If you love the kind of beach where time feels slower and the ocean keeps changing color, Zanzibar is that place. It’s not your average island escape. A Trip To Zanzibar pulls you into something deeper, salt in the air, cloves on the breeze, soft sands beneath your feet. You’ll hear the gentle splash of waves on one side and the distant call to prayer on the other. It’s peaceful, but alive. Quiet, yet full of stories.
Planning a Zanzibar Beach Holiday sounds easy at first, but once you start searching online, you’ll see how much is out there. So many suggestions. So many tabs open. That’s where it gets tricky.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it all on your own. When you book with a reliable Tanzania tour operator, most of the hard work is already done for you.
This isn’t just another blog with travel tips. It’s your go-to Zanzibar Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find everything you actually need, visa steps, flight info, best beaches, packing lists, what things cost, and which season makes sense.
Start with the Visa
Make sure your paperwork is in order before you go to the island. Zanzibar is in Tanzania, hence the criteria for getting a visa are the same for both.
The quickest way to do it is to Apply Online Visa before you go. The process is simple and will save you time when you arrive, especially after a long travel. You just need to fill out a simple form, upload a photo of your passport, and pay the price. You will get an official visa paperwork by email after your application is granted. You should print that out and bring it with you when you land.
Know this:
- You can apply online at Tanzania’s official immigration website, which is https://visa.immigration.go.tz.
- Most people from other countries have to pay $50 for a tourist visa.
- The charge is more for U.S. citizens which is $100.
- The citizens of few countries who travel to Tanzania don’t need a visa at all. For eg: travellers coming from Kenya, Botswana, Uganda, Singapore, and Romania can enter without a visa. Please refer to this Updated List of Countries which do not require a visa to visit Tanzania.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to get a Tanzania eVisa as it normally takes a few days.
- Print your visa approval if applying online.
You can get a visa on arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, however that choice usually means large lines and extra wait times. Hence, it’s not recommended.
Also, remember Visa rules can also change. Before you go, always check the official site for the most up-to-date list of exempt nations and rules.
Once your visa is ready, you’re one step closer to getting to the Zanzibar Islands, where the fun really starts.
Finding Flights to Zanzibar
Let’s talk about how to go to the island. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, or ZNZ for short, is the only international airport in Zanzibar. It is on the main island and is where most people arrive.
Here’s the Thing: unless you’re going from a nearby nation, you probably won’t be able to locate a direct trip to Zanzibar. For most individuals, this involves flying into a big city first and then taking a connecting flight to the island.
Here are some of the most common places to connect:
- Nairobi
- Dar es Salaam
- Kilimanjaro
- Addis Ababa
- Doha
- Dubai
Once you’re in one of these cities, you’ll have more direct flights to Zanzibar.
Many airlines fly to the island on a regular basis. These are:
- Airlines in Qatar
- Fly to Dubai
- Airlines in Turkey
- Airlines from Ethiopia
- Lufthansa
- Eurowings
- Neos
- Azur Air
Varying airlines have varying timetables and lengths of time between flights. Some go faster. Some are less expensive. Some let you bring more luggage. Before you book, it’s a good idea to compare a few.
Please use Google Flights or Skyscanner to locate the best deals for flights. You can look at all the airlines, dates, and rates on these sites at once. You can even set up notifications to let you know when prices go down.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long if you want to go to Zanzibar Beach during the high season. Flights fill up quickly, and rates go escalate as the day of departure gets near. If you can, book early. It saves you time and money most of the time.
Where to Stay on the Island
The perfect place to stay can make a big difference in your Trip to Zanzibar. It’s not just the hotel that matters but the beach’s vibe, the area’s speed, and the kind of experience you seek.
There are a lot of different Accommodations in Zanzibar Island, from high-end resorts to small family-run guesthouses and cheap hostels. But the place you choose is just as important as your room.
It’s a good idea to schedule your Zanzibar Beach Holidays early if you want to go during the busiest times, which are July to September or December to February. Prices go increase quickly, and many of the top beach resorts and boutique hotels fill up quickly.
Fun Things to Do in Zanzibar
Zanzibar isn’t just for relaxing on the beach, but that’s a significant part of it. There is a lot more to see than just the beach and the sun. There are always things to do on the island because it is so colourful, cultural, and exciting.
Here are some of the most popular Zanzibar Excursions and Activities:
- Taking a walk-through spice fields and smelling fresh cloves and cinnamon
- Snorkelling or diving at Mnemba Atoll
- Going to Kizimkazi by boat in the early morning to see dolphins
- Stone Town Walking Tours
- Sailing in a wooden dhow as the sun sets over the ocean.
