Zanzibar: Travel Tips And Tricks

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, located in the Indian Ocean. It is a two-hour ferry ride from Dar Es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. The archipelago consists of over 50 islands, with Unguja being the largest and most visited, and Pemba the second-largest. Zanzibar has stunning beaches, untouched nature, and a rich history. It was once a critical part of the Indian Ocean trade route and served as a hub for the region's slave and spice trades.

When travelling to Zanzibar, it is important to note that it is a majority Muslim country, and it is recommended to dress conservatively when walking through towns and villages. The tap water is not safe to drink, so it is best to stick to bottled water. Malaria is a concern, and anti-malarial medication is recommended. The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, and it is advised to carry small notes of US Dollars as well, as they are widely accepted. Zanzibar has beautiful beaches, with smooth white sand and dazzling blue waters in the north and dramatic tides in the east. The best time to visit is from June to October, the dry season with reliably warm and sunny days.

Zanzibar's culture and customs: know the appropriate behaviour and dress code, especially during Ramadan

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, with its own leader and governing bodies. It is predominantly Muslim, with over 98% of its population following the religion. As such, it is important to be respectful of Muslim customs and values, especially during Ramadan.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for thirty days. This means refraining from drinking, eating, smoking, arguing, sex, and cursing. It is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, charity, and humanity. As such, it is considered impolite to eat, drink, or smoke in public during this time. It is also important to dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection. Women should cover their shoulders and legs, and men should wear long trousers.

In addition to these guidelines, there are some other cultural differences to be aware of when visiting Zanzibar. For example, it is considered an insult to use your left hand when shaking hands or giving objects, as this hand is used for cleaning oneself in the toilet. It is also important to greet elders first and to give them priority in services.

By following these guidelines and being respectful of local customs and values, you can ensure that you have a culturally sensitive and enjoyable trip to Zanzibar.

Getting to and around Zanzibar: the best ways to get to and travel across the island

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the east coast of Tanzania, in East Africa. The main island, Unguja, is also known as Zanzibar Island, and is home to the capital, Zanzibar City, and the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

Getting to Zanzibar

The easiest way to get to Zanzibar is by plane. There are daily international flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport from East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. There are also daily flights from several destinations in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, and Selous. If you are travelling from outside of Tanzania, you will likely need to stop over in Nairobi or Dubai.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. There are four or five ferries a day in both directions, with the fastest journey time being around 75 minutes. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the spot, but non-residents must pay in US dollars.

Getting Around Zanzibar

Once you're in Zanzibar, there are plenty of options for getting around the island.

Dala-dalas are Jeepney-style vehicles that have been converted to hold around 20 people. They are an affordable and authentic way to get around, but can be cramped and uncomfortable. There are no timetables, so you'll need to ask a local for information, and be aware of touts who may try to rip you off.

You can also travel by taxi. These can be booked at major tourist hotspots, like hotels and the airport, or through your tour operator.

If you want to explore the island independently, you can rent a car or motorbike. You will need a license to rent a car, but not for a two-wheeler.

For shorter distances, Zanzibar is an ideal place to explore on foot or by bicycle. Stone Town, the hub of Zanzibar, is filled with restaurants, markets, and interesting sights, and is accessible by walking.

Money in Zanzibar: the local currency, where to find ATMs and the best way to pay

Money in Zanzibar

The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). It's quite hard to buy Tanzanian shillings outside of Tanzania, so most people buy their local currency on arrival.

US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be used for some transactions, such as paying for hotels, tours, and souvenirs. However, using US dollars in Zanzibar may not always give you the best exchange rate, and some places may charge a higher price for goods and services when paid for in dollars. It's recommended to carry small denominations of US dollars, as larger bills may be difficult to exchange or may not be accepted.

ATMs can be found in major towns and cities, including Stone Town, Nungwi Beach, Kiwengwa, and Paje Beach. There is also an ATM at the airport, which is useful as most people arrive in Zanzibar by plane. It's worth noting that there are very few ATMs in Zanzibar, and they can run out of money quickly. The maximum withdrawal amount is 400,000 shillings, which is roughly $140 or £130. Most ATMs accept major credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. It's important to check with your bank before travelling to ensure your card will work internationally and to ask about any associated fees.

If you're travelling to Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, it's best to withdraw cash from an ATM in Arusha, Moshi, or Dar es Salaam.

It's possible to exchange money at the airport or in Stone Town, although you may find better exchange rates in your home country or in Tanzania. There are a few money exchange bureaus in Stone Town, but none elsewhere on the island.

There are places where you can pay by card in Zanzibar, but they tend to be on the more expensive side, such as hotels and established restaurants. There will usually be an extra charge of 5-8% added to your bill when paying by card. Some people advise against paying by card in Zanzibar due to the high risk of fraud.

