The two hotels at a glance
| Riu Jambo | Riu Palace Zanzibar | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Nungwi, north-west coast, on the beach | Nungwi, right next to the Jambo |
| Category | Aimed at families and groups of friends (resellers) | 5 stars (resellers) |
| Plan | All inclusive | All inclusive: meals, drinks and snacks all day (resellers) |
| Rooms | Mosquito nets and air conditioning according to listings | Four-poster bed with mosquito net, air conditioning; villas with private pool mentioned by one reseller |
| Children | Kids' club (the Palace's kids' club is at the Jambo, according to one reseller) | Age policy to confirm with Riu |
The number of rooms varies widely from one site to another (from 102 to over 200 for the Palace, 138 or 149 for the Jambo): do not trust any figure until you have checked it on the Riu website. Scores are not comparable between portals either; a few reviews mention noisy air conditioning or a damp smell in some rooms, which is worth raising when you book.
Where they are and how to get there
Both hotels are on Nungwi beach. Allow about 1 h 10 to 1 h 15 by road from the airport (one reseller gives 66 km), see from the airport to your hotel. Nungwi village is about 3 km away according to one reseller: go by taxi, or on foot along the beach when the sea allows. Access to the beach is by steps according to reseller listings.
The beach and the tide
In the north the tide is much weaker than on the east coast, but it exists: the sea draws back a little at low tide on some stretches. That is why many travellers choose Nungwi or Kendwa for swimming. If swimming at any hour is your priority, Kendwa, a few kilometres south, stays deeper; the comparison is in the Nungwi and Kendwa guide. Out of season, avoid April and May: see when to go to Zanzibar.
Is all inclusive worth it?
All inclusive makes sense if you want to organise nothing and stay on the beach. It makes less sense if you plan to go out: dinner in the village, day trips, Stone Town. The Nungwi resorts are fairly far from independent restaurants, and a round-trip taxi adds to the budget. Premium drinks, excursions, diving and the spa are usually extra; ask for the exact list of what is included before booking.
Getting out of the hotel: the boat to Mnemba
The most requested trip from the north is the morning boat to Mnemba, with snorkelling and, with luck, dolphins: compare the number of passengers per boat and check whether the atoll tax is included, see Mnemba. A departure from Kendwa, very close to the Nungwi hotels, avoids a long transfer.
Alternatives in the north and elsewhere on the island
- More restaurants and bars: stay in Nungwi village or Kendwa, see Nungwi and Kendwa.
- Resorts on the east coast, with a stronger tide: Kiwengwa.
- Quieter, with departures to Mnemba: Matemwe.
- Choose by budget and coast: where to stay in Zanzibar.
Going further
To plan the stay, read Zanzibar in 7 days and Zanzibar budget.
