Zanzibar Travel Advice

Travel to Tanzania


Health Surveillance Form requirements.

All international passengers entering Zanzibar must complete an online Health Surveillance Form before departure.

International passengers entering mainland Tanzania from/through the Republic of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must complete an online Health Surveillance Form.

Passengers travelling within Tanzania may be asked to complete an online Domestic Departure Health Surveillance Form before a domestic departure or on arrival at a domestic destination on a flight originating in Tanzania.

COVID-19 requirements

Tanzania has dropped entry requirements. Quarantines, vaccination mandates, and testing have all been scrapped.

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Visas

Tourist or Business visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzania has introduced an ‘e-visas’ system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel. It is no longer possible to get a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in London.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the archipelago’s dry season, from July to September, which is a very popular time to travel. However, it’s worthwhile travelling at most times of year, with balmy temperatures between 28°C and 34°C and sunshine the norm. During the short rains in November and December, downpours are followed by blue skies. It’s only very wet during the peak of the long rains in April and May.
  • Flight Time
    11¾ to 14 hours Zanzibar
  • Recommended Airlines
    Emirates, Oman Air, or Qatar
  • Time Zone
    UTC +3

More Information

Accommodation on Zanzibar

This is where the majority of the hotels are and there are a myriad of beach hotels to choose from. There are some very busy beaches, backed by large resorts which we don’t use. We have driven all round the island and found quiet beaches with small boutique hotels and simple lodges. We’ll drive you across the island to these and you can relax in peace.

Stone Town

Many people staying on Zanzibar combine a longer stay on the beach with a night or two in Stone Town. This is busy and bustling and a very exotic place to explore, to eat out at some fabulous restaurants and pick up a few presents to take back home. There are converted Swahili houses to stay in and we can recommend not only these but the best restaurants and even shops to explore!

Islands of Zanzibar

There are daily flights between Zanzibar Island and Pemba Island, to the north. Flights take about forty minutes. Pemba is a quiet island with only a couple of hotels. It’s an ideal place for divers, snorkellers and people looking to escape to somewhere very quiet. For those that want exclusivity there are a number of small islands surrounding Zanzibar. Reached by boat some have small boutique hotels on whilst others are private islands. These come at a premium but offer the ultimate in accommodation, service and privacy. Finally, for those who want to explore all the islands of the archipelago we have a private yacht for island-hopping in real style.

January

30℃

Average high

February

30℃

Average high

March

31℃

Average high

April

29℃

Average high

May

28℃

Average high

June

28℃

Average high

July

27℃

Average high

August

27℃

Average high

September

28℃

Average high

October

28℃

Average high

November

29℃

Average high

December

30℃

Average high