FAQs on Zanzibar
There are two ways to get to the tropical islands of Zanzibar–by ferry or plane. You can fly to the main island of Unguja (often referred to as Zanzibar Island) and to Pemba Island. Most of the flights to Zanzibar are from Dar es Salaam, on the coast of Tanzania, to Stone Town on Unguja. It’s a short 15-minute flight. There are also a handful of international flights from destinations outside of Tanzania, including Doha, Nairobi and Johannesburg. If you’re travelling from the UK, Europe or the USA your best option is to fly to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi in Kenya. These cities are the two major travel hubs of East Africa, with many international flight routes. From Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, there are regular flights to Zanzibar. The cheapest way to get to Zanzibar is to take a ferry from Dar es Salaam. But you don’t always save that much by taking a ferry instead of a cheap flight from Dar. It depends on the ferry (some of the more modern ferries are quite expensive) and the flight specials available for your travel dates.
Yes, oh yes! Zanzibar is one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations. The authentic charm and picture-perfect beaches of Zanzibar make it a very popular romantic getaway. The combination of picturesque tropical beaches, sunny weather and secluded resorts provide an ideal setting for lovebirds to relax and get away from it all. Add to that Zanzibar’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals and you get the ideal honeymoon setting. Part of the charm of this island paradise is that couples can choose to be as active or idle as they want. Hammocks, gentle walks, lazy swims, soothing massages and sunset sundowners await. As do island hopping boat trips, snorkeling and diving excursions, spice tours, cultural experiences and eco-adventures.
June to September/October are the best months to visit Zanzibar Islands. This is when you’re most likely to get clear blue skies and balmy temperatures. If you struggle with heat and humidity, then the sunny winter-to-spring dry season is the best time to visit Zanzibar. Mid-December, January and February are also ideal months to visit Zanzibar. These months fall in the short dry season which offers the best weather for sun-worshipers who like hot weather. During these months you’re likely to experience clear skies, little if any rain and high temperatures. In early December you may still get some rain, usually in the form of intermittent afternoon rain showers. By mid-December, the afternoon rain showers are less frequent, but the holiday crowds haven’t arrived yet. Thus mid-December is an excellent time for a summer holiday on Zanzibar, without the masses.
If you are planning your Zanzibar holiday for November to February then stay on the southwest coastlines, because prevailing monsoons come from the northeast. For Zanzibar holidays during the southwest monsoon season (June to October) head to the northeast coastline.Best time for scuba diving in Zanzibar From July to August and February to April are the best times to go scuba diving on Zanzibar Islands. April is, however, the rainiest month, so think twice about visiting then.
Avoid traveling to Zanzibar during the two rainy seasons–November and March to May. This is when NOT to visit Zanzibar.
The main rainy season is from mid-March to May. The rains usually peak in April, so avoid visiting in this month. Also known as the long rains this season entails tropical downpours in the afternoons. These showers can be heavy on any of the islands in the Archipelago. The humidity is also high and the average temperatures climb to the mid-30°s Celcius. The short rains usually fall from November to early December and are less intense than the long rains. In the years when the short rains arrive on time, it dries up from mid-to-late December to February and starts again in March.
No, you can eat cheaply on Zanzibar. On a tight budget, you can spend as little as from $10 per meal per person. A mid-range estimate is from $20 per person. You will also need to budget for bottled water, around $0.70 per day.
At least three days and at most 8 days. How long you need for a fulfilling Zanzibar holiday depends on what you want to do, but we recommend at least a week.
WE and UK citizens need tourist visas. These can be obtained on arrival in Tanzania but both the American and British governments encourage travelers to apply before travelling. The cost of a single-entry tourist visa for British citizens is $50 USD ($40 when applying in advance) and $100 USD for US citizens. Multiple-entry visas cost $100 USD. European, Canadian and Australian travelers will also need tourist visas for Tanzania (applicable to Zanzibar). South African citizens do not need visas to visit Zanzibar Islands.
Proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. These are the recommended shots for travel to Zanzibar, but they are only general guidelines. We strongly advise that you consult with a travel clinic or your doctor when planning your holiday to Zanzibar to ensure that you get the shots that you need.
For a more remote and deserted beach experience on Zanzibar, head south. Bwejuu and Paje are two of the best beaches on the southeast coast and Kizimkazi Beach, known for its dolphins, is an authentic spot on the southwest coast.
Yes. Anti-malaria precautions are necessary year-round in Zanzibar. You will need to take anti-malaria tablets and use mosquito repellent. Zanzibar is a high-risk malaria area so you need to go prepared throughout the year. Ask your local travel clinic or doctor for advice on how to prevent contracting malaria while travelling. There are a number of effective anti-malaria prophylaxes to choose from these days. Some anti-malaria treatments need to be started before you travel so check in with a medical professional in advance.
The Zanzibar people are descendants of Africa, Arabia, India, Persia and the Comoros Islands. The main religion in Zanzibar is Islam. Over 90% of the population is Muslim with a small minority of Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs.
You can wear shorts at the beach and your resort or hotel. It’s acceptable to wear bikinis and swimwear at the beach.
In other places, it is better to dress more conservatively. Shorts should preferably be loose-fitting, three-quarter pants that end below the knee. Ladies should avoid wearing short shorts in public.
Walking around shirtless is not culturally acceptable, even for blokes. For women, wearing mini-skirts and skimpy outfits is sure to cause offence. Be particularly mindful when visiting Stone Town and mosques, where your torso and shoulders need to be covered too.