Ras Nungwi

Zanzibar – North

Ras Nungwi is the perfect place to actively enjoy everything Zanzibar has to offer.

Overview

Ras Nungwi is a privately owned independent hotel opened in 1996 and completely refurbished and updated in 2006/7. It’s located on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island which makes it perfect for diving and fishing.

The beach here is, like much of the island, very clean, clear and unspoilt. The reef is relatively nearby and at low tide it’s possible to find lots of marine creatures in rock pools and such, however at high tide the beach all but disappears.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Ras Nungwi is in either chalets or lodge rooms each with a private balcony and en-suite facilities (including shower, hand-basin & toilet). All 32 rooms have air conditioning, electronic safe, whitewashed walls and hand-crafted four poster beds beneath voluminous mosquito nets.

Lodge Rooms
All rooms have garden view, air conditioning and hand carved 4 poster beds complete with mosquito nets.
Chalet Rooms
All types of chalet room have a sea view, although the higher category rooms are closer to the beach.
Superior deluxe chalet rooms are located closest to the sea front and have upgraded bathroom facilities, CD players and a few other special touches.

The Ocean Suite
The Ocean Suite is a large detached suite entirely enclosed within private gardens. It has its own plunge pool, spacious living area and a roof terrace.

Facilities

We found Ras Nungwi to have quite a variety of features, more common in much larger properties. The restaurant was good, using local organic products, when possible, and serving good quality international food with a Zanzibar twist. The bar was well stocked with South African wines and stayed open as late as you would like.

The property includes:
*Designer deck level fresh water swimming pool.
*Peponi Spa
*Tennis Court
*Mountain Bike hire facility
*Gift Shop

Two or three times a week there is live music.

Ras Nungwi also runs its own on-site water sports centre. It’s a Gold Palm (Five Star) member of the PADI International Resort Association and includes a PADI dive school.

Other activities

Ras Nungwi offers a wealth of activities to suit all types. Options include; Scuba, Snorkeling, dhow cruises, kayaking, wind-surfing, water-skiing and deep sea fishing. All activities are organized and run by the hotels own staff from the on-site water sports centre.

In addition to these you are well sited for many land based activities. The hotel can offer darts, table tennis, pool, volley ball and numerous board games. They have a secluded TV room showing international sports, movies and news channels and can offer live music once a week.

A 15 minute walk, or short bike ride (mountain bike hire available from hotel), will take you into Nungwi village where you can get a spot of lunch whilst taking in the Zanzibar way of life in the many bars and restaurants. Nungwi village is also home to a turtle sanctuary and is the Dhow building capital of the island.

Zanziplanet reviews

Ras Nungwi represents a good balance between the smaller more intimate guest houses and the larger boutique properties. The location is great for diving and the proximity to Nungwi village provides options external to the hotel.

We would strongly recommend upgrading to the Superior Deluxe rooms as these have most recently been refurbished and are better located.