It’s easy to travel to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam by Ferry. I recommend that you buy the ticket in person at least a day before your intended departure. Having that ticket in hand will save you time and hustle from having to go buy your ticket first, luggage on one side and fending off persistent ticket vendors on the other, all the while checking the time and/or figuring out what to do next. We bought our ticket a day before and the next day, all familiar with the location, we knew exactly where to go. Another advantage of coming in person is that you can ensure you’re booking directly as online sources are plagued with resellers. Although online booking is possible, I find that in Africa, the classic way is still the most convenient.
Sokoine Road Dar Es Salaam Ferry Station
There are several companies to choose from, the main ones being Azam Marine and Fast Ferries. They don’t differ much in quality so just choose one depending on your preferred departure time. It’s best to travel either in the morning or around lunchtime to arrive in Zanzibar in daylight. There are different seat types and we chose the business class, which was quite comfortable. The economy one was rather basic but sufficient if you want to save a buck. The VIP one had more fluffy cushion but I didn’t think it was worth it unless maybe, you’re traveling with kids.
Waiting Area at the Ferry in Dar Es Salaam
Where to buy tickets in Dar: Ferry Booking Office at Sokoine Dr, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The ticketing office and the ferry itself is in the same place, just next to each other.
How to get there: Best to use Uber or any metered taxi.
Price of Ferry Ticket: 30-50 USD per person for non-Tanzanians (Economy | Business | VIP). At the time of purchase, they don’t accept cards so make sure to bring sufficient cash. You can pay in USD or local currency
Travel time from Dar to Zanzibar: 2.5 to 3 hrs.
CAUTION:
- On your date of travel, make sure to leave way ahead of time as it can be extremely traffic in Dar.
- Upon arriving at the ferry station, just go straight to the gate and try not to look confused to avoid getting the attention of street vendors and porters. With this said, you will be pestered by a lot of porters. They are wearing green/ orange vests and they will carry your bags right away as if it’s mandatory. Hold your ground and refuse by all means- don’t let go of your bag but keep your cool, unless you’re willing to pay them, which is not just a tip but a fixed price to that they will only tell you later on. You are not required to use porters at all and you should not support a system that bullies tourists,
- When you get inside, you will be asked to leave your bag in a certain area where crew members are supposed to stow them in an open container. Make sure to stand by your belongings and see to it until they have been stowed in one of those cages. Don’t leave your bags lying on the ground even if they have been tagged.
MUST KNOW:
- You should bring your passport (with the Tanzania visa) and Yellow Fever Certificate when traveling to Zanzibar as they have separate immigration,
- They sell some snacks and drinks on-board. In the waiting area on the ferry, there are some stalls as well, the prices are cheaper there so you can buy to take with.
- Also in buying snacks, make sure to bring cash.
- You are not allowed to take photos of any sort at the entry (during the scanning of bags),
ARRIVING IN ZANZIBAR:
Immigration at Zanzibar
Once you get off-board and claimed your luggage, simply follow the crowd and get in line in the immigration with your passport. They don’t ask for any requirements so it’s more like a double-checking of your visa. If you’re staying in a hotel, it would be best to arrange your pick up through them. Otherwise, you should find several options for local transportation. Just make sure to agree on the price beforehand.
