Zanzibar North – Nungwi Cultural Tour

Overview

Nungwi is located at the North tip of Zanzibar island, 1 hour 15 minutes drive from the Stone Town. Nungwi has crystal clear waters, an excellent place for diving, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.

This trip leads you through the Fukuchani ruins and caves The Fukuchani Ruins are near the edge of the Fukuchani village and are the remains of a 16th-century coral rag house. The ruins date to the 16th century, but it is thought that there was a Shirazi settlement located here before and the remaining structure was constructed by the Portuguese. You will then proceed to Nungwi for the village tour. At Nungwi there are number of very interesting things to see and do including, the natural aquarium which is a 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.

While watching the white sails of the Dhows go by, you might wonder how these impressive boats are made. The Nungwi Boat Yard is a riveting (if you’ll pardon the pun) 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 note that the boat-building tour is only available as part of the Nungwi Village Tour. 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

Tour Highlights

• Visit a site where local villagers build dhows and boats using traditional tools.
• Visit the Dhow building capital of Zanzibar
• Visit & Swim at Mnarani Natural Aquarium (Turtle Sanctuary)
• Relax on a broad beach lined with palm trees
• Ideal choice for families
• Option to book a range of watersports

Additional Information

• • The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions