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If ever a beach could be described as minimalist chic, Nakupenda is surely it. Situated off Stone Town, this gorgeous islet amounts to nothing more than a narrow white sandbar lapped by shallow aquamarine water. There’s
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no vegetation here, nor any permanent structure, and it is sometimes submerged entirely at high tide. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Nakupenda is a popular destination for seafood BBQs in a beach setting that truly lives up to its name (meaning ‘I love you’). It is often visited in combination with nearby Changuu (Prison) Island.The Nakupenda Beach Experience
Initial impressions of Nakupenda depend greatly on the time of day you visit. Arriving in the early morning or late afternoon, the sandbar is likely to be all but deserted, and it presents as a beautifully
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simple sketch in subtle tones of blue, turquoise and white. In the middle of the day, the colors are no less dazzling, but the scene is far busier, with a few dozen boats likely to be anchored off the beach, and hundreds of tourists, guides, cooks and vendors bustling about.Whenever you visit Nakupenda, the surrounding shallows are likely to be calm, transparent, comfortably warm and absolutely ideal for swimming. There are also some offshore shallow reefs where snorkelers will see a fair variety of colorful fish. And while the chef prepares the BBQ, you can enjoy a stroll around the small sandbar or buy a chilled beer and bask in the tropical sun.BBQ on the Beach
If you’re going to Nakupenda for a lunchtime beach BBQ, as most visitors do, make sure to arrive with an empty stomach! This is a great opportunity to try a selection of the fresh seafood for
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which Zanzibar is renowned. , lobster, calamari, octopus, prawns and crab, all grilled to perfection on a charcoal fire, usually feature on the buffet, along with a generous heap of fries. Following the main event, you’ll be treated to a simple dessert of fresh tropical fruits such as pineapple, watermelon, banana and whatever else is in season.How To Get to Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda lies 4km/2.5mi west of Stone Town in a shallow bay dotted with other islands and sandbars. The only way to visit it is by boat, and most people do so on an organized tour that
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sets sail from Shangani Beach on the westerly tip of Stone Town. The crossing takes roughly 30 minutes in either direction in a motorized wooden . On the way, you can enjoy wonderful views back toward Stone Town’s historic waterfront. And do keep an eye open for traditional sailing dhows and (if you’re very lucky) .Nearby Attractions
Nakupenda is most often visited in combination with nearby Changuu (Prison) Island. This pretty little island is named after a stone building that was constructed as a prison in the late 19th century but ended up