Are you going to Zanzibar and want to make sure you don't forget anything? Wondering how to apply for a visa? Not sure how to get around the island? When should you go and for how long? How much does it cost to go to Zanzibar? You'll find the answers to all your questions in this article.
What are the entry requirements for Tanzania #covid19 ?
Following government announcements by the Tanzanian authorities, the borders are indeed open to tourism, albeit with specific entry conditions :
PCR test 72 hours before departure
Random PCR test on arrival (approx. $25 for selected persons)
All updated entry requirements for Zanzibar are available here:
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania ?
Yes, you need a visa to enter Zanzibar. You can apply for a visa on arrival for $50, or you can apply online in advance at this website.
How to get to Zanzibar
I paid €550 for my return flight, I booked my flight directly on the website of Qatar Airways to take advantage of the flexibility and customer service provided only when buying direct, without going through a third-party site. The flight lasts around 14 hours, with a 2 hour stopover in Doha, making it the fastest way to reach Zanzibar. There are currently no direct flights from Europe.
When to go to Zanzibar
Zanzibar has two rainy seasons. Every year, there are the long rains and the short rains. On the heels of East Africa's hot, muggy summer, Zanzibar's long rainy season lasts from March to May. Booking a trip during this period if you're going on a beach vacation isn't a good idea; the islands are hit by some pretty epic monsoons that will literally impact on your time spent at the beach. The short rains usually occur between November and December, but are not as intense - they tend to come in short, torrential bursts, then quickly fade to blue skies. The best time to visit the island of Zanzibar is during the archipelago's dry season, from July to February; you'll still get a few moments of rain, but it never lasts very long.
Key destination information
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago made up of 3 main islands and 72 islets in the Indian Ocean, along the east coast of Africa, just off the Tanzanian mainland. Most Zanzibaris speak English, in addition to their native tongue. Remember to change your dollars into Tanzanian shillings at Zanzibar airport, and withdraw as much money as possible in France before you leave. Once in Tanzania, local ATMs charge 5% for withdrawals (not counting your French bank's fees) and card payments are also taxed at between 3 and 5% of the initial sum (even in the big hotels), so you lose a lot of money in the wind.
Is it dangerous to go to Zanzibar ?
I never thought I'd hear of a country in Africa that's safe for women traveling alone, but Zanzibar is safe. The people are very friendly and welcoming, and there's no theft or delinquency. Even in Stone Town, the archipelago's largest city, you'll be able to stroll in peace, even at odd hours.
What is the best means of transport in Zanzibar ?
Forget public transport, the dala dala, the equivalent of the local bus, is not the best way to enjoy the country. Opt for a rental car with or without a driver, as you wish. For this 10-day trip to Zanzibar, I rented a car to get around so I could be autonomous and free to move around whenever I wanted. I made the reservation via Whatsapp before my trip, with the Zanzibar express car hire agency. It's a local agency, a family business between father and son, so I opted for a 4x4 car with auto gearbox to drive quietly on the island's rough roads. Expect to pay around $30 a day for the car and a $10 driver's license fee per person (compulsory in Tanzania, to be paid in one go).
To sum up my experience with this agency, here are the little extras that made my road trip easier and more enjoyable:
The second additional driver is free
The owner of the agency waited for me at the airport with a sign bearing my name
Assistance and immediate availability on Whatsapp in case of need
Unlimited mileage
The unpleasant elements to take into account:
Driving is on the left as in England (to drive on the right of the car, with the auto gearbox, you get used to it quickly) but to drive on the roads, you have to concentrate and remember to hold your left and not your right.
There's just one main asphalt road, and the side roads leading to the hotels and beaches are unpaved tracks with lots of holes and large stones.
If you would like to rent a car in Zanzibar, you can contact the agency via their website or Whatsapp +255 774 371 987.
How to get around Zanzibar ?
There are several ways to get around the archipelago:
🚗 Car rental: as announced above, this is the means I opted for to be able to discover the island from south to north with complete freedom, and taking my 3 suitcases with no problems.
🚌 Public transport/dala dalas: Public transport is extremely affordable, costing less than 4 USD, depending on your destination. They're also pretty slow, as they stop a lot along the way, and there generally seems to be no limit to the number of people who can fit on a bus! Be warned that it will probably take some effort to work out which dala dala to use, although drivers are very helpful.
🚕 Taxis: There are plenty of cabs in Stone Town, but from the beach they can be harder to find. It's always a good idea to ask your hotel for a cab or find a reliable company to offer transfers. Taking a cab in Zanzibar is generally safe, but note that they are often not punctual and tend to charge as they wish. There are some companies in Zanzibar that offer cab services (such as the aptly named Zanzibar Taxi), but none are available on request - you'll need to let them know in advance when you want to go and where. Expect to pay between $30 and $60 to get to seaside destinations such as Nungwi, Matemwe or Paje from the port or airport. From the airport to Stone Town, count around $10.
