Quick answer

Zanzibar (Tanzania) is a tropical island with rich culture, spice farms, historic Stone Town, and beautiful beaches. Plan for entry requirements, respect local customs (conservative Muslim culture), pick the right season, and use local transport or arranged transfers for safety and convenience.

Visa & entry requirements

• Nationals of many countries require a visa for Tanzania; some are visa-on-arrival and many can obtain an e-visa online (https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/). Check the Tanzanian immigration website for your nationality.
• Passport must be valid at least 6 months from arrival and typically have one or two blank pages.
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country.
• COVID-19 requirements vary; check latest airline and Tanzanian government guidance before travel.

Best time to visit

• Dry season (June–October): best for beach time, diving, and clear seas; cooler and breezy.
• Short rains (late October–December) bring brief showers; still good for travel.
• Long rains (March–May): heavy rains, many hotels and tours reduce operations—lower prices but limited services.
• Peak season: July–August and late December—book in advance.

Safety tips

• Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists but exercise usual precautions: avoid walking alone late at night, especially outside main tourist areas.
• Petty theft and snatch-and-run bag theft can occur—use hotel safes, keep valuables secure, and avoid flashy jewelry.
• Be cautious with solitary stretches of beach at night.
• Use registered taxis, hotel-arranged transfers, or ride-hailing where available; agree fares upfront if meter not used.
• Tap water is not reliably potable—drink bottled water and avoid ice unless sure of source.

Local customs & culture

• Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim: dress modestly in towns (shoulders and knees covered). Swimwear is fine at hotel beaches and private resorts but use cover-ups in public and Stone Town.
• Ramadan: many restaurants may close in daytime; avoid eating/drinking in public during daylight out of respect.
• Greetings: polite and friendly; asking permission before photographing locals is courteous.
• Bargaining is common in markets—start low and be friendly.

Currency & money

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services; bring clean, recent USD notes for best rates.
• ATMs available in Stone Town and main tourist hubs; smaller islands/remote areas may not have cash machines—carry sufficient cash.
• Credit cards accepted at many hotels and restaurants, but smaller vendors and taxis often prefer cash.

Transportation

• Getting there: flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) from Dar es Salaam and international flights via some carriers. Ferries connect Dar es Salaam and Pemba.
• Local travel: daladala minibuses (cheap but crowded), taxis, and motorbike taxis (boda-boda). Hire a private driver or organized tours for island excursions and safer transfers.
• Renting a car: possible but roads vary; 4x4 advisable if exploring rural areas. Drive on the left.
• Boats: dhow trips and snorkel/diving boats widely available—use reputable operators and check safety equipment.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Stone Town: allow at least a half to full day to explore UNESCO-listed Stone Town—visit the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and markets. Hire a licensed guide for historical context.
• Spice tours: popular and informative—try local fruits and spices but shop around for fair prices.
• Beaches: Nungwi and Kendwa are lively with calm seas (good for swimming); Paje and Jambiani are kite-surfing hubs on the southeast coast.
• Diving & snorkeling: excellent visibility and marine life; bring reef-safe sunscreen.
• Health: malaria risk in Zanzibar—consult your doctor about prophylaxis; use mosquito repellent and nets.
• Food: seafood is fresh and excellent; try urojo (Zanzibar mix), pilau, and fresh coconut. Choose busy, reputable eateries for street food.
• Respect the environment: coral reefs are fragile—do not touch or stand on corals; avoid single-use plastics where possible.
• Connectivity: SIM cards (e.g., Vodacom, Tigo) are affordable and data is good in main areas; buy at the airport or town kiosks with passport.

Final practical checklist

• Passport (6+ months), visa/e-visa, return ticket, vaccination certificates if needed.
• Cash (USD and TZS), credit card, photocopies of documents.
• Lightweight modest clothing, swimwear for resorts, good walking shoes for Stone Town.
• Sunscreen (reef-safe), insect repellent, basic medications, and any malaria prophylaxis.
• Pre-book transfers for late arrivals and popular seasons.

Enjoy Zanzibar—respect the culture, plan around the seasons, and savor the beaches, history, and spices.