Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance, visa & entry into the territory
Do you need a visa to go to Zanzibar?
Yes, a visa is required to enter Tanzania and Zanzibar. It must be obtained online at least 2 weeks (for the vast majority of passports) before departure on the official site: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
The visa costs about 50 USD (about 46 €).
The site may have bugs: anticipate and follow the status of your application directly on the site if you do not receive the email.
What is the validity period of the passport for Zanzibar?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival in Tanzania.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Zanzibar?
The authorities of Zanzibar have introduced mandatory travel insurance for anyone traveling to the island starting October 1, 2024. This insurance is sold at a price of $44 or about 40€ per person, and is valid for a period of 92 days.
Its purchase is mandatory, even for travelers who benefit from or have already subscribed to travel insurance.
This insurance applies only to Zanzibar. It is neither required nor valid for travelers going to mainland Tanzania (notably for Kilimanjaro and wildlife reserves).
To subscribe: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/
Transport & travel in Zanzibar
Should you rent a car in Zanzibar?
No, it is not recommended. Driving is on the left, the roads are sometimes in poor condition, and local driving can be dangerous for travelers.
How to get around easily in Zanzibar?
The simplest and safest way is by taxi.
We can arrange all your taxi rides during your stay.
Can you take local transport (dala-dala)?
Yes, for an authentic and economical local experience, you can use the dala-dala (local buses).
Caution: random schedules, long and uncomfortable journeys.
There are also boda-boda (scooters/motorcycles), but stay vigilant and avoid this mode of transport in the evening if possible.
Health, vaccines & mosquitoes
What vaccines are recommended for Zanzibar?
Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningitis (A + C + Y + W135) and Yellow fever.
Check with your doctor before departure if your vaccinations are up to date.
Is there a risk of malaria in Zanzibar?
Yes, the risk exists. A preventive treatment is recommended but not mandatory.
Discuss it with your doctor (possible side effects).
What mosquito repellents to use in Zanzibar?
Plan to bring mosquito repellent containing one of these two compounds:
- DEET (20 to 50 %)
- Icaridine / Picaridine (20 to 25 %)
Essential oils are not sufficiently effective.
You can also wear loose and light cotton clothing in the evening/night when mosquitoes are active.
Money, budget & exchange in Zanzibar
What is the currency in Zanzibar?
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
1 € = about 2,800 to 3,200 TZS depending on the period.
1 $ = about 2,400 to 2,800 TZS depending on the period.
Should you change your money before leaving?
No, the best is to take cash with you (euros, dollars, etc.) and change it to shillings directly in Zanzibar.
There are exchange establishments everywhere on the archipelago and the exchange rates on-site are much better than in France or at the airport.
Moreover, few establishments in France have Tanzanian shillings.
Can you pay by credit card in Zanzibar?
Yes, but most establishments add a tax on the final amount when paying by credit card (this tax is additional, whether you have foreign payment fees or not depending on your credit card/bank).
Cash remains the most advantageous solution.
Can you withdraw money on-site?
Yes, via ATMs.
A fixed fee (about 13,000 to 17,000 TZS) applies to each withdrawal.
Can you pay in euros or dollars in Zanzibar?
Yes, in many establishments and shops.
But it is financially more advantageous to pay in shillings.
And the new regulation that prohibits the use of foreign currencies in Zanzibar?
In fact, this law mainly concerns service providers, who must offer you prices in shillings to encourage the circulation of the local currency on the island.
No worries for you, come with your euros/dollars and change them in Zanzibar or pay with them in many establishments without any problem.
Weather & clothing to prepare for Zanzibar
What is the climate in Zanzibar by month?
Zanzibar has a warm climate all year round, with more or less humid seasons.
The rains are heavier in March, April, and May.
These are just seasonal averages; with climate change, it is difficult to predict the weather with certainty. You may have more or less rain than expected during your trip.
| Average temperature | Water temperature | Precipitation | |
| January | 28°C | 27°C | 64 mm |
| February | 28°C | 27°C | 44 mm |
| March | 29°C | 28°C | 107 mm |
| April | 28°C | 28°C | 262 mm |
| May | 27°C | 27°C | 219 mm |
| June | 26°C | 25°C | 33 mm |
| July | 25°C | 24°C | 17 mm |
| August | 25°C | 25°C | 14 mm |
| September | 26°C | 26°C | 26 mm |
| October | 27°C | 27°C | 65 mm |
| November | 28°C | 27°C | 106 mm |
| December | 28°C | 27°C | 95 mm |
What clothing to prepare for Zanzibar?
- light cotton clothing
- covering clothes for the evening (mosquitoes)
- respectful attire in villages (shoulders and knees covered)
- swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen, cap
Water & hygiene
Can you drink tap water in Zanzibar?
No. Tap water in Zanzibar poses health risks. You should only drink bottled water.
No need for a filtering water bottle, you will find water bottles in all the shops on the island
Can you brush your teeth with tap water?
No, use bottled water.
No problem if the water touches your face or eyes.
Should you wash fruits and vegetables with tap water in Zanzibar?
No. It is strongly recommended to wash fruits and vegetables only with bottled water in Zanzibar.
Even if the fruits look clean, they may have been washed or handled with tap water, which can contain bacteria or parasites responsible for digestive issues.
Good reflexes:
Wash fruits and vegetables with bottled water
Peel when possible
Avoid consuming raw fruits/vegetables whose hygiene you are unsure of
Should you be careful with ice cubes?
Yes.
In tourist restaurants, they are generally safe, but avoid small non-tourist establishments.
Can you drink fresh fruit juices and sugarcane juice in Zanzibar?
Yes, but with caution.
Fresh fruit juices and sugarcane juices sold on the street or in some small shops can sometimes cause stomach aches, even if they look very appetizing.
The risks often come from:
- the water used to rinse fruits or equipment
- the hygiene of the equipment (blender, press, glasses)
- the ice used in drinks
Our advice:
- Prefer establishments accustomed to tourists
- Avoid juices with ice cubes whose water source is uncertain
- If you have a sensitive stomach, consume these juices in moderation
Electricity & plugs
Do you need an electrical adapter in Zanzibar?
Yes. The plugs are type G (British plugs).
The voltage is 230V.
Are there power cuts?
Yes. During tourist season, power cuts can be frequent but most hotels are equipped with generators.
You can bring an external battery and a headlamp if you use other modes of accommodation.
Payment for excursions & safaris
How to pay for excursions with One Love Tours & Safari?
- Cash: euros, dollars or shillings
- Credit card: dollars or shillings
- Bank transfer: euros
Payment in installments possible.
For precise details (when, how much, how), contact us directly.
Is it possible to combine a trip to Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania?
Yes, and it’s actually one of the most popular combinations for visiting Tanzania. Zanzibar and Tanzania’s major national parks are easily accessible from one another, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds in a single trip.
From Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania is about an hour’s flight away. We organise safaris departing directly from the island, with airport transfers, domestic flights and accommodation included depending on the package; you don’t have to organise a thing.
The most popular parks from Zanzibar are the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Selous (Nyerere) for those seeking a less crowded safari experience.
A typical trip combines a few days of beach and activities in Zanzibar, followed by 2 to 5 days on safari, depending on your budget and preferences. Whether you prefer private or shared tours, anything is possible.
Contact us directly for a personalised quote; we are based in Zanzibar and available 7 days a week.