Your Zanzibar Compass: Everything for Perfect Travel Preparation - Part 1

Zanzibar awaits! Before you pack your bags, discover all the crucial tips and tricks to ensure your exotic escape is perfectly planned.

First Step: Find a flight to Zanzibar: Your Gateway to Paradise

Getting to Zanzibar (ZNZ) is an exciting part of your journey, and while there are no direct flights from most international hubs, a well-planned itinerary with strategic layovers can make the trip smooth and enjoyable. Here's what you can expect from different continents:

From Europe

European travelers have a relatively good selection of airlines and routes to Zanzibar.

Common Airlines: Major carriers include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, TUI fly and Condor (seasonal/charter flights).

Typical Layover Hubs: Expect layovers in major African or Middle Eastern hubs such as:

Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines

Nairobi (NBO) with Kenya Airways

Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines

Dubai (DXB) with Emirates or Flydubai

Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways

Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM

Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa

Flight Duration: Total travel time, including layovers, typically ranges from 10-20 hours. Shorter routes from Western Europe might be closer to 10-14 hours, while those from Northern or Eastern Europe could be longer.

Average Cost (Round-trip): Prices can vary significantly based on departure city, time of year, and how far in advance you book. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from €500 - €900 (approx. $550 - $1000 USD), with deals occasionally found for less. Peak season travel (e.g., December/January) will likely be higher.

From North America

Flights from North America to Zanzibar usually involve at least two stops, given the significant distance.

Common Airlines: Top choices include Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Delta.

Typical Layover Hubs: You'll likely have a layover in Europe or the Middle East, followed by another in Africa:

European cities: London (LHR/LGW), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Istanbul (IST)

Middle Eastern cities: Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB)

African cities: Addis Ababa (ADD), Nairobi (NBO)

Flight Duration: Prepare for a long journey. Total travel time, including layovers, typically ranges from 18-30+ hours. Flights from the East Coast of the US might be on the shorter end, while those from the West Coast or Canada will be longer.

Average Cost (Round-trip): Flights from North America tend to be more expensive. Expect a range of $900 - $1,800+ USD, with deals occasionally falling below or prices rising above this, especially during peak season.

From South America

Traveling from South America to Zanzibar is a less common route and often involves multiple, longer layovers.

Common Airlines: Airlines that facilitate this route typically include Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, LATAM Airlines (connecting to partner airlines in Europe/Middle East).

Typical Layover Hubs: You'll almost certainly connect through major hubs in Europe or the Middle East before heading to Africa.

European cities: Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Istanbul (IST)

Middle Eastern cities: Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB)

African cities: Addis Ababa (ADD)

Flight Duration: This is typically the longest journey. Expect total travel time, including layovers, to be 24-40+ hours.

Average Cost (Round-trip): Flights from South America can be quite variable and often more expensive than from other regions due to fewer direct connections. Expect a general range of $1,200 - $2,500+ USD.

From Australia

Flights from Australia to Zanzibar also involve significant travel time and multiple stops.

Common Airlines: Key airlines serving this route include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines (connecting to partner airlines in Africa/Middle East).

Typical Layover Hubs: Layovers will most often be in the Middle East or Asia, followed by an African hub:

Middle Eastern cities: Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Asian cities: Singapore (SIN)

African cities: Addis Ababa (ADD), Nairobi (NBO)

Flight Duration: Anticipate a long journey, typically ranging from 24-40+ hours total, including layovers.

Average Cost (Round-trip): Flights from Australia are generally among the most expensive due to the distance. Budget for AUD $2,000 - $4,000+ (approx. $1,300 - $2,600+ USD), depending on your departure city and the time of year.

Tips for Booking Your Flight:

• Book in Advance: Especially for longer international flights to a relatively niche destination like Zanzibar, booking several months ahead can yield better prices.

• Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use flight comparison tools to see which days or even months offer the best deals.

• Consider Nearby Airports: Sometimes flying into Dar es Salaam (DAR) on mainland Tanzania and taking a short, inexpensive connecting flight or ferry to Zanzibar can be a more affordable option.

• Use Flight Comparison Websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, beyondparadiseadventures and Momondo are invaluable for comparing prices across multiple airlines and finding the best routes.

