Zanzibar Nungwi North Coast Tour - Full Day Excursion

The Activities - the Zanzibar Nungwi North Coast Tour

In the north coast you'll find a white sandy beach which is very conductive for swimming and beach relaxation. The north coast beach is the finest of Zanzibar beaches. You will also visit the aquariums, turtles sanctuaries and a place where traditional dhows are built.

A Visit to the 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. The house was larger than the one at Fukuchani, but the ruins are in poor condition, overgrown with vegetation, and thus are not as impressive. A natural cavern which remains of the house well is northeast outside the main wall.

Visits to the Turtles Sanctuaries

Mnarani Natural Aquarium

Hawksbill turtles have traditionally been hunted around Zanzibar for their attractive shells, and green turtles for their meat. In 1993, with encouragement and assistance from various conservation bodies and some dedicated marine biologists, the local Zanzibar community opened the Mnarani Natural Aquarium (open 09.00–18.00 daily).

In the shadow of the lighthouse ('Mnarani' meaning 'place of the lighthouse' in Swahili), the aquarium was created around a large, natural, tidal pool in the coral rock behind the Nungwi beach. Originally set up to rehabilitate and study turtles that had been caught in fishing nets, the aquarium project expanded to ensure that local north coast baby turtles were also protected.

Nungwi Zanzibar photo #2: A turtle at the Mnarani aquarium.

Turtles frequently nest on north beach, and the village volunteers now mark and monitor new nests. The resulting hatchlings are carried to small plastic basins and small concrete tanks at the aquarium where they remain for ten months. By this time, they have grown to ten inches and their chances of survival at sea are dramatically increased. All bar one of these turtles are then released into the north sea, along with the largest turtle from the aquarium pool. On a practical note, when timing your visit to the north coast, the water is clearest about two hours before high tide (Swahili: maji kujaa).

Baraka's Turtle Aquarium

Owned by Mr Baraka, of Baraka's Bungalows on west beach of Nungwi. It recently opened in direct competition with Nungwi's long-established sanctuary scheme at neighbouring Mnarani Natural Aquarium, which is also located in Nungwi as mentioned above. Although it has a lovely tidal pool, and the 15 resident green turtles appear to be well fed and healthy.

Zanzibar Nungwi North Coast Tour

Standard Option from

USD 65 p.p.

in a Group of 5 or more. Price increases as the # of people lowers!

This Price Includes

• Excursion fee
• Entrance fees
• Return transport from Stone Town
• Lunch

Budget Option from

USD 45 p.p.

sharing with a different group.

This Price Includes

• Excursion fee
• Entrance fees
• Return transport from Stone Town
• Lunch