Two Perfect Weekend Escapes

Travel tips for 48 hours in Nungwi and the East Coast

North

There’s nothing like a change of scenery – even in beautiful Zanzibar. With lots of new places and improved roads, it’s time to explore.

Zanzibar’s two most noteworthy coastlines – the North with Nungwi and Kendwa, and the South-East with about 30 km of beach from Jambiani to Michamwi – have a distinctively different flair and atmosphere. Let’s begin at the wild, wild north – a mix of corporate reign, action-packed Nungwi and almost tide-free ocean bliss. Nungwi has a shining new star: the Z2 hotel, a second-row annex to the classic Z (soon to also open a lodge in Serengeti) is a destination in itself. Bali bamboo beds, a deep-blue natural tanga stone pool and great horse riding – let yourself be absorbed by the Z cosmos. We start the weekend with fine dining at Sexy Fish, have a good 5 km walk to Kendwa the next morning (only at low tide) and book a fisherman boat back. Enjoying a make-over at Z’s sky spa in the afternoon, we happily dose off during our outdoor manicure.

Afternoon shopping at modern Morocco Lounge elevates us from Zanzibar’s unbearable look-alike street shops; we stock up on playful necklaces. For sunset, we hurry to Mama Mia’s wooden sundowner terraces, winding up with delicious Tuna Tataki. Come Sunday, we’re ready to face the rest of the world, settling onto super-comfy sunbeds at Nungwi’s Nanas beach club – just remember to close your eyes and ears when the notorious jet skis approach to spoil the beauty.

Our North Coast picks:

SLEEP

• Z2 hotel

EAT

• Fine dining @Sexy Fish; Mama Mia, Badolina

SHOPPING

• Morokko Lounge
• Nungwi Park & Coffee Bar (plus a real bar!)

ENTERTAINMENT

• Nanasi Beach Club
• Sunsets @Mama Mia

East

To totally unwind we booked into Babu Villas offering resident specials from September to November of $150 for two per night. In the well-serviced private refuge, the beach starts at your doorstep. Zanzibar’s south-eastern shore is the coast of residents and expats. At her new Basil Modern Kitchen and Bar in Paje, Kim from Vietnam blends time-honored Asian recipes with modern cooking in a sooo romantic tropical garden – a must-try! Dancing under the stars we end up at B4 club, everybody’s darling for electronic music. Saturday morning, we head for cappuccino to Mr Kawaha in Paje, the center of Zanzibar’s kitesurfing scene. On the East Coast, you will find yourself forever commuting between three villages in different stages of commercialisation, Paje (most advanced), Jambiani and Bweeju. At lunchtime, Babu welcomes us back for a swim and siesta. In the afternoon it’s facials’ time at Nuru Spa, Zanzibar’s most casual spa. Glowing, we head for dinner at Shanga, a trendy beach restaurant cum club. Last on our list is shopping at Cilantro and a bite at  the new Jambiani Bazaar, before hitting the great new road back to town.

Our East Coast picks:

SLEEP

• Babu Villas
• Blue Oyster
• The Soul

EAT

• Basil, Bamboo
• Boho Social (Michamvi)

ENTERTAINMENT

• Shanga (good food AND fun!)
• B4
• Bento food court

RELAX & STAY FIT

• Nuru Spa
• Maluum Cave
• Muscle Beach