Zanzibar Archipelago experiences tropical balmy weather across the year, with predominant temperature ranging between 23 – 27 degrees Celsius. 

However, somewhat wet seasons are variably experienced between the months of November and December as well as March through May. 

Warmest period falls within June through October, and finally through January and February. 

The nearby Archipelagos of Pemba and Mafia islands do equally experience the aforementioned climatic catalogs. Click here to see current weather stats

Transit over Water or by Air:

As an island, there are only two main routes of getting here, that is, by either plane or by boat/Ferry.

Majority of the regional airlines have daily direct flights into the Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) main airport, about six kilometers off south of Stone Town, the main township. 

In any case, Dar Es Salaam’s international airport provides a great connection into Zanzibar if you are flying in internationally. Common inter-continental Airlines include Swiss, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, KLM, South African Airways, Kenya Airways to mention but a few. However, European’s Condor Airlines operate direct flights from Frankfurt and Zürich to Zanzibar. 

From Dar Es Salaam’s Airport to Zanzibar’s Airport is approximately 20 mins, whereas by speedboat/Ferry, it would take you up to 90 minutes. During rough weather, crossing the Indian Ocean’s channel by boat/Ferry might be an adventurous challenge to brace up for. 

From either Zanzibar’s Airport or Zanzibar’s Ferry Harbor to your preferred resort/hotel, there are plenty of taxis available. Such transfers can easily be reserved from the hotel/resort or booked by your preferred travel consultant.

Hotels and Resorts on Zanzibar Island are self-sufficient and largely Eco-friendly, thus, there’s strict ban on plastic bags usage.

We advise that you bring along a few personal effects at the very least, but also wise to travel light because of limitation on luggage weights on most local flight transfers up to 15kgs Max.

Indeed, going on a bucket-list holiday that is African safari adventure, imply that you ink those intimate memories to last a millennia. What is the  best way of doing so than bringing along a pair of binoculars and most certainly, quality camera reinforced with zoom lenses, and back-up batteries to ensure you etch special moments of your Safari.

Where Zanzibar is an island and breezy, it is near the equator, therefore the sun is at peak when the weather is sweltering, thus wear light and comfortable. However, the early mornings and late evenings are particular chilly therefore bring right clothing for this and a light waterproof garment for any unexpected deluge. 

Consequently, you ought to bring your cool sunglasses, “safari hat”, sunscreen, and your most needed personal effects like medication if need be, as well as mosquito repellents. You will definitely need a swimming costume while on Zanzibar Island, to advantage of those pristine beaches for great diving, stand-up paddle-boarding and snorkeling.   

I dare say though, you should bring along a nice book to read when the use of internet on this idyllic island is no longer sensible nor desirable.

Passport requirement: 

All travelers to the Archipelago Zanzibar Island MUST readily have bonafide and signed passport valid for at least Six Months beyond the expected departure date from the country.

VISA Issuance:

Depending on your nationality or country of passport, you might need or might in fact be visa exempt. You’ll need to double-check this with your embassy on current status ahead of your planned holiday. 

Having said that, obtaining a Tanzanian Visa is quick and easy, and there are optional ways of getting it issued to you, including online application and at the port of entry to Zanzibar Island. 

Dress Code

Zanzibar is predominantly Islamic city state. For that reason, if not lounging on the beach, visitors are always urged to show respect to the Zanzibaris religious traditions by not dressing skimpy clothing particularly for women and not bear-chested for men. During the holy month of Ramathan, and from the break of dawn, Zanzibaris spent prayerful periods, and only break for banquet at sunset. Indeed, at Sunset, this would be a festive hour, when visitors might be invited in to dine and celebrate with their Zanzibari hosts or friends. 

Currency:

The Tanzania Shilling (TSH) is used on the island, just as the mainland Tanzania. However, other international currencies like the Dollar, Sterling Pound and Euro are acceptable for payment in most establishments. Otherwise, Credit or Debit Visa and Master cards are widely used and accepted to withdraw cash from local ATMs and in fact, for payment in Zanzibar’s resorts, hotels and shops. 

Electricity:

Zanzibar just like most of East African Countries, has adapted voltage system of 220V and 230V. Most hotels and resorts would have or provide universal power adapters to their guests; however, you are better off bringing your very own. 

During occasional periods of power blackouts, most resorts and hotels will have standby generators or solar panels to produce/provide limited/rationed electricity supplies to their guests. 

Health:

Visitors arriving in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania will require a Yellow Fever Vaccination card. You can always check with your embassy/consulate/High Commission to establish if indeed your country of embarkation is listed as such destinations that yellow fever is prevalent, hence, needing Yellow fever vaccination. 

There is always risk for malaria, and it’s for that reason that visitors to East Africa are generally advised to have taken Malaria jabs or vaccination as a precautionary measure. 

Language:

Besides variable dialects spoken across the region, Kiswahili is a lingual-franca to Zanzibar and indeed, in most of East and Central African countries. However, English remains the official language for the Zanzibar administration.