Pange Island — also known as Nakupenda Beach — is just a stone’s throw off the coast of Zanzibar City. Its sparkling white shores attract all sorts of travelers, from keen snorkelers to those who are simply seeking the ultimate relaxation on vacation.

Nakupenda Beach day trips from Zanzibar City are a must, given the close proximity between the two destinations. Whether you wish to hop over for a few hours of peace or spend a full day exploring the hidden gems of the Zanzibar archipelago, there’s an excursion to suit you.

Here's all you need to know about Nakupenda Beach, one of the most exciting day trips from Zanzibar City.

How to get to Nakupenda Beach from Zanzibar City?

Nakupenda Beach is located approximately 1 kilometer off the coast of Zanzibar City and is easily accessible via boat.

From Zanzibar City to Nakupenda Beach by boat

One way to make the journey to Nakupenda Beach is to hire a boat from Zanzibar Port. The route takes approximately 20 minutes and boats are readily available.

Guided tour to Nakupenda Beach from Zanzibar City

Another option is to make the jaunt to Nakupenda Beach via a guided excursion and allow your operator to take care of the transportation details. These tours typically last between 4 and 9 hours, and meet in Stone Town. Alternatively, you may be able to request a complimentary hotel pickup for your Nakupenda Beach day trip.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary of each Nakupenda Beach day tour varies, depending on whether they visit any additional destinations or not. They typically meet in Stone Town and you can select from a couple of different time slots throughout the day.

Once you’ve met your guide at an easily-recognizable location, such as the Old Fort or House of Wonders, you’ll board your vessel and head toward your first destination.

In some cases, this is Nakupenda Beach where you’ll have several hours to spend at your leisure. You’ll be provided with snorkeling gear and you can choose to explore the seas or sunbathe before being provided with lunch on the beach.

On other Nakupenda Beach excursions, you’ll journey first to the neighboring Canguu Island, where you’ll wander its perimeter, discovering its prison and collection of tortoises. Once you’ve finished your adventure, you’ll be returned to your meeting point to enjoy the rest of your day in Zanzibar City.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Nakupenda Beach?

There are a myriad of Nakuepnda Beach day tours to choose from, depending on how much time you have to spare and whether you wish to explore other destinations in the Zanzibar archipelago.

Guided tours to Nakupenda Beach from Zanzibar City

After making the short journey across the Indian Ocean from Zanzibar City, you’ll arrive at Nakupenda Beach, listed as the second-best beach in Africa. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to bathe on the sun-soaked sands, admire the coast of Unguja Island from afar or don a snorkel mask and explore the tranquil seas.

You can expect to see turtles, as well as smaller marine creatures, such as nudibranchs, frogfish and stonefish. Once you’ve had your fill of the underwater world, you’ll dine on a seafood feast before hopping back on your vessel to make the journey back to your hotel and reminisce on your Nakupenda Beach day trip.

Day trip to Nakupenda Beach plus Prison Island from Zanzibar City

Alternatively, you can combine your Nakupenda Beach day trip with a visit to Changuu Island — most commonly known as Prison Island because of its unused penitentiary.

You’ll have the opportunity to tour said prison and learn about its intended use, as well as view Aldabra tortoises up close, the oldest of which are over 150 years old. You’ll then continue on to Nakupenda Beach where your worries will melt away as you relax on its serene sands and enjoy a local lunch with a spectacular view.

How much does a day trip to Nakupenda Beach from Zanzibar City cost?

A basic Nakupenda Beach day trip costs between US$40 and US$50 per person over the age of 5, and the excursion operates in a small group, limited to 15 guests. If you wish to have a guide present on your tour, you’ll pay US$60 per person.

Alternatively, if you opt for a combination Nakupenda Beach and Prison Island tour from Zanzibar City, you’ll pay US$150 per adult, while children between the ages of 4 and 14 can participate for US$40 each. Children under 4 travel free. This tour is private and you can book for up to 15 guests.

What will you see and do?

Nakupenda Beach is a nature reserve in the Zanzibar archipelago and translates to “I love you” in Swahili. Popular among honeymooners and lovers, this stretch of paradise is also a favored visiting spot for tourists staying in nearby Zanzibar City. It is known for its pristine white sandbank, from which you can gain panoramic views that stretch endlessly over the Indian Ocean.

However, its main attraction is its bountiful waters, filled with a myriad of marine creatures. From vibrantly-colored starfish lining the seabed to cuttlefish and pipefish, there are plenty of critters to be found in the seas surrounding the sandbank. In order to see this wealth of sealife, you should take a day tour to Nakupenda Beach as early as possible, when the majority of marine life is most active.

While there are no landmarks or monuments to explore at Nakupenda Beach, its barren shores are what draw visitors in, looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

When is the best time to visit Nakupenda Beach?

The best time to visit Nakupenda Beach is during the dry season, which is from June to October, when the weather is sunny, and the temperatures are cooler. The sea is calm during these months, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

During the wet season, particularly from March to May, the beach can sometimes disappear at high tide. Also, rain and storms can make the sea rough and potentially dangerous for boat trips to the beach.

Are there any tours to other places in Tanzania from Zanzibar?

Yes, there are tours departing to other places in Tanzania from Zanzibar:

Travel tips

Bring a Towel or Mat. Take something to sit or lie on, as there are no beach chairs or loungers.
Respect Local Customs. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so be mindful of local customs, especially regarding modest dress when not on the beach.
Carry a Waterproof Pouch. Consider a waterproof pouch for your phone and money.
No Drones Permitted. Drones are not allowed without a permit in Tanzania, so leave the drone at home.

Nakupenda Beach: Day Trips and Tours from Zanzibar City