The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). US-Dollar bank notes are also widely accepted as payment throughout the island. Traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureau de change and some hotels.

Clothes should be light, loose, washable and preferably made from natural fabrics, rubber flip-flops or sandals are excellent choice for wandering around the villages and town, but a sturdy pair of walking shoes will normally be needed for sightseeing or walking through the forest. 

The tropical sun in Zanzibar is very strong, especially in midday. Sunscreen with high SPF and shady hats are preferable. It’s good to also pack sun glasses and flash light (the electricity is not completely reliable).

Nude bathing is strictly prohibited and the exchange of affection in public is not welcome. Especially on the Zanzibar archipelago and on the mainland coast, you should avoid provocative clothing (e.g. no miniskirts, bikini / swimming trunks only on the beach). Please respect the local culture.

Due to the religion there are certain rules visitors should follow during their visit in order to respect the local norms. It is not recommended to consume alcohol in public areas. Kissing or display of affection is also not customary to Zanzibar. If there is an opportunity to participate in religious or cultural ceremony, tourists should ask for the corresponding permission to be able to participate or observed it, and show the required respect.

The local communities are not wealthy and the living conditions of many of them are very basic. Income levels are low and many families lack many basic essentials. Instead of giving money to individuals, or food and sweets to children, visitors are encouraged to bring specific in-kind donations to support the people in a positive way, without promoting begging or skipping school in the hope of receiving gifts from tourists. Visitors should be sensible of the use of limited resources such as water, electrical energy and fuel.

Zanzibar uniquely combines African, Arabic and Indian influences in its cuisine. The island is known for its spices, especially cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, which are used in many local dishes.

Seafood is also an important ingredient and dishes such as grilled octopus, calamari and prawns are popular. Zanzibar is also known for its street food, including Zanzibar pizza, samosas and sugarcane juice.

Many restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Zanzibar is a peaceful place with welcoming people. It is advised that you ask your hotel reception first for directions and any advice before embarking on a longer walk.

You can certainly take walks along the beach and to nearby villages. Do make sure you are dressed appropriately as villages are conservative areas.

Also be aware of significant tide changes. This is important as beach routes often can be impassable during high tide.

Beaches of Zanzibar, tides, snorkelling

https://www.tideschart.com/Tanzania/Zanzibar-Urban_West/Magharibi/Zanzibar/

The north coast (Nungwi and Kendwa) has the most popular beaches on Zanzibar because swimming in the ocean is possible all day. (The east and south coasts are affected by the tides: at low tide swimming in the ocean is not possible because the ocean recedes back to the coral reef.) These beaches are crowded, especially in high season, and noisy at night due to parties happening all over the place. If you want it more quiet choose the east side of Nungwi, close to the sandbank. Kendwa is a bit more laid back than Nungwi but still with lots of action.

Especially the east coast of the island is protected by coral reefs that make swimming safe – no sharks or huge waves. At low tide you cannot swim in the Indian Ocean at the east and south coasts. The beaches are very flat, hence the ocean recedes at low tide out to the coral reef, which is anything between 1 and 1.5 km offshore. You can walk out towards the coral reef at low tide. Watch out for the black sea urchins, spiky things that you don’t want to step into. They are clearly visible so watch your step and wear special shoes. Also don’t pick up cone shells.

Rather book a hotel with a pool if you want to swim all day.

To check the times of high and low tide during your visit please check 

https://www.tideschart.com/Tanzania/Zanzibar-Urban_West/Magharibi/Zanzibar/

NORTH COAST

Matemwe is opposite the Mnemba Atoll, you can take a boat there for diving and snorkelling. Some divers say Mnemba Atoll is almost as beautiful as the Barrier Reef.

Matemwe has a beautiful white sand beach that Zanzibar is famous for.

Kiwengwa is called “little Italy” because of its popularity with Italians. Mostly all inclusive resorts. It also has a beautiful white sand beach.

Pongwe and Uroa are quiet places with sandy beaches interrupted by rocky terrain. Quite remote, mostly with all inclusive hotels. There are hardly any restaurants or bars in that area. Access to the beach can be difficult if you didn’t book a hotel at the beach.

SOUTH EAST COAST 

You can walk on an almost 20 km stretch of white sand beaches lined with coconut trees from Jambiani via Paje, Bwejuu, Dongwe, Pingwe to Michamvi.

Jambiani offers white sand beaches with some rocky patches in between. It is quite popular. You have a good choice of restaurants and bars. If you plan to travel by dala dala: only a few dala dalas drive to Jambiani, most of them go to Paje and then drive north to Bwejuu, Dongwe and Michamvi.

Paje is the main village at the south east coast; it is very popular with kitesurfers. Be aware that the beaches are crowded with kites during kite season and swimming in the ocean is almost impossible during that time, if not dangerous. If you stay in Paje during kite season just walk a few minutes till you find a peaceful beach and safe swimming. Zanzibar ist blessed with an almost 20 km stretch of beach, there is a perfect place for everyone. Kitesurf seasons are from mid December till end of February and from mid/end May till October. Paje offers a big selection of bars and restaurants.

If you want peace and quiet on a seemingly endless stretch of white sand beach look at Bwejuu. Here you find guesthouses and small resorts right at the beach.  

Further north is Dongwe which offers all inclusive resorts, also with beautiful white sand beaches. Here you find the Blue Lagoon, excellent for snorkelling even at low tide.

Pingwe/Michamvi beach is quiet and laid back. At Pingwe beach you find the famous Rock Restaurant. Because of the shape of the Michamvi peninsula you can watch gorgeous sunsets from there, although it is at the east coast. Not to be missed should you be in the area.

WEST COAST 

Especially at the southern end (Kizimkazi) it is very rocky and there are only small patches of sand. Also, the sand at most of the west coast is coarse yellow, not the amazing white sand Zanzibar is famous for.

Snorkeling

The best snorkeling is at Chumbe Island Coral Park with its fully protected coral reef sanctuary 

Safari Blue tour is highly recommended. You will be out on a boat all day, snorkeling, dolphins might choose to swim with you, BBQ lunch on a sandbank etc. 

Snorkeling at the Mnemba Attoll off Matemwe at the the north east coast is recommend if you don’t mind to snorkel-dive since the corals are a few meters down.

At the south east coast where you find the best white sand beaches lined with coconut trees, best snorkeling is at the Blue Lagoon off the coast of Dongwe.

Otherwise you can snorkel at the coral reefs off the entire east coast of the island at low tide.