Zanzibar consists of two small and idyllic islands located on the eastern coast of Africa. The main draw of this location is its stunning natural beauty.
The Tanzanian archipelago is split into two main islands: Pemba and Unguja, with Unguja being the more popular and tourist-friendly of the two. Getting there is very convenient, as there are daily flights and ferry services from Dar Es Salaam, the nearest coastal city, that transport tourists back and forth regularly.
For individuals who opt to travel by air, the airport is located approximately five minutes away from Stone Town, the central area of Zanzibar and the starting point for visitors arriving on the island.
Traveling to Zanzibar means discovering a popular spot for Kitesurfing. Get ready to encounter not only tourists but also many enthusiasts filling the beach and adding color to the seas.
In this article, you will find:
- Prior to my departure for Zanzibar
- Guide on Remaining in Zanzibar
- Expenses associated with traveling to Zanzibar.
- Which language is commonly used in Zanzibar?
- Stone Town, the primary city, also known as Main Stone Town.
- Primary marketplace in Stone Town
- Where to Lodge During Your Visit to Zanzibar
- Activities to Experience in Zanzibar
- What information do you need to have before traveling to Africa if you have already purchased your plane ticket? Have you arranged your lodging?
- Have you purchased your plane ticket before?
- Texto: Have you made a reservation for your lodging yet?
- View additional suggestions.
- Primary marketplace in Stone Town
- Text: Have you ever purchased an airline ticket?
- Have you made a reservation for your lodging?
Prior to my departure for Zanzibar
To reach Zanzibar, one must travel a considerable distance. Since there are no direct flights from Brazil, it is necessary to consider the available connecting flight options. The most popular route typically involves a layover in Johannesburg, South Africa, before flying on to Dar Es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania.
The journey to the island of Zanzibar can be done by either flying or taking a boat. The ferry option is more popular, although it may take slightly longer.
It’s important to keep in mind that in order to visit Tanzania, you must apply for a tourist visa, which can be done online through the website eservices.immigration.go.tz.
Guide on How to Have a Pleasant Stay in Zanzibar
You can travel across the island using public transportation, such as the well-known Dala Dala. These are a type of truck buses that transport passengers seated in the back. If you have bulky luggage or are taller than 1.80m, you may find the experience uncomfortable.
The expense is justified. A journey of this price typically ranges from 1500 to 2000 shillings – the local currency, which is slightly less than 1 US dollar. However, I have witnessed tourists being asked to pay as much as 4000 shillings, under the pretext of covering luggage fees.
Be vigilant, as this information is false. The reality is that in Zanzibar, like in numerous other locations, tourists are often victims of exploitation and opportunistic behavior.
chsyys/KaboomPics
Cost of travel to Zanzibar
The currency is Shillings and everything is quite expensive there, but it is feasible to have a cost-effective trip. I spent approximately 15 days and around 500 reais.
For instance, a taxi ride across the island costs between 30 and 40 US dollars, but the cost per person decreases if more individuals share the fare.
The international airport, which has direct flights from Europe, already charges 50-60 US dollars for a taxi ride to the beaches. In other words, taxi drivers exploit tourists who are new to the area.
If you’re looking to protect yourself, prepare for a thrilling experience and board a Dala Dala!
Which language is used in Zanzibar?
The main languages spoken are Swahili and English. While some people may not be fluent in English in certain areas, most of the population can communicate in English, especially in tourist areas. So, you shouldn’t encounter major difficulties.
Text: Stone Town, The Primary Urban Center
Stone Town is the primary urban center situated at the heart of the island. This historic city is renowned for its architecture and is characterized by narrow pathways that intersect in a maze-like fashion, making it easy to get lost.
There, you will be amazed by ancient buildings and exquisitely beautiful doors, each one uniquely crafted and adorned with drawings that tell a story.
Strolling along these pathways brought to mind Varanasi in India, the most enchanting place I’ve ever been to. The comparison that comes to mind is that Stone Town is like Varanasi, albeit with less spiritual and cultural richness than what you find in India.
