3 Days 2 Nights Zanzibar Holiday

Yes, it is safe to travel to Zanzibar Islands. This is one of the safest African destinations, even for solo female travelers. The Zanzibar Archipelago is part of Tanzania, which is one of the most stable African countries. Tanzania is ranked as the most peaceful country in East Africa, in fact. The local people are generally welcoming and laid-back. Thanks to the picture-perfect beaches, sunny weather and rich culture Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination. Thus, it features all the necessary tourism infrastructure for a comfortable and safe holiday. Many international travelers enjoy their time on the islands so much that they return time and again. The only annoyance you are likely to encounter on Zanzibar is the Maasai hawkers pushing their wares, sometimes over-zealously. The best way to deal with these persistent salesmen is to firmly decline and not give them attention. If you feel harassed report the problem to your lodge or tour company so that they can assis

• Dress appropriately and respect Muslim cultural norms.
• Don’t take your valuables to the beach.
• Lock your valuables in the hotel safe when you go out.
• Don’t walk around alone after dark.
• Check with your lodge or trusted locals if there are any crime hotspots at the time of your travels. Certain beaches, like the stretch between Kendwa and Nungwi, are known as hotspots.
• Stay alert in Stone Town to prevent falling prey to pick-pockets and bag snatchers.

Yes, Zanzibar is very safe for swimming. The Indian Ocean is warm and the waves tend to be small. Zanzibar is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Conditions do vary from beach to beach and season to season, but overall many of Zanzibar’s beaches are ideal for swimming. Depending on the tides, there can sometimes be seaweed in the water, particularly along the East Coast. You may also encounter sea urchins in the rocky shallows (especially at low tide). Watch where you walk and wear booties (diving boots) to protect your feet.

There are reef sharks in Zanzibar which are harmless. Then at Mafia Island, you can swim with whale sharks. These sharks are endangered and safe to swim and dive with. Lastly, great white sharks are occasionally spotted in the deep waters but there have been no shark attacks recorded.

Erring on the side of caution, the answer is no. Muggings and robberies do happen, especially in dark alleys at night. So, don’t walk around by yourself at night. Only take registered taxis or taxis recommended by trusted locals and friends. Alternatively, you can arrange an escort, to walk with you, at some hotels and restaurants.

The best time to go to Zanzibar is from mid-winter to spring or in mid-summer (Southern Hemisphere timing). These are Zanzibar’s dry seasons. The long dry season is over winter and spring and the short dry season is in mid-summer. Remember this is a tropical region which means the cooler temperatures of winter are still warm. So, you’ll still enjoy pleasant beach weather.

June to September/October are the best months to visit Zanzibar Islands. This is when you’re most likely to get clear blue skies and balmy temperatures. If you struggle with heat and humidity then the sunny winter-to-spring dry season is the best time to visit Zanzibar. Mid-December, January and February are also ideal months to visit Zanzibar. These months fall in the short dry season which offers the best weather for sun-worshipers who like hot weather. During these months you’re likely to experience clear skies, little if any rain and high temperatures. In early December you may still get some rain, usually in the form of intermittent afternoon rain showers. By mid-December, the afternoon rain showers are less frequent but the holiday crowds haven’t arrived yet. Thus mid-December is an excellent time for a summer holiday on Zanzibar, without the masses. If you are planning your Zanzibar holiday for November to February then stay on the southwest coastlines, because prevailing monsoons come from the northeast. For Zanzibar holidays during the southwest monsoon season (June to October) head to the northeast coastline.

From July to August and February to April are the best times to go scuba diving on Zanzibar Islands. April is, however, the rainiest month, so think twice about visiting then.

Avoid traveling to Zanzibar during the two rainy seasons–November and March to May. This is when NOT to visit Zanzibar. The main rainy season is from mid-March to May. The rains usually peak in April, so avoid visiting in this month. Also known as the long rains this season entails tropical downpours in the afternoons. These showers can be heavy on any of the islands in the Archipelago. The humidity is also high and the average temperatures climb to the mid-30°s Celcius. The short rains usually fall from November to early December and are less intense than the long rains. In the years when the short rains arrive on time, it dries up from mid-to-late December to February and starts again in March.

People often ask us if Zanzibar holidays are expensive. The simple answer is no. You can definitely visit Zanzibar on a budget. The international flights to Tanzania are likely to be the single biggest expense of a trip to Zanzibar Islands. The best way to save money on your Zanzibar Island holiday is thus to keep an eye out for flight specials to Tanzania and even flight deals to Zanzibar, direct. From Dar es Salaam on the mainland of Tanzania, you can then take the affordable ferry or fly to Stone Town on Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express for your safari deposit. The remaining balance to be paid on your arravial

On a tight budget, you can spend as little as $45 to $50 USD per day on a Zanzibar holiday. That’s a cost estimate based on simple, no-frills accommodation in hostels and basic beach huts, and meals at local restaurants and food stalls. Travel blogger, Lauren, from Never Ending Footsteps spent an average of $51,53 USD per day on her Zanzibar holiday in 2020. That excludes her return flights from London to Tanzania ($491) and Dar es Salaam to Stone Town ($80). Lauren’s $51,53 daily budget included local transport, food, accommodation, travel insurance, a guide book and a total of $176 on activities/ entry fees at attractions. Some pretty impressive budgeting! On a less frugal budget plan for $50 to $100 USD per day. That’s a more middle-of-the-road holiday budget at mid-range establishments. Based on Budget Your Trip data from actual travellers a one-week Zanzibar holiday for two people costs an average of $643 USD (about $92 USD a day for two). Based on the daily average expenditure of previous visitors Zanzibar holiday expenses are as follows:

1. $15 on meals per day
2. $10 on local transport per day
3. $44 on hotel accommodation per couple per night

Essentially “Zanzibar is one of those destinations that can fit into any budget!” as the seasoned traveller, Wandering Earl put it.

Of course, yes! Zanzibar is a bucket-list African destination for excellent reasons.

Yes, Zanzibar is a fantastic beach holiday destination. It is also an excellent value-for-money destination with lots of character and rich history. The culture is colourful and interesting. The old architecture is unique and the beaches are beautiful. Zanzibar also offers authentic experiences and unusual adventures which make it an unforgettable island holiday spot.

Yes, certain vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania and Zanzibar. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend the following vaccinations for Tanzania and Zanzibar

1. hepatitis (A and B)
2. typhoid
3. cholera
4. yellow fever*
5. rabies
6. meningitis
7. tetanus