Because this is your last chance to enjoy Zanzibar during its peak season occurring from June till September, and given that it has been recently a destination on the rise among Egyptians given its beauty, diversity, ease of entry procedures, and affordable prices, we have put together a guide to help you plan the perfect holiday in Zanzibar.

GETTING THERE

Your options are;

• Fly from Cairo to Dar Es Salam, then book separately -which is a cheaper option- your domestic flight from Dar Es Salam to Zanzibar, for a duration of half an hour
• Fly from Cairo to Dar Es Salam, then book online a STOL (stands for “Short Take-off and Landing”) flight from Dar Es Salam to Zanzibar, these flights do not fly high, and can only accommodate 20 passengers per flight, it’s cheaper than regular domestic flights, however, you don’t have the luxury of carrying more than one checked-in luggage, it’s only a 20 minutes journey, and you don’t have to show up early to catch your flight, 10-15 minutes before departure are more than enough, and the experience is overwhelming.
• Fly from Cairo to Dar Es Salam, then take a 2 hours ferry boat from Dar Es Salam to Zanzibar worth of US$ 35 to 40, however, when the tide is high you could suffer from seasickness, and end up wasting up to five hours instead of two. Also, booking early is key, it’s always better to book online, as in my case I arrived late at the port, after the last ferry-boat left, so I had two options; whether spend a night in Dar Es Salam -which isn’t the coolest option, unless hungry for a mouthwatering Ethiopian meal-, or to book a STOL flight from one of the offices at the ferry port.

**Beware of touts & scams at the port though**

GETTING AROUND

• Taxi: always negotiate the price before hopping on
• Tuk-Tuk: same applies as taxis
• Dala: the Tanzanian version of Egyptian microbuses known in Kenya as matatu 🙂

WHEN TO GO

• June
• July
• August
• September

CURRENCY

The local currency is Tanzanian shillings (TZS), so bring along U.S. Dollars or Euros widely used in Zanzibar, however, it’s better to have them exchanged into TZS at any money exchange office only to make sure that you are paying at fair rates.

EGP 1.00 = TZS 248 (a bottle of soda would cost you something around TZS 1500)

LANGUAGE

Swahili also is known as Kiswahili, with a mix of Arabic, English is widely spoken as well.

LEARN SOME SWAHILI

• Jambo or Karibu: a friendly hello
• Mambo: what’s up?
• Habari: how are you?
• Nzuri: I’m good
• Poa: Cool
• Poa kichizi com dizi: Crazy cool like a banana
• Hakuna Matata: no worries, or no problem
• Asante Sana: thank you very much
• Rafiki: my friend
• Mzungu: white person (refers to foreigner or tourist)
• Pole: slowly (you will hear it a lot when climbing a mountain in Tanzania or Kenya)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

VACCINATION & IMMUNIZATION

It’s advisable to call Vacsera to ask about all required vaccines, and to get your shots at least 10 days before you travel

• Yellow fever shot: you cannot enter Tanzania without it, and you will have to show your International Yellow Certificate that proves that you received it. For information call: 02 35720451/322.
• Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Cholera from Vacsera: are not a must, however you are required to take them 
• Malaria pills

**Don’t throw the certificate away as it’s valid for 10 years, and you must get your vaccinations 10 to 14 days before traveling**

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR EGYPTIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS

1. Visa upon arrival for a 50 USD$ fee -paid in U.S. dollars
2. To skip the airport queues you can apply at the embassy which doesn’t require any appointment, and it’s at 10 Anass Ibn Malek off Shehab St., Mohandessin (Phone: 02 33374155)

• a valid passport
• 2 passport photos
• HR Letter
• Flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• 2 applications to be filled at the embassy
• Fees of EGP400 paid in cash

WHAT TO EXPECT IN

STONE TOWN

• Around 20 to 30 minutes from the ferry port or the domestic airport
• The labrynthine-like is where city life lies & where you will get a real feel of the Zanzibari culture by shopping at local markets & authentic boutiques, witnessing handicrafts in the making, eating street-food, and be part of their daily life routine
• Stone Town is not a place to enjoy the ocean or beach experience, it’s the capital city, one that is more or less walkable
• With possible day trips by boat to some neighboring islands & villages

Stone Town

THE COAST

Near the coast is a totally different experience where you’ll basically be surrounded by tourists, some basic, mid-range or luxurious resorts, & beach stays, scenic restaurants, animal sanctuaries, and more.

Heading to the Rock Restaurant

THE EAST COAST

Uroa Village; a small fishing village that has a selection of resorts on the southern, and northern sides

THE NORTHERN TIP

• Kendwa & Nungwi: both are highly populated by tourists, with beach bars all around, and beach restaurants as well. Kendwa is where Fullmoon parties take place, and this is where the happening is. Beware that the road to Nungwi is HELL! Better do it on foot from Kendwa beaches, all the way to Nungwi’s.
• Matemwe: to the northeast lies this beautiful small village that has a selection of good value for money accommodation, and not far from Mnemba Island  hub for snorkeling, and diving

**Mnemba Island is the ultimate getaway especially loved by honeymooners**

THE SOUTHEAST

• Paje: is the liveliest village on the southeast coast; a youth hub famous for its sandy beach, water-sports, great restaurants, and most of all its colorful coral reefs best explored through diving
• Jambiani: a quieter option compared to Paje with a selection of hotels, and guesthouses, along with good restaurants
• Makunduchi: is for those who want to escape the crowds of the north, hosting every July the “Mwaka Kogwa” festival which has a traditional significance
• Michamvi:  same as Makunduchi, which is the best place to witness the sunset on the shores of the famous Rock Restaurant -which offers an experience to remember, and mouth-watering food.