🚶 Walking: Walking is the most efficient way to get around if you're staying in Stone Town! The town is small and safe to walk around, as long as you keep an eye out for the fast-moving vespas. When you get a little further away from the more popular tourist areas, you'll also find walking very pleasant.
🛵 Scooter rental: if you've only got a backpack and no bulky luggage, I'd recommend renting a scooter to explore the island and to get around Stone Town easily too, allow around $20 a day.
Which coastline to choose in Zanzibar?
All the different beaches of Zanzibar offer something unique and special. I spent 10 days touring the island in search of Zanzibar's most beautiful beaches. Yes, some are more beautiful than others, but each is wonderful in its own way. After all, white sand beaches, turquoise water and friendly locals almost guarantee that every visitor will have a good time. For me, Zanzibar's most beautiful beaches are Nungwi and Kendwa, while Paje is ideal for kite surfing and Matemwe and Kigomani are perfect for seclusion away from the tourists. I therefore recommend the east coast of the island, and strongly recommend a visit to Stone Town. Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar, and Stone Town is its beating heart. The city perfectly reflects the history of East Africa, with a blend of European, Arab, Persian and Indian cultures.
Choosing the best town for your vacation depends on your desires, but here are the key elements that characterize the island's different towns:
Kizimkazi: This small fishing village on Zanzibar's south coast is very different from the classic palm-backed lagoon of the east coast. Here, a coral cliff raises the waterfront above the ocean, and the beaches take the form of small coves rather than wide stretches of sand. For this reason, there are fewer accommodation options and the area has a distinct, authentic atmosphere. However, if you visit Kizimkazi, don't forget to take part in boat trips that offer the chance to swim with dolphins, but be careful to choose your guide carefully. Often, boats crowd around the dolphins and chase them, and tourists jump in to swim, without watching the dolphins' behavior.
Paje: Paje beach is renowned for its water sports, and the excellent kitesurfing conditions attract amateur and professional kitesurfers from all over the world to this specific area of the island. On top of this, the clear, warm waters are ideal for scuba diving, as the offshore reefs are home to turtles, starfish, trumpet fish, moray eels and other colorful marine creatures. You can also see locals collecting seaweed at low tide on Paje beach, which is used to make soap via a women's cooperative. The products are wrapped in banana leaves and can be purchased in local stores; buying a bar or two is a great way to sustainably support the community, and the soap's natural ingredients are incredibly good for your skin.
Pingwe: Pingwe's tranquil beach arc is dotted with palm trees and backed by dense vegetation; it's about as close as you can get to a quintessential tropical paradise. Pingwe Beach is fortunate in that the entire beach is protected by an offshore reef, keeping the inland waters calm and safe for all to swim. Snorkeling and boat trips can also be arranged to the reef. Nevertheless, this is one of the beaches most affected by the tidal phenomenon.
Matemwe: Matemwe is a stretch of coastline in the northeast of Zanzibar. The idyllic long beach of Matemwe, which is in fact the longest beach on Zanzibar, has the finest sand on the island, and among the palm trees at the back of the beach you'll find traditional fishing villages, which offer a fascinating insight into local life and culture. The area around Matemwe beach offers the best snorkeling and diving, as well as excellent kitesurfing and sailing spots.
Kendwa: the best beach for swimming, it's one of the few beaches in Zanzibar where the tide doesn't really change, which means the clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Colorful starfish also call this beach home and can be found just offshore (but be sure not to pick up these creatures or disturb them in their natural habitat). The sunsets on Kendwa beach are legendary, so choose your spot on the beach when the sun starts to dip. Once it dips below the horizon, the beach comes alive in a new way with nightlife and relaxed beach parties.
Nungwi: Nungwi beach on the northwest coast is one of Zanzibar's most beautiful and popular beaches, and recently made the list of the world's top 25 beaches at TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Awards. Nungwi is certainly one of the liveliest areas on the island, and the many resorts, hotels, restaurants and bars offer a variety of night-time entertainment. However, this beach isn't just for party-goers. The Nungwi coast boasts fantastic coral reefs that are ideal for diving and snorkeling - you may even be lucky enough to see dolphins, green turtles and, at certain times of year, whale sharks. Facing west, Nungwi beach also offers some of the best sunsets in Zanzibar, and a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat is a must.
Understanding the tidal phenomenon in Zanzibar
A stay in Zanzibar is inevitably synonymous with swimming in its crystal-clear waters. However, there's a very natural phenomenon to bear in mind: Zanzibar is subject to strong tides. With the exception of the northern part of the island (around Kendwa), the whole island is affected. During low tide, the sea can recede for hundreds of meters in places, revealing coral, shells and natural pools of water. It's up to you to enjoy this unique spectacle... Zanzibarite women in shimmering outfits gather on the beach to collect seaweed for export around the world. They are often accompanied by their little ones, never short of a smile to share with strangers. You're sure to have some of the best encounters you'll ever have, and some of the best photos you'll ever take.
