6 Things to Know Before You Travel to Zanzibar

By Evelyn Morris
5 September 2024

Many people know almost nothing about Zanzibar before heading to the archipelago of over 50 islands off the coast of Tanzania, aside from what they have seen on social media that is, stunning beaches and amazing resorts offering every type of water sport imaginable.

For one thing, many people don’t even know the name of the largest and most visited island, Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island, where the capital city of Stone Town is found, and where most of the resorts seen on Instagram are located.

There is far more to this incredible destination, from its fascinating history, to how it relates to Tanzania.

Join us as we find out more about this popular travel destination to ensure you have all the important knowledge to help you make the most of your holiday.

1. Best Time to Visit

If you are looking for a good deal and fewer crowds, then consider visiting Zanzibar during its rainy reason from November to May. With the changes in climate of late, you are sure to have a few days of sunshine. The best time to visit Zanzibar to ensure you maximise your time on the beach working on your tan, is during the dry season, which runs from June to October.

2. Time Zone

Zanzibar is three hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time and doesn’t operate daylight saving time, so there is no difference between Zanzibar in summer and winter.

3. Visa Requirements

You will need a visa and mandatory travel insurance to visit Zanzibar. Although it is possible to buy a tourist visa upon arrival at Zanzibar airport it is recommended to apply for a visa in your home country prior to your trip.

Do this online at: https://visa.immigration.go.tz preferably two weeks before your arrival in Zanzibar. This will allow enough time to process your online application. The application takes 20-40 minutes. Ensureif you have a scan of your passport, your e-ticket as a document and a digital passport sized photograph on your computer before you begin.

4. Mandatory Travel Insurance

From the beginning of October, 2024, all non-resident visitors to Zanzibar – whether they be adults or children – must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

This insurance can be obtained exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation online at: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/ and costs $44 per person. It is is valid for 92 days, and covers multiple stays within that period. It is only in effect during the time spent in Zanzibar and is separate to personal travel insurance.

You must be able to show proof of purchase upon arrival in Zanzibar and failure to buy the insurance in advance may result in you being denied entry to the island.

5. Money

Cash is the most widely accepted form of payment, with the US Dollar being the most popular. Many things are priced in US$ but are also payable in Euro and British Pound. However, the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the official currency of Zanzibar. Exchange your currency before or upon arrival.

6. Culture & History

Historically a key Indian Ocean trade hub, Zanzibar has a rich culture shaped by its colonial past. This “Spice Island,” as it was known was contested by Oman, Portugal, and Britain.

In the 19th century, it was a hub of the slave trade under Arab rule. Today, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region within Tanzania, with its own government and elected administration.

We hope this knowledge has whetted your appetite for a trip to Zanzibar. All that is left now is to pick out your resort, contact the reservations department and make your booking.

If you are keen to read more, Somak’s Reservations Manager, Nishma Gandhi, and Operations Manager, Saonli Chatterjee, embarked on a journey to Tanzania and Zanzibar, eager to unravel its secrets and explore its treasures for themselves, their story offers some great tips for travel to these two destinations.