• Look for Deals: Sign up for price alerts from airlines or flight deal websites.

• Check Airline Websites Directly: Once you find a good deal on a comparison site, it's often worth checking the airline's own website as they sometimes offer exclusive fares or better flexibility.

Documents & Formalities

• Valid passport - at least 6 months from your date of entry

• Visa apply online (recommended to skip the line) or upon arrival at the airport, online via: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ It is strongly advised to apply at least one month in advance to account for any potential delays. Some sources indicate approval within 3-7 days, but longer times are possible. The standard tourist visa for Zanzibar (Tanzania) costs US $50 for a single-entry and permits a stay of up to 90 days

• Butlers – apply online before arrival via: visitzanzibar.go.tz

  US $44 per adult (valid for a stay of up to 92 days)

  US $22 per child aged 3–17

  Free for children 0–2 years old

  Please note, you'll need to present proof of this insurance when checking in at your original destination airport.

• It's also worth considering travel cancellation insurance, which can cover your costs in case of illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

• For emergencies, you should carry all your essential documents, both as printouts and in digital form (e.g., on your phone, in cloud storage, or on a USB stick).

• Vaccination card

  No vaccines are required unless you're arriving from a yellow fever–risk country. In that case, you must show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

  However, the following vaccines are recommended:

  Hepatitis A & B

  Tetanus/Diphtheria

  COVID-19

Malaria Prophylaxis in Zanzibar: What You Need to Know

Zanzibar has made remarkable progress in reducing its malaria burden over the past decades. The prevalence rate is now very low, significantly less than mainland Tanzania. This is thanks to robust malaria elimination programs (like ZAMEP - Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Programme) that include extensive mosquito control, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and improved diagnosis and treatment.

However, it's important to understand that Zanzibar is NOT malaria-free. There is still a risk of transmission, particularly during and after the rainy seasons (roughly April to June and October to November). Cases can also be imported from mainland Tanzania, which has a higher malaria risk. There have also been recent reports of a slight "rebound" in cases among travelers, making individual assessment even more crucial.

Should You Take Malaria Prophylaxis for Zanzibar?

This is the most common question, and the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no." While the risk is low, most major travel health organizations (like the CDC, WHO, and national health services) still recommend malaria prophylaxis for travelers to Zanzibar, especially for those visiting areas below 1,800m elevation (which covers almost all tourist areas).

Key considerations that influence the recommendation:

• Individual Risk Assessment: Your personal health, age, medical history, and any existing conditions will factor into your doctor's recommendation.

• Duration and Type of Travel: A short stay at a high-end, air-conditioned resort might carry a different risk profile than extended travel in more rural areas or during peak mosquito season.

• Travel to Mainland Tanzania: If your itinerary includes time on the Tanzanian mainland (e.g., for safari), malaria prophylaxis is generally strongly recommended, and this will also cover your time in Zanzibar.

Therefore, the most critical piece of advice is: Consult a Travel Health Professional.

Before your trip, schedule an appointment with your doctor, a travel clinic, or a tropical medicine specialist. They will assess your specific situation and provide the most appropriate advice regarding malaria prophylaxis and other necessary vaccinations.

Common Malaria Prophylaxis Medications

If your doctor recommends prophylaxis, they may prescribe one of the following:

• Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone®): This is a popular choice due to its effectiveness and generally fewer side effects. It's taken daily, starting 1-2 days before travel, during your stay, and for 7 days after leaving the malaria-risk area.

• Doxycycline: A daily antibiotic that also provides malaria protection. It needs to be started 1-2 days before travel, taken daily during your trip, and for 4 weeks after leaving. A common side effect is increased sun sensitivity, so strict sun protection is essential.

• Mefloquine (Lariam®): Taken weekly, starting 2-3 weeks before travel, during your stay, and for 4 weeks after. It has a longer pre-travel start time and can have neuropsychiatric side effects for some individuals, so it's not suitable for everyone.

• Tafenoquine (Arakoda®): A newer option taken once a week, starting 3 days before travel. It requires a G6PD deficiency test beforehand due to potential side effects in individuals with this condition.

Your doctor will help you choose the best option based on your health and travel plans.

