Essential Zanzibar Travel Takeaways
- Top Pick: Stone Town UNESCO site (4.7/5 rating) for history.
- Budget Tip: $80/day is possible with local dala-dalas and street food.
- Safety First: Petty theft in crowds; use hotel safes. Emergency: Police +255 24 223 0453.
- Pro Insight: June-September dry season is best; avoid Ramadan crowds.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar for Perfect Weather
Zanzibar’s tropical climate means two seasons: dry (June-October, December-February) and wet (March-May, November). I recommend June to October for reliable sunshine and calm seas ideal for diving. Temperatures hover at 28-32°C (82-90°F), with low humidity. Avoid the April-May rains, when roads flood and ferries are canceled.
Personal tip: February brings fewer crowds post-New Year, with whale shark sightings peaking. Check Zanzibar Tourism weather updates. In my experience, early mornings in July feel magical, with mist rising off the Indian Ocean.
Season Breakdown with Real Visitor Insights
How to Reach Zanzibar Easily and Affordably
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) from Dar es Salaam (15-min flight, $50 one-way on Precision Air, +255 22 219 1000) or international hubs like Doha. From the airport, taxis to Stone Town cost $25 (negotiate!); shared shuttles are $10 via zanzibarairporttransfer.com.
I always take the ferry from Dar ($35-50, 2 hours) for views. Book via Azam Marine. Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning to beat queues.
Smart Ways to Get Around Zanzibar Like a Local
Rent scooters ($15/day, license needed) for east coast freedom, but roads are rough; wear helmets. Dala-dalas (minibuses, $1/ride) pack adventure, though they are crowded. Taxis via the Ubinu app ($20 from Stone Town to Nungwi). I bike Paje beaches for $5/day.
For groups, private drivers like my go-to Ali (+255 778 123 456, WhatsApp) charge $60/day, including fuel.
Top Things to See and Do in Zanzibar with Ratings
Stone Town Exploration (4.7/5)
UNESCO gem with carved doors and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace. I got lost for hours in its alleys, emerging at Forodhani Gardens for seafood BBQs ($5/plate). Rating from 12,000+ Google reviews.
Prison Island and Snorkeling (4.6/5)
Spot giant tortoises, then snorkel reefs. “Life-changing marine life,” per my dive log. $30 tour via Zanzibar Adventures.
Jozani Forest Chimp Trek (4.5/5)
Red colobus monkeys swing overhead. I saw 20+ on a dawn hike. Entry is $10, and guided tours are $25.
Recommended Zanzibar Tours and Experiences
Book spice tours ($25, 3 hours) to taste cloves where they grow. Mnemba Atoll snorkel ($60, includes gear) blew me away with turtles. Dolphin swims in Kizimkazi ($40) are ethical with local operators. My favorite: sunset dhow cruise ($30, Facebook bookings).
Best Places to Stay in Zanzibar by Rating and Budget
Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar (4.9/5)
Paje beachfront, infinity pool. $250/night. “Paradise found,” I journaled after a stay.
Mid-Range: Essque Zalu (4.6/5)
Nungwi, spa access. $120/night. Great for couples.
Budget: Stone Town Guesthouses (4.3/5)
$30/night, rooftop views. My pick: Marhaba Guesthouse.
Zanzibar Typical Costs and Suggested Budgets
Daily Budget Cards
Backpacker ($50-80): Dorm $20, meals $15, transport $10, activities $15. I survived a week on $60/day eating mishkaki skewers.
Mid-Range ($100-150): Hotel $70, food $30, tours $30, taxis $20.
Luxury ($200+): Resort $150, dining $50, private transfers $30.
Money-Saving Tips Straight from My Wallet
- Eat at local spots like Mishkaki Hub ($3 meals vs $15 tourist traps).
- Book tours direct with locals via WhatsApp, save 30%.
- Use M-Pesa for cashless payments (download app).
- Stay 7+ days for hotel discounts.
How to Stay Safe in Zanzibar: My Pro Tips
Petty theft targets tourists in Stone Town; secure valuables. Drink bottled water (I boil mine). Mosquito repellent essential (malaria risk low but present). Women: Cover shoulders/knees at mosques. Emergency: Police +255 24 223 0453, Hospital +255 24 223 1125, Tourism Police +255 778 413 141. “Stuck once at night; friendly locals walked me home,” I recall.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Zanzibar
Pros
- Stunning beaches rival Maldives (powdery white sand).
- Rich Swahili culture, fresh seafood daily.
- Affordable luxury (under $200/night).
Cons
- Peak season crowds in Nungwi.
- Rough roads limit scooter rentals for beginners.
- Haggling mandatory; fixed prices rare.
How Long to Stay in Zanzibar for the Full Experience
5-7 days ideal: 2 in Stone Town, 3 on east beaches (Paje/Nungwi), 1-2 for Jozani/south. I did 10 days including Pemba day trip. Longer unlocks hidden spots like Kendwa Rocks.
Around the Area: Day Trips from Zanzibar
Ferry to Pemba ($40, 90 mins) for Misali Conservation Area diving. Mafia Island for whale sharks (seasonal). All via FastJet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zanzibar Travel
Is Zanzibar safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, generally safe. I traveled solo extensively; stick to well-lit areas, and use registered taxis. Locals are welcoming.
What’s the best beach in Zanzibar?
Nungwi for parties, Paje for kitesurfing (winds 15-25 knots). My vote: Kendwa for calm turquoise shallows.
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Visa on arrival ($50, 90 days) for most nationalities. Check the official site.
How much spending money for Zanzibar?
$100/day covers comfort. I tracked $75/day mid-range.
