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Good to know before you come to Michamvi
Getting here
Shanuo Beach Bungalows is about 50 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, roughly 1.5 hours by road. The route runs east through Fumba, Kombeni, Uroa and Chwaka to Michamvi, and it is paved for almost its whole length. Send us your flight number on WhatsApp at +255 778 464 064 and we will have a taxi waiting for you.
About 1.5 hours by car. Coming from Paje it is around 35 minutes, heading north through Bwejuu to Michamvi Junction. From Nungwi it is around 2.5 hours down the coastal road through Kendwa, Mkokotoni, Kinyasini and Chwaka.
Yes. Ferries from Dar es Salaam dock at Stone Town harbour, which is about 1.5 hours by road from Shanuo in Michamvi. Tell us your arrival time and we will arrange the transfer.
You can, and driving here is on the left. For the airport run we would recommend a private transfer rather than driving yourself. Most guests arrive by taxi and then get around the East Coast the local way, by bajaj or dala dala. We also rent bicycles and scooters at Shanuo.
Yes. Between 8am and 8pm, Gillian or someone from her team will be here to welcome you in person. If you are arriving after 8pm, let us know in advance and we will send you everything you need. Masai night security is on the grounds through the night.
UK and European style plugs at 220V. If you forget an adapter, ask us at Shanuo and we will lend you one.
Staying with us
No, and that is deliberate. Every room at Shanuo Beach Bungalows has a ceiling or floor fan and a mosquito net, and the bungalows are built to catch the sea breeze coming off the Indian Ocean. It works better than air conditioning, for you and for the planet.
Yes, high-speed WiFi throughout the property. Fast enough to work or stream, if you have to.
Yes. Breakfast at Shanuo is served every morning on your own terrace, looking out at the sea.
Breakfast on your terrace, high-speed WiFi, a glass water bottle at check-in and a refill station near reception, refillable toiletries with no single-use plastics, a fan and mosquito net, towels for the beach and the shower, a 10% discount voucher for The Wishing Tree restaurant nearby, and a team on hand whenever you need something.
Yes, and it is one of the things our solo guests mention most. Shanuo is a small property in Michamvi where the team knows every guest by name. Gillian is on site through the day, and Masai night security is on the grounds at night. You can read what our guests say on Booking.com, Google and Tripadvisor.
Kitesurfing, sailing on a dhow, snorkelling, diving, Jozani Forest, Prison Island, Mnemba, Chumbe, Maalum Cave, mangrove SUP tours, the seaweed farms, cooking with a local family, village tours, and safari on the mainland. We do not believe in packaged experiences. On site we have bicycle and scooter rental, laundry, help with a local SIM card, massage in our open-air Spa Hut, and fresh coconut from our own palms.
Money and practicalities
Most nationalities need a tourist visa costing USD 50. You can apply online before you travel or get it on arrival. Valid health insurance is now mandatory for all visitors to Zanzibar and is registered at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz.
Tanzanian shillings and US dollars are both accepted almost everywhere. There are ATMs in Stone Town and in Paje, but not on this stretch of the East Coast, so bring cash with you to Michamvi.
September to April is the warmer stretch, 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. May to August is a little cooler at 25 to 28 degrees. The rains come around April to May and again in November, usually short bursts rather than whole days. Michamvi is on the East Coast, so it stays quieter than the north whatever the season.
Bring high-protection sunscreen and drink more water than you think you need. Shanuo has a private doctor available to guests if anything comes up. Valid health insurance is mandatory for entry to Zanzibar.
Dress modestly in the villages and in Stone Town. Swimwear is for the beach and the property only, and nudity is not permitted on any beach in Zanzibar. Always ask before photographing people, especially children. Avoid drinking alcohol in public and public displays of affection. Please do not give sweets or money to children.
