Holidays in Zanzibar: everything you need to know

Zanzibar: How to get there?

Zanzibar is a paradise island belonging to Tanzania and washed on all sides by the warm Indian Ocean. These are the same endless beaches with snow-white sand and incredible turquoise water that can be seen in advertisements, it's inspiring nature and fascinating local flavor.

What to do in Zanzibar? There are tons of options. Explore the local culture, soak up the vibrant colors, and enjoy the beauty of nature. This island is suitable for adventure seekers, who are waiting here for jungle walks, excursions to the islands, diving, kitesurfing, and travelers who want a quiet, peaceful rest - the island has a very calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Zanzibar: conditions of entry?

A COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours prior to arrival is required to cross the border, and travelers must also carry medical insurance that covers coronavirus treatment. In addition, travelers must fill out an online medical form, submission of the form can be done up to 24 hours before crossing the border. Once registered, a code will be generated and must be presented upon arrival. Before traveling to the island, we advise you to be sure to check the conditions of entry. You can do this in the "Restrictions" section of our website.

Security in Zanzibar

Today Zanzibar is a civilized and quiet corner. Modern hotels, cafes and restaurants, a wide range of entertainment, combined with amazing nature, warm ocean and good-natured local people make the island quite a safe place for a vacation. But some rules are still better to follow. So, in Zanzibar never give money for goods or services in advance, do not walk alone at night, do not shine a large sum of money in front of strangers and do not catch a cab from the hand.

As for health: when swimming in the ocean, be on the lookout, because there is always a risk of meeting sea urchins; in the rainy season and off-season increases the likelihood of being bitten by malarial mosquitoes - take in your first aid kit quality repellents and preventive measures. Don't be afraid of poisonous snakes and other reptiles - yes, they are on the island, but they live in the jungle, where people rarely visit.

Zanzibar: where to stay?

Like any exotic island, Zanzibar, in addition to standard hotels and complexes, can offer lodges and bungalows by the ocean. This pleasure costs from €20 per night for two people, but there are also elite complexes with bungalows for connoisseurs of wilder, but still comfortable rest, in them for a thatched roof over your head you will have to pay from €100 and more.

You can book a hotel in Zanzibar with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Double rooms in gesthouses, inexpensive hotels and lodges will cost from €35 (and the price includes airport transfers), many of them, which is important, are also located by the ocean. Hotels 5* are not inferior to those that can be seen in popular resorts, neither in service, nor in price, you can stay for two from €170 (per night).

For those who would like to save money on accommodation, there are hostels and campsites. A place costs from €15.

Where to stay in Zanzibar? Fans of secluded, beach vacation and vacationers with children will suit the west coast - there is a quiet and calm sea, and lovers of water sports will suit the southeastern part, where from time to time you can catch good waves. The northern part is also characterized by waves, tides, and just swimming here is unlikely to work. However, it is also one of the busiest areas of the island, full of bars, cafes and restaurants.

When to go to Zanzibar?

The best time to vacation in Zanzibar is in winter and from June to October, while the rest of the time is the rainy season (October-November, March-May). During the year the air temperature on the island stays within +28-35°C, ocean water temperature +27-29°C.

Do I need a visa to Zanzibar?

Yes, a visa is required. It can be issued at the airport upon arrival, the period of stay - up to 90 days. The cost of a tourist visa is $50.

What to do in Zanzibar and what to visit?

Of course, Zanzibar can offer a standard resort list of entertainment: diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing - everything is available, water sports training schools are also available. Tourists are also offered fishing trips, including excursions to fishing villages, where you can not only catch fish for dinner, but also get to know the locals.

There are plenty of sights on the island too. So, a must-see:

• Stone Town (Stone Town) is a historical center, which UNESCO included in the list of world heritage. Cathedrals, mosques, the Arabian Fort and People's Palace, David Livingstone's house-museum and much more can be found in the old streets of Zanzibar, a walk through which will not take much time.
• Freddie Mercury's apartment-room - the world famous musician was born and lived in Zanzibar until the age of 5. Now the dwelling of Fredia's family has been turned into a hotel, where everyone can stay for a very substantial sum, but everyone can have a look there.

• Slave cave, slave market - the islanders have not forgotten the country's dark past, and so to this day you can still visit and see the horrific places where slaves were once kept and sold. The veto on human trafficking was imposed in 1873, but until then more than 600,000 people had been sold into slavery here.

• Prison Island is one of the most interesting places in Zanzibar. Yes, yes, it is the island's maximum security prison. At least it used to be, and now of the surviving prison buildings on made a "prison hotel" and a "prison restaurant". But what makes this island more appealing is that it is home to giant tortoises, which you can even pet. When their necks are scratched, they get high. Here the turtles are taken care of, carefully looked after, and most importantly, protected. It takes 30-40 minutes to get to the island from Stone Town.
• Spice Island - here you will see how locals grow spices, tropical fruits, medicinal herbs, and, of course, you can try. Curiously, in the mid-19th century, Zanzibar was one of the world's centers of clove cultivation, which was then the mainstay of the island's economy.

