Information about Traveling in Zanzibar
WARNING: The following is not a joke The import and use of plastic bags is strictly prohibited in Zanzibar. Cloth bags are a good alternative. The zip-top bag for cosmetics, necessary for flights, is apparently tolerated… but it goes without saying that it shouldn’t be thrown away there. (On my first visit, I wasn’t aware […]
IMPORTANT Baggage Information Read More »
A phenomenon In Zanzibar, the tidal range (the difference between high and low tide) is extremely pronounced – it is between 3.5 and 4 meters. The rhythm The tides alternate in a continuous cycle of approximately 6 hours. This means the water comes in (rising) and goes out (falling) twice a day. The times vary
Zanzibar travel weather: Sun, beach & tropical flair When is the best time to visit your island paradise? An overview of temperatures, rainfall, and insider tips. Temperature trends & climate trends JanFebMärAprMaiJunJulAugSepOktNovDez Hot phase Pleasant dry season Detailed climate chart Month Air max. Water Raindays Sunshine (h) January 32°C 29°C 7 10 February 33°C 29°C
Travel Weather Zanzibar Read More »
Customs regulations for Tanzania There are strict rules regarding food and beverages when entering Zanzibar (Tanzania). It’s especially important to distinguish between “duty-free allowances” for personal use and “restricted goods” for which you theoretically need permits.Here are the details for private travel: 1. Luxury Goods (Duty-Free Allowances) For travelers aged 18 and over, the following
Customs Regulations – Tanzania Read More »
Costs: Local data packages are extremely cheap (usually under €10–15 for a very large data volume – The amounts from the image above; e.g., 30,000 Tanzanian shillings + approx. 6,000 for the physical SIM card divided by approx. 3,000 then results in approx. €12). Accessibility: You can call local numbers (drivers, restaurants, tour guides) cheaply.
SIM Card – Data/Phone Read More »
WARNING: Sea urchins are part of the animal life of the Indian Ocean. Accordingly, there are varying populations of sea urchins on Zanzibar’s beaches. There are fewer in the north than in the east. Children in particular should wear water shoes; adults can decide for themselves. Below are a few tips on how locals treat
Yellow fever A yellow fever vaccination is only mandatory if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic area. This includes mainland Africa if you had a layover there of more than 12 hours (so be careful if you are in Ethiopia or Kenya, as checks may be stricter). It is not officially required for
Health and Vaccinations Read More »
Compulsory health insurance (ZIC) This is the most important change since the end of 2024: All foreign visitors must take out special entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), which must be purchased in addition to the visa. Cost: Approximately $44 for adults (children aged 3-17 approximately $22, younger children free). Validity: Up to
Compulsory health insurance (ZIC) Read More »
Visa for Tanzania / Zanzibar Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so you need a Tanzanian visa. A visa is mandatory and can be obtained upon arrival or applied for electronically in advance at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/start. It is strongly recommended to apply for the visa online in advance via the aforementioned official government website to avoid being
I definitely recommend having a large supply of 1,000 or 2,000 Tanzanian shilling notes on hand. 1,000 shillings is roughly equivalent to 30 euro cents (practically nothing), but they often work wonders. Bakshish is the Swahili word for tip and is an important part of the culture in Zanzibar, often an essential supplement to the rather