Ras Nungwi Hotel

Unfortunately, due to a fire in the property in February, Ras Nungwi has closed its doors for the year

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Review

One of the older properties on the island, Ras Nungwi has long benefitted from being the last hotel on the coast up here and so has a stunning and secluded beach. As with many beaches around the headland, there is not much on offer at high tide, and quite a bit at low tide, but they do still have, arguably, one of the top beaches on the island. With simply designed and furnished rooms, and featuring a host of activities, Ras Nungwi is still a good option.

Beach

Definitely, at the right moment, in the top three beaches on the island. At low tide it is true that it is a bit of a walk to get wet and, at high tide the waves run right up to the coral rocks. But, if you are after azure blues and white sands then this ticks the boxes.

Rooms

As half of a “rondavel” (a round type of thatched building), the rooms are, while slightly strangely shaped, a good size. Having had a soft refurbishment a couple of years ago, the rooms at Ras Nungwi still feel fairly modern. They all feature a reasonable sized balcony and aircon as standard. The bathrooms would definitely be on our list for the next areas needing attention however.

Layout

The plot size for Ras Nungwi is a good illustration of how the newer properties are having to become thinner and thinner. Ras Nungwi has, by comparison, got plenty of space to play with and has used it pretty well. All of the rondavels either have a view of the sea, or look directly out onto it. The pool and main dining areas are also well spaced and laid out.

Features

One of the best equipped hotels on the island with tennis, diving, pool, aircon, pool, etc to choose from. I would say that their strongest point is that they have a good dive centre and visually beautiful beach at the right times of day. There is also a somewhat small beach bar where you can grab a snack at lunch time of you want.

Feedback

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Ras Nungwi - the setting, staff and hotel itself was 5* from start to finish. Rath (GM) and the team made us feel very welcome and it was incredibly relaxing. Will definitely head back to Tanzania & Zanzibar in the future!

- Scott and Ruth, October, 2014
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Ras Nungwi was paradise again we were looked after so very well & enjoyed excellent cuisine especially the fish platter laid on for Hugh’s birthday 5 star +.

- Hugh and Marian, September, 2014
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When we arrived at Ras Nungwi we were very excited to see how beautiful the place looked and were shown around the resort and to our room. They had kindly arranged a bottle of sparkling wine for us on arrival and showed us to the room. Here was the only "problem" with the whole trip - we were in Room number 1, and it is very very overlooked by the swimming pool and main restaurant, with all windows being easily looked through (in fact it is difficult NOT to look into the room). Furthermore this position means that all walking traffic by the room is heard easily and the morning staff cleaning, sweeping and chattering wake you very early. If you go back to Ras Nungwi - you should have a look to see if you agree.

We immediately mentioned this on arrival and the manager helpfully showed us to two alternative rooms further set back from the sea - unfortunately these were not superior deluxe rooms and so I asked if the corresponding rate difference would be refunded and he said that would not be possible. I expressed that we weren't really happy with that situation and that we would have a think about our options (to be honest we would have taken one of the "lesser" but more private rooms). In the meantime the manager came back and said that we could have a free upgrade to the Ocean Villa but would have to wait one night whilst they cleaned it. Of course we accepted! That room/suite is amazing! Private pool, private beach terrace, private roof terrace, option to dine there one night. Fantastic! And a great resolution - we would have been happy enough with the other room but this was superb. But for honeymooners Room 1 is best avoided.

In general Ras Nungwi was perfect - the beach was perfect, beautiful, clean and quiet. The resort was the right size and felt personal without being too "nosy". We took a boat trip from the hotel and were able to swim with a large pod of dolphins - another unexpected and unforgettable experience. Each afternoon the wind would pick up and I managed to track down someone to hire some kiting gear from - so I even got to spend a great afternoon showing off my kite surfing in front of the hotel - another bonus!! Again the food was amazing (full board was probably unnecessary but not a problem :))

- James and Judy, June, 2014
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And of course ras nungwi was amazing, we have hundreds of photos of different chunks of ocean that we are now going to make our friends and family look through, not to mention the 1000+ we took on safari...

- Annalies and Ryan, November, 2013
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Ras Nungwi was stunning and the sort of idyllic luxury I never expected to experience.

Jennifer and family, September 2012
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Ras Nungwi was amazing, the food here in particular was fantastic and they upgraded us to a beach view cottage which was appreciated as these had amazing views and were more romantic than the rooms towards the back. We went out on one of the nights which was good.

Not that this is a criticism of yourself but the roads leading to the hotels are truly appalling, so much so that when we were going to the hotel we were sure we had gone wrong even though we hadn’t. Considering how good the main roads are it’s surely in the hotels interests to sort out the roads up to their gates?

- Dan and Sarah-Jane, August 2012
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Only two words can describe our holiday......
Absolutely Fabulous! Wonderful, friendly place, great food, great service, had great fun...loved the owner's villa.

So all in all it was a huge success.

- Nikko and family, August, 2011
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Facilities

Ras Nungwi Facilities:

ROOMS - 32 rooms and chalets
ACTIVITIES - tennis, gym, peponi spa, diving, snorkelling, game fishing, kiting
CHILD POLICY - all ages
POOL - yes
PRIVATE DINING - yes
AIRCON - yes
INTERNET - yes

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