**Note that Zanzibar is also home to a selection of  high-end luxurious resorts, bungalows with plunge pools, and private villas**

WHERE TO STAY

A night in an inn or a B&B which would be a very basic stay would cost you something around US$ 40-50 per person per night in a single room, however, your stay in a 3 to a 4-star hotel would cost you US$ 60 to 90 per person in a single room.

Important notice: Make sure to read enough reviews before deciding on your stay, because some hotels can be high in star rating, or relatively expensive however not the best.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

STONE TOWN

If you do not get past the alleyways you would see nothing more than restaurants, coffee shops, shops, and hotels, the further you go beyond the touristic area the more you will be surrounded by local markets selling all kind of goods; spices, seafood, raw beef, fruits, and vegetables, textiles, you name it!

The Doors of Stone Town

• House Of Wonders (Bayt Al-Ajayeb)
• Former Slave Market
• The Old Fort
• Darajani Market
• Marvel at the doors
• The Cathedral
• Forodhani Food Market happening in Forodhani Garden at night

TRIPS & DAY TRIPS FROM STONE TOWN

Prison Island

• Safari Blue: No matter how touristic it is, this one cannot be missed, it’s a full-day trip where you will sail a boat, sunbathe, & swim at Kwale Island while enjoying an authentic seafood meal and taste up to 15 exotic fruits, swim near mangroves, kayak, & watch dolphins in their natural habitat
• Jozani Forest: to see Colobus Monkeys only found in Zanzibar, and on Mount Kilimanjaro
• Spices Tour: you can’t go to Zanzibar Island, known as Spices Island without getting a taste of spices
• Prison Island: no you wouldn’t get inside a prison, and try to lock yourself in, you’d see what’s now remaining of a place once used as quarantine for those infected by yellow fever, but that’s not it, you will get the chance to jump off a cliff, and play with giant tortoises who have been living since World War I.

THE COAST

 Photo courtesy: Geof Wilson

• Relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming
• Scuba diving or snorkeling
• Cycling
• Kayaking
• Kite-surfing
• Yoga & Meditation
• Hopping on a sunset sailing trip in a traditional Dhow

BEST RESTAURANTS, BARS & COFFEE SHOPS

Capuccino at Zanzibar Coffee House

• Africa House Hotel: Other than a magnificent view of the Indian ocean especially at sunset, their Capricciosa virgin cocktail -passion fruit juice sweetened with sugar with a pinch of lemon- is to die for
• 6 Degrees: not serving the best Tanzanian cuisine, however their burgers, and virgin cocktails are to die for
• The Silk Route: Though the place serves Indian food at its best, you will be greeted by Masai people at the door, then be seated in an India like atmosphere
• Double Tree: went there while it was too late to order, but it looked like a good restaurant, I loved the setting
• Zanzibar Coffee House: downstairs it’s a cafe serving freshly ground, and brewed coffee, upstairs is an authentic boutique hotel with each room named after the way the coffee is prepared; Machiatto, Latte, etc.
• The Rock Restaurant: Call it a tourist trap, your visit to Zanzibar without going to this place. Yes, food is expensive but the quality and sea views are worth every penny.

WHERE TO SHOP?

Stone Town

Haggling is key!

• Street vendors
• Darajani Market: Spices, fabrics, etc
• Upendo: Zanzibari products made with love
• Memoirs Of Zanzibar: very touristic, and expect to pay more than you should, however, if you are running out of time, or don’t like to go through haggling, and price negotiation, that’s would be the place to be
• On the beaches, you can buy shawls and beachwear

**Beware of pickpockets, and scams!**

WHAT TO BUY?

• Colorful fabrics, textiles, and Kanga
• Fishermen pants
• Earrings
• Statues
• Paintings: don’t fret, they will only sell you the painting without the frame so you’d easily carry it folded in your luggage
• Mirror Frames
• Chests
• Coffee blends/ beans
• Masala Tea
• Spices coffee

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK?

A bottle of Tangawizi

• Tangawizi: Non-alcoholic ginger beer, the intense version of ginger ale
• Fanta Passion Fruit or Pine-Nut
• Pilau Rice: flavored with a special mix of spices made on the island
• Passion fruit juice at Africa House Hotel
• Seafood, this is the land of seafood
• Masala Tea
• Spices Coffee

*all photos without photo credits are courtesy of Passainte Assem.

Now, are you ready to plan your trip to Zanzibar?! Start booking right here!

About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie, and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips, and photographs to give you a real sense of place.