Travel Tips

Zanzibar General Information

Business Hours

  • Government organizations office hours are from 07h30-15h30 Monday to Friday.
  • NB: On Friday there is a short break due to prayers(12h00-14h00).
  • Banks open from 08h00-16h00 Monday to Friday, and half day on Saturday 08h00-13h00. Closed on Sunday.
  • Bureau de change open from 08h00-18h00 Monday to Saturday.
  • Most shops open from 08h30-18h30.

Visa Requirements

  • Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
    Visa is required while visiting Zanzibar.
  • Valid passports are required for entry into Zanzibar.
  • Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months after your departure from Zanzibar.
  • European passport holders do require visas.

Climate

  • Zanzibar enjoys an equatorial climate with heavy rainfall from March to end May.
  • November to March is generally the hot and humid time of the year with temperatures often climbing above 30°C. Rainfall is limited to short bursts.
  • April to June is the monsoon period characterized by torrential rainfall.
  • July to October is probably the most pleasant time to visit Zanzibar. The temperatures average 25°C and there is little rain

Health

  • Before undertaking any travel all clients are encouraged to consult with their GP and/or local travel practitioner for the most up-to-date health information on the destinations they are travelling to.
  • Visitors to Zanzibar are required to have a Yellow Fever inoculation and present the certificate when entering the country. Alternatively a certificate of exemption from a travel clinic must be presented.
  • Visitors to Zanzibar are encouraged to take Malaria prophylactics. We suggest clients consult with their nearest travel clinic for detailed information and advice on precautions

Dressing

  • Take light clothes, but remember to pack long sleeves and trousers/skirts. These are a good idea because Zanzibar is a Muslim state, and you should take care to dress modestly.
    NB: Topless or Nude sunbathing is strictly prohibited in Zanzibar.

Drinking Water

  • We recommend you to use bottle mineral water always during your stay in Zanzibar.

Languages.

  • The official language is Swahili, or Kiswahili. English and Arabic are also spoken.

Security.

  • As said precaution is better than cure, we recommend you not to carry large sums of money or put on expensive jewellery during your holiday.
  • All valuables belongings should be kept on the safe deposit boxes at the resort.

Time Zone

  • Zanzibar is 3 hours ahead of the GMT and does not observe daylight saving time.

Electricity

  • The voltage in Zanzibar is 220-240v so some appliances might need a converter. Plugs sockets require the three -pronged British plugs but there are some that are wired to accept the two pronged European kind.
  • We recommend you to best take a universal travel adaptor so that you can use all available electrical sockets.