Zanzibar Travel FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

April 26, 2025
ABS, Africa travel, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Zanzibar Travel FAQs

Zanzibar, an exotic island paradise in the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for many travelers. With its turquoise waters, powder-white beaches, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history, it offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Zanzibar or returning for another unforgettable escape, it’s natural to have questions.

In this detailed Zanzibar Travel FAQ guide, we answer the most frequently asked questions to help you plan the perfect island getaway.

1. When is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar?

When planning your Zanzibar vacation, choosing the right time to travel is crucial. The Zanzibar weather is tropical, with year-round warm temperatures averaging between 25°C and 30°C. However, rainfall and monsoons can significantly impact your experience.

Month-by-Month Zanzibar Travel Guide:

March to May: This is Zanzibar’s long rainy season. Torrential downpours, high humidity, and flooded roads can disrupt your beach time and activities. April is particularly wet and best avoided.
June to October: Known as the dry season, these months offer clear skies, cooler temperatures, and the best conditions for sunbathing, scuba diving, and kitesurfing.
➔ Perfect for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar combo trip!
November to February: These months are considered Zanzibar’s short dry season. November may have light showers, but December to February boasts plenty of sunshine, ideal for beach lovers.

Best Month to Visit Zanzibar:
June, July, August, September, and October are ideal for perfect beach days and exploring. Mid-December to February is also great, especially if you enjoy hot, sunny weather without much rain.

Scuba Diving in Zanzibar:
The best time for diving is between July to August and February to April. Be cautious about diving in April due to heavy rains.

Worst Time to Visit Zanzibar:
Avoid April (peak rains) and November (start of short rains) if you want uninterrupted sun and adventure.

Weather Summary:
Zanzibar offers sunny, tropical conditions year-round, with two rainy seasons to be aware of.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #Best-Time-to-Visit-Zanzibar
✅ Suggested External Link: #Weather-in-Zanzibar-Official-Site

2. How Expensive is Zanzibar?

Travelers often ask, “Is Zanzibar affordable?” The answer is — it depends on your style of travel.

Cost Breakdown for Zanzibar Travel:

Flights: Your biggest expense. Look for deals on flights to Tanzania or direct flights to Zanzibar.
Accommodation: Options range from budget hostels and beach bungalows to luxury beachfront resorts.
- Budget travelers: Expect to spend $20–$50 per night.
- Mid-range travelers: Around $80–$150 per night.
- Luxury travelers: High-end resorts start at $250 per night and go up.

Food and Drinks:
Eating local is a smart way to save. Fresh fruit markets, street food at Forodhani Gardens, and small local restaurants offer meals for under $5.
Western restaurants and hotel dining will cost more — roughly $10 to $25 per meal.

Transportation:
Taxis and private drivers are common; dalla-dallas (shared minibuses) are extremely cheap but chaotic.

Daily Budget Suggestions:

Budget traveler: $50–$70/day
Mid-range traveler: $100–$150/day
Luxury traveler: $200+/day

Zanzibar Luxury Experiences:
For honeymooners and luxury seekers, Zanzibar offers five-star resorts, private beaches, and luxury sailing trips.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #Zanzibar-Travel-Cost-Breakdown
✅ Suggested External Link: #Budget-Travel-Tips-Zanzibar

3. Zanzibar Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know

Before booking your dream trip to Zanzibar, check the visa requirements. Luckily, getting a visa for Zanzibar is simple for most travelers.

Visa Options:

E-visa: Most travelers can apply online through Tanzania’s e-visa system.
Visa on arrival: Available at major airports like Zanzibar International Airport.
➔ Important: Bring cash (USD) to pay visa fees.

Key Points to Remember:

No separate visa is needed for mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Visa cost: Starting at $50 USD.
Requirements may change, so always check the official Tanzania Immigration website before travel.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #Zanzibar-Entry-Requirements
✅ Suggested External Link: #Tanzania-Government-Visa-Information

4. Is Zanzibar Safe for Travelers?

Many travelers ask: “Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?” The answer is a confident yes, with basic precautions.

