Nungwi, at the northern tip of Zanzibar, is where the island’s best sunsets happen. Unlike the east coast, the sea here is barely touched by the tides, so you can swim at any hour in clear, deep blue water.
This afternoon trip mixes a swim, a private jet ski ride along the whole coast between Nungwi and Kendwa, and an evening on one of the most beautiful terraces of the island, with an aperitif as the sun goes down and dinner by the sea.
It is also the land of the dhow builders: on the beach of Nungwi, craftsmen still build the traditional wooden boats by hand, as they have for centuries.
Perfect as a romantic evening for two or as a fun afternoon with friends: you leave the villa after lunch and come back after dinner, with nothing to organise.
Your driver picks you up after lunch and in about forty minutes you reach the northern tip of the island. Here the water stays deep even at low tide, so you can swim whenever you like.
Then the adrenaline: your own jet skis for thirty minutes along the coast, from the lighthouse of Ras Nungwi to the white sand of Kendwa, with the crew showing you the way.
Ride the coast from the lighthouse to Kendwa.
As the light turns golden, you climb to the terrace of the Z Hotel, a few steps from the sea, with a cocktail in your hand and the whole horizon in front of you.
The sun drops straight into the ocean, the dhows sail home with their white sails and, on a clear evening, the sky turns orange, pink and purple.
The sun drops straight into the ocean.
Dinner is at the Z Hotel’s restaurant, on the best stretch of Nungwi beach: fresh seafood, sushi and Swahili flavours, with the sound of the waves.
Your driver waits for you after dinner and takes you back to the villa under the stars.
Walk along the beach of Nungwi and you will see wooden hulls in every stage of construction, built by hand with techniques passed down through generations. Nearby, a small community conservation project looks after sea turtles in a natural lagoon. Ask us and we add a stop on the way.
Your driver collects you at the villa: Nungwi is a 40-minute drive north.
Time on the beach and in the crystal-clear water of the north coast.
Ride your own jet ski along the whole Nungwi and Kendwa coastline.
Drinks on the stunning Z Hotel terrace, with the sun setting right in front of you.
Dinner at the Z Hotel’s main restaurant, on the best stretch of Nungwi beach.
Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes for the evening.
No licence needed; a short briefing and a guide on the water are always included.
Smart casual for the terrace and dinner: light dresses, shirts, sandals.
Sunset in Zanzibar is between about 18:15 and 18:45 all year round.
Children can ride as passengers with an adult on the jet ski.
Want to stay longer in Nungwi? Extra hours with the driver can be added.
Times are indicative and can be adjusted. Tell us if you are travelling with children, if you have food preferences or if you would like to add a stop: we tailor every day to you.
Four hours on secret trails, through forests and villages far from the tourist routes.
Red colobus monkeys, the long beach of Jambiani and lunch at The Rock, a restaurant in the sea.
Swim with sea turtles, climb an ancient baobab and swim in the natural pool of a cave.