Zanzibar

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

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.

 

Climate Chart for Zanzibar

For today's weather forecast see    CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

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

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

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.

Listing of Tanzania Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

MONEY

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.


BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 0830-1500     Saturday: 0830-1300
Shops:     Monday to Saturday: 0830-1200 and 1400-1800

LOCAL TIME

Tanzania/Zanzibar is three hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air Travel :
International Flights	Zanzibar - Dar es salaam Zanzibar - Kenya - Mombasa Zanzibar - South Africa - Johannesburg Johannesburg - Zanzibar Mombasa - Zanzibar Mombasa - Pemba Nairobi - Zanzibar
Sea:	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.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Zanzibar Island Map   (Maps Worldwide) Published by Harms Verlag - Series Touring Maps Format Folded Map, Scale 1:100 000 . Language English, Dutch Italien A touring map of Zanzibar with town plans. Includes colour shading and contours. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	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.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

ELECTRICAL POWER

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Zanzibar, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.