Primary marketplace in Stone Town
Stone Town boasts a well-known market that serves as the primary draw. Nevertheless, the journey there is nothing out of the ordinary.
The most intriguing sight I observed was the section displaying fish, which was visually appealing, and the butcher area, where there were sheep heads with open eyes. This unique experience created a tense atmosphere in the surroundings.
The weather conditions and surroundings are not ideal for tourists, making it difficult to feel inspired amidst the crowds and chaos, especially for a photographer wanting to capture everything they see.
Tip: For a truly enjoyable market experience, be sure to visit the seafood market after exploring the winding alleys all day as a tourist.
Visit in the early evening when a lot of tourists come together to enjoy fresh local food that was caught earlier in the day. It’s a must-see experience.
Spending two days in Stone Town is just the right amount of time.
Visiting Zanzibar means recognizing that its beaches are the primary draw, and spending just one day in the city is already enough to leave a lasting impression. The best part is uncovering the island’s natural wonders.
Pajé Beach – Rewording the text
I spent 12 days on the southeastern coast of the island, at a beach named Pajé. It was definitely one of the finest beaches I have visited, and possibly the best one yet.
The white sand is so bright that it causes discomfort. The beach experiences two distinct environments due to the varying intervals of low and high tides in the sea.
Some individuals dislike low tide because they have to walk a distance to reach enough water to swim or cool off.
This is because the temperature on land is extremely high, making it preferable to spend the entire day in the sea. In such a situation, it is truly impossible to find fault.
As the tide starts to come in, it brings a more enjoyable temperature. Canoes and fishermen also follow the tide, coming and going to search for fish, octopus, lobsters, and crabs.
Locals in the area attempt to bring together tourists at various hotels and/or hostels to enjoy a well-known fish barbecue.
The plan is simple: they aim to gather people in groups to collect signatures, and once they have enough participants, they organize a fantastic seafood feast. If someone approaches you with this idea, it’s definitely worth considering.
Possible Paraphrase: Accommodation Options for Your Zanzibar Vacation
The hostel I managed, New Teddys Place, is conveniently located on the beach with top-notch service and a great location!
Activities to Experience in Zanzibar
There are numerous tours available on the island, and the advantage is that you do not have to make reservations beforehand. You can be confident that you will be approached by someone offering you various tour options no matter where you are.
They are all great friends and their approach is quite humorous. You notice that they all behave similarly, coming across as friends and then promptly suggesting various activities to you.
The tours that caught my attention the most were:
- Dolphin Excursion: Experience swimming with dolphins in the southern part of the island.
- Blue Safari: Experience snorkeling at a sandbar in the ocean followed by a delightful lunch on a nearby island.
- Prison Island offers an opportunity to explore and experience the local culture and history, in addition to observing the unique giant turtles found exclusively in Zanzibar.
- Spice Tour: Discover the origins of the local spices that are a signature product of the island.
Text: Are you prepared to visit Zanzibar? Join us!
Text: Information you NEED to be aware of BEFORE traveling to Africa
Are you feeling overwhelmed with thoughts and still need to plan your entire trip? Or have you already seen everything but are worried about forgetting something? Don’t worry, we can assist you with a list of essential items to remember before you board. Ready to get started?
Have you purchased your plane ticket before?
Where to make a purchase: Visit the Promo section.
Are you searching for great deals and affordable flight prices? When purchasing tickets to Africa, make sure to check out the Go de Promo website. It’s a popular choice for finding cost-effective flight options that are often better than those on other websites. We highly recommend using it! 😉
Text: Have you made a reservation for your lodging?
Where you can make a purchase: BOOKING.COM
If you have not yet reserved your lodging, it is advisable to compare hotels, hostels, and other accommodations using Booking.com. This platform is the largest in the world for booking hotels, ensuring a secure experience and excellent deals on lodging.
Tip: Pay attention to the ‘Spy Points’ that are valid for just one day. Some fantastic hotels provide significant discounts when this badge is displayed on the platform. If you come across a good offer, it’s a good idea to act quickly.
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