• Jozani Forest is one of the main attractions of Zanzibar. It is a tropical forest, a jungle with mangroves, where monkeys, leopards and snakes crawl on the branches.
• Safari tour to Tanzania - if your budget is above average, then do not miss the opportunity to combine a vacation in Zanzibar with a visit to Tanzania. You can visit the mainland on a safari tour, which can be purchased in advance online or locally. Keep in mind that prices are usually higher when buying locally and safari tours happen on a daily basis, so it's best to book in advance. The price of the tour is $1500-2000 per person. Add to this the cost of airfare Zanzibar - Arusha ($200-300), entrance fees to national parks (~$60) and other expenses. In total, such a tour will cost $2000-2500 per person.

• Boribi Reef - diving enthusiasts will love it here. Experts say that reefs in Egypt are more interesting, but why not check it personally? Here you can see stingrays, moray eels, parrot fish, clown fish and other underwater inhabitants;
• Seaweed Farm in Paje - have you long dreamed of planting seaweed yourself? Here you can finally do it ;) And also watch the locals harvesting and planting new seaweed during low tide. As part of the tour, you'll also get to see all the stages of making all sorts of goodies from seaweed and seaweed. It's also home to one of the world's most popular kiting spots, so if you're into kiting, don't miss out;

How much does it cost to vacation in Zanzibar?

We wrote about the prices for accommodation and flight earlier, and now let's move on to other expenses.

Meals. Prices for meals depend on where you are going to eat. So, dinner for two in a good restaurant on the coast will cost from $65-70, and you can have lunch in a small cafe with drinks for $15-30. You will save money if you buy food at the markets, as for fruits and spices, it is really favorable. However, do not buy fish or poultry at the market, as they are kept there in complete unsanitation.

Excursions. A guided tour of the central old part of Zanzibar city will cost $20 - 2-3 hours. Sea excursions and fishing - from $50, long walks with visits to several islands, with swimming and trips to farms - from $200.

Water sports. Diving, snorkeling: the average cost of one dive - from $45, night diving - from $50, kitesurfing can be from $60.

Where to eat in Zanzibar?

The cuisine of Zanzibar surprisingly combines several culinary traditions at once: African, Arabic and Persian. The main dishes are meat and fish with side dishes of rice, legumes or potatoes, as well as various spicy sauces and fruits. These are deep-fried seafood, baked beef with fruits, chicken with stewed bananas, and ostrich meat with various sauces. The most traditional side dish is unsweetened bananas, which are fried, baked, stewed and served with almost all dishes.

In other words, the traditional cuisine is a bit unusual for us, but not specific, considering that you can agree with the cooks in advance not to add any spices or sauces. If the local cuisine is not to your liking, no problem - the island is full of establishments serving familiar European dishes.

Zanzibar: do you need vaccinations? And how is the cleanliness?

No vaccinations are required to visit Zanzibar. If you fly with a connection in any African country, vaccinations may be required - we advise you to clarify this issue.

As for cleanliness, most resorts in Tanzania are the cleanest beaches, with snow-white sand and crystal clear water, and the hotels and inns of the island are famous for good service. The only places where you should be careful are the markets: there it is better not to buy anything but fruits. And bought must be thoroughly washed.

What else you need to know about vacationing in Zanzibar?

Despite the fact that Tanzania is a Muslim country, there are no strict requirements for tourists - you can dress as you wish. And, in general, the locals of Zanzibar are very friendly, cordial and sincere to guests, happy to prompt, help with advice. Speak here mostly in English and Swahili, especially locals are happy if travelers at least a couple of words to tell them in Swahili, for example, "sana" - thank you, or "jambo" - hello, keep in mind.

The currency of Tanzania and, in particular, Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, but you can also pay in dollars, they are accepted in cafes, souvenir shops, hotels, and even prices are often listed in dollars. Do not hesitate to bargain, you can do it almost everywhere, except supermarkets. The price can usually be "knocked down" at least twice.

Interesting facts about Zanzibar

• On the streets of the capital of Zanzibar you can see many beautiful, massive, carved doors with spikes. Originally they were favored by wealthy Hindus as a remembrance of their homeland, where such doors served as protection from elephants. Nowadays such a door is an indicator of luxury and status.
• The island of Zanzibar is the birthplace of charming monkeys "colobus". It is home to the largest number of them - about 3,000 individuals.

• Zanzibar's economy, apart from tourism and raffia (fiber made from palm leaves, used for textiles, ropes, roofing), depends on the island's spices. Zanzibar is famous for its spices due to the production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper.
• Akuna Matata! Many people remember this phrase from the Disney cartoon, which means "no worries" in Swahili. It is very popular here and is often used on souvenirs.

What else to read?

• Tanzania and Zanzibar: debunking stereotypes about Africa
• African-style couchsurfing: unforgettable adventures from Namibia to Zanzibar
• Africa's best safari parks: where to go, why and how much?
• Safaris, wild animals, national parks: what to do in South Africa