Zanzibar: Getting There, Getting around, and What To Do

Zanzibar is an archipelago around 25 miles off the east coast of Africa. Aside from its extraordinary beauty, it’s known for being a former hub of the spice trade, which earned it the nickname The Spice Islands.

The main island in the archipelago is Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island. Here lies the capital, Zanzibar City, and the international airport. However, there are plenty of other smaller islands to explore.

Getting There

If you’re already in Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam (and you’re itching for the beach life), take a quick and easy ferry ride to Zanzibar. There are regular boats from the ferry station in Dar es Salaam and the trip should take around 70 minutes, costing up to USD 50. Alternatively, you can fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Unguja Island.

From the EU: Airlines are running routes across Europe, typically with a quick stopover. Tui flies from Brussels, Blue Panorama runs from Rome and Milan, while Condor flies from Frankfurt.

From the US: There are no direct flights from the United States to Zanzibar. You will need to stop along the way, possibly in Nairobi or Dubai depending on which airline you opt for. Traveling time varies quite dramatically but can take 21 hours and up.

Getting Around

Once you’re in Zanzibar, there are plenty of transportation options.

Dala-dala: For an authentic local experience, take a dala-dala. These Jeepney-style vehicles are converted to hold around 20 people (although you might find them a little cramped and uncomfortable). From Stone Town in Zanzibar City on Unguja, you can take them to the north and south from Darajani Market.

Unfortunately, there are no timetables for the dala-dalas so you will just have to ask a local. Some touts may attempt to rip you off by asking for your fare beforehand and taking a significantly higher fee. A trip should cost no more than 2,000 shillings plus an extra 1,000 shillings if you want your bag stored.

Taxi: Taxis can be booked in the major tourist hotspots such as your hotel and at the airport. Ask at the desk if you need a car booked for you. Alternatively, if you book your trip with a tour operator, you can ask them to hire a private driver for you.

Car/motorbike rental: If you’re looking to do some exploration on your own, then renting a car or motorbike is a very enticing option. You don’t necessarily need a license to rent a two-wheeler, but you will need one to rent a car.

On foot: If you’re sticking around Stone Town then you will find most places are accessible by walking.

What To Do

Chill at the beach: You can’t go to Zanzibar without relaxing on the powdery white sands of its many excellent beaches. You’re spoilt for choice, but you can’t go wrong with the palm-fringed offerings of Bwejuu Beach, the stretching white sands of Jambiani Beach, the kitesurfing hotspot of Paje Beach, or the idyllic Nungwi Beach. If you’re only going to pick one, however, Kendwa Beach is a stunningly beautiful offering with gorgeous crystalline waters. Its cozy set-up makes it the ideal place to relax with a good book as you wait for its sunset, which many say is the best in Zanzibar.

Discover the spices of Zanzibar: Take an in-depth look at Zanzibar’s spices, it was once its most famous export. This fairly lengthy trek will take you to meet local spice farmers to learn how they grow and produce spices and herbs. Along the way, you will be able to buy your spices at a local market stall.

Explore the forests: Get your hiking boots on and cameras at the ready for an exploration of Jozani Forest. The jungle foliage in this natural preserve is astounding, ranging from ancient trees to towering palms. On the way, you’re likely to bump into a tropical critter or two including (fingers crossed) the endangered red colobus monkey, tropical birds, and chameleons.

Take an island tour: There are also plenty of other tours on offer that will help you to discover Zanzibar in more depth. From Stone Town, for example, you can catch a boat to Prison Island (Changuu Island) which is home to a former jail and slave encampment. The island is now home to giant land tortoise which you can meet and feed. If you’re a bit of an adventurer, you may want to take a snorkeling trip. Snorkeling the Mnemba Island coast is highly recommended thanks to its diverse sea life which includes dolphins and turtles.

Explore Stone Town: Finally, no trip to Zanzibar would be complete without an exploration of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Zanzibar City’s oldest area. Here you will find a cultural melting pot influenced by the Arab, Asian, and European worlds. Make sure to visit the Hamamni Persian Baths, Forodhani Gardens, and the Arab Fort.

Local Experiences

It’s pretty easy to stay at your hotel, shuttling back and forth between Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches. But to make sure you have an authentic experience, make sure you:

Explore local villages: Portion some time to explore the nearest local village. Typically these can be reached by taking the main road from the beach and heading back.

Use local transportation: Locals, on the whole, don’t use private transportation to get from place to place. Even if you only do it once, make sure to take a dala-dala. They may not be the air-conditioned form of transport you’re used to, but it will give you a chance to meet and interact with the local people.

Visit the local shops: Journey outside your hotel resort and visit the local shops. In Stone Town, you can pick up a range of hand-crafted gifts, including textiles, fabrics, and local art. Plus, you’re better off distributing your money to local artisans rather than major chains.

Eat at local restaurants: Stop at the local restaurants for a taste of Zanzibar. Traditional local dishes include wali na maharage, a rice and bean dish served with either fish, meat, or vegetables.

Shop the local markets: Hit the local markets and, in particular, Darajani Market in Stone Town. This bustling attraction sells anything and everything from delicious food to artisanal souvenirs. You will see the gamut of local life here, from the traditional vendors selling their wares to the local people picking up ingredients for that night’s meal.

Visit Pemba: While many visitors to Zanzibar will stick to Unguja Island, you should also take time to visit the other major island in the archipelago, Pemba. Here you will find a more rustic way of life, both calmer and more relaxing. Many tourists visit for the world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities but, if that’s not your bag, the lack of tourists and pristine beaches are good enough reason for anyone to go.

Embrace the laidback lifestyle: Finally, to experience Zanzibar like a local, you absolutely must adopt the hakuna matata lifestyle. As anyone who has seen the Lion King knows, that means no worries. Chill, relax, and unwind. Life is slow in Zanzibar and you’ve got to embrace it.

When you’re visiting Zanzibar…

One of the Zanzibar people’s great phrases is “pole pole,” meaning “slowly, slowly”. While there are plenty of things to do in Zanzibar, you must remember to relax and enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the region. Embrace the local way of life, shop at the local markets, eat at the local restaurants, and chat with the local people. The experience is both life-affirming and incredibly rewarding.

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