Business
- Property Tax
- Yes, managed by the Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB).
- Property Transaction Tax
- Approx. 5% Stamp Duty plus registration fees.
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) - Note: Foreigners usually buy via long-term leases (99 years).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $34,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000).
- Corporate Tax
- 30% (Standard rate in Tanzania).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for residents, 15% for non-residents.
- Tax System
- Worldwide income for residents; only local source income for non-residents.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 30% (on income over 1,000,000 TZS per month).
- VAT
- 15% (Special rate for Zanzibar, versus 18% in mainland).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No specific CFC rules, but general anti-avoidance rules apply.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No specific Digital Nomad Visa yet, but 90-day business/tourist visas are common. Low cost of living is the primary benefit.
Essentials
- City
- Nungwi, Unguja North, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Population
- Approx. 15,000 residents
- Internet Speed
- Zantel 4G/LTE (10-25 Mbps); Starlink is increasingly available at high-end resorts (100+ Mbps)
- Currency & Banking
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). 1 USD ≈ 2,580 TZS. Cash is king; only a few ATMs (e.g., Nungwi Road ATM near Amaan Bungalows) which often run out of cash.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; use bottled water (Kilimanjaro or Jambo brands, ~1,500 TZS per 1.5L)
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G (British style). Frequent power cuts; ensure accommodation has a backup generator.
- SIM Card
- Zantel is the best for Zanzibar. 10GB data pack costs approx. 20,000 TZS ($8 USD) at local kiosks.
- Banking for Expats
- Absa or NBC in Stone Town (1.5 hours away) for full services; Nungwi has very limited banking.
- Accommodation
- Mix of luxury resorts (Zuri Zanzibar) and local guesthouses (Makofi Guest House). Prices range from $30 to $500+ per night.
- Cashless Friendly
- No; carry cash. Cards accepted only at major resorts and dive centers with a 3-5% surcharge.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb is popular; bungalows at Canary Nungwi Hotel & Spa start at $900/month for long stays.
- Budget Accommodation
- Makofi Guest House ($25/night for bunks) or Highland Bungalows ($40/night).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- West side of the Nungwi tip (near the lighthouse) for beaches unaffected by low tide.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- East side or slightly inland for cheaper monthly rates and quieter environments (e.g., near DoubleTree by Hilton).
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Zanzibar Digital Nomad Hub (located within some resorts) or Mamma Mia’s dedicated workspace area ($15 day pass).
- Best Cafe for Work
- Badolina Secret Garden (good Wi-Fi, shaded gardens, power outlets available).
- Networking Events
- Informal 'Nomadic Tuesdays' at Gerry's Bar; check 'Zanzibar Digital Nomads' Facebook group.
- Social Events for Expats
- Saturday sunset parties at Kendwa Rocks (just south of Nungwi).
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps. Use local 'Dala-Dalas' for $1 to Stone Town or private taxis ($35-$50 for airport transfers).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Nungwi Scooter Rentals; approx. $20/day or $250/month. Requires international driving permit.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Nungwi Beach (West side) – famous for swimmable water even during low tide.
- Top Regional Airline
- Precision Air or Coastal Aviation (for bush flights to Serengeti).
- Top International Airline
- Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines fly into Zanzibar (ZNZ).
- Highway Access
- One main paved road (Nungwi Road) connects Nungwi to Stone Town (60km).
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- None; Dar es Salaam is the nearest rail hub via the Azam Marine Ferry ($35 one way).
- Public Transport Passes
- None; pay per ride on Dala-Dala (Route 116) in cash (approx. 2,500 TZS).
- Regional Travel
- Fast ferry from Stone Town to Dar es Salaam (2 hours) or flights to Arusha for safaris.
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Nungwi Medical Center (for minor issues). For emergencies: Tasakhtaa Global Hospital in Stone Town.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga at Flame Tree Cottages (daily classes, $15/session).
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- The Gym at Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort (access for a fee) or local 'iron' gyms inland ($2/day).
- Laundry Services
- Most guesthouses offer 'Wash & Fold' per kilo (approx. 10,000 TZS per load).
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None. Local delivery via WhatsApp with specific restaurants like Fisherman’s Grill.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Zanzibari Mix (Urojo) and Grilled Octopus with Pilau rice (approx. 8,000 TZS at local stalls).
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Badolina Secret Garden (excellent Middle Eastern/Vegan friendly plates).
- Best Dessert Spots
- Mama Mia (Italian gelato right on the beach, $3 per scoop).
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Nungwi Village Market for fresh fruits and local spices.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Limited; Jumia Tanzania (delivers to Stone Town, may require pickup).
- Grocery Delivery
- Not available; best to buy in bulk at Darajani Market in Stone Town.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Gerry's Bar (chilled vibes) or Cholo’s Bar (party atmosphere on the sand).
- Local Brewery
- Kilimanjaro and Safari Lager are the primary local beers (~4,000 - 6,000 TZS).
- Wine Bars
- The Rooftop at Zuri Zanzibar (premium selection/high price).
- Street Food Stalls
- Night market area near the football pitch in Nungwi village ($2-$5 per meal).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Baraka Beach Restaurant (Seafood/BBQ) and Istanbul Restaurant (Turkish).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond ($10 entry).
- Museums & Art Venues
- Dr. Bulugu Gallery (local canvas paintings and wood carvings).
- Historical Sites
- The Nungwi Lighthouse (Ras Nungwi) built in 1886.
- Religious Sites
- Nungwi Central Mosque (please dress modestly when nearby).
- Annual Events
- Sauti za Busara (Music Festival in Stone Town every February).
- Cultural Districts
- The Dhow Building Area (watch traditional boat makers on the beach).
- Theater Venues
- None in Nungwi; occasional performances at Ngome Kongwe (Old Fort) in Stone Town.
- Local Markets
- Nungwi Fish Market (early morning auctions at 7:00 AM).
- Music Scene
- Live Taarab music at some hotels; live bands at Kendwa Rocks on full moon nights.
- Street Art
- Hand-painted 'Tinga Tinga' style murals throughout the village.
- Cooking Classes
- Traditional Swahili cooking classes at many local guesthouses ($30/person).
- Art Galleries
- Local handicraft stalls along the beach path.
- Historic Buildings
- Traditional coral stone houses in the village center.
- Local Heritage
- Dhow sailing culture; traditional fishing techniques using handmade nets.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Mnemba Atoll (30-min boat ride) for world-class snorkeling.
- National Parks Nearby
- Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (1.5 hours away) home to Red Colobus monkeys.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The beach walk from Nungwi to Kendwa at low tide (approx. 45-minute walk).
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The northernmost tip of the island for 270-degree ocean views.
- Birdwatching Locations
- The mangrove forests near the Mnarani pond.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Beaches in front of Cholo's Bar (usually hosted nightly).
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- DHL (located in Stone Town, 1.5 hours away).
- Tech Repair Services
- Limited; Mobile repair kiosks in Nungwi village for basic phone issues.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Some resorts like Amaan Bungalows have tables for guests.
- Language Classes
- Private Swahili lessons arranged through guesthouses ($10/hour).
- Libraries & Study Spots
- No public libraries; most nomads use hotel lounges.
- Community Centers
- Nungwi Village Office (community meetings).
- Gaming Lounges
- None.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- None in Nungwi; head to Sea Cliff Resort or Stone Town.