Zanzibar travel advice

For general information on travelling to Tanzania, visit our Tanzania travel advice page.

Top Travel Tips for Zanzibar

Yellow Fever: it is not a requirement to have the yellow fever vaccination when visiting Zanzibar, except in cases of travellers visiting Zanzibar from another country that is listed as a high-risk destination or having spent 12 hours in transit within a high-risk destination.

Malaria: Zanzibar lies in the malarial belt and travellers to the island are strongly advised to take relevant precautions against contracting malaria.

Avoid April: this month experiences the heaviest rainfall volumes and, unsurprisingly, the most days with rain.

Dress code: remember that Zanzibar is a conservative, predominantly Muslim society. Travellers – especially women – are advised to dress and behave with respect to local customs and sensibilities. Please ask permission before taking photographs of Zanzibaris.

Ramadan: travellers are often advised to avoid visiting Zanzibar during Ramadan as many restaurants and other amenities close down. Check with your consultant for exact dates.

Other Islands: Zanzibar Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago – if you can’t find what you’re looking for on Zanzibar, ask your travel consultant for advice on outlying islands like Pemba or Mnemba as well as Mafia Island further south or simply use our ‘Where to Go in Zanzibar‘ feature.

Flights & Getting Around

Did you know you can book your flights through Go2Africa? For more information and frequently asked questions, please see our Flights section.

Zanzibar International Airport: located in historic Stone Town, the only airport on the island is served by flights from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Once you have arrived, take a taxi to your accommodation or enjoy the services of your hotel’s shuttle bus.

There are regular flights from Zanzibar Island to Pemba and Mafia Island, but a boat transfer would take you from Zanzibar to Mnemba or Chumbe.

Motorbikes and scooters can be hired for an easy and fun way to get around the island though the streets of Stone Town are for walking only.

Can I use My credit card on the island?

While major luxury resorts and high-end boutiques in Stone Town accept credit cards (MasterCard and Visa are most common), Zanzibar is still very much a cash-based economy. Local markets, small cafes, and souvenir stalls will require Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars. We recommend carrying a mix of both; however, ensure your US Dollar notes are printed after 2006, as older notes are rarely accepted due to fraud concerns.

What about the tides? Can I swim all day?

Zanzibar experiences a very dramatic tidal range, especially on the East Coast. At low tide, the ocean can recede for hundreds of meters, revealing fascinating coral flats and seaweed farms, great for exploring on foot, but not for swimming. If you are looking for all-day swimming regardless of the tide, we recommend the North Coast (Nungwi and Kendwa), where the shelf is steeper. Otherwise, simply time your dips for high tide – it's a wonderful rhythm to live by!

Do I need to stay in Stone Town or at a beach resort?

To truly experience the soul of the island, we recommend a ‘best of both worlds’ approach. Stone Town is a sensory explosion of history, spice markets, and ancient architecture—ideal for a 1 or 2-night culture fix. Following that, head to one of the secluded beach resorts for 4 to 5 nights of pure relaxation. Your Safari Expert can arrange a seamless transfer across the island, which takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

What should I wear when I'm not on the beach?

Zanzibar is a conservative, predominantly Muslim society, and dressing respectfully is highly appreciated by the locals. While swimwear and shorts are perfectly fine at your resort or on the beach, you should cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Stone Town or local villages. A lightweight linen shirt or a sarong (locally known as a kanga) is a versatile must-pack item that keeps you cool while staying culturally appropriate.

Is Zanzibar a good destination for a honeymoon?

Zanzibar is arguably one of the most romantic destinations on Earth. From staying in a desert island lodge to enjoying a private sunset cruise on a traditional wooden dhow, the island specializes in intimacy. Many of our recommended resorts offer exclusive honeymoon perks, such as starlit beach dinners, couple’s spice-infused spa treatments, and private plunge pools overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Is Zanzibar safe at night?

Zanzibar is generally a very safe and friendly destination. However, like any tourist hub, it pays to be travel smart. In Stone Town, the narrow, winding alleys can be disorienting after dark; we recommend staying in well-lit areas or asking your hotel to arrange a trusted taxi. On the beaches, it is safe to walk within your resort's grounds, but we advise against long walks on deserted stretches of beach late at night.