Get ready to embark on an epic journey to the exotic paradise of Zanzibar. Before you pack your bags and hop on that plane, join me as we uncover the must-know insider insights to make your first-time visit to Zanzibar a smooth sail from start to finish!
What are basics for visiting Zanzibar?
Before you set out on your African escapade, let's dive into the essential pre-travel guide that will have you ready to explore Zanzibar like a pro:
Currency. The currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Zanzibar, especially in larger hotels and restaurants, CASH IS KING. I would recommend having smaller bills, as many vendors may not be able to give you change. If you are connecting through Dar es Salaam, I suggest getting cash out at the airport Bank ATM (not currency converter machine), as ATMs are somewhat spread out, and can be unreliable. If you're not connecting through Dar, just have your driver take you to a bank ATM in Zanzibar, they usually have a guard posted up outside, so you can feel safe getting cash out.
Transportation to and from the airport: If you haven't prearranged transportation from your hotel, taxi is best. There is an official taxi que outside the Dar es Salaam airport. Regarding ridesharing, Uber is available to use in Tanzania, but DONT. The prices are lower than taxi's, but I had a bad experience trying to use it. Upon arriving at airport, I requested the ride to go to the ferry station, connecting to Zanzibar. Despite Uber being a card-based system, multiple drivers insisted on cash payments. The first asked me to cancel the ride, which I did, only to find out later that I was charged the penalty, since the driver accepted and I cancelled it. On my second attempt thinking that the first was an isolated incident, the next driver accepted the ride, and once again immediately asked if I was going to pay cash, which I refused to do. I waited for the driver to cancel this time, but he marked the ride as picked up even though he never came, resulting in another charge. After informing Uber of the situation, they luckily just refunded me. Additionally, an airport attendant noticed my frustration with the Uber ride, and warned me that it was not safe for solo female travelers to use Uber due to reported safety concerns of female tourists. Based on my experience, I would advise avoiding Uber in Tanzania at all cost.
Getting to Zanzibar: Ferry vs Flight. Assuming you are connecting to Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, you might be trying to decide between whether you should fly or ferry. I decided to take the ferry thinking it would be a nice boat ride, but I got extremely sea sick on the catamaran, which is very common. If you are prone to sea sickness, I would just take the flight. The cost to take the 2 hour ferry is $75+, and you can just take a 15 min flight for close to the same price.
Note of caution at the Ferry Station. When I arrived by taxi to the Ferry station, the van was swarmed by young men, who immediately grabbed my bags and started waiting in line, acting as my valet. I kept saying "no, no, thank you", but they wouldn't hand the bags back. Being a female solo traveler I was freaked out thinking they were trying to steal them, but I finally realized this is how they make money. I eventually just gave up, as it admittedly was nice not to lug my suitcases around. Given this obvious poverty in the city, I was happy to just conceded to the tip. Just be prepared to not let go of those bags, if you don't want to pay money to these young men trying to make a living.
Transportation around Zanzibar. I didn't prearrange a taxi with my hotel upon arrival, so I just got an official taxi right outside the station. Taxis in Zanzibar rarely use meters, so agree on a price with the driver before you get in. I would recommend doing a little research on how much the typical fares to your planned destinations are beforehand, so you have a baseline. You might get in contact with your hotel before you go, or just ask the hotel front desk if you are heading off to an attraction, around how much it should be.
Language. The local language is Swahili and English, so for the most part you wont have any problems communicating. You'll often hear "Jambo" which is a casual greeting that means "hello" or "Mambo" which is basically "What's up?". I cant tell you how many times I got the Lion King song stuck in my head, as they often say "Hakuna matata" or "No Worries".
Tipping Culture in Zanzibar. Tipping is not "mandatory" - but off the record, a small amount is expected. They have very low wages in Zanzibar, so even a small tip can make a big difference for someone's income. It is common to leave a small tip for service staff. Taxi: Just round up, Tour Guides: $10-15 is common , $1-$2 for housekeeping per day and 5-10% for restaurant.
Is it safe to solo travel to Zanzibar, Tanzania?
Zanzibar is generally considered safe for tourists, including solo travelers. The crime rate is relatively low, and the people are known for their hospitality. There are some things that may make travelers (especially female solo travelers) uncomfortable if you're not expecting it, such as persistent vendors and hustlers.
