Zanzibar are two small, idyllic islands off the east coast of Africa. A place where incredible natural beauty is the main attraction.
The archipelago belonging to Tanzania, It is divided into two large islands: Pemba and Unguja, the latter being the most popular and touristy. Access is super easy. If you want to take a trip to Zanzibar there are daily flights and Ferry Boats from Dar Es Salaam (closest coastal town) that take tourists in and out every day.
For those who prefer to fly, the airport is about five minutes away by Stone Town, the center of Zanzibar, and starting point for those arriving on the island.
travel for Zanzibar is to know that there is a point super known by the kitesurf. So get ready to see, in addition to tourists, many practitioners who fill the beach and color the oceans.
Don't forget travel insurance!
Click here and hire the ideal plan for your trip at the best prices!
Getting around in Zanzibar
You can cross the island by public transport, on the famous Dalla Dalla. A bus/truck combination that carries people voiced in the back. If you have large suitcases or are over 1,80m tall, you will not enjoy the experience.
The cost does make it worth it. A trip like this costs from 1500 to 2000 shillings – local currency, just under 1 US dollar. But I've seen tourists being charged up to 4000 with the excuse that they have to pay for their luggage.
Be careful, this is not true: the only fact is that in Zanzibar, as in many other places, tourists are always targets of exploitation and opportunism.
Travel cost to Zanzibar
The money is Shilings and nothing is too cheap there, but it is possible to make the trip good value for money. I spent, in almost 15 days, about 500 reais.
A taxi to cross the island, for example, can charge 30 to 40 US dollars, but if you have more people to share the price lowers per head.
At the international airport, which receives direct flights from Europe, they charge 50, 60 US dollars in a taxi to take you to the beaches. In other words, taxi drivers take advantage of newcomers!
So if you want to save money, get ready for an adventure and hop on a Dala Dala!
What language is spoken in Zanzibar?
The official language is swahili and the English. However, there are still in some places, many who do not master the American language. It depends where you are. But most of the population can communicate in English, as it is a necessity due to all the tourism in the region. So you shouldn't have any big problems.
Stone Town, The Main City
Stone Town it is the main town, in the center of the island, and a historic town, popular for its architecture. Formed by small paths that cross without direction and form a labyrinth where it is impossible not to get lost.
There, you will be dazzled by very old buildings and incredibly beautiful and worked doors, where each one tells a story with their drawings.
Walking these roads reminded me a lot of Varanasi, India (the most magical place I have ever visited). On the one hand, the impression left is that of Stone Town like Varanasi, but without as much spiritual and cultural richness as you see in India.
Stone Town Main Market
Stone Town has a famous market which is the main attraction. But make no mistake: the tour itself is not special.
The most interesting thing I saw was the fish part, which is a little more visually appealing, and the butcher part, where there were, for example, sheep's heads with open eyes. It was something different that left a heavier atmosphere in the environment.
The climate and environment is not the most favorable for a tourist. So it's not very easy to feel comfortable in the midst of so many people and mess, especially when you're a photographer and want to photograph almost everything you see.
If you want to go to a market that is worth it, here's our tip: the main activity for tourists after spending the day getting lost in the alleys is to go to the seafood market.
Go in the late afternoon, it is there that many tourists gather to delight in local food and fish of the day. Unmissable.
two days in Stone Town it's a good size.
travel for Zanzibar knowing that the beaches are the main attraction there and a day in the city already makes your heart ache. The good thing is to discover the natural beauties of the island.
Paje Beach
I stayed for 12 days on the south/east coast of the island, on a beach called shaman. Without a doubt, one of the best beaches I've been to – perhaps the best of all.
The sand is so white it hurts your eyes. The sea with its low and high tide ranges gives the beach two different environments.
Some people find it horrible when the tide goes out, as you have to walk quite a bit to find enough water to cool off.
