Zanzibar general info

Zanzibar general information

General country information

Do I need a visa for a Zanzibar holiday? How can I make a call from Zanzibar? What is Zanzibar's currency? And what time is it in Zanzibar? When taking a beach break on Zanzibar for the first time, these are just some of the questions travellers have; below we've tried to answer them.

Know before you go

As you plan your trip, and before you travel, we recommend that you check the latest Foreign Office advice on the places that you're going to - regardless of where you are travelling to, or how you are travelling. See FCO's Tanzania advice here, or its info on other countries here.
We urge you to do this, as we recommend that all our travellers keep themselves up to date with the current foreign office advice on their destination countries.

Time in Zanzibar

Just like Tanzania, Zanzibar is three hours in the advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). It doesn't operate daylight saving time, and consequently there's no time difference between Zanzibar's summer and winter months.

Currency in Zanzibar

Zanzibar's currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). See www.oanda.com for the most recent exchange rates. Most lodges on Zanzibar charge in US$; very few will take travellers' cheques, although most accept credit cards (they may charge an additional fee to do so). Buying Tanzanian shillings in Europe or America can be hard; most travellers will buy local currency on arrival in Tanzania or Zanzibar.

Dress Code in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is culturally conservative and inappropriate clothing in town can easily give offence. While it is fine to wear swimwear and shorts on the beach and around your hotel, if you are visiting a local village, exploring the island or visiting Stone Town you are expected to dress modestly and be covered from shoulders to knees. In early 2021, the authorities announced that people who flout the law may be heavily fined.

Zanzibar's International Dialling Code

The International Dialling Code for Tanzania and Zanzibar is +255, followed by the destination's phone number. Calling from Zanzibar, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (0044 for the Great Britain, 001 for the States).

Food in Zanzibar

The food served in Zanzibar's beach lodges in generally very good, focusing on what's locally available. There are some fine restaurants in Stone Town, mainly serving local dishes, seafood and curries, seasoned with the island's exotic spices; outside of Stone Town, the choices are limited. Drinks include Tanzanian beers (Tusker, Kilimanjaro and Safari), as well as imported beer and wine from South Africa.

Health in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical island and vaccines are sensible (typhoid, polio, tetanus and yellow fever). Malaria is common, so you should take anti-malarial measures. Always check the latest recommendations with your travel clinic or doctor – more travel info on Zanzibar and Tanzania is given by the Scottish NHS.

AIDS is prevalent in Zanzibar and HIV infection rates are high. This isn't usually a concern for visitors, but they should be aware of this situation, and take the same wise precautions which are sensible in most countries. We understand that blood supplies used by the private hospitals in Zanzibar and Tanzania have been carefully screened for several years.

Language in Zanzibar

English and KiSwahili are the official languages, spoken by most Zanzibari; beside this, there are many ethnic groups, who speak localised dialects and languages. Some basic KiSwahili will help you to enjoy your trip even more – and even poor attempts to speak it will be hugely appreciated by most islanders!

Laundry in Zanzibar

Practically all beach lodges have laundry services, though sometimes, due to religious taboos, women's underwear is excluded.

Taking children to Zanzibar

As a beach destination, Zanzibar is generally very good for relaxed family holidays. Please see our ideas for family holidays in Zanzibar, or call our expert team for detailed information.

Visas for Zanzibar

Currently, travellers with British or US passports require visas for Tanzania – and Zanzibar is simply an area of Tanzania; there are now no separate requirements for the island.

For UK citizens, visas are currently best obtained in advance from the Tanzanian High Commission, and cost approximately £38 per single entry. Always check the most recent regulations with your nearest Tanzania High Commission or Embassy before travelling.

Weather and climate in Zanzibar

Zanzibar's weather tends to be more humid than the weather on the mainland – click on the following link for a detailed description of the weather and climate in Zanzibar.

Our top picks for holidays to Zanzibar

We'll always tailor-make your Beach for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Masala Beach Holiday

9 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Two luxuriously elegant hotels offer relaxation on Zanzibar’s beach-front and exploration of Stone Town. Combine peaceful tranquility with fine dining, indulgent comforts and vibrant culture.

US$6,170 - US$9,560 per person

Turmeric Beach Holiday

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Relax on powdery white beaches and snorkel over colourful reefs on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast before heading on to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets.

US$2,220 - US$3,750 per person

Papaya Beach Holiday

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

A relaxing holiday with a range of activities, where Chumbe Island Lodge and Matemwe offer tranquil atmospheres, considerable exclusivity and the chance to learn about worthwhile local conservation efforts.

US$2,730 - US$4,370 per person

Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.

US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person

Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

US$5,460 - US$6,830 per person

Coconut Beach Holiday

6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

A luxurious island getaway split between a small boutique hotel in Stone Town and your own sumptuous private villa on a spectacular swath of white sandy beach.

US$2,300 - US$5,020 per person

Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.

US$9,320 - US$16,370 per person

Dik Dik Safari

12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

US$8,750 - US$15,130 per person

View all holidays in Zanzibar

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