- Going to Prison Island to see the big turtles
- Trying something new, like kayaking or the Zanzibar Submarine
Booking these tours ahead of time is a good idea, especially during the busy season. Check out more Tanzania Beach Holiday Packages like these if you don’t want to plan every little thing yourself:
Getting to Your Hotel
After a long flight, all you want is a hassle-free and smooth ride to your hotel. Some hotels in Zanzibar do offer pick you up at the airport. But it normally costs more and the prices aren’t clearly mentioned during booking. Here’s what you can do instead to avoid all the hassle:
- Make a reservation for a private airport transfer ahead of time with a local tour company.
- You can obtain a taxi at the airport, but you have to agree on a fee first.
- Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you’re coming late or with bags.
Here, we would like to inform you that at Great Image Expeditions, we set up safe, comfortable rides at a fair price so you can relax. It’s quick, easy, and saves you the trouble of having to hassle after a long trip.
How Much Does a Zanzibar Trip Cost?
How much a Trip to Zanzibar costs depends on how you want to travel. People like to have private dinners on the beach in luxury. Some people like cheap guesthouses and street cuisine better. There are options for both on the island.
Here’s a rough idea of how much you might spend:
- Flights cost between $500 to $1,200, depending on when and where you fly from.
- Cost of lodging: $50 to $300 per night
- Tours and activities cost from $45 to $250 each.
- Food and drinks cost about $10 to $50 a day.
- Getting to and from the airport costs between $15 and $60 per ride.
A daily budget of $100 to $250 is good if you want to keep things simple. That includes your food, lodging, getting around town, and a few activities. If you want to really splurge, you might spend $500 or more a day, especially if you stay in premium hotels and indulge in private Zanzibar Excursions & Activities.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Holiday
Zanzibar has a relaxed vibe, but there are a few things you should know before you travel that will help your Zanzibar Beach Holidays run smoothly from the start.
- Wear modest clothes, especially when you’re in a town or village.
- If you’re coming from a place where yellow fever is necessary, get a yellow fever certificate.
- Zanzibar utilises the UK plug (Type G) and the power flows at 230V, therefore bring a travel converter.
- Be respectful of local customs, especially when you pray or go to religious sites.
- Drink bottled water and bring insect repellent for the evenings.
It is easy to access cash as ATMs are readily available in Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, and Kiwengwa. The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but most hotels, restaurants, and tour companies will also take US dollars. Just have some of the local money on hand for little purchases or tips.
What to Pack for Zanzibar
It’s not hard to pack for Zanzibar, but it helps to plan beforehand. During the day, the sun is intense, and at night, the sea air might feel cool. You’ll be outside a lot. So, the thumb rule is to pack lightly, but wisely. Here’s a short list of things to bring for your Holidays in Zanzibar.
- Cotton garments that are loose and comfortable for the heat
- Bathing suits, flip-flops, and something simple to put on after the beach
- Wear sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to shield yourself from the sun.
- You’ll need both reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
- A compact power bank for your phone and a travel adaptor with a Type G plug
- Medicines that need a prescription and basic first aid supplies
- Toiletries and a small backpack for day trips or trips
You don’t need to bring too much. Most things on the island are easy to find, but having these basics will keep you comfortable and ready for anything on the beaches of Zanzibar.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
You may go to Zanzibar any time of year because it has a pleasant and tropical weather. Some months, though, bring bright skies and great beach weather, while others bring short bursts of rain. Having a understanding of the seasonal pattern can help you plan your holidays better:
- First comes the dry season which is considered the best time to visit Zanzibar. It runs from mid-December to March and June to October.
- Next is the rainy season which is much quieter and more budget-friendly. It extends from Late March to late may (long rains) and the month of November (short rains).
If you like to go outside and spend time at the beach, visit Zanzibar in the dry months. But, if you don’t mind getting wet and want to travel in a quieter time, the rainy season can be a great choice for visiting the islands.
Tipping In Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, you don’t have to tip, but it’s nice and often expected. For persons who work in tourism, tips are often a big component of their pay. A tiny act of kindness can mean a lot, especially if someone has made your time easier or more fun. Keep this simple suggestion in mind:
- For waiters, it’s about 5% to 10% of the overall cost.
- For things like carrying your bags or cleaning your room, hotel staff should get $1 to $3 each service.
- Guides and drivers cost between $5 and $10 a day, depending on how long your tour is.
You can always choose whether or not to tip, but a tiny gratuity can mean a lot to the person who helped you when they were nice.
Before You Leave, Just Remember
Planning a Trip to Zanzibar is not hard. It’s just that it’s better to be aware of the foreign country so that you can avoid all hassles once you reach there. Flights, visas, and seasons are just the beginning. Local customs, costs, and activities gives your Zanzibar Beach Holidays another dimension. So that, once you arrive on the islands, everything feels easy.
Booking with a trusted tour operator such as Great Image Expedition, can help you plan better. Our experts know the islands inside and are ready to assist you. Just pick the days and leave the rest to us. We’ll be there for you on every step of your Zanzibar adventure.
