Articles & Adventures
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Are you in search of an authentic African adventure? Look no further than the captivating island of Zanzibar, nestled within Tanzania’s embrace. This place is straight-up lit, offering a rich tapestry of cultures, pristine beaches, bougie accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. Zanzibar is the ultimate VIP escape in East Africa, welcoming you to join the travel tribe and discover:
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- Breathtaking Beaches: Zanzibar’s coastline is where it’s at, with some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Sink your toes into the powdery sands of Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach, or Paje Beach. Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, diving, or simply soaking up those beach diva vibes.
- Spice of Life: Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar invites you to explore its aromatic spice farms. Embark on a spice tour to uncover the origins of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and other exotic spices.
- Stone Town’s Charm: Transport yourself back in time as you wander through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lose yourself in its labyrinthine streets, brimming with history, culture, and mouth watering street food.
- Swahili Culture: Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Swahili people and partake in their vibrant traditions. Don’t miss the chance to savor Swahili cuisine—a delectable fusion of flavors.
- Exquisite Resorts: Indulge in luxury at Zanzibar’s world-class resorts, such as the Zuri Zanzibar or the Essque Zalu Zanzibar, where you’ll live that ocean-view dream in style.
- Marine Marvels: Dive into Zanzibar’s underwater wonderland, teeming with marine life. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with dolphins, and, if you’re fortunate, encounter gentle giants like whale sharks.
Travel Guides
AVERAGE COST
Suggested daily budget – $75-150 USD
Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a 3-4 star hotel, eating out, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips above, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier 5 star specialty lodging or fine dining, expect this to be higher!
Actual Cost for Our Trip to Zanzibar
The daily total includes all lodging, food, booze, transportation, sightseeing, visas, etc. I don’t include the money I spend on gifts for friends and I do not include the flight price.
$110.17 / day
6 days in October 2021
We spent 5 days in the beachy areas of Kiwengwa and Nungwi & 1 night in Stone Town.
| Lodging (shared) | Food | Booze | Transportation | Activities | Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $271 (✓) | $61 | $29 | $55 | $145 | $100 |
Currency:
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the local currency, with 1 USD approximately equal to 2,300 TZS. Cash rules everything around here.
To make the most of your Zanzibar adventure, plan your trip during the dry season, which runs from June to October. That’s when the rain chills out, the wildlife is poppin’, and the mosquito squad is off duty. But if you’re all about those budget-friendly moves, hit up the wet season (November to May) for some epic deals.
Events in Zanzibar
February: Sauti za Busara Music Festival: Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of African and International music at this lively festival, featuring captivating live performances.
June: Zanzibar Seafood Festival: Indulge in a delectable array of fresh seafood dishes and culinary delights against the backdrop of Zanzibar’s coastal charm.
July: Mwaka Kogwa (July 13th): Join the celebration of Shirazi New Year in Makunduchi with traditional rituals and festivities that showcase Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage. Zanzibar International Film Festival: Explore the world of cinema with this renowned festival, featuring a diverse selection of films from around the globe.
October: Swahili Food Festival: Delight in the flavors of Swahili cuisine during this culinary festival, offering a taste of Zanzibar’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Monthly: Full Moon Party @ Kendwa Rocks Hotel: Get ready to dance the night away at the monthly Full Moon Party, hosted at Kendwa Rocks Hotel. Check their website for specific event dates, typically during the first or last week of each month.
Language: Swahili and English are the official languages of Zanzibar.
Plugs: Zanzibar uses Type D and Type G power plugs, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. For foreign travelers, I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers.
Visas: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and follows the same visa and entry requirements as the mainland. Entry visas can be purchased on arrival at the airport or online as e-visas. The cost is $100 for US citizens.
VPN: Make sure you have a VPN installed on your laptop and phone before you arrive.
Safety First: Zanzibar is generally chill for travelers but watch out for petty theft. Keep your gear locked down and stashed away to avoid any hiccups.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available, just make sure to lock in the fare before you hit the road.
BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES
Pro Tip: Beware of Beach Boys
- Zanzibar is famous for its beach boys who frequent the shores, offering day trips and various goods to tourists. Nungwi is ground zero for beach boy action, where you’ll be dealing with them daily. Most of ’em will back off if you say you’re not interested, but some can get hella aggressive. Politeness is usually enough to deter them.
- Surprisingly, flexing your haggling skills with beach boys can often score you sweeter deals on tours. It’s like a direct line, skipping the middleman—the hotels—who typically rely on beach boys for their tour offerings and tend to charge a premium.
For example, we booked an all-day tour to three different locations for 2 people through a beach boy for less than the hotel’s price for a tour to a single location for 1 person.
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