The amount of money you should take depends on your travel plans and spending habits. It's recommended to carry a mix of cash and cards, as some places may not accept cards, and ATMs can be hard to find. If you've already paid for your accommodation and meals, you may only need around $50 per day for expenses like food, drinks, and local transportation. If you plan on taking tours or purchasing souvenirs, you should budget accordingly. Tours in Zanzibar are typically priced between $15-75, with snorkelling being one of the cheaper options. Renting a moped usually costs around $50 per day, and private transfers can be costly, ranging from $40-70 depending on the destination.

As a general guideline, carrying around $100-$200 in Tanzanian shillings should be enough for small purchases for a few days. However, if you plan on participating in a lot of activities or buying souvenirs, you may need to bring more cash.

Food and drink: what to eat and drink, and what to avoid

Zanzibar's cuisine is heavily influenced by African, Arabian, Indian, and European culinary traditions. Given its history as a spice trader, it should come as no surprise that the local food is packed with flavour.

A popular local dish is biryani, an Indian dish consisting of rice cooked in spices and mixed with a fragrant meat or fish curry. Pilau rice is another rice-based dish served separately from the curry but equally delicious.

Seafood plays a significant role in the local culinary scene, given the island's location in the Indian Ocean. Octopus curry, cooked in a coconut-cream sauce, is a delicacy, and octopus also appears as a street food, served with pieces of fried cassava. Mishkaki, skewers of grilled chicken or beef, make a great snack.

For dessert, a favourite option is mandazi, deep-fried dough that is sometimes sweetened with a hint of cardamom, best washed down with a cup of chai and a slice of durian or jackfruit.

When eating out, it's important to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. Ensure that all hot food is served piping hot, and avoid anything that looks poorly prepared, especially meat or fish. When it comes to street food, don't eat anything that has been sitting in the sun for too long. It's generally safer to buy food from a vendor with a queue of locals, as this is likely to be where the freshest food is found.

Although tap water in Zanzibar is unsafe to drink, bottled water is widely available. However, it's best to avoid ice in drinks and salads, as the water may upset your stomach.

Zanzibar has a vibrant tea culture, and drinking tea is a great way to meet locals. Try the tangawizi (ginger) chai, and add vanilla if you can. Most tea stands start serving once the sun goes down.

Although alcohol is available in some tourist and expat restaurants and fancier hotels, it's important to remember that Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim country, and public drunkenness is prohibited. There are only a few stores in Stone Town that sell alcohol, and it's a good idea to bring your own bag to avoid brandishing a bottle of liquor in public.

Accommodation: the cost and types of accommodation available

Zanzibar is an archipelago of over 50 islands, with the largest island, Unguja, commonly referred to as 'Zanzibar'. The second-largest island is Pemba, and the only other inhabited island is Mafia.

Zanzibar offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly bungalows and guest houses. Here is a breakdown of the cost and types of accommodation available in Zanzibar:

Luxury Accommodation

Luxury accommodation in Zanzibar can range from exclusive resorts to five-star hotels. These options typically offer all-inclusive packages, spacious rooms with ocean views, private beaches, gourmet dining, and personalized services. Some of the well-known luxury accommodations include:

• Kilindi Zanzibar
• Park Hyatt Zanzibar
• Essque Zalu Zanzibar
• TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar
• Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
• Mnemba Island
• Hideaway of Nungwi
• Star of the East
• Kilindi
• TOA Hotel & Spa
• Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar
• Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar
• Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
• The Residence Zanzibar
• Kisiwa On The Beach
• Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
• Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
• Mizingani Seafront Hotel

Mid-Range Accommodation

For travellers seeking a balance between comfort and cost, Zanzibar offers a variety of mid-range options. These accommodations typically provide comfortable rooms, swimming pools, beach access, and dining options, with some offering all-inclusive packages. Some popular choices include:

• Myblue Hotel
• Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
• Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
• Double Tree by Hilton
• Diamonds La Gemma Dell'Est
• Melia
• Matemwe Retreat
• Z-Lodge Zanzibar
• Zanzibella Hotel & SPA
• Mahali Zanzibar
• TIANDE Boutique Hotel
• Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa
• PiliPili Anna of Zanzibar
• Breezes Beach Club & Spa
• Hakuna Majiwe Beach Lodge
• Kisiwa on the Beach
• Reef and Beach Resort
• The Z Hotel Zanzibar
• Sunset Beach Resort Zanzibar
• Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel
• Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort
• Mizingani Seafront Hotel

Budget Accommodation

For those travelling on a budget, Zanzibar has plenty of affordable options, including bungalows, guest houses, and small hotels. These accommodations typically offer basic amenities, with some providing beach access and dining options. Here are some budget-friendly choices:

• Sunset Kendwa
• Langi Langi Beach Bungalows
• Amani Bungalow
• Mnarani Beach Cottages
• Makofi Guest House
• Pongwe Beach Hotel
• Kisiwa House
• The Z Hotel Zanzibar
• Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel
• Passion Boutique Hotel Zanzibar
• Zanzibar Coffee House
• Shoki Shoki House Stone Town
• Alladin Zanzibar

Frequently asked questions