Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel

Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is situated at the northernmost peninsula of Zanzibar Island.  Hidden amongst rich tropical gardens, its cluster of whitewashed and palm thatched cottages overlook the Indian Ocean’s calming, iridescent waters. Myriad pathways, shaded by elegant palms, create soft sun-dappled walkways between beach, banda, balcony and bar. Infused with the laid-back, exotic, yet ultimately natural spirit of Zanzibar, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all that this extraordinary part of the world has to offer.  The lush gardens drop down onto one of the finest and most unspoilt beaches on the island, which in turn is fringed by a wide and thriving coral reef.

The surrounding reefs create one of the most exciting areas to dive and snorkel, and are home to flourishing populations of dolphin, turtles, and countless other marine species. At low tide the reef creates a stunningly clear lagoon with dazzling white coral sand bars and tidal pools teeming with a wide variety of marine life. Guests can also enjoy the fresh-water swimming pool which offers spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. Lazy days can be interspersed with some activity on the hotel’s tennis court, a visit to the local village or cycling on the beach. For the ultimate in self-indulgence, the Peponi Spa offers a collection of sublime treatments.

Our chefs relish the task of preparing elegant and appetising menus from an abundance of local ingredients, including aromatic spices, the finest array of seafood and plenty of fresh tropical fruit. We take great pride in maintaining a well stocked wine cellar featuring quality French Champagnes and award-winning South African wines.

Set amongst a glorious natural paradise, it is our vision that nature and the hotel coexist harmoniously.  We want our guests to enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings without forsaking creature comforts.  An eco-sensitive approach has ensured that the delicate balance of land and sea, flora and fauna is preserved for all to enjoy in the years to come.

Accommodation is in charming thatched chalets or lodge rooms, each with a private balcony and en-suite facilities. All rooms have beautiful hardwood furniture, opulent fabrics, and hand-crafted four poster beds shrouded beneath billowing mosquito nets. Lodge rooms are set back, overlooking our well maintained mature gardens. Newly designed bathrooms in the chalets feature granite vanity units, rain shower heads and luxury fittings. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, fans, hair dryers and electronic personal safes.  All superior chalet rooms have a sea view and minibar. Superior deluxe chalet rooms, ideal for honeymooners or guests simply wishing to make a little more of their stay, have the additional use of a music system and are closer to the beach.

For those seeking a truly exclusive hideaway for all, or part of their stay, our Ocean Suite provides the finest beach accommodation in Zanzibar. Detached and entirely self contained, it offers over two hundred square metres of luxurious private living space. Concealed among our verdant tropical gardens with its own plunge pool, guests are able to enjoy its magnificent roof-terrace and open-air sitting room - perfect for airy siestas, sundowners or stargazing. Just lying in bed you can enjoy unspoilt garden views and ocean horizons. Close by, a meandering path leads through the suite’s own garden to the stunning white-sand beach and turquoise lagoon.

In order to create a contemporary architectural space from natural materials, Ras Nungwi makes good use of Zanzibar’s ancient building traditions and draws on local influences for inspiration. All main structures are open-air. Makuti-thatched ceilings arch high overhead, allowing all to relax and enjoy the space, light and atmosphere that this unique location affords. The hotel’s Jahazi Beach Bar is fashioned from a traditional sailing dhow and offers a seascape like no other. Interiors are beautifully decorated with lavish silks complementing vibrant local fabrics and Swahili art work. An elegant theme of cushioned comfort runs throughout the many secluded lounging areas of the hotel

Ras Nungwi is ideally situated to make the most of some of Africa's best deep sea fishing including the legendary Pemba Channel. A range of well-equipped sport fishing boats is available to charter at the hotel. Experienced skippers can instruct novices and talk guests through any procedure in the course of reeling in their catch. August to November provides excellent sport for the big yellowfin tuna, one of the strongest fish around. Multiple hook-ups are common as the ocean comes alive with huge schools of tuna in pursuit of smaller fish. During the billfish season, from November to March, striped marlin are also common.

Overwhelming numbers of tropical fish proliferate on the coral gardens that form a lagoon around Ras Nungwi. The majestic whale shark migrates past us twice a year and humpback whales sometimes breach right outside the hotel. Dolphins are permanent residents often accompanying us on boat trips, jumping and diving with their young. The secluded beach at Ras Nungwi is also popular with turtles who return year after year to hatch their young.   Nearby Mnemba Atoll has been declared a marine conservation area and offers a unique opportunity for both divers and snorkellers to experience the best of Zanzibar's underwater world. With warm tropical waters and visibility often over thirty metres, Ras Nungwi is the perfect diving destination, with plenty to excite professionals and beginners alike. Dives are conducted daily, frequenting over twenty stunning sites. For more remote areas and private charter dives, we either use spacious, comfortable dive dhows or a twin-hulled speedboat. The fully equipped watersports centre is a five star PADI facility staffed by a team of dedicated professionals who focus on service and safety to make your diving experience truly memorable. The complete range of PADI courses is offered by our resident instructors. Snorkelling, dhow cruises, water-skiing, wind-surfing, sailing and kayaking provide other exhilarating ways to enjoy this breathtaking marine paradise.

Set in tropical gardens, the hotel's Peponi Spa offers an array of rejuvenating, pampering and holistic treatments to calm the mind, body and soul. Built with the use of natural materials and designed using only warm tones and simple lines, it provides a calming atmosphere in which to completely relax. Restful music and the subtle aroma of essential oils also add to our spa experience. Qualified professionals conduct all treatments.

For further information and reservations, please contact us:

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.rasnungwi.com
Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel Ltd.
PO Box 1784, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tel: + 255 24 2233767/2233615/2232512
Fax: + 255 24 2233098

Or contact your travel agent