Zanzibar, Tanzania Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Zanzibar, Tanzania?

  • Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania.
  • It is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and spices.
  • Zanzibar is home to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries-old Arabic architecture.
  • The island is also the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the iconic rock band Queen.
  • The local culture is a mix of African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences.

Zanzibar, Tanzania Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
90° F
° F
February
90° F
° F
March
89° F
° F
April
87° F
° F
May
85° F
° F
June
84° F
° F
July
83° F
° F
August
84° F
° F
September
96° F
° F
October
87° F
° F
November
87° F
° F
December
88° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
1.8 inches
February
1.7 inches
March
3.5 inches
April
6.6 inches
May
4.6 inches
June
1 inches
July
0.4 inches
August
0.3 inches
September
0.4 inches
October
1.2 inches
November
2.5 inches
December
2.6 inches

Transportation on Zanzibar, Tanzania

Getting to Zanzibar, Tanzania and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Know Before You Go...® - Zanzibar, Tanzania Travel Tips

Before making their way to Zanzibar, Tanzania , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Zanzibar, Tanzania even more relaxing.

Capital: 1? The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma.
Population: 2020 56,772,000
Size: 2020 Huge.
Official Language: The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, also known as Kiswahili. It is spoken by the majority of the population and is used in government, schools, and media. English is also widely spoken as a secondary language and is used in business and higher e
Currency: Tanzania's official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), which is commonly referred to as "shilling" or "TSH". The shilling is divided into 100 cents, and banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 shillings. Coins are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, and 500 shillings. As a popular tourist destination, Tanzania accepts various payment options, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile money. Cash is widely accepted in Tanzania, especially in smaller towns and local markets. It is recommended to carry small denominations of shillings for convenience, as change may be difficult to obtain. US dollars are also widely accepted in popular tourist areas, but it is advisable to carry smaller bills since change may be given in shillings. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it is always best to carry cash as a backup. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express and Diner
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Tanzania are important aspects of the country's economy and culture. Tipping is a common practice in Tanzania, especially in the tourism industry, and is often seen as a way of showing appreciation for good service. Taxes, on the other hand, are compulsory payments made to the government for the provision of public goods and services. When it comes to tipping, it is generally expected to tip around 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides. In some cases, a service charge may already be included in the bill, so it is important to check before leaving an additional tip. Tipping is also common for other services such as taxi rides, hairdressers, and porters, with the amount depending on the level of service provided. In terms of taxes, Tanzania has a value-added tax (VAT) of 18% on most goods and services. This tax is included in the price of goods and services, so there is no need to tip on top of the VAT. Additionally, there is an incom
Dress Code: The dress code in Tanzania is generally conservative, with modest and respectful attire being expected in public settings.
Topography: Tanzania's topography is diverse, featuring coastal plains, highlands, plateaus, and mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
Telephone: Tanzania's telephone country code is +255 and its area code is 22.