Getting around Zanzibar can be very cheap and horribly uncomfortable, or pretty costly and very relaxing. The only mid-range transport there is comes in the form of a few tourist minibuses that operate out of Stone Town. These take holiday makers to some of the various coastal hotspots the island has to offer - routes are very limited and run once a day. Seats must be booked through hotels in the capital.
Most locals travel by daladala. These are most commonly mini-buses (which are more akin to large vans -usually the Toyota Hiace) but sometimes trucks. For many tourists, back-packers and adventurers, the daladala experience is a thrilling one. Tourists are thrust into the heart of Zanzibari life; expect a chicken on you knee and locals with buckets of fresh seafood to sell.
If you can handle the heat (or can get up enough speed to cool yourself with wind-chill effect) then cycling along the coast of Zanzibar can be an excellent way to explore. Many beach hotels will rent you a bike for around USD 5-10 a day and some offer free bike hire to guests. Avoid getting around on scooters and motorbikes if you can.
All visitors require a valid passport and visa for the duration of their stay. Visa can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or alternatively at the entry points. The rate of the visa is currently 50 US $ OR 50 Euros. However it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to your travel for updated information.
The following services are taxed in Zanzibar:
- An Airport tax of 50 US $ per ticket must be paid on departure.
- A tax of 5$ for every ticket for the person traveling through sea port.
Keep small denomination ready as change might be limited sometimes.
Zanzibar is a safe country, and most locals are friendly and honest, though simple precautions should be taken so as to have a relaxing and interesting stay in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The majority of Zanzibar residents practice the Islamic faith which reflect also their lifestyle and culture.
Mosques are sacred places and usually do not permit entry by non-Muslims.
During the holy month of Ramadhan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and you may find it difficult to find food during the day hours. There are however, specified restaurants which are allowed to serve tourists.
There are also Christian churches and Hindu temples which offer regular services on Sunday and on special occasions.
Wood carvings, Zanzibari chests, clothes, spices, jewellery, paintings and antiques are to be found in most of the gift shops which are situated along Kenyatta Road in Shangani, and Gizenga Street behind the Old Fort in Stone Town.
Tourists are advised not to buy any products related to protected species on the islands, such as sea shells and turtles.
BY AIR
The principalcarrier to Zanzibar is Kenya Airways, transitung at Nairobi. Other carriers are Qatar Airline, Ethiopian Airline, Air India, South African Airways, British Airways and KLM stopping over at Dar-es-Salaam, from where you can catch a ferry to Zanzibar. There are also a number of regular charter flights to Zanzibar from Europe travelling direct.
If your air ticket takes you only to Dar-es-Salaam, local air carriers such as Coastal Travel, Zan Air, Precision Air and Tropical Air provide scheduled flights in small twin-engines planes to Zanzibar
BY SEA
Regular fast ferries operate between Dar - Es Salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba.
A ferry to Dar es Salaam from Zanzibar takes between 75- 90 minutes; and the same for a ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam. The Pemba to Zanzibar ferry can take about 3 hours depending on weather.
Timetables and prices are displayed on boards outside each office. Alternatively you can get the detailed information from a local tour operator.
All visitors require a valid passport and visa for the duration of their stay. Visa can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or alternatively at the entry points. The rate of the visa is currently 50 US $ OR 50 Euros. However it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to your travel for updated information.
The following services are taxed in Zanzibar:
- An Airport tax of 50 US $ per ticket must be paid on departure.
- A tax of 5$ for every ticket for the person traveling through sea port.
Keep small denomination ready as change might be limited sometimes.
US$ 1 = 1,200 Tanzanian Shillings, but it varies from time to time
220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Map for Zanzibar
Zanzibar consists of a multiracial and multicultural community, blended over centuries by different cultures to become what it is today. Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phonecians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and British have settled here at one time or another and influenced the local culture into the present fusion.
Zanzibar is the birthplace of Swahili, a lingua franca forged from these global dialects, upon which legends were carried, trade routes opened and a Sultan’s empire prospered.
It is here that the Africa Culture blended with other cultures mainly Persian, Arabic and Indian to forms Swahili Culture. Today the romance, the splendor and legends of the past are still vibrantly alive, traditional sailing dhows, carved wooden and doors, chests, the scent of the clove and the smile of the hospitable people welcomes you to Zanzibar.
inhabitants with an annual growth rate of 3.5%.
Visitors to Zanzibar are no longer required by law to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. When you enter the country, please see your local doctor or Travel Clinic for further information about inoculations required for the area.
Malaria is still prevalent in East Africa and so one should also take a malaria prophylaxis. There are many different kinds of medications for Malaria, and you are encouraged to apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets at night. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings.
As in almost all African countries, it is advised that you drink bottled water and avoid uncooked foods that may have been washed in untreated water.
Sunstroke and heat exhaustion are common, so drink sufficient water, wear sensible clothing and use a high-factor sunscreen.
Getting around Zanzibar can be very cheap and horribly uncomfortable, or pretty costly and very relaxing. The only mid-range transport there is comes in the form of a few tourist minibuses that operate out of Stone Town. These take holiday makers to some of the various coastal hotspots the island has to offer - routes are very limited and run once a day. Seats must be booked through hotels in the capital.
Most locals travel by daladala. These are most commonly mini-buses (which are more akin to large vans -usually the Toyota Hiace) but sometimes trucks. For many tourists, back-packers and adventurers, the daladala experience is a thrilling one. Tourists are thrust into the heart of Zanzibari life; expect a chicken on you knee and locals with buckets of fresh seafood to sell.
If you can handle the heat (or can get up enough speed to cool yourself with wind-chill effect) then cycling along the coast of Zanzibar can be an excellent way to explore. Many beach hotels will rent you a bike for around USD 5-10 a day and some offer free bike hire to guests. Avoid getting around on scooters and motorbikes if you can.