the fish market throughout the day.

The Nungwi Boat Yard is another riveting experience where you’ll meet the ship yard owner and learn how the dhows are built; from the sourcing of the wood to the joints used and how they are launched.

Please also be aware that the village is the home and workplace of the local population and we ask you to respect their privacy – it is always best to ask before taking pictures. At the end of the walk, you can either relax on the sandy beaches or go swimming in the natural sea. Lunch and refreshments are arranged there to taste local delicacies or international food.

Suggested itinerary follows:

Visit the village and Mvuleni ruins

Mvuleni Ruins are situated just to the south of Fukuchani, on the other side of the road. These ruins are in fact thought more likely to Swahili in origin than Portuguese.

Visit the dhow-building capital of Zanzibar

We will stop at the blacksmith and see the traditional way of making the tools for the construction of dhows. At the construction site, we will see the way dhows have been built for centuries and see how skilled craftsmen bend wood to create the dhows. Take advantage of the opportunity to try your hand at this unique craft.

Visit and swim at Mnarani Natural Aquarium

Hawksbill turtles have traditionally been hunted around Zanzibar for their attractive shells, and green turtles for their meat. The project was established in 1993. You'll also get a change to swim while on tour.