Zanzibar Island Tanzania Travel Guide
Average daily temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Coastal breezes offer some relief, but the sun is strong. Zanzibar has two main rainy seasons: Long Rains (Masika) from March to May, with April seeing the heaviest rainfall; and Short Rains (Vuli) from November to December, which are lighter and less predictable. Humidity stays high year-round, increasing significantly during the rainy seasons.
Ideal timing for specific activities: Beach & Water Sports (Snorkeling, Diving, Kitesurfing) are best during the dry seasons (June to October and January to February). Waters are calm, and visibility for marine activities is excellent. Spice Tours & Stone Town exploration are enjoyable year-round, but more comfortable during dry seasons. Jozani Forest is accessible year-round.
Travelers from most non-African countries need a visa for Tanzania, which includes Zanzibar. An online e-Visa is the most convenient method. Apply through the official Tanzania Immigration Services Department website: Https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/. Plan several weeks ahead. Visa on arrival is also available for many nationalities at major entry points, but applying in advance saves time.
Required documentation includes a passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, a completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and the visa fee (USD 50 for most, USD 100 for U.S. Citizens). Carry physical and digital copies of all documents.
Requirements
Needed if arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of transmission.
Consult a medical professional for recommended vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies).
For Zanzibar
For tourism, up to 90 days.
For frequent visits or transiting, with specific validity periods.
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Exchange rates fluctuate (approx. 1 USD to 2500 TZS). Currency exchange bureaus in Stone Town usually offer better rates than banks. ATMs are available in Stone Town and popular tourist areas, accepting Visa and Mastercard. US Dollars are widely accepted for major tourism expenses, but change is usually given in TZS. New (post-2006) and good condition USD notes are accepted.
Tipping is common and appreciated, but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is given for good service. Tour guides and drivers usually receive USD 5-15 per person per day. Hotel staff are given small amounts (TZS 2,000-5,000 or USD 1-2).
USD 30-70 (hostels, local food, Dala-dalas).
USD 70-150 (mid-range hotels, mixed dining, taxis).
USD 150+ (luxury resorts, fine dining, private transfers).
USD 2-6.
USD 24-40.
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of "beach boys" who can be persistent.
Malaria is present year-round. Traveler's diarrhea is common due to changes in diet. The tropical sun can cause sunburn and heatstroke. Schistosomiasis risk exists in freshwater.
High-quality medical facilities are limited. Private clinics in Stone Town handle routine issues. Serious emergencies may need medical evacuation to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi.
Keep these numbers handy. Response times may vary.
From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts, Zanzibar offers diverse accommodation options. The dining scene spans authentic local eateries to upscale international restaurants.
Affordable options, often with a more local feel (USD 10-30/night).
Comfortable stays with more amenities (USD 40-80/night).
High-end experiences with extensive services (USD 80-500+/night).
Explore the culinary landscape for authentic tastes and diverse dining experiences.
Local street food, like chapati and samosas, cost TZS 500-2,000 (USD 0.20-0.80). A local restaurant meal, like rice and beans, typically costs TZS 5,000-15,000 (USD 2-6).
Tourist restaurant meals range from TZS 20,000-50,000+ (USD 8-20+). Beer is TZS 5,000-10,000 (USD 2-4), and a 1.5L bottle of water is TZS 1,500-3,000 (USD 0.60-1.20).
Eating local food offers both a cultural experience and cost savings.
Most modern smartphones work. Ensure your phone is unlocked for local SIM cards.
Readily available at ZNZ airport and Stone Town (Vodacom, Tigo, Airtel). Passport needed for registration. Airalo offers eSIMs for convenience.
Zanzibar uses 230V, 50Hz. Plug types are Type G (UK standard) and Type D. A Universal travel adapter is advisable.
Self-driving (car or scooter) is an option but has specific requirements and concerns.
For navigation, communication, and data backup, several digital tools are beneficial.
Download offline maps using Maps.me or Google Maps before travel.
Google Translate with Swahili offline pack is helpful for local communication.
Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Portable hard drive for photos and documents.
