Zanzibar: travel tips
The name of Zanzibar inevitably evokes paradisiacal tropical beaches, the warmth of its people and the liveliness of the city of Stone Town. The island of Tanzania enchants thousands of tourists from all over the world every year, in search of the sun to immerse themselves in relaxation in perfect harmony with the motto of the Zanzibari people “Hakuna Matata”. Here are some tips if you decide to leave for this tropical paradise on the African continent.
General informations
Let’s start from the beginning. Zanzibar refers to an administrative region of the Republic of Tanzania, on the central eastern coast of Africa. The term Zanzibar is mistakenly used to include the main island of the archipelago, Unguja, while in reality Zanzibar is the name of the capital of the island, namely Zanzibar or Zanzibar City. The archipelago includes numerous islands, the main ones of which are Unguja and Pemba. Most tourists visit the main island where there are numerous hotels and resorts that attract thousands of tourists every year.
Most tourists arrive in Zanzibar by plane through the island’s international airport, a few km from the city. The modern airport is connected by scheduled airlines and charter flights to many European and Asian cities as well as the rest of the African continent and the main cities of Tanzania. Once landed, entry into the country is permitted through your passport and an entry visa. The latter must preferably be requested before arrival online through the official website of the Republic of Tanzania (preferably before 10 days of arrival) but can also be issued once you arrive in the country, albeit with greater delays and waiting times. . This visa costs 50 dollars (be careful of unofficial sites!). Another tax to pay if you travel on a charter flight is the so-called exit tax of 54 dollars which is paid in cash at the time of check-in on the departure flight.
Speaking of currencies, the official currency of Tanzania is the shilling but dollars and euros are used mostly by tourists and are accepted almost everywhere. My advice is to exchange a few dollars considering that prices in euros are equated to those in dollars (50 euros = 50 dollars) despite the fact that the exchange rate is (at present) to the advantage of the euro.
Health advices
Another important issue before leaving for Zanzibar is to remember to update your vaccination booklet for compulsory vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough in Italy, for example) and evaluate vaccination against typhoid and hepatitis A in consideration of the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the country. island. There are no mandatory vaccines except for yellow fever but only for travelers coming from countries where the infection is endemic. In Zanzibar, malaria is present although very rare, so use insect repellents and cover your arms and legs with long clothes in the evening, especially in the rainy season.
Another important recommendation is not to drink water from the tap, always drink only bottled water, avoid raw or undercooked foods as well as ice in drinks. The risk is of incurring the mysterious traveler’s diarrhea or other gastrointestinal disorders that could ruin your holiday. It is useful to take lactic ferments a week before your departure and continue them during your stay.
The health facilities on the island are not at the level of those in Western countries, however there are private centers or doctors’ offices that you could consult if necessary. Remember to take out a health insurance policy, which is mandatory for entering the country!
When to go?
One of the most frequent questions asked when deciding to go to Zanzibar is what month to leave. The island is located just below the equator and has a tropical climate with high temperatures all year round. What changes considerably is the rainfall which reaches its maximum in the months of heavy rainfall between March and June. Temperatures peak in our winter months (December January) while they are more tolerable in our summer months, particularly July and August. Zanzibar is therefore both suitable for escaping the cold of our winter and as a destination for a summer holiday.
Where to stay
Most of the things to visit and see in Zanzibar are found on Unguja, the main island. The size of the island is not huge but the roads are very busy and inadequate for the number of vehicles so it can take a long time to travel from one part of the island. Most of the resorts are located on the north-west coast in the towns of Kendwa or Nungwi. In this area the effect of the tides is more limited, although present and extremely fascinating, so the beaches are more accessible throughout the day than on the east coast or the south. If you decide to stay in Nungwi, consider about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car to reach the airport or Stone town from which many excursions depart. My advice is to stay in the magnificent Riu Palace Hotel, a 5-star adults only all-inclusive structure that offers the perfect combination of luxury, excellent service and food and a breathtaking location.
What to see/do
It is difficult to make a list of everything you can do and see in Zanzibar. For lovers of relaxing on the beach you will be spoiled for choice among the stretches of white sand that the island offers. Snorkelling lovers will be able to admire the rich seabed that the surrounding sea offers through the various Tours (Blue Safari or excursions around the island of Mnemba). Unmissable is the view of Prison Island and its sanctuary of century-old giant turtles and from there set off for the Neverland, Nakupenda, a thin strip of sand off the coast of Stone Town where you can enjoy an excellent grilled fish . One of the essential stops is a visit to the old Stone town with its lively market, the Anglican church and its fortifications as well as the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. The city is also included in the UNESCO world heritage site. Zanzibar is also known as the spice island. The guided tour of a spice plantation is an unmissable experience to come into contact with the local reality and taste unique flavours. But how to organize all these excursions? Moving around the island alone with a rental car is out of the question and it is preferable to rely on many local guides. Along the beaches you will come across many “beach boys”, guys who earn their living by selling excursions or souvenirs. You can rely on them or local tour operators or rely on excursions sold by hotels (definitely more expensive with services and features comparable to others). I relied on Gigi from Zanzibar, the best on the island. For those who speak Italian he will be right for you: availability, precision, professionalism and competence. The ideal is to contact him via WhatsApp or Instagram before arrival to arrange excursions (he also organizes private tours) especially if you decide to pop into Tanzania for a one or two day safari.
To conclude, Zanzibar is undoubtedly a dream holiday destination, to be discovered and rediscovered on multiple trips to fully enjoy the hospitality of the Zanzibari people and the beauty that this archipelago offers.
