Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
When the tide creeps on to Nungwi beach, the warm crystal-clear water swells and it is though you step from the sand into your own ever-expanding swimming pool. Then the sea recedes and the fine white sand stretches in front of you, inviting you to walk out to coral reefs where starfish and sea urchins (who are a spikey lot, so do don some reef-walking shoes) sit in the shallows.
Sold? We’ll continue anyway. Head back a few centuries and the Zanzibar archipelago, aka ‘The Spice Islands’, just off the coast of Tanzania, was one of the world’s great trading hubs; a melting pot for Africans, Arabians and Indians all selling their wares.
While the chaos lives on in Zanzibar’s capital, the UNESCO-protected Stone Town, up on the island’s northern-most tip, Nungwi rolls to a much slower pace. Back in the day this ramshackle beach town was the focal point for traditional dhow-boat building, and you can still watch as local women wade out in the water to cast their large fishing nets. At night chefs grill the catches on al-fresco barbeques as pearly waters shimmer in the moonlight.
So if fine white sands lapped by warm aquamarine waters are your thing, then Nungwi may well be the beach for you. If faux Massai warriors wearing suspiciously-branded sports shoes are your thing, then it’s definitely for you. These charming beach salesmen are a quirky, if not entirely authentic addition to the Nungwi beach experience.
WHEN: June – Sept
WHAT TO PACK FOR OUR BEACH OF THE WEEK:
It’s all sun, sea and sand on Nungwi beach so head beachfront with this oh-so-blue ensemble. Pair this classic Missoni two-piece with Mr Jacobs’ gorgeous blue tote. Brush your lashes with YSL’s everlong waterproof mascara and dip in and out of Nick Maes’ ‘The Africa Bar’ with the vibrant backdrop of Zanzibar as its setting. Then cool off with Korres yoghut aftersun while listening to the chilled out tunes in our playlist…
the bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs raffia tote, £359
the swimwear: Missoni Mare crochet-knit bandeau bikini, £280
the playlist:
Knock Knock by the Accidental (There Were Wolves album)
Towers by Bombay Bicycle Club (I Had The Blues But Then I Shook Them Loose album)
Feeling Good by My Brightest Diamond (Dark Was The Night album)
Ground Work by J-Jay (Hed Kandi Beach House 2011 album)
the products: Korres yoghurt cooling aftersun gel for face and body, £16 and YSL Everlong Waterproof Mascara, £22
the read: The Africa Bar by Nick Maes
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