From the bustling streets of Stone Town to the picturesque beaches of Nungwi & Kendwa. Zanzibar has something for everyone. Zanzibar, an enchanting island located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, is a tropical paradise that has been capturing the hearts of travellers for decades attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
With its growing popularity amongst South Africans, the Islands stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage offers a unique and unforgettable experience. In this travel guide, we will explore this east African paradise, what to do, how to get there & things to consider before your arrival and if you are considering a trip to paradise in the near future, then this guide will help you plan & maximise your trip to Zanzibar.
Getting to Zanzibar from South Africa
There are several flight options to Zanzibar from Johannesburg, depending on which day you decide to leave and return. The cheapest option being a Tuesday night flight with Flysafair which would result in a very early morning arrival in Zanzibar. Alternatively, you would most likely find a few Kenya Airways flights, with different times, although you may need to do a few connections. There are pros and cons to the different airlines but ultimately if time of arrival, ticket prices and flight times are a considered you’ll be able to make a better choice. I have used both Airlines and love them both for very different reasons, Flysafair is a direct 3.5-hour flight from Johannesburg, I prefer using their return flight as the departure flight arrives in Zanzibar at 1am, which for me isn’t a great time to arrive at any destination. Kenya Airways on the other hand gave me the option to arrive in the afternoon, this of course meant we flew from Johannesburg to Nairobi and then from Nairobi to Zanzibar.
The best time to visit Zanzibar
The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June to October when the weather is warm and sunny. The months of November to January are also good times to visit but expect immense heat As Well as a few rainy days, mostly in January, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds during this time. The rainy season is generally from March to May. I have been to Zanzibar in the months of August, November, December & January and have had the most rain take place in January – with us experiencing rain in August but only short 15 minute rain showers.
Entry Requirements for South African Citizens
If you’re planning to visit Zanzibar in 2024, it’s important to be aware of any entry requirements for South African Citizens. As of March 2023, there are no COVID-19-related restrictions or requirements for travellers visiting Zanzibar, regardless of their vaccination status. South African citizens are also not required to have a yellow fever certificate if flying directly from south Africa to Zanzibar, if you have a layover in Nairobi that is under 12.5 hours you will not be required to have a yellow fever certificate. It’s also important to note that if you had previously visited a West African country or have recently travelled to a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you may be required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Zanzibar. Should your layover be longer than 12.5 hours you may be required to produce a yellow fever certificate- alternatively you will have the option to get the certificate at the airport on arrival.
I did not need to produce one as our layovers in Nairobi were never over 12.5-hours.
Things to know before visiting Zanzibar
Before you pack your bags and head off to Zanzibar, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- English is widely spoken: While the official language in Zanzibar is Swahili, English is widely spoken and you will have no issues with language barriers.
- Visa requirements: South African citizens do not need a visa to visit Zanzibar.
- Transportation: Uber doesn’t exist in Zanzibar so your best bet is finding a tour guide/driver online before your arrival who will pick you up at the airport and take you on all your excursions. You can google tour guides in Zanzibar to read some reviews. i would not recommend hiring a car.
- Travel Insurance: Make sure to have travel insurance: to protect yourself and your belongings during your trip, I would recommend getting a travel insurance, most banks in South Africa offer free travel insurance when you purchase your flight tickets using your bank card.
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Nungwi: Located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi offers accommodation ranging from budget to luxury beach resorts. The rich nightlife, amazing Sunsets and beach bars are what make Nungwi a must visit.
Kendwa: Kendwa is another very popular destination to stay in Zanzibar, it is located between Nungwi and stone town. Here you can expect range of accommodation options, including beach bungalows and villas. Kendwa is a lot more relaxed but this is also where the full moon parties take place on the island.
Paje: Paje is another popular destination it is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar and is known for its water sports. Many of the accommodation options are located along beautiful sandy beaches.
Jambiani: next to the town of Paje, is Jambiani, not too different from paje but with less bars and restaurants offering a light and relaxed atmosphere. Many of the hotels are located right on the beach, providing easy access to the water and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Bwejuu: alos located next to paje, Bwejuu is slowly becoming popular amongst tourist due to its affordable beach front accomodation. it is also located 15 minutes from the famous The Rock restaurant.
