In the far north of Zanzibar on a pristine white beach, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is an ever popular and high-quality hotel. It has all of the facilities you would expect of a larger establishment, such as internet access, a large pool, on-site water-sports facilities and a games area.
There is a comfortable bar/lounge and split-level dinning area situated under thatch which sits up above the beach. All the meals are served here and during the evening it is a bustling place when all of the guests congregate around the bar before dinner.
Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel has 32 rooms which all stand in well-kept gardens. They are divided into three classes depending on their location, view and finishing touches - though every room does included air-con, digital room safes and hair-dryers. The 13 terraced Lodge rooms are situated furthest away from the beach, in a neat garden behind the main area and car park. The Superior chalets and Superior Deluxe chalets are closer to the beach with sea views – differing only in that the 'Deluxe' comes complete with a music system, deluxe toiletries and a fruit basket on arrival.
Though the rooms vary (we'll advise you on the best for you), all have a lovely large Zanzibari bed draped with a mosquito net, an en-suite bathroom and a veranda.
In addition there is also the fantastic (though also fantastically priced!) Ocean Suite, which offers 140 square metres of living space, private sun-deck and plunge pool.
The games area at Ras Nungwi is very popular with the younger visitors, especially after dinner, and boasts a pool table, table tennis, board games and darts. By the beach is also an excellent PADI dive centre with four instructors to teach those wanting to learn for the first time, as well as plenty of great dive sites for the more seasoned diver. From the dive centre you can also organise snorkelling trips, kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing and a range of other water-sports.
If big-game fishing is a real interest to you then Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is a great option. The manager Chris has a real passion for the sport and the hotel has the only professional sport-fishing boat in Zanzibar, along with professional tackle and international safety standards. 'Tag and release' fishing is generally encouraged, unless it's a record-breaking fish or fisherman's first-ever catch.
Ideal length of stay: The average stay at Ras Nungwi for most guests is 5 nights.
Central facilities: The large lounge and dinning area at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is on split-levels and open-sided, with an impressively high thatch roof and red tiled floors. The lounge/bar is comfortably furnished with plenty of sofas and a littering of brightly coloured Zanzibari cushions. Having walked through this, then you pass through into the dining area. This is under the same thatch roof, but instead is furnished with dark wooden tables and white canvas directors chairs.
Ras Nungwi's fresh-water swimming pool sits just below the lounge/dinning area, with paths that then take you on down to the beach just below. As a family hotel there is plenty of activity by the pool – so those wishing to snooze on the loungers might want to seek out a quieter spot on the beach.
There is also a games area, a shop with a few curios and essential items and an internet room.
Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it's a further one and a half hours to transfer to Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Breakfast is a self-service buffet and includes fruit, cereals, juices, fresh breads and a cooked breakfast with eggs of your choice. With most guests staying on half-board, lunch is an a la carte menu with a mix of international cuisine and daily specials to choose from. Dinner is usually a slightly more formal 4-course affair - though sometimes there is also a delicious buffet that serves a variety of barbequed meat and fish with fresh salads and vegetables.
When we last stayed at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel, the food was exceptional and the highlight of our stay. There was a variety of fresh dishes on offer, using locally produced organic food wherever possible, with vegetarian options available and the buffet that we sampled was fantastic. Breakfast was also of a very high quality with something for everyone, including some delicious fresh-baked bread!
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: No – apart from the Ocean suite where guests can have dinner in their room
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.
Children
Attitude towards children: Ras Nungwi happily accepts families and children.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Ras Nungwi.
Activities: Ras Nungwi does not organize special activities for children.
Equipment: There are cots available to put in the rooms.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: This is a good hotel for children – there is a large pool, lovely beach and a fun games area with a table tennis table. Though children are the full responsibility of their parents whilst at Ras Nungwi.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There is mobile phone coverage at Ras Nungwi. There is also internet access which costs $6 per hour.
TV & radio: There are CD players in the Deluxe Suites and the Ocean Suite.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The dive team are all first aid trained and there is a first aid kit on site for minor injuries and illnesses. Stone Town is only an hour and a half away for more serious emergencies.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel has a front gate which is normally closed and watched, security guards around the property, and a few discrete askaris (guards) on the beach.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all of the bedrooms and communal areas at Ras Nungwi, as well as fire alarms in the main areas. In addition the management team has a safety system in place for checking all of the rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: There is a full Laundry Service which is an extra Charge – approximately $1 – 3 per item
Money: Ras Nungwi will exchange currencies and travellers' cheques for guests only.
Accepted payment: Ras Nungwi accept payment in US Dollars, Euros, Tanzanian Shillings and Pounds Sterling as well as visa, mastercard and travellers' cheques.
Cool, soft white sand at Ras Nungwi
The beach is the key attraction at Ras Nungwi. Although the lower level almost disappears at high tide, but a higher level as been created for permanent sun loungers. The pool is clean and decent si...
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Ras Nungwi homepage This is an extensive and fast-loading site with lots of information, various factsheets and even a copy of the wine list!
