Plan
your island escape with our Zanzibar Travel Information Guide.
Discover key facts, visa details, weather insights, and cultural tips
to help you explore Tanzania’s tropical paradise with confidence
and ease.
Country: Tanzania (Zanzibar Archipelago)
Continent / Region: Africa / East Africa / Indian Ocean
Capital City: Zanzibar City (Stone Town)
Government Type: Semi-autonomous region within Tanzania
Population: Approx. 1.9 million
Official Language(s): Swahili, English
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~10–15% (higher in tourism)
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+3
Driving Side: Left
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type G/D – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers usually do not require an adapter (Type G common)
Emergency Numbers: 112 (general), 114 (Fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 11–12 hours (1 stop via Doha, Dubai, Nairobi)
Best Time/Months to Travel: June–October and December–February
Main International Airport:
- Visa Requirements: Same as mainland Tanzania
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Visa on Arrival or eVisa
- Visa Duration / Cost: 30 days; approx. $50 USD
- Vaccinations Needed: Yellow Fever (if arriving from risk countries), Hepatitis A, Typhoid; malaria precautions advised
Embassy Information (UK Embassy for Zanzibar):
Average Daily Costs: £20 / £40 / £120+
Tipping Culture: 5–10% appreciated
Public Transport Options: Taxis, dala-dala minibuses, hotel transfers, ferries to Dar es Salaam
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: TZS 500–1,000 (local dala-dala)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good 4G in towns; Zantel, Vodacom, Airtel
Main Climate Type: Tropical island climate
Average Temperature: 25–32°C year-round
Major Areas: Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani
Natural Attractions: Coral reefs, beaches, mangroves, spice plantations
Popular Destinations: Nungwi Beach, Paje, Stone Town, Prison Island, Mnemba Atoll, Jozani Forest
Main Religions: Predominantly Islam; Christian minority
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Zanzibari biryani, octopus curry, pilau, urojo soup, fresh seafood, tropical fruit
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Stone Town, House of Wonders, Jozani Forest, The Rock Restaurant, Slave Market Memorial
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe; tourist police present in many areas
Common Scams: Beach touts, overpriced tours, taxi overcharging
Health Risks: Mosquito-borne illnesses, sun exposure, marine hazards (sea urchins, jellyfish)
Recommended Clinics: Tasakhtaa Global Hospital (Zanzibar City)
Insurance Recommendation: Essential — especially for diving/snorkelling activities
Internet Speed: Good 4G in main towns; slower on remote beaches
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Nungwi beaches, Stone Town, Prison Island, Jozani Forest (red colobus monkeys), Mnemba Atoll snorkelling
Unique Experiences: Spice farm tours, dhow sunset cruises, sandbank picnics, kite surfing in Paje, cultural food tours
Hidden Gems: Matemwe beaches, Mangapwani caves, Kizimkazi dolphin bay, Michamvi Peninsula sunsets
Popular Areas to Stay: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Stone Town
Average Hotel Prices: £25 / £50 / £150+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Nungwi Beachfront, Kendwa Rocks, Paje Beach
Local Drinks: Sugarcane juice, coconut water, Safari beer, Konyagi
Entertainment: Beach bars, live music, full moon parties (Kendwa), resort events
Car Rental: Available but driving conditions can be challenging
Domestic Flights: Frequent flights to mainland Tanzania
Ferries: Dar es Salaam ↔ Zanzibar route (2 hours)
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Pre-arranged taxis common; fares negotiated
Best Markets: Darajani Market (Stone Town), Forodhani, small coastal craft shops
Popular Souvenirs: Spices, wood carvings, paintings, kangas (fabrics), jewellery
Local SIM Card Providers: Zantel, Vodacom, Airtel
Typical Business Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Not safe to drink; bottled water essential
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” and was once the world’s largest producer of cloves.