Zanzibar holidays are idyllic when booked as a beach break, but for the most well-rounded discovery of Tanzania, a few nights on the beaches of the island is the perfect way to conclude a safari or to relax after a summit of Kilimanjaro.
Lying just 35 kilometres offshore from Tanzania’s capital of Dar es Salaam, the Zanzibar Archipelago perfectly blends beautiful beaches, fascinating history, vibrant culture and fantastic watersports.
The islands’ history dates back over 2,000 years, when travellers came to the East Coast of Africa from Persia, Oman and Portugal, bringing trade in the form of slavery and spices.
The monsoon winds ensured that Zanzibar maintained a steady stream of commerce from China, India and Africa, in turn supplying the world with aromatic ingredients discovered as early as the eighth century. Sultans and merchants haggled over cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and coconuts, exports which still flourish to this day.
Speak to our experienced Travel Specialists and get first-hand inspiration for holidays to Zanzibar.
Cheryl
Travel Specialist
Zanzibar travel information
- Time zone: +3 GMT
- Flight time: 13 hours
- Recommended airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air France, British Airways
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling, US Dollar, Euro
- Tipping guideline: Depends on the service
- Health considerations: There is a risk of dengue. There is a risk of Zika virus. There is a high risk of malaria in Zanzibar. There is a low potential for exposure to yellow fever and there is a certificate requirement. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Zanzibar City
- Population: 1,303,569
- National languages: Swahili, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type G, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You need a visa for Zanzibar if you have a British passport - apply online
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
