Question 1

Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar and Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Tanzania, which includes Zanzibar. Visas can often be obtained on arrival, but it's advisable to check specific requirements based on your citizenship prior to travel. Here is the official immigration website: https://www.immigration.go.tz

Question 2

How do I get to Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

To reach Zanzibar, you typically fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) located near Stone Town. Airlines such as KLM, Fly Dubai, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, etc... and regional carriers like Precision Air and Coastal Aviation operate flights to Zanzibar from various global hubs.

Question 3

How do I apply for my Zanzibar/Tanzania Visa?

Accepted Answer

You can use the official website here to start your desired application - https://eservices.immigration.go.tz

Question 4

What time zone is Zanzibar in?

Accepted Answer

Zanzibar operates on GMT +3, the same as Eastern Europe and much of East Africa.

Question 5

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Zanzibar is a wonderful destination year-round, each season offering unique experiences depending on your preferences.

Here’s a breakdown:

Dry Season (June to October, and December to February): This period is generally considered the best time to visit Zanzibar, the weather is typically sunny, making it ideal for beach activities, snorkelling, and diving. Accommodation prices may be higher during this peak tourist season.

Rainy Season (March to May, and November): Despite being termed the "rainy season," Zanzibar can still be enjoyed during these months. Rainfall often comes in short, intense bursts, with sunny intervals in between. Due it's rainy season tag, these months bring fewer visitors, offering a quieter, more authentic experience. Accommodation prices are often lower during this period, making it a budget-friendly option for travellers.

It's worth noting that the weather can be unpredictable, with recent years showing inconsistency in seasonal patterns.If you choose to visit, please check with our Unlock Zanzibar travel consultant who can share more details and craft something that suits your specific interests.

Question 6

Are there direct flights to Zanzibar from the United States?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no direct flights from the United States to Zanzibar. Travellers usually connect through European or Middle Eastern hubs such as Amsterdam, Doha, or Dubai. or some connect through AddisAbaba or Nairobi.

Question 7

Is it safe to travel to Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's essential to take usual precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night, safeguard your belongings, and be cautious of tourist scams and booking activities with non-registered individuals or operators.

Question 8

What languages are spoken in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

The official language is Swahili, or Kiswahili, which is the most widely spoken language, however, English is commonly used by people working in the tourism industry and amongst other locals.

Question 9

Can I use US dollars or should I exchange for local currency?

Accepted Answer

US Dollars are widely accepted in Zanzibar, especially at hotels, tour operators, and major businesses. However, for smaller purchases or in local markets, it's advisable to carry Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).

Question 10

How should I dress in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Modest clothing is appreciated by everyone in Zanzibar. Some items that are standard in your home country might not be appreciated in Zanzibar. For example, bikinis and miniskirts or shorts are fine for the beach, but in villages and towns, women should cover their shoulders and wear a skirt or trousers that reach below the knee. Likewise, men should not go shirtless and should dress respectfully.
If you are spending time on a beach in Stone Town or other beaches that are within sight of the town, consider wearing cover-up clothes when not swimming. Being topless is not allowed for women.

Question 11

How do I make phone calls in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

If you need to make several phone calls, you might want to consider a local SIM card. Our team can arrange this for you. International calls are generally much cheaper with a local SIM.
The country code for Tanzania (including Zanzibar) is +255.

Question 12

Do your guides speak languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We want you to create lasting memories., so, your language won't be a barrier to experiencing Zanzibar with us! We offer guides  in English, French, German, and Spanish. Just let us know your language preference while making a booking and we'll make sure you're well taken care of!

Question 13

How much is a fair tip amount?

Accepted Answer

First, tipping is not compulsory, but it is a wonderful way to show appreciation for excellent service. While there's no fixed amount, a standard base of 5-10 USD per person per day is a good starting point. Feel free to tip more if you feel the service exceeded your expectations—it's entirely up to you! Remember, tipping is a reflecting to your perception of the service and quality received. It's not mandatory and should be given when you've experienced exceptional service that you feel deserves a tip.

Question 14

Can I get advice on planning my trip to Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Certainly! Our travel consultants are here to provide personalized recommendations and advice for planning your trip to Zanzibar. Reach out to us via the contact section on our website, and we'll assist you in creating a memorable travel experience based on your interests.

Question 15

I have more questions. How can I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

Feel free to reach out to us through the contact section on our website. Our team is ready to assist you with any inquiries regarding your trip plan to Zanzibar/Tanzania

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