What vaccinations are required for Zanzibar?
The vaccinations recommended by the Institut Pasteur are:
Hepatitis A: 1 injection 15 days before departure, booster 1 to 3 (5) years later
Yellow fever: 1 injection at least 10 days before departure
Malaria: no vaccine, but prevention by medication (Doxycycline or Mefloquine) or mosquito repellent.
My personal feedback : I had my first injection against covid_19 a few days before my departure, to ensure the vaccine's effectiveness. I wasn't able to get the necessary Hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccinations, but as the risk of malaria was very high, I protected myself well with several repellent products, which you can find in the section below.
Zanzibar essentials checklist
A power adapter to connect your equipment, I recommend this universal adapter with fast charge for all your travel needs.
I recommend sun cream from the Biarritz laboratories, a sun cream that protects you and doesn't destroy coral and marine life when you're swimming, made exclusively from biodegradable ingredients that are non-toxic to marine organisms. And to limit their dissolution in water, its mineral screens are coated. The brand has recently joined forces with Respect Ocean, which imposes strict requirements in terms of ocean protection.
Mosquito repellent for night-time strolls, sprays and bracelets for additional protection, these products are essential for preventing malaria, which is widespread in East Africa.
First-aid kit with appropriate medication, I've detailed the items to have in your kit in this article, including the first-aid kit and basic medication, as the risk of Tourista is very high.
Beach shoes for walking along the seashore at high and low tide without worrying about shellfish.
An integral anti-fog and anti-leak diving mask, I didn't make this purchase and regretted it very much on site. The equipment provided for snorkeling excursions is not of good quality, so you can't see the seabed clearly, not to mention the hygiene, with so many tourists sharing the same equipment day after day.
A gopro or a watertight pouch to memorize the moments spent with the dolphins and the discovery of the incredible seabed during the dive.
Gifts for the village children: notebooks, pens, backpacks, English books and UV-protected sunglasses for the day laborers. School supplies are very expensive, and I've seen children fighting over a pen, or coming home from school with shopping bags as backpacks to carry their books.For €23, you can buy this pack of 10 backpacks to make 10 kids happy.
Cost of a trip to Zanzibar
Travelling to Zanzibar is pretty cheap, apart from the plane ticket, which is quite expensive! The Tanzanian Shilling TSH is a very weak currency (€1 = 2738.51 TSH), so you can be a millionaire with €400. Main excursions and activities cost between €20 and €80. Here are some examples of prices in Zanzibar :
Flight: €600 on average
Car rental: €25 per day
Hotel: €130 on average per night in a top-of-the-range hotel with breakfast
Restaurant: expect to pay around €8 for a decent meal
Blue Safari excursion: €50 per person
Spice Tour: €15 per person
1 liter of gasoline: €0.76
Where to get a PCR test in Zanzibar?
To take a PCR test in Zanzibar, you need to book a slot online, at one of the centers nearest to your location. Results are available online from the booking site within 48 hours and are dated from the day of the result, not the day of the test. Please note that once you arrive at the airport, you need to have your results stamped before queuing to check in. This is not indicated anywhere in the airport, so you need to be aware of it to avoid wasting time.
Booking link : https://zanzibarcovidtesting.co.tz/app/home
Price list : 80 in public and $120 in private sector
Public hospital address : Migombani Covid-19 Center, Unguja, Mjini Magharibi
Make a note of this address, it's the only public lab that still charges the $80 fee. The lab is located near Stone Town. If you go by cab, negotiate 15000Tsh for the round trip.
Can you fly a drone to Zanzibar?
Yes, you can take your drone with you without any problems. Just remember to check your airline's conditions to find out whether it should be placed in hold or cabin baggage, depending on the size of your drone.
Want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
🛫 Flights: I prefer to use Ulysse Travel to book my flights. A French flight comparator with responsive customer service. Get €10 off your flights with my code.
🏩 Accommodation: Expedia.fr is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals, otherwise I also search local sites in the destination country for small local accommodations.
💰 Cashback: I always activate iGraal before booking flights, hotels and car rentals, and also before doing my daily shopping online. 3€ are offered upon registration.
🚣 Activities: I love going on excursions to explore destinations like a local, I book everything in advance on reference sites GetYourGuide and Viator.
💳 Credit card: I use the free N26 bank card for free payments and withdrawals abroad, in all world currencies. A mobile bank with no hidden fees and no paperwork.
📸 Camera equipment: I use my iPhone 11 pro max with a DJI Osmo 3 stabilizer and a DJI Mavic mini 2 drone (the only DJI drone you can take in the cabin, because it weighs less than 250 grams).
💼 Baggage: My suitcases and my storage bags are from Tekmi. My cases are rigid and unbreakable, made entirely of Polycarbonate.