Zanzibar Frequently Asked Questions

Zanzibar Frequently Asked Questions

Zanzibar frequently asked questions, or simply put Zanzibar FAQs, are some of the questions that arise in most travellers’ minds when planning for a Zanzibar safari holiday, or are the most asked questions to travel planners and tour operators during the planning process of a safari to Zanzibar. Zanzibar Island is one of the most spectacular islands in the world with so much to offer to tourists, ranging from fine white sand beaches to a mix of cultures which shall see you learning and leaving not the same.

Some of the Zanzibar frequently asked questions include what is Zanzibar famous for?, what is the best time to visit Zanzibar?, what part of Zanzibar is best to stay?, do I need a visa for Zanzibar?, what currency should I take to Zanzibar?, can you drink alcohol in Zanzibar?, is Zanzibar safe for travel?, how many days do you need in Zanzibar?, is Zanzibar good for honeymoons?, among so many others are the Zanzibar frequently asked questions raised by travellers and potential travellers to Zanzibar. Below we shall attempt to answer some of the Zanzibar frequently asked questions and should you need more information about anything do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

1. Is Zanzibar safe for travel?

Yes, Zanzibar is safe for travel. Zanzibar is one of the safest African destinations, even for solo travellers so do not hesitate to visit Zanzibar on grounds of safety. The local people of Zanzibar like most African people are generally warm and welcoming. With the amazing sunny weather, picture-perfect white sand beaches, and rich culture amidst so much that Zanzibar has to offer, many tourists do visit this beautiful island for Zanzibar holiday tours including Zanzibar adventure holidays and Zanzibar honeymoon holidays. So yes, Zanzibar is safe for travel, any time of the year.

Notwithstanding however the negative effects of tourism say crime, it is good to always be alert and take precautionary steps to avert any mishaps say pickpocketing, and theft. Apart from theft, it would also be a good idea for you to dress appropriately to respect cultural norms of Muslims who are predominantly in Zanzibar. Keep your valuables safely kept in the safe boxes in your hotel rooms. As a precautionary measure, do not walk alone after dark, do not carry valuables to beaches, check for crime hotspots near your lodge or hotel of stay so as to avoid them if any.

How safe is Zanzibar for solo female travellers?

Zanzibar is safe for all kinds of travellers, including solo female travellers. If a solo female traveller stays in hotels and lodges with security and also get to use basic or common sense, chances of bad experiences are minimal if not non-existent. Booking through a trusted tour operator knowledgeable of these kind of aspects would be great.

Is it safe to swim in Zanzibar?

The waters in Zanzibar are safe for swimming. So yes, it is safe to swim in Zanzibar. The Indian Ocean waters are warm and the waves are usually small, making it possible to enjoy swimming. Apart from swimming, Zanzibar is a popular destination for adventure activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Are there sharks in Zanzibar?

There are reef sharks in Zanzibar, which are totally harmless. The mafia island has whale sharks, which you can comfortably swim with without fear of attacks.

2. When is the best time to go to Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is open for visits all throughout the year, for as long as you have time off your busy schedule for beach holiday. The best time to visit Zanzibar is however during the dry season in Zanzibar in the months of June to October and January to February. Zanzibar is a tropical region which receives warm temperatures even during the wet season in Zanzibar. What is the best month to visit Zanzibar? The best month to visit Zanzibar is definitely June to September or October, when the sky is very clear and blue, as well as mid-December, January and February.

3. How expensive is Zanzibar?

Whereas many travellers tend to think that Zanzibar is expensive to visit, Zanzibar is actually a great destination to visit even on budget. Zanzibar is not expensive to visit; every traveller’s taste and preference is catered for with the availability of various options for you to choose from, from super luxury, luxury, and mid-range and to budget, thereby catering for all kinds of travellers.

4. Is Zanzibar worth visiting?

Most definitely, Zanzibar is worth visiting: you shall be overwhelmed by the tranquillity and beauty of the island.  There are so many reasons why you should visit Zanzibar. Is Zanzibar a good holiday destination? Yes! Zanzibar is a great holiday destination, especially for travellers after some relaxation.

5. Which part of Zanzibar has the best beaches?

All Zanzibar beaches are really great and worth a visit. Zanzibar beaches along the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar island particularly are great for swimming, diving and are easily accessed, and are the most visited of all the Zanzibar beaches therefore expect crowds especially in the peak season of travel. Nungwi beach and Kendwa beaches are by far the best and finest Zanzibar beaches.

6. How many days do you need in Zanzibar?

A minimum of three days should be what you allocate for your Zanzibar holiday. There is so much that you can do and enjoy in Zanzibar, from simply walking on fine white sand beaches to scuba diving in the Indian Ocean as well as the spice tour among so much more. 3 days in Zanzibar is the least you can allocate your stay here. For Zanzibar honeymoon holidays, 7 days and more are just fine.

7. Is Zanzibar good for honeymoons?

Yes, Zanzibar is definitely good for honeymoons! Zanzibar is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world, with picture-perfect scenery and beaches. With so much to do in Zanzibar, and the beautiful beaches in Zanzibar, honeymoon couples can choose to either idle away at the beaches or engage in various activities in Zanzibar, and wind down the day with glasses of wine at the shore with perfect sunset views.

8. What is the best way to get to Zanzibar?

Most travellers do get to Zanzibar by air, by flying into Unguja usually from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kilimanjaro. The cheapest way to get to Zanzibar is however by ferry from Dar es Salaam.

9. Can I drink alcohol in Zanzibar?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in Zanzibar. Drinking alcohol in Zanzibar should however be done in appropriate places in respect to the Muslim culture.

10. Can I wear shorts in Zanzibar?

Yes, you can wear shorts in Zanzibar, to the beach and within your resort or hotel of stay. Walking around shirtless for men is culturally unacceptable, while women wearing mini-skirts and skimpy clothes is offensive culturally. Be sure to cover up when visiting places like Stone town, mosques and others.

11. Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania and therefore does not require you to have a separate visa to get to Zanzibar, for as long as you have a visa for Tanzania. Tanzania visas can be acquired on arrival, but applying before travel is recommended. Be sure to have a valid passport of at least 6 months to expiry.

12. Do I need vaccinations for Zanzibar?

Do you need vaccinations to Zanzibar? Yes you do. The recommended vaccinations that you should get include cholera, yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, hepatitis A&B. similarly, some travellers do ask do I need malaria tablets for Zanzibar? Yes, you do need malaria tablets when travelling to Zanzibar. Take time to consult with your physician for the various vaccinations that you may need if not taken already. A yellow fever vaccination card is however required for proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

The above are some of the Zanzibar frequently asked questions that you may also have had. I hope they do answer some of your questions. Should you have more questions about Zanzibar or need help putting together a memorable Zanzibar safari holiday, get in touch with us and we shall be glad to.