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Your ultimate travel guide to paradise!

Travel guide

Temperature on Zanzibar

The temperature in Zanzibar allows you to enjoy vacations practically 365 days a year. There are dry and rainy seasons, but the rainy season doesn’t mean continuous rainfall. Sometimes, it only rains for a few hours during the day, and the rest of the time, you can still enjoy beautiful weather.

During the day, temperatures very rarely drop below 25°C. Nights are slightly cooler, but the temperature seldom goes below 20°C. The temperature of the water varies from 23 to 27°C.

How long does the flight to Zanzibar take?

The island of Zanzibar can only be reached by plane. Direct flights are available from, for example, Dubai (5 hours 30 minutes). Travelers from many other destinations, such as London (13 hours) and New York (19 hours), will require layovers.

When planning your route, you have many options to consider. We suggest purchasing a flight with a maximum of two layovers. This will help you avoid a 30-hour journey.

Zanzibella Hotel & Spa offers airport pickup and transportation, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the hotel and can focus solely on relaxing!

Check the availability of our apartments: Booking

When is the best time to fly to Zanzibar?

If you can’t decide when to visit Zanzibar, we recommend planning your trip between June and August. During this time, you can be sure to enjoy perfect conditions for relaxation. Additionally, these months often coincide with the summer holiday period in many countries.

If you dream of a bit of sunshine during the winter when the weather is not very pleasant, we suggest choosing December. During that time, the temperature in Zanzibar hovers around 28°C. Occasionally, there may be some rainfall, but it’s not too intense and might even be pleasant amidst the high temperatures.

Check if we have apartments available for these dates: Booking

Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar is a breathtaking archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. It is situated 40 km off the coast of Africa and administratively belongs to Tanzania. Zanzibar comprises over 50 islands, with the largest ones being Unguja and Pemba.

Beautiful, natural, and vibrant wildlife. An incredibly diverse culture shaped over the centuries with African, Arab, and Indian influences. These days European influences also play a significant role, but Zanzibar remains a fascinating place, full of magic and remarkable places that you have to see.

Zanzibella Hotel is located on the island of Unguja in the town of Kiwengwa. Check out the attractions the island offers: Local atractions

Pre-departure travel guide

Currency and Payments in Zanzibar

The official currency used in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, in most places, you can also pay in US dollars. 1 USD is approximately 2700 Tanzanian Shillings.

ATMs are available in Zanzibar, but there are not too many of them. You’ll find more ATMs in Stone Town, the only city on the island, which is also its capital. Due to the most favorable exchange rates, it’s recommended to exchange cash there.

When exchanging currency, it’s better to exchange US dollars (bills) with denominations of 50 and 100 USD. You will then receive a better rate. Make sure that the bills are issued after 2010, as older ones will not be accepted. Of course, at Zanzibella Hotel, we can assist you with all matters related to your trip, including payment issues.

Debit cards are accepted in hotels, higher quality restaurants, and often in souvenir shops for tourists. However, a small commission may be charged when paying with a card.

It’s always a good idea to carry some small change for minor expenses or tips for the many helpers. A standard $5 tip can very often help you get things done. 🙂

How to dress in Zanzibar?

Due to the high temperatures, lightweight and breathable clothing will be most suitable. For women, scarves or pareos will be ideal, which can be simply worn over a swimsuit. You can buy them locally, and they come in beautiful colors. Men can opt for shorts, thin t-shirts, or linen shirts.

In Zanzibar, sunbathing topless is not allowed. Outside the hotel premises and the beach, shoulders and knees should be covered. To avoid burning your feet during walks, it is a good idea to wear flip-flops or sandals. Water shoes will also come in handy, as there are sea urchins in some parts of the island. Moreover, on beaches farther away from our hotel, you can encounter rocky surfaces. Don’t forget to bring a hat or a cap. Headwear protects you from overheating and adds style to your outfit!

Safety and Healthcare in Zanzibar

There are a few things to be mindful of in Zanzibar. The main concern is the risk of sunburn. However, appropriate clothing and sunscreen with a good SPF will suffice to protect yourself from it. Don’t forget to wear good sunglasses with strong UV protection as well.

It is necessary to ensure proper hydration of the body. You should always carry a large water bottle with you. In the tropical climate, we tend to sweat more, and our bodies lose more water.

Malaria cases in Zanzibar are extremely rare. Activities to combat mosquito habitats are carried out here regularly with special measures. Nevertheless, it’s still advisable to use mosquito repellents, as well as mosquito nets after dusk, wear light-colored clothing (but not in bright colors), and avoid using sweet, floral-scented perfumes.

Zanzibar has full access to healthcare services. If necessary, we will assist you in getting to a first-aid doctor. The facility is located in the town where our hotel is situated. On the island, there is also access to European medicines, and in Stone Town, there is a specialized, well-equipped hospital.

Do I need to get vaccinated to fly to Zanzibar?

Currently, there are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers to Zanzibar and Tanzania. However, there are a few recommended vaccinations.

    These include vaccinations against:
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid
  • Diphtheria
  • Viral hepatitis

Vaccination against yellow fever is not required for individuals arriving from European countries. It is only mandatory for tourists coming from other African countries.

Before your departure, we recommend contacting your local Travel Medicine facility. These institutions can provide more detailed information. It’s also essential to check the conditions set by your insurance company, as they may require certain vaccinations.