Zanzibar Frequently Asked Questions

Stone Town

• Stone Town Walking Tour: Uncover the rich history and cultural tapestry of Stone Town on a guided walking tour.

• Prison Island Tour: Learn the fascinating history, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and interact with the island's friendly and endangered giant tortoise population

• Safari Blue: Embark on a full-day adventure featuring snorkeling, traditional dhow sailing, and the discovery of hidden sandbanks and marine wonders.

• Spice Tour: Dive into Zanzibar's aromatic spice culture and explore fragrant plantations.

• Forodhani Park Night Market: Savor local delicacies like grilled seafood, aromatic spices, fresh fruits, and traditional Zanzibar sweets.

• Traditional Zanzibar Tea Ceremony: Immerse yourself in the island's tea-drinking traditions, sampling a fine selection of teas and local delicacies.

• Chumbe Island Day Trip: Explore an island surrounded by a pristine reef, housing over 200 coral species and 400 fish varieties.

North Zanzibar

• Horseback Riding: Discover the Indian Ocean's beauty on horseback, with stops at local villages and farms to learn about the island's culture.

• Sunset Dhow Cruise: Witness stunning sunsets and encounter marine life while cruising the Nungwi coast.

• Watersports: Enjoy snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

• Sky Diving: Take in Zanzibar's natural beauty from above, gazing at the island's stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

East & South Zanzibar

• Mnemba Island: Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world of coral reefs and diverse marine species.

• The Rock Restaurant: Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean.

• Jozani Forest: Explore the largest remaining natural forest on the island, home to the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey.

• Starfish Adventure: Swim with starfish in the clear Indian Ocean waters.

• Maalum Cave: Discover a pristine natural swimming pool, ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.

• Watersports: Enjoy snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

• Mtende Beach: Escape to this romantic piece of paradise, away from the crowds, to bask in golden sands and calm waters.

• Swimming with Turtles in Aquariums: Swimming with sea turtles in aquariums can be harmful to these creatures. Remember that turtles are wild animals and should be observed with respect from a distance. You can enjoy watching them from the shore or engage in ethical snorkeling and diving experiences to appreciate them in their natural habitat.

• Dolphin Tours: While many tourists are drawn to Kizimkazi or Mnemba for the opportunity to swim with dolphins, it's important to note that several of these encounters are ethically questionable and may stress the dolphins. It's advisable to avoid these encounters due to the lack of reputable and responsible tour operators who prioritize the well-being of these magnificent marine creatures.

• Starfish Interaction: Avoid picking up starfish, as any touching can harm them. Instead, observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment and capture their beauty through photographs without disturbing them.

• Visiting Zoos: Visiting zoos, even those housing rescued animals, can have many ethical concerns. To witness Tanzania's wildlife in a responsible and ethical manner, opt for a safari experience where you can observe animals in their natural habitats and contribute to conservation efforts.

• Giving Money To Children: Giving money directly to children in poverty can have unintended consequences, as they may be targeted by criminals and traffickers. To support disadvantaged communities, consider contributing to reputable organizations working to address the issues these children face.

• Taking Photos of Local People Without Consent: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim country, and privacy is highly valued. Respect the local culture and ask for consent before taking photos of people, ensuring that you engage in responsible and culturally sensitive photography practices.

Zanzibar shines as a secure haven for tourists, boasting low crime rates and government measures to fortify visitor safety. While exploring, heed typical precautions, such as minimizing cash and valuables exposure and staying vigilant.

As with any journey, staying informed about current safety or security concerns is wise. Consult your country's embassy website for updates and guidelines. Keep in mind that Zanzibar operates semi-autonomously within Tanzania, enjoying political stability, but stay attuned to local political events.

Zanzibar's internet experience is as diverse as its landscapes. Internet quality and Wi-Fi availability hinge on several factors, including location and service provider.

Urban hubs like Stone Town tend to boast superior internet infrastructure and somewhat reliable Wi-Fi connections. Yet, don't expect lightning-fast speeds; Zanzibar's pace is relaxed, after all.

Hotels and resorts often provide Wi-Fi, but the quality varies, The up end and luxury hotels tend to have faster and more reliable connections. For dependable internet access, consider acquiring a local SIM card with a data plan.

Zanzibar is a beautiful island with lots to explore. If you're visiting Zanzibar for a short trip, the simplest and safest way to get around is by taking a taxi. Taxis are not too expensive and provide a comfortable ride.

However, if you're feeling adventurous, here are a few other options:

• Boda Boda: These are motorcycle taxis, great for short distances and quick trips.