This is because the temperature out of the water is very high and the desire is to stay in the sea all day. Honestly in a scenario like this, it's impossible to complain.
When the tide starts to rise it brings with it a more pleasant temperature. In addition, canoes and fishermen go back and forth with the tide in search of fish, octopus, lobsters and crabs.
There, the locals try to gather tourists in different hotels and/or hostels to have a famous fish barbecue.
The strategy is as follows: they try to get groups together to sign a list and as soon as they get enough people, they prepare an incredible seafood feast. So if you are approached by someone with that intention, you will not regret it.
Where to Stay on Your Trip to Zanzibar
The hostel I stayed at, New Teddys Place, has its foot in the sand and has excellent service and location!
Things to do in Zanzibar
On the island there are dozens of tours that you can do. The good thing is that you don't need to book anything in advance. You can rest assured that no matter where you are, someone will approach you trying to convince you to try one of their tours.
They are all super friends and the approach is very funny. You realize that everyone acts the same, arrives as friends and suddenly they start offering you all kinds of activities.
The most popular tours I've seen are:
- Dolphin Tour: Swim with dolphins in the south of the island swim c
- Blue Safari: Enjoy a snorkel on a sandbar in the middle of the sea and then enjoy a nice lunch on one of the nearby islands.
- rison Island: Learn and visit a little more of the local culture and history, in addition to seeing the giant tortoises (tortoises) that only exist in Zanzibar.
- Spice Tour: Get to know in depth the origin of the typical seasonings of the region. Spice is a product and trademark here on the island.
So, ready to make a trip to zanzibar? Comment here!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO Africa
Are you full of things to think about and still have to plan your entire trip? Or you've seen it all, but you're feeling that familiar "maybe I've forgotten something?" So calm down, we'll help you with some items you can't forget before boarding. Come on?
Have you already purchased your air ticket?
Where to buy: PROMO TICKETS
Looking for a good deal and flight prices? When buying tickets to Africa, it is worth taking a look at the Passages Promo website. It is quite common to find cheaper and better flight options than on other sites. We always use and is it worth it?
Have you already booked your accommodation?
Where to buy: BOOKING.COM
If you haven't booked your stay, the tip is to compare hotels, hostels and inns through Booking.com. This is the largest hotel booking platform in the world, ensuring a safe experience and great accommodation deals.
#StayHip: Keep an eye out for 'Smart Deals', which only last for one day. Some amazing hotels offer great discounts using this badge on the platform. If you find a good deal, is it worth closing?
Travel Insurance is ESSENTIAL
Where to buy: INSURANCE PROMO
Have you ever thought about having to pay medical expenses or having to shell out fortunes for setbacks on the trip? We already know of several cases of people who have gone through this.
Although travel insurance is not mandatory to enter the Africa, hiring a plan is highly recommended. Travel Insurance is cheap and a necessary investment to get rid of bigger problems that can happen during the holidays.
To find good travel insurance, compare prices and coverage on Promo insurance.
#StayHip: Save 10% on your travel insurance. Use the FORTRAVELOVERS coupon to get a 5% discount and pay with boleto to guarantee an additional 5% OFF.
How to have unlimited internet while traveling
Where to Buy: AMERICA CHIP
Did you know that it's getting easier – and cheaper – to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?
Just ask for an international cell phone chip at America Chip. We always use and love it! They send a SIM card to your address in España, you insert it in your cell phone when you arrive at your destination and you have unlimited internet throughout the trip.
#StayHip: Save on car GPS rental and use GoogleMaps and Waze with your unlimited internet?
Rent cars at the best prices
Where to rent: RENTCARS
We really like RentCars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!
#Here's a tip: Try to find cars with full car and third party insurance coverage. Thus, you avoid inopportune surprises when picking up the car.
Also, be very smart when closing with other car rental comparisons. That's because prices are usually charged in dollars and close with your card. If the dollar goes up, the price of your car rental goes up too.
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