Travel Tips in Zanzibar

Diving vacation IN Zanzibar ZANZIBAR

tours IN Zanzibar

Getting to Zanzibar by Air

From the Rest of the World

At present, Gulf Air, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM (together with Kenya Airways) offer international scheduled flights to Zanzibar. Several large carriers fly into Dar es Salaam, which is only a short trip by air or sea from Zanzibar. Amongst them are British Airways, Emirates Airlines and Swiss.

From the Rest of Africa

Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have regular flights to Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam is also served by them, as well as Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Air India, Air Malawi, South African Airways, Royal Swazi Airlines and others.

Domestic Flights

Precision Air offer a range of scheduled flights between Zanzibar and Tanzania's main cities.

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Currency
Traveler’s cheques and cash are accepted at hotels and Bureau de Changes. US$ are the preferred currency. If you plan on taking cash, make sure you take large bills (e.g. $50 or $100) as these for some unknown reason always get a better rate. Don’t go running to the first Bureau you see at the airport, as these, along with the hotels and resorts, normally have the worst exchange rate. If you are planning on taking a taxi into town, rather pay the fare in US$ and go to a bureau in town. There are many all over town. Try to negotiate a better rate, you never know. 

Try to pay for as much as possible in the local currency (Tanzanian Shillings), always bearing in mind the exchange rate. If the locals see you have foreign currency, they will try to relieve you of it. ALWAYS haggle or bargain and try to pretend you know what you are doing. Remember to keep some of your home currency for your return, just in case. You will also have to pay a departure tax of $30 when you leave.

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Paradise Beaches
The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean.

At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi, approached by a road lined by banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. This is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar island, so it is a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work. A short walk from Nungwi is the Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel, an eco-tourism oriented resort with an unspoilt beach, and peace and relaxation on tap! It also offers a variety of watersports and a fully equipped dive centre which specialises in trips to the spectacular Mnemba Atoll. On the west coast of Zanzibar, Mangapwani beach is worth a visit, and to the east are the beaches of Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambiani, all with stretches of beautiful and uncrowded sands. The Shooting Star Inn is a small family-run hotel at Kiwengwa. Zanzibar also boasts several small offshore islands which are ideal for a day-trip. Prison (or Changu) island is the most popular with tourists because it is only a short trip from Stone Town. Originally, it was used by Arabs to detain recalcitrant slaves, and then a jail was built by the British, but it was never actually used. Visitors to Zanzibar will notice a large population of ancient Aldabra tortoises. Other islets near to Stone Town are Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe.

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Diving Zanzibar

Zanzibar is reputed to have some of the best diving in the world, and the coral reef structures that surround Unguja and Pemba ensure that the marine life is abundant. Good visibility (20 - 60 metres) and a year-round average water temperature of 27°c ensure that you enjoy your Zanzibar diving experience, and also present an ideal opportunity for learning to dive or upgrading your diving qualification.

There are several dive centres on the island and most run courses using the international PADI system of diver education. This way, the certification you gain in Zanzibar can be used anywhere in the world

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Islands in the Sun

Whilst most visitors to the Zanzibar archipelago visit Unguja, commonly known as Zanzibar Island, fewer take advantage of the fact that this is an archipelago, with several other islands and numerous islets. Only a few kilometres from Stone Town are several islets such as Chumbe and Chapwani, where good accommodation is available. Bawe and Prison Islands are good for daytrips with excellent snorkelling available. Tumbatu Island, off the north-west coast of Unguja is one of the largest off-shore islands but has no facilities for tourists. Mnemba Island is located near the north-east coast featuring luxury accommodation. Although Mnemba is a private island, it is surrounded by a rich coral reef, which is great for scuba diving and snorkelling and is visited by several watersports centres in the area. Pemba is Zanzibar's sister island. Despite many years of isolation from the outside world, Pemba is receiving a small but growing number of foreign visitors. The infrastructure much less than on Unguja, and there are far fewer tourists, but this is seen as a plus by many! Beautiful beaches, natural forests and outstanding diving are just some of the attractions on offer. Misali island, off Pemba's east coast, is idyllic and excellent for diving. Mafia, another island in the sun and no relative of the mob, is actually governed by mainland Tanzania but is not far from the Zanzibar archipelago.

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Shopping in Zanzibar

As you stroll through Stone Town , you will find several shops selling wood carvings, Zanzibari chests, clothes, spices, paintings and antiques. Many souvenir shops are situated along Kenyatta Road in Shangani, and Gizenga Street behind the Old Fort. For electronic equipment, textiles, hardware, jewellery and cosmetics, the shopping areas to visit are along Kiponda Street (mainly textiles and jewellery), Market Street (textiles and jewellery), Malindi Street (textiles, cosmetics) Darajani street (almost everything) and Mchangani Street (mainly hardware).

Tourists are advised not to buy any products related to protected species on the islands, such as sea shells and turtles.

One-Way
One-Way is the leading branded leisure-wear shop in Zanzibar. Situated opposite the Old Post Office, along Zanzibar’s StoneTown’s main thoroughfare, it features the widest and most colorful collection of original designs and styles of casual Wear, depicting the moods and vibrancy of Zanzibar.

Memories of Zanzibar
The biggest souvenir store in Zanzibar, Memories of Zanzibar offers the most extensive selection of quality items under one roof, all at reasonable prices. Situated within walking distance of major Stone Town Hotels such as the Serena, Tembo and Dhow Palace, you can count on a pleasant shopping atmosphere and service with a smile.

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