• Dala Dala: This is what they call public transportation in Tanzania. It's like shared minivans. They are budget-friendly and can take you to popular destinations.

• Renting a Car: You can also rent a car, but be aware that you'll need a Zanzibar driving permit. Plus, make sure you have Tanzanian shillings to pay for gas because not all places accept credit cards.

The best times to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season, with the most popular times being July to September. However as a tropical destination, Zanzibar beckons travelers all year round. Another very popular time is December to February as travelers look to soak up the winter sun.

High Season: June to October

As the stormy season makes way for sunnier days, Zanzibar's high season takes flight from June to October. During this period, the island enjoys cooler temperatures and a distinct lack of rain. Furthermore, many guests come to unwind and relax in Zanzibar following their Tanzania safaris, which features the Great Migration at this time of year.

Second High Season: December to February

December to February ushers in the second high season. These months bring warmer temperatures and less rain. It's not only a great time for outdoor activities but also a haven for kite surfers. Places like Paje become magnetic for thrill-seekers, making it a prime time for wind-driven adventures.

Rainy Season: March to May

Zanzibar's primary rainy season occurs through March to May. During these months, the island experiences the occasional dramatic downpour that can linger for weeks. Many resorts take a break, resulting in fewer tourists. While rain showers may make sporadic appearances, there's a certain serenity in this season, a welcome respite from the searing heat of the months prior.

International Flight Options

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Zanzibar is by taking an international flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), which is located on Unguja Island, the main island of Zanzibar. Recently a stunning brand new terminal has been opened making your journey a lot more comfortable and relaxing.

Several airlines operate regular flights to Zanzibar from major international hubs. Here are a few options:

• Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (DAR): You can fly to Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport (via airlines such as Emirates) and then take a domestic flight to Zanzibar. Some airlines that offer this domestic route include Precision Air, and Coastal Aviation.

• Dubai, UAE (DXB): Another very convenient option is to fly from Dubai. Emirates (in partnership with Fly Dubai) provides a direct route to Zanzibar from Dubai International Airport.

• Doha, Qatar (DOH): Qatar Airways offers direct flights to Zanzibar from Hamad International Airport.

• Muscat, Oman (MCT): Oman Air operates flights from Muscat International Airport to Zanzibar, providing a direct connection between Oman and Zanzibar.

• Nairobi, Kenya (NBO): You can also fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and then take a direct flight to Zanzibar. Airlines like Kenya Airways operate this route.

• Istanbul, Turkey (IST): Turkish Airlines offers flights to Zanzibar from Istanbul Airport.

Ferry Option from Tanzania

If you're already in Tanzania or prefer a different mode of transportation, you can reach Zanzibar by ferry. This is a fast, cheap and popular way to reach Zanzibar. The primary ferry route is from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.

Before traveling to Zanzibar, it's crucial to check the visa requirements for your nationality. Because Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, it has the same visa and entry requirements of the mainland.

Here are some essential visa details:

• Visa on Arrival: Many nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival in Zanzibar. These are typically valid from 30 to 90 days, with the option of extending for longer if required. You can pay for the visas by using a credit card, however we would still recommend having cash (in the form of United States Dollars) as a precaution. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date.

• E-Visa: Zanzibar also offers electronic visas (e-visas) that you can apply for online before your trip. Check the official website of the Zanzibar Immigration Services Agency for the most up-to-date information on e-visa applications and requirements.

• Vaccination Requirements: Zanzibar may require proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, so check the latest health and visa requirements before you travel.

Always consult with your local Zanzibar embassy or consulate to get the most accurate and current information about visa requirements.

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). The United States dollar (USD) is also frequently accepted making it convenient for tourists.

We recommend converting spending money into Tanzanian Shillings and keeping your reserve cash in USD. Consider using $100 and $50 bills for a more favorable exchange rate.

Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted at large establishments. There are many ATMs in Zanzibar Town that can be used with Visa, Visa Electron, and MasterCard. You may need to try different banks before you find the one that works with your card. American Express works in Zanzibar, but not at as many ATMs.

Swahili is the official language, but English and Arabic are also widely spoken, especially in the context of trade and tourism. Many guides are also fluent in languages such as French, Italian and Mandarin.

Zanzibar's culture is a rich blend of African, Arab, and European influences, reflecting its history as a hub for trade and the spice industry.

Zanzibar's population is fairly balanced with an approx 50/50 male and female split. Of which 97% are Muslim. This religious influence is deeply embedded in the culture, with mosques, call to prayer, and Islamic customs playing a significant role in daily life.