One group in particular you will find on the beaches of Zanzibar are The Maasai, who wear distinct red traditional dress. First, the Maasai people are not native to Zanzibar, and the majority come to the island for work. The Maasai people are traditionally a nomadic tribe who live in central/ southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are very friendly to tourist, especially women and you may want take a photo for your Instagram with an African tribesman, but you are expected to tip them. If you do decide to buy souvenirs from Maasai people, ensure you're buying directly from artisans and getting a fair price. This helps support their communities. i typically bought souvenirs at the artist stands around town. Be polite but firm if you're not interested, and don't feel pressured to buy anything.
Tips:
The tides in Zanzibar can be quite dramatic, with the water receding hundreds of feet during low tide on some beaches. Keep this in mind when deciding where to stay.
Solo female travelers may experience some unwanted attention. A confident demeanor and polite but firm refusals will usually suffice.
Be mindful of food and water hygiene to prevent gastrointestinal issues. Drink bottled or filtered water, avoid street food from questionable vendors, and wash hands frequently, especially before meals.
Islam is the overwhelming religion in Zanzibar, with around 99% of the population identifying as Muslim. So be culturally aware of this with the way you dress in rural areas outside the beach, and be respectful of local customs.
In Tanzanian culture, the left hand is considered unclean. Avoid using your left hand for greetings, eating, or receiving items.
While Zanzibar is relatively safe, exercise caution when exploring unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and avoid walking alone in secluded areas or poorly lit streets.
Use reputable transportation services, such as registered taxis or hotel shuttles, especially when traveling at night or to remote locations. I would advise against ever using rideshare here, as noted above. Negotiate fares in advance or ensure that the meter is used to avoid misunderstandings.
Bargaining is common in markets and with street vendors. Approach it as a friendly interaction but be firm about your budget and what you're willing to pay.
Like any tourist destination, be cautious of scams such as overcharging, fake tour operators, and misleading information. Research reputable tour companies and verify prices and details before booking.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay for first time solo travelers?
One thing I wasn't expecting coming to Zanzibar when deciding where to stay, are the tides. The tides in Zanzibar can be quite dramatic, with the water receding hundreds of feet during low tide, limiting your swim time.
Disappearing Beaches (East Coast):The eastern coast of Zanzibar, including Paje, Jambiani, and Dongwe, is particularly affected by tides. At low tide, the water can recede so far that the beach seems to disappear, exposing a vast expanse of seabed. While this can be interesting for exploring tide pools and sand flats, it can limit your swimming time.
Less Dramatic Tides (North and West Coast): The northern and western coasts, including Nungwi, Kendwa, and Stone Town, generally experience less dramatic tides. The water recedes during low tide, but there's usually still enough water to swim and enjoy the beach.
Ok solo travelers, ready to dive into Zanzibar's coolest beach towns? I've handpicked the best areas to stay and play, depending on your vibe:
Nungwi: If you are looking for nightlife, this is the place to stay. Nungwi beaches are not as affected by the tides, giving you plenty of swim time. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and beach clubs with live music and DJ sets. However, Nungwi can be quite touristy and feel somewhat developed compared to other parts of the island.
Kendwa: It's just a short drive from Nungwi and has a similar vibe to Nungwi, with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and plenty of resorts, restaurants, and bars. However, it's generally a bit quieter than Nungwi.
Paje Beach: Paje Beach offers a more laid-back vibe compared to the more touristy areas in the north of Zanzibar. Paje Beach is a haven for kitesurfers. If you're a beginner, there are several kitesurfing schools that offer lessons. Paje has a good selection of relaxed beachfront bars and restaurants to chill and soak in the scenery.
Stonetown: Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a maze of narrow streets lined with coral stone buildings, mosques, and bustling markets. If you are there to experience authentic culture and buzzing energy, this is the place to be.
Pongwe & Bwejuu: If you're looking to escape the crowds and noise, Pongwe Beach or Bwejuu Beach are two hidden gems. Pongwe Beach is known for its powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and secluded setting. Bwejuu Beach, you can enjoy the beach practically to yourself.
What should I do when I get there?
For wander lusters need some help with their Itinerary, or looking for a fabulous place to have a cocktail, check out my blogs on Zanzibar:
Armed with these savvy tips, you're all set to conquer the world solo-style. Safe travels! You can check out my destination guides at hotspots around the world here. Check out my destination guides for more insider tips on destinations around the globe:
In 2018, I took my first solo trip to Italy, igniting my wanderlust and love for new travel experiences. It also helped me get over my fear of solo travel. Like many I juggle a 9-to-5 job in Atlanta, and have mastered the art of travel with limited time off. If you are visiting a destination for the first time, say hello Zingaro Anthology's simple, carefully crafted destination guides offering straight to the point tips on where to stay, play and party at hotspots around the globe.
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