Nungwi Village Tour
The Thousand Hands of Zanzibar
- Location Nungwi, northern Unguja
- Duration Half day, approximately 4 hours
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
Nungwi sits at the northern tip of Unguja and is the last place on the island where ocean-going dhows are still built by hand on the beach. Local people call the village experience the Thousand Hands of Zanzibar, because everything you see here is made by hand: the boats, the rope, the mats, the nets and the fish traps.
The visit is a guided walk through the village at an easy pace. You meet the boat builders working on hulls under the palms, and see how a dhow is shaped without plans, using knowledge passed down through families. You watch coir rope being twisted, palm leaf being woven into mats and baskets, and the fishermen bringing in and sorting the catch.
Your guide introduces you to the people you meet, translates and explains the daily rhythm of a fishing village: how the tide sets the working day, how the co-operative works and how the crafts feed both local use and the tourist trade.
The tour takes about half a day and includes refreshments, bottled water and, on the extended version, a picnic lunch of traditional village food. It is one of the most straightforward ways to meet Zanzibaris rather than only see the island.
Highlights
- Watch ocean-going dhows built by hand on the beach
- See rope twisting, mat weaving and fish trap making
- Meet fishermen sorting the day's catch
- Hands-on workshops with local craftspeople
- Guided village walk with translation
- Refreshments, bottled water and a village picnic lunch on the extended tour
Itinerary
- 09:00
Hotel pickup
Collection in an air-conditioned vehicle and the drive to Nungwi.
- 10:00
Welcome and village walk
Meet your guide, hear the plan for the day and set off through the village lanes at an easy pace.
- 11:00
Boat yard and craft workshops
Visit the dhow builders, then the rope, mat and net makers, with the chance to try the work yourself.
- 12:30
Picnic lunch and community time
A picnic of traditional village food, and time to talk with the people you have met.
- 13:30
Return transfer
Drive back to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional guide and translation
- Entry fees to workshops and attractions
- Refreshments and bottled water throughout
- Picnic lunch of traditional village food
- Cultural demonstrations
Not included
- Lunch and drinks, where not listed as included
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
- Crafts bought from the makers
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Around 09:00.
Meeting point: Hotel reception.
We collect from these areas:
- Stone Town
- Zanzibar City
- Maungani
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Pwani Mchangani
- Uroa
- Pongwe
- Chwaka
- Michamvi
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
- Fumba
- Mangapwani
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Sun cream, hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Small notes in Tanzanian shillings or US dollars
- Camera or phone
- Light rain jacket in the wet season
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees
- Small notes for buying crafts directly
Important information
- Nungwi is a working village and a conservative community. Modest clothing is appreciated.
- Ask before photographing people. Your guide will help you ask.
- Buying directly from the makers puts money into the village. Small notes are easiest.
- The boat yard is an active worksite. Stay with your guide.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is this a staged cultural show?
No. Nungwi is a working fishing and boat-building village. You visit real workshops during the working day.
What should I wear?
Clothing covering the shoulders and knees. Nungwi is a conservative community and beachwear is not appropriate in the village.
Are we able to buy what we see being made?
Yes, and buying directly from the maker is welcomed. Bring small notes.
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