Zanzibar is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more of its beauty, planning your trip carefully ensures a smooth and unforgettable experience.
This guide will walk you through the key steps and tips for organizing your dream vacation to Zanzibar. From getting a visa, booking your flights, Hotels, Hotel pick up/ drop off and all things to do while you are in Zanzibar as a tourist.
You don’t need to spend too much time thinking about all these things, we are the local reliable tour operator in Zanzibar. We have the perfect ready-made packages which you can just book depending on the number of days you want to spend in Zanzibar.
Check our vacation packages here!
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1. How to Get a Visa for Zanzibar
For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter Tanzania (Zanzibar is part of Tanzania). You can apply for a tourist visa online before your trip or obtain one on arrival at Zanzibar’s international airport. We highly recommend our guests to get their Visa via online to avoid wasting time at the Airport.
The visa costs around $50 USD for most travelers, but it’s essential to check specific visa requirements based on your nationality before departure. The visa cost for US travelers is $100. The online process is straightforward, you can use this official government website to apply for your visa (https://visa.immigration.go.tz/).
There are some countries which do not require a visa to enter Tanzania. Most common countries are Romania, Kenya, Botswana, Singapore, Uganda and so on. Please refer to this updated list of countries which do not require a visa to visit Tanzania.
https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/countries-which-are-not-required-to-apply-for-visa
2. Booking Flights to Zanzibar
To get to Zanzibar, you’ll need to fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) located on the island, this is the main Airport of the islands. There are not many direct international flights from many countries, so you may need to connect via a hub like Ethiopia, Qatar, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, or Dubai. Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals. Be sure to book your flights at earliest possible for better prices.
Common international flights flying to Zanzibar are Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Lufthansa, Neos, Eurowings, Ethiopian Airline, Turkish Airline, Azur and so on.
3. Booking Accommodation in Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers a range of accommodations, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget guesthouses. Choose a location that suits your interests—whether it’s the serene shores of Nungwi Beach, the cultural heart of Stone Town, or the adventure-rich Paje Beach. You can use platforms like Booking.com or Expedia to secure your stay. During high seasons (July to September and December to February), we advise you to book well in advance.
Helpful guides when planning for accommodation:
– Best Beaches in Zanzibar for Your Holiday!
– Best Hotels to Stay in Nungwi
– Best Hotels to Stay in Kendwa
4. Booking Tours & Activities
To make the most of your Zanzibar trip, consider booking tours and activities ahead of time. Popular experiences you can do in Zanzibar are snorkeling, diving, spice tours, and cultural excursions.
We offer unique activities such as kayaking adventures, the Zanzibar Submarine Experience, and Nungwi Beach’s turtle and dhow cruise. Pre-booking these experiences ensures you won’t miss out, especially during the busy season.
Helpful guides when planning Tours & Activities:
– Best things to do in Zanzibar for a vacation
– Best snorkeling tours in Zanzibar islands
– Best places to Visit in Zanzibar Islands
5. Airport Transfers/ Taxis in Zanzibar
After a long flight, you’ll want a hassle-free transfer from Zanzibar Airport to your hotel. Many hotels in Zanzibar offer airport pick-up services, which can be arranged during your booking but most of the time become expensive. Alternatively, you can book private airport transfers in advance through tour operators like us. Taxis are available at the airport, but make sure to negotiate a price before the ride because they don’t have constant prices.
Book your private transfer from Zanzibar Airport here!
6. How Much Will It Cost to Go to Zanzibar?
The cost of a Zanzibar trip can vary based on your travel preferences. For a mid-range budget, expect the following expenses:
- Flights: $500-$1,200 depending on your location and booking time.
- Accommodation: $50-$300 per night.
- Tours & Activities: $45-$250 per tour.
- Food & Drinks: $10-$50 per day.
- Airport Transfers: $15-$60 each way.
Check out our guide on how much a Zanzibar trip costs?
7. How Many Days Are Enough for Zanzibar?
A 5-7 day trip is ideal to enjoy the highlights of Zanzibar. This allows time for beach relaxation, historical exploration in Stone Town, and activities like snorkeling or visiting the spice farms.
If you want to dive deeper into the island’s beauty, consider staying for 10 days to fully unwind and experience everything at a leisurely pace. And if you don’t have enough time or budget you can stay even 3 days and get the most of Zanzibar, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.
Learn more from our guide on ‘How Many Days Do You Need in Zanzibar? For First-Time Visitors’
8. How Much Money Do I Need Per Day in Zanzibar?
On average, a daily budget of $100 to $250 should be sufficient for most travelers coming to Zanzibar. This budget covers meals, transportation, and basic tours. If you plan to indulge in luxury dining, high-end accommodations, or multiple premium tours, you may want to increase your budget to $500+ per day.
9. What Do I Need to Know Before Going to Zanzibar?
Before visiting Zanzibar, here are some key tips:
- Cultural respect: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim region, so modest clothing is appreciated, especially in Stone Town and local villages.
- Health precautions: Make sure you have yellow fever certification if you are coming from the countries with high risk of yellow fever infections.
- Power and plugs: Zanzibar uses UK-style plugs (Type G) with 230V voltage, so carry a travel adapter if needed.
Our helpful guides:
10. What is the Cheapest Month to Go to Zanzibar?
The cheapest time to visit Zanzibar is during the rainy season, from late March to late June. During these months, you’ll find lower hotel prices and fewer tourists in tourist attractions. However, while the rains can be heavy, they often come in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for sunny skies in between.
Our helpful guides:
– The Cheapest Time to Visit Zanzibar Islands
– When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
11. Zanzibar Currency
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and for tourist activities. It’s helpful to carry small amounts of local currency for small purchases and if you want to tip. ATMs are available in Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje and Kiwengwa beach.
Learn more from our guide on Currency in Zanzibar for tourists.
12. Tipping in Zanzibar
Tipping is customary in Zanzibar, though not compulsory. If you get good service, you can tip waiters in restaurants, tour guides/ drivers, and hotel staff. As a guideline we have prepared the full guidelines regarding tipping in Zanzibar as tourists.
Final Thoughts on How to plan a trip to Zanzibar
Planning a trip to Zanzibar is an exciting and relatively straightforward process as you have seen. We have prepared this guide to make sure you have all the information needed to make your dream come true. If you have something which we didn’t cover or you want to create your trip with us, please make sure to ask us directly over Whatsapp +255746823907 or an email info@zanziworldtours.com
