MANDATORY TRAVEL INSURANCE

Starting on October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Please note: this supplemental insurance is required even if you have another comprehensive travel insurance policy. Please visit visitzanzibar.go.tz to learn more about this requirement and to purchase coverage. The cost is $44 per person. Once you purchase coverage, please send your policy details to your trip manager.

FLIGHTS

  • Thomson Safaris will arrange the necessary flights and deliver the tickets to you in Tanzania.
  • Planes carry a maximum of 13 passengers and your short flight may make stops to pick up additional passengers en route.
  • You may need to adhere to the 33 lb. baggage limit, including both your soft-sided duffel and small carry-on bag, on your internal and inter-Africa flights. Please check with your trip manager to confirm.

ACTIVITIES & ATTIRE

  • In public places like Stone Town, please wear clothing that covers from shoulders to knees out of respect for the culture of the Zanzibari people. Guests who do not adhere to this dress code may be subject to a fine issued by the government of Zanzibar.
  • At your beachside resort, dress is much more casual; shorts, bikinis, bathing suits, etc. are appropriate.
  • Bars and lounges are available in most lodges; those without (i.e. Tembo Hotel) have other options nearby.
  • Zanzibar offers rich cultural and historical tours that explore the history of the slave trade, the spice industry, and trading in general as well as numerous beach activities like snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing, and swimming.

ELECTRICAL POWER

  • Air conditioning is available at most lodges. Please check with us if this is a concern.
  • You will need a variety of European adapters if you plan on using wall outlets for charging batteries in your lodges, so we recommend packing a multi-plug adapter set.
  • You may find that – due to conservation issues on Zanzibar – water pressure may not be very high, and many lodges turn off electricity during afternoon “siesta” hours.

MONETARY CONSIDERATIONS

  • US Dollars are accepted on Zanzibar.
  • Credit cards are generally accepted at lodges, resorts, and larger gift shops. High surcharges and additional fees from your card provider may apply. MasterCard and Visa are more widely accepted than American Express.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

  • Temperatures are pleasant year round, with highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. Humidity increases in November through March. April and early May tend to be rainy on Zanzibar.