Ras Nungwi Lighthouse
Historic Ras Nungwi Lighthouse on Zanzibar's northern tip, offering ocean views and a glimpse into maritime past, adjacent to beautiful Nungwi Beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, pleasant weather
Ras Nungwi Lighthouse
Best Time
Dry season, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Ras Nungwi Lighthouse on Zanzibar's northern tip, offering ocean views and a glimpse into maritime past, adjacent to beautiful Nungwi Beach.
"The staff's kindness and the delicious breakfast made our stay unforgettable, offering great value near the beach."
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from the beach near the lighthouse. Perfect for photos!
🚶♀️ Beachfront Dining
Explore seafood markets on the beach for fresh, affordable meals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ras Nungwi Lighthouse
Northern tip of Zanzibar
A historic stone lighthouse offering panoramic ocean views and a glimpse into Zanzibar's maritime past.
Nungwi Beach
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Pristine white sands and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset.
Seafood Market Restaurant
Left on the beach before the lighthouse
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood at reasonable prices in a vibrant beachside setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Ras Nungwi Lighthouse
Getting to Ras Nungwi Lighthouse
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from the beach near the lighthouse. Perfect for photos!
🚶♀️ Beachfront Dining
Explore seafood markets on the beach for fresh, affordable meals.
🚗 Hire a Taxi
Taxis are readily available for transport to and from the lighthouse. Negotiate fares beforehand.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Zanzibar is hot and humid; carry plenty of water, especially during daytime visits.
Nungwi activities and food spots
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from the beach near the lighthouse. Perfect for photos!
🚶♀️ Beachfront Dining
Explore seafood markets on the beach for fresh, affordable meals.
🚗 Hire a Taxi
Taxis are readily available for transport to and from the lighthouse. Negotiate fares beforehand.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Zanzibar is hot and humid; carry plenty of water, especially during daytime visits.
📸 Photography Tips
Experiment with framing the lighthouse against the ocean for stunning shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the delicious breakfast, and the excellent value for money at accommodations near Ras Nungwi Lighthouse. The proximity to the beach is a major plus. However, some guests noted issues with nighttime noise due to street-facing rooms and occasional power outages on the island, which can affect comfort in rooms with only fans.
"We had a really lovely stay at this hotel. Everyone was incredibly kind, cheerful, and polite, which made us feel very welcome from the very first moment. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the bathroom was also well maintained. We especially enjoyed the breakfast – it was delicious and a perfect start to the day.
The only thing that was a bit difficult for us personally was the noise at night, since our room was facing the street and the windows didn’t have glass. Apart from that, everything else was wonderful, and we truly appreciated the warm and friendly atmosphere created by the staff."
Annaira Capri
"We spent 2 nights there, it was really nice thanks to Dulla the Host, he organized some very cool activities in the area, and the localisation is also perfect, it’s like less than a minute walk to the beach ! Thank you !"
Aurelien Delahodde
"My stay was comfortable, the staff members are very friendly and helpful at all times. Price was affordable. Breakfast was tasty. The room however needs to be updated, my toilet seat was broken on arrival but the owner immediately fixed it when addressed. Very close to the beach by just a 5min walk. Accessible to most areas around the island. You should just know there is a power outage on the island which goes out about twice or sometimes 3 times a day so it can get very uncomfortable in the room as there is only electric fans and Tanzania is very hot and humid."
Wendy Tiwah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Ras Nungwi Lighthouse from Stone Town is by hiring a taxi or arranging a private transfer. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. Some travelers also opt for local dala-dalas (minibuses) for a more budget-friendly, albeit slower, experience.
Finding transportation back can be a bit trickier, especially outside peak hours. It's advisable to arrange a return trip with your taxi driver or ask your accommodation to help you book a transfer in advance.
Yes, car rentals are available on Zanzibar, offering flexibility. However, be prepared for potentially unpaved roads and local driving styles. Ensure you have a reliable GPS or map.
For visiting the Ras Nungwi Lighthouse and enjoying Nungwi Beach, hiring a taxi or a private driver is generally recommended for convenience and comfort.
While dala-dalas serve the Nungwi area, they can be crowded and make multiple stops, significantly increasing travel time. For a direct and comfortable journey, private transport is preferred.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no specific entrance fee to visit the exterior of the Ras Nungwi Lighthouse itself. It's a landmark accessible from the public beach area.
The lighthouse area is typically accessible during daylight hours as it's part of the public beach. There are no official opening or closing times posted for external viewing.
Nungwi Beach is a public beach, and there is no admission fee to access it. You can freely enjoy the sand and sea.
Access inside the lighthouse may be restricted or not publicly available. It's primarily viewed from the outside as a historical structure.
Many local tour operators in Nungwi offer excursions that might include a stop at or near the lighthouse as part of a broader island tour or beach experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photographing the lighthouse and the surrounding beach.
For dramatic shots, consider using a tripod for stability, especially during low light. Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field and capture the lighthouse's details.
The beach itself provides excellent vantage points. You can also explore slightly elevated areas along the coast for different perspectives of the lighthouse and the ocean.
Try framing the lighthouse with the ocean as a backdrop, or capture it during sunset for vibrant colors. Including local dhow boats in the foreground can add a unique touch.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local advisories before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several dining options along Nungwi Beach. A popular spot mentioned is a seafood market restaurant located to the left of the beach before the lighthouse, known for reasonable prices.
You'll find a variety of fresh seafood, local Zanzibari dishes, and international cuisine. Many restaurants offer beachfront dining experiences.
Yes, the seafood market restaurant is noted for its reasonable prices. Local eateries and smaller stalls can also offer more affordable meals.
Prices can vary, but you can find meals ranging from $10-$25 USD at mid-range restaurants. The seafood market is often cited as being on the lower end of this spectrum.
Absolutely! Trying local dishes like Biryani, Pilau, and fresh grilled fish is a must for an authentic culinary experience on Zanzibar.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lighthouse itself is more of a historical sight, the surrounding beach activities like swimming and exploring the shoreline will be the main draw for kids. Pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as the sun can be intense.
💰 Budget Travelers
While taxis can be costly, exploring options like dala-dalas (local minibuses) can reduce transportation expenses, though they are slower and less direct.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different compositions: frame the lighthouse with the ocean, capture its silhouette against a colorful sunset sky, or include local dhow boats for added context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Ras Nungwi Lighthouse
While its operational days might be in the past, the lighthouse remains a significant landmark. Its weathered stone structure against the backdrop of the azure sea and white sands creates a picturesque scene. Visitors often find it a compelling spot to reflect on the island's history and its connection to the wider world through seafaring. The lighthouse is a symbol of endurance and a reminder of the island's rich heritage.
Today, the lighthouse is a popular point of interest for tourists exploring the northern coast of Zanzibar. It offers a unique photographic opportunity and a chance to learn a bit about the island's past. Its presence adds a historical dimension to the otherwise idyllic beach scenery of Nungwi.
Experiencing Nungwi Beach and Its Surroundings
Beyond the beach itself, the area around the lighthouse offers unique experiences. Travelers often recommend exploring the seafood market restaurants to the left of the beach before the lighthouse, where you can enjoy incredibly fresh catches at reasonable prices.
For those interested in photography, the sunset views from Nungwi Beach are legendary. The lighthouse provides a dramatic silhouette against the colorful sky, making it a perfect subject for memorable shots.
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