Zanzibar Visitor Information

Climate Chart for Zanzibar

The coolest and driest time to visit is between late June and October. From late December to February or early March temperatures are a little higher. April and May which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains can occur in November but are characterised by short showers which do not last long. The island is blessed with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine daily.

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
• US State Department - Travel Warnings

Visas are required by almost all visitors to Tanzania, and should be obtained before arriving in Tanzania. If you are arriving from a country without a Tanzanian embassy or consulate, visas are issued at Dar es Salaam international airport and at Zanzibar airport. Tourist visas are valid for three months from the date of issue.

Visa requirements are likely to change so please check with your local Tanzanian embassy or representative.

Passport must be valid for at leave six months.

Tanzania Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

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Official Currency:    Tanzania Shilling=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Mastercard, Access and Diners Club have a limited acceptance. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with authorised deals and bureaux de change and are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Many hotels may require you make payment in foreign currency either in cash or by Travellers Cheque.

Sea Ferry

Ferries from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar leave fairly regularly. There are three high speed ferries companies to choose from and each has about two departures per day. The journey takes about one and half hours. No need to purchase ticket in advance, they can be brought at the port. Times change regularly, but there is usually a boat ever hour or two.

There are several medium sized ferries and catamarans running this route regularly throughout the day. Ferries dock in the centres of both Dar es Salaam and Stonetown - Zanzibar.

Bus

Converted pick-ups or dalla-dallas (minibuses) link all major towns on Zanzibar island, and it's easy to arrange car, moped or motorcycle rental. In general, prices are reasonable and there are few hassles, although breakdowns are fairly common, as are accidents.

Road

Driving is on the left hand side and an International Driving Licence is required and before hiring a car, most establishment require that these are endorsed by the police. Self drive car hire is expensive but most companies offer car with driver.

1st January New Year's Day
12th January Zanzibar Revolution Day
26th April Union Day
1st May Labour Day
7th July Industrial Day
9th December Independence Day
25th December Christmas Day
Moveable holidays: Good Friday and Easter Monday
Variable Islamic holidays

click to view plug types

Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz.
The Plug type used in Zanzibar is: "Type D & G (British)"