Tip: Zanzibar experiences two high tides a day, meaning water levels can change significantly within hours. Nungwi and Kendwa are in a better position according to this criterion, and it is less likely that the water in which you were swimming just a few hours ago will turn into a dry shore.
There are many hotels in Zanzibar to choose from, depending on your budget, preferences, and needs. For my recent stays, I always chose to book a few nights beachfront and a minimum of 2 nights in Stone town. Fun beach hotel , located in Jambiani is a great base for exploring Paje & Bwejuu. The rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Additionally, the hotel features an on-site restaurant, two swimming pools and a bar.
There are so many areas to consider before your visit to Zanzibar, it all depends on your preferences and budget.
My recommended spots for food and drinks in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s food scene does not disappoint but it isn’t just your urban food dishes, given that this is an Island , naturally seafood is dominant & made really well in most places. Here are some restaurants I’ve tried and can confidently recommend:
- Mama mia Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant in Nungwi and if you get there early enough to grab a good spot you’ll witness one of the best sunsets you’ll find in Zanzibar. The Gelato at this place was amazing.
- 6 Degrees: If you’re looking for a chic restaurant for Lunch with views of the ocean, this is the one. I loved having cocktails here, the Hibiscus cocktail was out of this world.
- Geo Italian Restaurant located in Jambianai, this cute beach front hotel served some of the best Pizza I’ve had on the island.
- Nungwi Inn Beach Restaurant. Another great seafood spot, I enjoyed the catch of the day served here, the restaurant doesn’t look great at first glance but they put tables out just before sunset for a romantic beach sundowner, they had affordable food and drinks here.
- Masa Japanese is probably my favourite restaurant in Stone Town, everything on the menu is delicious and they hands down serve the best Sushi in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Coffee House: if you are looking for a cafe latte or a cappuccino that you would find at a seattle coffee or a traditional english breakfast with some of the best baked goods, this is the place for you, there is a cool rooftop area for you to enjoy your coffee.
- Lukman Restaurant: this is where you go if you want to experience the true essence of zanzibar traditional and local food.
My favorite drinks and party place was at Istanbul in Nungwi & the Cape town fish market in Stonetown. They had some really good vibes and a mix of afrobeat, rnb and amapiano. Perfect for a night out in both towns.
My 5 day Zanzibar Itinerary
There is so much you can get up to in Zanzibar but the truth is you’ll definitely need more than 5 days to explore this Island. If you don’t have much time but still want to enjoy as much as you can, I would definitely advise getting the best of both worlds, exploring the historic stone town along with the islands beautiful beachfront resorts. I would spend the first 3 days in either Nungwi, Jambiani, Paje or Bwejuu, this is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful resorts in Zanzibar.
Day one – Arrivals, settling in, dinner at a nearby restaurant or the hotel restaurant.
Day two – Start the day at a Spice farm and follow that with swimming with the turtles in Nungwi.
Day three – Start the day super early with full day Island tour.
Day four – Check out & leave for StoneTown, stop over at the rock restaurant for a cocktail or 2.
Day five – Check into your Stone town hotel and then start exploring Stone Town , do a short prison island tour and visit the forodhani market.
Day six – Day of Departure… if you have the day to explore before your flight then visit a rooftop bar for a quick meal and a cocktail, The fifth at Upendo house is a good option for this.
Tip: Here’s my Suggested itinerary that you can definitely steal and use for your next trip, for a detailed version of this travel guide with hotel details, day to day time schedule, tour guide details, activity price list and cost estimates you can shop my detailed Zanzibar Travel Guide here.
Join my Group trips to Zanzibar
If you want to go to Zanzibar without having to plan it yourself, you can join my group trips, meet new people and have a great time. alternatively, you can get a customized trip to Zanzibar curated by my me for you. You will get one-on-one help, your own tour guide & personal driver as well as a full itinerary plan including hotel and flight bookings. click here to join one of my group trips this year.
Conclusion
In my opinion Zanzibar is a must visit Destination, not only is it affordable but there’s something for everyone on every part of the Island. With its rich history, breathtaking views, vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning beaches, Zanzibar is a destination that is sure to leave you wanting to come back for more. I hope this travel Guide will make you want to plan that trip to Zanzibar!
