Zanzibar Travel FAQ: 13 Questions About Tides, Spices, and Stone Town
Zanzibar requires more planning than most beach destinations. The tidal patterns alone can make or break your experience if you pick the wrong coast. Here's everything I wish I'd known.
Q: Which coast should I stay on?
A: This is the most important decision you'll make.
Reliably swimmable water unaffected by tides. White sand. The most popular beaches. More hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Sunset dhow cruises. This is the safe choice for a first visit.
North coast (Nungwi, Kendwa):
East coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe): Extreme tidal changes — the water can recede 1-2 km at low tide, leaving seaweed farms exposed. Swimming is only possible at high tide. But it's quieter, cheaper, more authentic, and Paje is the island's kitesurfing capital. Check tide tables with an app like "Tides Near Me."
Stone Town: Not a beach destination. Stay here for culture, food, and history — 1-2 nights is ideal.
My recommendation: 2 nights Stone Town + 4-5 nights Nungwi or split between coasts.
Q: Is Zanzibar safe?
A: Very safe for tourists. It's Level 1 ("Exercise Normal Precautions") — one of the safest destinations in East Africa. Normal precautions apply: don't walk alone on beaches at night, don't flash expensive electronics, lock hotel safes. Stone Town's alleys can be confusing — hire a local guide (~$20 USD) for your first exploration.
Q: What about malaria?
A: Zanzibar is in a malaria zone. Take antimalarial medication (consult your doctor before travel — start medication before arrival). Use DEET-based repellent after sunset. Sleep under treated mosquito nets (most hotels provide them). Risk is lower June-October (dry season) but never zero.
Also bring antihistamines for sandfly bites on the beach. They're not dangerous but incredibly itchy.
Q: How do I get there?
A: Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Direct flights from Dar es Salaam (20 minutes), Nairobi, and some European cities. If coming from mainland Tanzania, you won't go through immigration again — Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Most nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada) get a visa on arrival for $50 USD (single entry, 90 days). Pay in cash — USD only — or apply online at immigration.go.tz. Bring the exact amount.
Q: What's the dress code?
A: Zanzibar is 95%+ Muslim. In Stone Town and villages, cover shoulders and knees (both genders). Bikinis and swimwear are fine at resort beaches but not appropriate in town. During Ramadan, don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
For context on traveling in Muslim-majority destinations, Marrakech has similar dress code expectations in its medina.
Q: What currency should I bring?
A: US dollars. Hotels, tours, and taxis all quote in USD. Bring crisp post-2006 bills ($50 and $100 get better exchange rates — smaller bills get worse rates). ATMs exist in Stone Town but can be unreliable and charge fees. Credit cards work at upscale hotels only.
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is used for local purchases. Street food, dala dalas, and small shops use TZS.
Q: How do I get around the island?
A: Options from cheapest to most comfortable:
Dala dala (minibus): TZS 2,000-5,000 (~$1-2 USD). Leave when full. Stone Town to Nungwi ~1.5 hours. Adventurous.
Private taxi: ~$30-40 USD Stone Town to Nungwi. Negotiate the price before getting in.
Hotel transfer: Most comfortable. Book through your hotel.
Rental scooter: ~$15/day. Roads are rough and poorly lit at night. Helmet laws are loosely enforced.
Q: What should I eat?
A: The Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town is essential — open every evening at sunset. Zanzibar pizza (stuffed crepe, TZS 5,000-8,000), octopus skewers (TZS 3,000-5,000), grilled lobster (TZS 15,000-25,000), and urojo soup (TZS 3,000). Most items cost $1-4 USD.
For restaurants: The Tea House at Emerson Spice in Stone Town (sunset dinner with views, $30-50 per person), Lukmaan in Stone Town (local food, incredible value, TZS 5,000-8,000 per plate), and the beach restaurants at Nungwi for fresh seafood.
A: Yes. Half-day tours (~$20-30 USD including transport and lunch) visit farms where you smell, taste, and identify 15+ spices in their natural form. Cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, lemongrass, cardamom. The lunch cooked with farm spices is one of the best meals you'll have.
Book through your hotel — most operators are similar. Morning is better (before the heat).
Q: What's the best snorkeling/diving?
A: Mnemba Atoll — a private island with some of the best snorkeling in East Africa. Day trips from Nungwi cost $35-50 USD for snorkeling, $80-100 for two-tank diving. Dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical reef fish. June-October has the calmest seas and best visibility.
For closer options, the reef at Nungwi beach itself has decent snorkeling at high tide.
For world-class diving elsewhere, Bali and the Amalfi Coast both offer exceptional underwater experiences.
Q: How many days do I need?
A: Minimum 5 days: 1-2 nights Stone Town (spice tour, Forodhani market, old town exploration) + 3-4 nights at the beach (Nungwi or east coast). A week lets you add Jozani Forest (red colobus monkeys, $12 entry), a dhow sunset cruise (~$25-40 USD), and the Prison Island giant tortoises.
10 days is ideal if you want both coasts and genuine relaxation.
Q: What's the biggest mistake tourists make?
A: Booking an east coast resort without understanding the tides. I've seen travelers arrive at a beautiful resort in Paje, walk to the "beach," and find the water 2 km away because it's low tide. The seaweed farms are exposed and swimming is impossible.
If you want guaranteed swimming, stay on the north coast (Nungwi or Kendwa). If you're going east, download a tide app and plan your beach days around high tide.
