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Zanzibar
ZANZIBAR FAQs
ACCESS
Q: What method of transportation is recommended to reach Zanzibar?
A: Zanzibar is an excellent beach holiday after a safari to Tanzania or Kenya. Close to the mainland of Tanzania, it is easily accessible by hydrofoil or a short scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam. There are daily international flights from Europe and South Africa to Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, followed by regular flights to Zanzibar International Airport. We can pre-book and package all of your regional/internal flights and transfers, and provide a meet and greet service at all airports.
Q: How do I get around in Zanzibar?
A: Scheduled and private charters connect the wildlife areas of Tanzania and Kenya with the beach resorts of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a small island with good transfer services it is not a self-drive destination. Road conditions to most scenic areas are fair and there are scooters and bicycles for hire plus limited car hire. Our expert travel consultants will assist you every step of the way to ensure seamless and safe travel arrangements.
AFRICAN WILDLIFE
Q: What are the characteristic animal species of Zanzibar?
A: Zanzibar’s spectacular turquoise ocean is full of marvellous marine life and exquisite coral formations. Other places of interest include the Jozani Forest Reserve which is home to the rare red colobus monkey.
CLOTHING
Q: What should I wear?
A: You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your beach holiday to Zanzibar. It is best to have some warm clothing for early mornings and evenings, especially in winter.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Packing Suggestions:
- Light cotton trousers
- Cotton shorts
- Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
- Sunhat
- Fleece
- Insect repellent
- Small torch
- Bathing suit
- Suntan lotion
- Sunglasses
- Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
- Binoculars
For winter, pack an extra:
- Warm jacket
- Woollen hat
- Scarf and gloves
FAMILY SAFARIS
Q: Is Zanzibar a good family destination?
A: Zanzibar offers wonderful value for families, although some establishments cater more for children’s enjoyment than others. Some properties do not take children under 12 years – we will advise you of the best family travel options.
FOOD
Q: What style and type of meals are on offer?
A: Most lodges, hotels and restaurants in Zanzibar serve delicious, hearty meals of Pan-African cuisine with an emphasis on sea-food – fresh ingredients, simply prepared with an African flavour. Vegetarian and halaal dietary requirements may be catered for but it is difficult to find strictly kosher meals.
GUEST SAFETY
Q: Will I be safe?
A: Guest safety is of paramount importance and even though Zanzibar is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
HEALTH
Q: What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
A: Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions.
MONEY
Q: Where can I change currency?
A: You will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form when entering/exiting Zanzibar and we therefore advise that you only change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh). Foreign currency is widely accepted and prices are usually also displayed in USD.
Q: Can I use my credit card?
A: Visa and MasterCard are accepted by most top hotels and lodges. In addition to credit cards, we advise that you also have US dollars and traveller’s cheques available.
SAFARI SEASONS & TEMPERATURES
Q: Which are the best months to visit Zanzibar?
A: Zanzibar has a warm and tropical climate with cool sea breezes. Average summer (December – March) temperatures are 20°C/68°F (min) to 30°C/86°F (max), and winter (March – May) from 19°C/66°F (min) to 25°C/77°F (max). June to late October is the dry season. Evenings are cool, and the days are hot. Late October to mid December is hot, relieved by short-lived thunderstorms. Mid December to March is summer weather. It is dry and very warm until March.
Q: When is the rainy season?
A: Late March to late May is traditionally the long rainy season – this is the winter period. Late October to mid December is hot, relieved by the short rains – usually in the form of short-lived afternoon thunderstorms.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
Q: What should I tip?
A: We recommend that you tender small amounts to your lodge/hotel staff and lodge managers will provide you with guidelines for tipping if required. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill. Bargaining for local handicrafts is commonplace.
WATER
Q: Can I drink the water?
A: We do not recommend you drink the tap water. Bottled water can be purchased. |
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