Essential Mosquito Bite Prevention

Regardless of whether you take malaria medication, preventing mosquito bites is paramount for any traveler to Zanzibar, as mosquitoes can also transmit other diseases like dengue fever.

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply a repellent containing DEET, Picaridin (Icaridin), or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) to exposed skin, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear Protective Clothing: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, especially in the evenings. Light-colored clothing is often recommended as mosquitoes are thought to be less attracted to it.

• Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: Many accommodations in Zanzibar, particularly guesthouses and eco-lodges, provide mosquito nets. Ensure yours is intact and properly tucked in.

• Stay in Screened or Air-Conditioned Rooms: Air-conditioned rooms often deter mosquitoes, and well-screened windows and doors can prevent them from entering.

• Avoid Stagnant Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially during rainy seasons.

By combining personal protection measures with appropriate medical advice, you can significantly reduce your risk and enjoy a healthy and worry-free holiday in Zanzibar.

Money Tips – What to Use: Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings?

When traveling in Zanzibar, it's a good idea to carry both US Dollars (USD) and Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), depending on what you're purchasing.

For tours, excursions, and transfers—especially those booked through hotels or agencies—it's often better to pay in USD, as these higher-priced services are usually quoted in dollars.

For local restaurants, street food stalls, or small souvenirs from local vendors, it’s much more practical to use Tanzanian Shillings. Many local places do not accept credit cards, and paying in the local currency is usually easier and more cost-effective.

Tanzanian Shillings are only available in Tanzania / Zanzibar. At the ATM, you can withdraw 400,000 TZS per transaction. The maximum daily amount is 1,000,000 TZS.

Where to Get the Best Exchange Rates in Zanzibar

If you're staying in Zanzibar for several days, it’s best to withdraw or exchange money in Stone Town, where you’ll generally find the most favorable rates and lower fees. While exchange bureaus are available throughout the island, those in touristy areas or at the airport often offer less competitive rates.

Check the Rate Before You Go

Current exchange rate guide (subject to fluctuations):

1 USD ≈ 2,500 to 2,700 TZS

1 EUR ≈ 2,900 to 3,000 TZS

Always check the latest exchange rates before traveling, helpful is Oanda.

Tipping in Zanzibar

While tipping is not compulsory in Zanzibar, it is deeply appreciated, especially in the hospitality industry, where wages are often modest. If you've had a pleasant experience, leaving a tip is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for the staff’s hard work and kindness.

Here are some general guidelines and average tipping amounts:

• Housekeeping: Around $2 to $5 per day (approximately 5,000 to 12,000 TZS), left in the room or given directly.

• Butlers: Around $5 to $8 per day (approximately 12 000 to 20 800 TZS)

• Porters: Around 1,000 to 3,000 TZS per bag.

• Restaurants: If service is not already included, 5% to 10% of the bill is a good tip.

• Guides or drivers: For full-day excursions or transfers, 10,000 to 20,000 TZS (or more if the service was exceptional).

Of course, tipping is always optional and should reflect your level of satisfaction. The more generous the tip, the more it supports the people who made your stay special.

Tipping at Matlai: A Fair System for Our Team

At Matlai, we've implemented a transparent and fair system for gratuities to ensure all our dedicated staff members benefit from your generosity. Instead of individual tips, we have a central tip box located in the office.

Guests are welcome to place their gratuities in this box. Once a month, the box is opened by the staff themselves, and the accumulated funds are equally divided amongst all employees. This ensures that every team member, from those you interact with daily to the essential behind-the-scenes staff, receives a share of your appreciation.

Daily Budget Estimation (Excluding Flights per person)

Here's a rough idea of what you might spend daily in Zanzibar, not including international flights:

• Budget Traveler: $50 - $80 USD per day (hostel, local food, dala-dalas, a few cheaper activities).

• Mid-Range Traveler: $100 - $200 USD per day (mid-range hotel, mix of local and tourist restaurants, taxis for longer distances, some organized tours).

• Luxury Traveler: $300+ USD per day (luxury resorts, fine dining, private transfers, exclusive tours).

We hope these tips help you fine-tune your Zanzibar travel preparations. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and sensational trip to this island paradise. Part two will follow soon!