Nakupenda means “I love you” in Swahili, and it is easy to see why this sandbank got its name. Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, a strip of pure white sand rises from the turquoise sea, surrounded by nothing but water.
A day on Nakupenda
You leave from the Stone Town waterfront by boat. On arrival, there is time to swim, snorkel in the clear shallows and relax on the sand. The size of the sandbank changes with the tide, so trips are planned around tide times.
Many trips include a lunch of grilled fish, seafood and tropical fruit served right on the sandbank. There is no shade beyond simple shelters, so bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
Nakupenda can be combined with Prison Island on the same trip, making it one of the most relaxing and photogenic half-days you can spend in Zanzibar.
