There are different options to reach the island of Zanzibar. If traveling to the island from an international origin, finding direct flights to Zanzibar should be considered. There are several international airline carriers providing direct flights to Zanzibar which include Air Tanzania, South African Airlines and Kenya Airways. International visitors can also avail of budget airfares to the island by flying to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital city. There are numerous flights coming in and out Dar es Salaam which include international carriers like Precision Air, Zantar Air Services, Uganda Airways, Kili Air, Tanzanaair, Auric Air, Flightlink Air Charters, to name a few. If this is your first time to travel to Zanzibar, it would be a good idea to seek the assistance of an authorized and licensed travel agent that caters tour packages to the island.
If you took a flight to the capital city of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, you can take a ferry boat to get to the main island of Zanzibar. While there are also domestic flights flying from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, you will save more if you chose to travel by sea. Some of the nicest ferry boats transporting guests from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar include the Sepideh Megaspeed Liner, Sea Express, Azam Marine, Seagull Kilimanjaro and Sea Star. Boat fares are usually around $35 to $40 for non-residents, with an additional $5 for the port tax. Make sure to have your passport ready when entering Zanzibar since you will have to show it before you are granted entry to the island. Zanzibar maintains its own immigration and you need to show your passport even if you already have shown it when you landed to Dar es Salaam.
How to Get Around Zanzibar Island
Going around Zanzibar is not as difficult as you may have thought it to be. Guests are encouraged to walk rather than ride a cab since alleyways, particularly those in Stone town, are quite narrow and will only fit in a bike. However, if you wish to tour outside Stone Town, then you are better off riding a cab or renting a car. The island provides other cheap transportation options like the dalla-dallas and small minivans. If you are the adventurous type, then you won’t have a problem embarking on a walking tour only armed with a reliable map and a phrase book to help you converse with the locals.
Hotels in Zanzibar will also be happy to help arrange taxi service for their guests. However, be wary that most hotels get commission from taxis so it is possible that the rate that will be presented to you will be much higher compared if you hail a cab out on the street. When booking a tour, be sure to only deal with an authorized travel agent or tour operator and steer clear of illegal sellers or street hawkers.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Unlike in other popular travel locations, guests are not advised to settle for cheap Zanzibar accommodations because this means compromising a good and convenient location and quality of hotel service, or both. Majority of the budget hotels operating in the island charges around $30 per night. While Zanzibar is a generally safe place, visitors are still highly advised to wear minimal jewelry and carry only a small amount of cash when touring around the island. Depending on your budget and preference, there are various types of accommodations for you to choose from, ranging from hotels, guesthouses, country houses and expensive beach resorts. Some of the establishments offering the best accommodation in the island include the Zanzibar Hotel, Africa House Hotel, Pearl Guest House, Botanic Country House, Tamarind Beach Hotel, and Fontaine Garden Village.
The island of Zanzibar is a Muslim community so guests are advised to dress accordingly. Both men and women are required to cover their arms and legs, and they should avoid displaying public affection since it is considered disrespectful in Islam.
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