Safety Overview:

Zanzibar is generally very safe, even for solo female travelers.
Petty theft can occur in crowded places like Stone Town.
Beach boys (locally called Papasi) may try to sell tours and items. A polite but firm “no” usually suffices.

Travel Safety Tips for Zanzibar:

Respect local customs — especially modest dress in Stone Town.
Use safes in your hotel room for valuables.
Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in Stone Town.
Use registered taxis instead of random rides.
Trust advice from your accommodation about local hotspots.
Swim safely — beaches are safe, but check for sea urchins at low tide.

Solo Female Travel:
Thousands of solo travelers have enjoyed Zanzibar safely by following common-sense precautions.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #Zanzibar-Safety-Tips
✅ Suggested External Link: #Solo-Female-Travel-in-Zanzibar-Experiences

5. How Long Should I Stay in Zanzibar?

How long should your Zanzibar vacation be? Ideally, 7–10 days gives you enough time to both relax and explore.

Trip Planning:

3–4 days: Pure beach relaxation.
5–7 days: Beaches + Stone Town + spice tours.
8–10+ days: Add island hopping, cultural experiences, and scuba diving.

Why Stay Longer?

Stone Town: Needs at least two days to explore the historic streets, spice markets, and UNESCO sites.
Beaches: Each beach area (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje) offers a different vibe.
Excursions: Spice tours, snorkeling trips, wildlife sanctuaries, and dhow sunset cruises are all worthwhile.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #Zanzibar-7-Day-Itinerary
✅ Suggested External Link: #Top-Things-to-Do-in-Zanzibar

6. What’s the Best Way to Get Around Zanzibar?

Getting around Zanzibar requires some planning.

Transportation Options:

Taxi Services: The easiest and safest way. Average trip cost is around $20.
Private Drivers: Book a trusted driver through your hotel for excursions and day trips.
Rental Cars: Possible, but driving in Zanzibar can be chaotic (poor signage, animals on roads).
Dalla-Dallas: Very cheap local minibuses. Best for adventurous, budget-conscious travelers.

Top Tip:
Negotiate taxi fares before starting your ride or use hotel-recommended transport services.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #Transport-Guide-Zanzibar
✅ Suggested External Link: #Getting-Around-Zanzibar-Tourism-Site

7. Zanzibar Dress Code: What to Wear

Zanzibar’s population is predominantly Muslim, so modest clothing is encouraged in public places.

Dress Guidelines:

At beaches: Swimwear like bikinis and boardshorts are fine.
In towns/villages: Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Mosques and Religious Sites: Women should carry a scarf to cover their hair if needed.

Packing Tips:

Lightweight, breathable fabrics.
A scarf or sarong for covering up when needed.
Respecting the culture not only avoids offense but also leads to friendlier local interactions.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #What-to-Pack-for-Zanzibar
✅ Suggested External Link: #Cultural-Etiquette-in-Zanzibar

8. More Zanzibar Travel Questions Answered

Currency:

Official: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
US dollars widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.

Language:

Official language: Swahili.
English is widely spoken, especially in hotels and tourist areas.

Medical Tips:

Malaria is present. Use anti-malaria medication and strong insect repellents.
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (if coming from an endemic area) are often recommended.

Alcohol:

Available at resorts and tourist hotels but not common elsewhere.
Public drinking is frowned upon.

✅ Suggested Internal Link: #Zanzibar-Travel-Tips
✅ Suggested External Link: #Zanzibar-Health-Advice

How to Plan Your Zanzibar Trip?

Ready to plan your Zanzibar adventure?
Here’s how we can help:

Explore our #Zanzibar-Holiday-Packages.
Combine your trip with a thrilling #Tanzania-Safari-Adventure.
Contact one of our #Africa-Travel-Specialists for personalized advice.

From historic Stone Town to idyllic island escapes, Zanzibar promises a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
Pack your bags, your adventure awaits!