ZANZIBAR TRAVEL FAQ’S

Zanzibar is well connected to the rest of the world through major international hubs. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you’ll usually connect through a gateway such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg, with airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM and Ethiopian all serving the route.

You can fly straight into Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), or into Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro on the Tanzanian mainland and take a short domestic flight across — handy if you’re pairing your beach days with a safari.

Once you book with us, our team will help you find the most efficient route for your journey and arrange your private airport transfer, so you’re looked after from the moment you land.

This depends on your nationality. European and US nationals can quickly obtain a visa on arrival or may be required to apply for a visa online beforehand.

This can be done here:

https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Please ensure the purpose of travel is highlighted as tourism. If you’re unsure whether you require a visa or not – we can help. However, the visa process and fees are your responsibility.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and talking to a travel nurse.

Yes — travel insurance is compulsory for all our adventures. There are actually two things to be aware of:

1. Your own travel insurance. You’ll need a personal policy that covers overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation and repatriation, baggage and equipment, and the specific activities on your itinerary (for example water sports, quad biking or skydiving, if you’ve booked them). Medical facilities on the island are limited, so evacuation cover matters.

2. Mandatory Zanzibar entry insurance. Since October 2024, every visitor to Zanzibar must also purchase the government’s inbound travel insurance — around US $44 per person, valid for up to three months. This is separate from, and required in addition to, your own policy — your personal insurance does not replace it. You’ll need to show proof on arrival, so buy it in advance at the official site and keep the confirmation (QR code) handy: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo; it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

In a post by Nina Zara ‘Is Zanzibar Safe for Women Travelling Alone?’ on Safari Junkie, she says:

“… if you stay in hotels with security and use common sense, the chances are very low to have a bad experience as a solo female traveller on Zanzibar.”

Read the full article here.

Up-to-date advice for UK citizens can be found here.

We are a local Zanzibari-owned business, and our offices are in Nungwi, Stone Town and the UK. Our main office address is Jumba La Train, Dara Jaani, P.O. Box 4249.

We are registered under ExploreZanzi Company Limited, and our registration number is Z0000170578.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+), as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded.

Children can be accommodated and must be accompanied by a guardian always.

Temperatures in Tanzania stay very steady throughout the year, with highs of between 25-28°C / 77-82°F and lows of 13-16°C / 55-60°F. Tanzania has two rainy seasons – the heaviest rains (known as Masika) usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period (called vuli) occurs from November to mid-January.

The dry season, with slightly cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October. Jump on a trip between July to September to catch the river crossings of the Great Migration, while January and February promise primarily dry weather with lots of wildlife around to make the most of the recently replenished waterholes. The temperature dial eases up in Zanzibar, staying steady throughout the year with highs of 28-32°C / 82-90°F and lows of 19-22°C / 66-71°F. Due to the Masika rains, March to early May sees daily downpours and higher humidity in Zanzibar.

Please check https://www.holiday-weather.com/zanzibar/averages for more information.

Yes, Zanzibar is very safe for swimming. The Indian Ocean is warm, and the waves tend to be small. In addition, Zanzibar is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Conditions vary from beach to beach and season to season, but many of Zanzibar’s beaches are ideal for swimming. Depending on the tides, seaweed can sometimes be in the water, particularly along the East Coast. You may also encounter sea urchins in the rocky shallows (especially at low tide). Watch where you walk and wear booties (diving boots) to protect your feet.

Indeed, we can. We specialise in creating bespoke experiences for adventurers and companies, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or large group.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

10 USD per person per day

Of course, you are free to tip, and the amount should reflect your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Tanzania uses the three-pin UK plug sockets.

Yes indeed we can. Please let one of our team know and we’ll get this ready for you on arrival.

Of course! Our guides speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and we have Mandarin and Russian translators, too (they are a very talented bunch).

Simply get in touch, and we will provide a guide who speaks your language!

Swahili is the official language of Zanzibar, but English is widely spoken throughout the island. Arabic is spoken as well.

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and filled with mosques. In addition, there are a few churches and temples for Christians and Hindus. Please do not enter the mosques if you are not Muslim without prior permission.

Please review all our policies below:

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Child Protection Policy
• Sustainable Travel Policy

If you would like to make a complaint, please email hello@explorezanzi.com in the first instance. You will receive a response from us within 48 hours.

If your complaint is not answered to your satisfaction, please email again and put it to the attention of the Managing Director.

Please head to the contact section of our website.