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Zanzibar – part of Tanzania
The Zanzibar Archipelago is less than 40 km from the continental Tanganyika, with which it forms the United Republic of Tanzania. Mainland Tanzania is very religiously diverse, while Zanzibar is 95% Muslim and its inhabitants do not consider themselves Tanzanians. Portuguese, Arabic, Indian, British influences have shaped a very interesting cultural, culinary and architectural mix. The rich history of Zanzibar is an additional reason to visit this Paradise Island.
Zanzibar includes three main islands: Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar), Pemba and Mafia, as well as about forty smaller islets. The archipelago of Zanzibar is located in the southern hemisphere, 6 degrees below the equator. The time difference between Poland and Zanzibar is in the summer: +1h, in winter: +2h. A day in Zanzibara lasts about 12 hours. The sun rises here and sets at about the same time throughout the year (east – about 6:00, west – approx. 18:15).
Good to know before you go
A tourist visa is required at Zanzibar – it is issued at the airport upon arrival, as standard for a period of 90 days, its cost is $ 50. There is also the possibility of obtaining a visa in advance – https://visa.immigration.go.tz
Before departure, please pay attention to the validity of your passport. It must be valid at least 6 months from the date of entry to Zanzibar.
From October 1, 2024, all tourists visiting Zanzibar must purchase compulsory Inbound Travel Insurance of $44/person. Insurance will be valid for 92 days. This insurance includes , among others, sudden medical expenses up to USD 50 000, medical assistance 24/7, as well as costs related to theft, loss of luggage or its delay.
Insurance must be purchased before arrival at Zanzibar through the website: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz
When to go to Zanzibar?
– Do not plan a holiday in Zanzibar during a large rainy season characterized by heavy rainfall, often several days. This period lasts from April to mid-June.
The period from July to October is the most pleasant time to arrive. Temperatures average 25oC and precipitation is low
November is a so-called low rainy season. Rainfall is limited to short downs to sacks, after which the sun appears quickly
The period from December to March is the hottest time of the year. Then it lasts a summer in Zanzibar, and the temperatures during the day reach up to 35 degrees Celsius.
The period from July to October is the most pleasant time to arrive. Temperatures average 25oC and precipitation is low
November is a so-called low rainy season. Rainfall is limited to short downs to sacks, after which the sun appears quickly
The period from December to March is the hottest time of the year. Then it lasts a summer in Zanzibar, and the temperatures during the day reach up to 35 degrees Celsius.
Are vaccinations necessary for Zanzibar?
If you fly directly from Europe, no vaccinations are required. On the other hand, vaccination against tetanus, abdominal dug, diphtheria, viral hepatitis (HTIs) – as with any further journey, are recommended. If you have a transfer in Africa for a longer 6 hours (E.g. in Nairobi), it is required to be vaccinated for yellow fever and have a vaccination confirmation in the so-called yellow book.
Is there malaria in Zanzibar?
Although most doctors in travel medicine recommend the use of preventive measures, e.g. Malarone in Zanzibar, the risk of malaria is not high. In case of doubts on Zanzibar, you can perform a malaria test and use the antimalarial drugs available here.
During your stay in Zanzibar, we recommend using mosquito agents – preferably those that have a large percentage of the so-called DEET (e.g. MUGGGA). Local measures are also very effective, especially recommend Medisoft lotion available in any local store
During your stay in Zanzibar, we recommend using mosquito agents – preferably those that have a large percentage of the so-called DEET (e.g. MUGGGA). Local measures are also very effective, especially recommend Medisoft lotion available in any local store
How to pay on Zanzibar?
In local shops and bars, it is best to pay in the local currency (TSH). If the prices are in dollars, it is better to pay with dollars. The converter is unfavorable (usually 1$2000TSH). The highest denomination is a 10 000 TSH banknote (i.e. just under $5).
At Zanzibar it is best to bring American dollars. The best exchange rate is at the exchange offices in Stone Town, you can also exchange them at the airport – the current exchange rate is about 2700TSH for $1. For banknotes with denominations of $50 and $100, you will get a better rate than for lower denominations. It is good to have some small ($1.2) with you on any tips, which are often counting locals.
Note: No dollar bills older than 2009 are not accepted in Zanzibar.
Payment by card is possible in most large hotels and parts of the restaurant. Keep in mind that a commission of 3.5 to even 7 % is always added. There are also a few ATMs in Stone Town, but not all work. There is also one ATM in Nungwi and one in Paje. Accepted cards are mainly MasterCard and Visa
What to take with you?
In Zanzibar, the climate throughout the year is very similar and warm. For the suitcase, just pack your swimwear, dresses, t-shirts and shorts. It is worth taking airy with you, e.g. linen shirts that will protect from the sun, we recommend pareo. As footwear, the so-called Japanese and sandals will be the best. Most hotels in Zanzibar do not have any strict requirements for dinner outfits.
Shoes for water – will be useful during many excursions (e.g. Safari Blue), and walks on the reef during low tide.
Filters with a high UV factor – the sun in Zanzibar is very strong and tans even in the shade. For children or people with very light skin complexion, we recommend taking special protective clothing with a UV filter (it can be bought, for example, in Decathlon). It is also worth getting Panthenol – it may be useful.
Headgear and sunglasses with UV filter – the harsh sun is also given to the eyes.
Repellent for mosquitoes – preferably with a lot of DEET (e.g. Mugga)
Flows and outflows
For those visiting Zanzibar for the first time, a big surprise is … the fleeing ocean, i.e. ebbs and tides. Depending on the phase of the moon, the water sometimes recedes by more than 1 km, leaving a wide sandy beach or revealing picturesque rocks full of local living (nezhitaries, goatty, crabs).
In the day there are two tides and two drains, which appear about every 6 hours, and the whole cycle moves every day by about 20 minutes. In most hotels at the reception there is a printed table with swims.
In the day there are two tides and two drains, which appear about every 6 hours, and the whole cycle moves every day by about 20 minutes. In most hotels at the reception there is a printed table with swims.
List of diplomatic posts
The Polish Embassy has been in Tanzania since 2017. It is located in Dar es Salaam. The embassy is open from Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. local time. Consular matters are settled on Tuesday from 10:00 to 13:00 and Thursday from time to time. 13:00 – 16:00. In the event of sudden random events requiring immediate intervention after office hours, you can contact the consular telephone 24/7: (+255) 766 079 362.
What souvenirs to bring (and which not to take) from Zanzibar?
When shopping in souvenir shops, remember that Zanzibar must not be exported shells!
What is worth buying?
Spices – Zanzibar is famous for spices, they can be bought individually or in a set. It is also worth buying mixtures of spices, e.g. different types of masala mixtures. The scent soap.
Kangi – is a patterned, colorful garment worn by women in Zanzibar.
In souvenir shops you can buy beautiful pareo or dresses.
Masai beads jewelry – to buy on the beach and in souvenir shops.
Jewelry from tanzanite – quite expensive, but beautiful and unique.
Wooden masks – in different sizes and shapes. The original ones from the ebony available in antique stores often cost over $100.
Bao game – usually very nicely carved. To be purchased in various sizes depending on the possibilities of “baggots”.
Tinga, Tinga – images in a specific zanzibar style, easy to transport after rolls.