F.A.Q.

Please kindly refer to the following link https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/entry-requirements for most detailed and updated information.

You can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania, this means that you do not have to apply for the visa in advance, but we do recommend that you arrange this in advance. If you prefer to do it on site, as soon as you arrive at the airport, simply go to the immigration office with 2 ID photos. If you get your visa at the airport, you’ll need to pay by credit card. The cost is USD 50 per person (USD 100 per person for US citizens).

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October. This also coincides with safari high season in Tanzania, making the Zanzibar Archipelago a very popular post-safari choice.

However, this tropical island is good to visit at most times of the year, thanks to its regular sunshine and pleasant Zanzibar weather.

June to October - this is the best time to visit Zanzibar for whiling away long days in the sun and exploring the wonderful sights of the 'spice island'.

No! All our prices which you have already paid to us are final, inclusive of all booked services, accommodation, meal plan, taxes, charges, transfers, and local assistance services in the destination (No additional charges or fees). Only charge to be paid on spot is accommodation tax of USD 1.00 to 8.00 per room per night (depends on the hotel), which is a charge imposed by Tanzania government and our company is unable to charge it to its clients in advance.

Transfers are managed by our local office in Zanzibar and you will be transferred in connection to your international flight arrival. One of our representatives will meet & greet you and assist you with the transfer to the hotel.

Transfers (all types) are always included in the final price given by us, there is no additional charge for this service. This is valid for all our offered hotels in Zanzibar.

Banknotes and traveler’s cheques can be exchanged only at the Zanzibar International Airport and at the foreign exchange bureaus across Zanzibar city. All major Credit cards are accepted, and you can also pay small amounts (i.e. tips to staff) in foreign currency banknotes.

While it is not compulsory to tip in Zanzibar, due to the high number of western tourists that travel here every year, workers have become habituated to receiving something for their service. USD $1-2 per day for hotel staff is an adequate amount and 5% or so should be added to restaurant bills. Naturally, this can fluctuate according to how good you found the service. Guides, porters and cooks that join you on tours should be tipped around USD $8-15 per day. This amount can be shared amongst the group. It is not common to tip taxi drivers in Zanzibar but rounding up your fare is a generous way of showing your appreciation.

No. You should always try not to drink tap water or eat fruits or vegetables that have been washed with local water. You should always drink purified water or buy a water filter bottle so that you can drink safely without getting sick from contaminated water.

You should take advice from your doctor. Tanzania requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over 1 year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas (>12 hours) in the last 6 days. This rule applies to travellers from the following countries: Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Côte dʼIvoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad (NOT Tobago), Uganda, and Venezuela.

Malaria is not as common in Zanzibar as it is in mainland Tanzania, but prevention medicine is recommended. Cover up after the sunset and use mosquito repellent on exposed skin. Sleep with a mosquito net or in an insect free room.

No, it is not required. Travel insurance is optional and recommended only.

Travelers over 17 years of age are permitted to bring the following into Zanzibar:

• 250g of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco (combined weight)
• 1 liter of spirits or wine
• 500 ml of perfume and eau de toilette, of which no more than a quarter may be perfume

The following are banned from being imported into Zanzibar: unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Yes, all hotels in Zanzibar do have a first aid facility and a doctor (available directly at the resort or on call).

Yes. Zanzibar is safe for tourists to travel for excursions/trips or holidays. Zanzibar is one of the safest African destinations.

The sharks that are found in Zanzibar are known as “reef sharks, which are typically harmless. Meanwhile, tourists can swim with whale sharks when considering Mafia Island. These sharks are imperiled and safe to swim in as well as ideal for diving. 

Clothes should be light, loose, washable, and preferably made from natural fabrics. Rubber flip-flops or sandals are good for wandering around villages and towns, but a sturdy pair of walking shoes will be needed for sightseeing or walking through the forest. The tropical sun in Zanzibar is very strong, especially at midday. Sunscreen with high SPF and hats are recommended. You should also pack sunglasses and a flashlight (the electricity is not completely reliable).

Lightweight clothes that cover your arms and legs are best. The sun will be strong, and dust will be everywhere, so it’s wise to cover up. A flashlight may also be useful, and mosquito repellant should always be with you in Tanzania. Also, consider dust when packing electronics. Full batteries are needed in some circumstances, depending on your accommodation.

On our safaris, we always include all necessities or inform you about the things you will need to bring. For other safaris, make sure to ask your safari company.

Modest clothing is appreciated by everyone in Zanzibar. Some items that are standard in your home country might not be appreciated. For example, bikinis and miniskirts or shorts are fine for the beach, but in villages and towns, women should cover their shoulders and wear skirts or trousers that reach below the knee. Likewise, men should not go shirtless and should dress respectfully.

If you are spending time on a beach in Stone Town or other beaches that are within sight of the town, consider wearing covered clothes when not swimming. Being topless is not allowed for women.

Zanzibar island has nearly 99% Muslim population, but there are some other religious families like Hindu, Christians etc.