Welcome to Zanzibar – A Tropical Paradise Awaits!

Escape to the breathtaking island of Zanzibar, where pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich cultural heritage await you.

At SL Travel, we invite you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and exotic charm of this East African gem.

Discover Zanzibar’s unspoiled white sand beaches and indulge in a variety of water sports, from snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to diving alongside dolphins and sea turtles. Explore the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can wander through narrow streets, visit spice markets, and learn about Zanzibar’s fascinating history.

Unwind in luxurious beachfront resorts that offer world-class amenities, including spa treatments, gourmet dining, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Let our expert travel advisors help you curate the perfect Zanzibar itinerary, tailored to your preferences and interests.

Book your Zanzibar getaway with SL Travel today and let us transport you to a tropical paradise where relaxation and adventure seamlessly blend, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Country Information

Airport taxes

No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport. 

  Security

• Petty theft is an issue particularly in crowded markets and transport hubs. Pickpockets and con artists, including children, operate in these areas so keep your valuables secure and well hidden.
• Do not take valuables to the beach.
• Do not leave bags unattended.
• Avoid unofficial taxis and be wary of people offering free tours.
• Beware of spiked drinks and food from strangers.
• It is best to not walk on your own at night.
• Do not take pictures of military sites, public buildings, industrial sites, airports, stations, bridges, ports etc.
• Travel with trustworthy tour operators and guides.
• Always have a copy of your passport with you.
• The emergency police number is 112.

Note to LGBT travellers: Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania and is not tolerated in Tanzania’s conservative society. Public displays of homosexuality like holding hands or kissing in public places could lead to arrest and imprisonment.
 
Note to women travellers: Women wearing shorts or tight-fitting clothes are likely to attract unwanted attention and should dress modestly, especially outside of tourist areas. In beach areas, where there are a lot of tourists, it’s acceptable to wear beachwear, but going topless is not acceptable. Don’t go anywhere alone at night and be wary of unsolicited male interest, especially in the coastal resorts. If using public transport, try to get a seat next to other local women. 

  Health Precautions

See “Destination Covid-19 Advisory” index for additional information.

Vaccinations:

• Compulsory: None
• Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid.

People over one year travelling from risk areas (not SA) need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Immunisation against cholera, meningitis, rabies and tuberculosis may be advised. There is a risk of malaria below 1800m, and prophylaxis (not Chloroquine) is recommended. Consult a doctor if suffering from flu-like symptoms or a fever up to a year after visiting a malaria region. There is a risk of Dengue fever. The emergency number is 111. There are both public and private hospitals in Tanzania. Fees can vary considerably between private hospitals. Medical evacuation insurance is advised. 

  Currency

Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
Latest exchange rate: TZS1 = ZAR0,0073 (18 Mar 2024 05:00).

Exchange currency (preferably USD, GBP or EUR) at major banks, bureaux de change, some hotels and the airport, and keep all exchange receipts. USD notes should be in good condition and printed after 2003. Non-residents are required to pay in USD for air tickets, national park entry fees and ferry tickets. Some major credit cards can be used at large establishments, but are still not widely used. There are ATMs available in the main cities. Check with your bank whether your card will be accepted. Traveller’s cheques (preferably in USD or GBP) are accepted for National Park entry fees, but exchanging them may be difficult. Some places may ask to see original purchase receipts for traveller’s cheques. Travellers with cash passports are advised to check with their cash passport issuer whether or not they will be accepted in Tanzania.

Banking hours: Monday to Friday 08:30-15:30; Saturday 08:30-13:00. 

  Language

The official languages are Swahili and English. Many people in cities and tourist areas speak English and it is used in business. 

  Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz (same as SA). Plugs are British 3-pin flat and Indian 3-pin round. 

  Telecoms/Internet

WiFi is available in most hotels and guesthouses with many offering in-room WiFi. Accommodation in parks and reserves may not offer WiFi. Tanzania’s many cellular networks cover almost all towns, the urban sections of the coast, Zanzibar and the tourist areas but not some of the parks and reserves or the southwest of Tanzania away from the towns and the main road. Sim and top-up cards for the pay-as-you-go mobile providers are available just about everywhere; in the towns and cities they often have their own shops, but you can buy cards from roadside vendors anywhere, even in the smallest of settlements. If you plan to self-drive, a local sim card purchase is recommended. Mobile phone roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies.
 

  Public Holidays

2024: New Year’s Day (01 Jan); Zanzibar Revolutionary Day (12 Jan); Good Friday (29 Mar); Easter Monday (01 Apr); Karume Day (07 Apr); Eid al-Fitr (10-11 Apr); Union Day (26 Apr); Labour Day (01 May); Eid al-Hajj (16 Jun); Saba Saba Day (07 Jul); Nane Nane Day (08 Aug); Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad) (15 Sep); Nyerere Day (14 Oct); Independence and Republic Day (09 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec); Boxing Day (26 Dec). 

  Customs

Visas:

• Tanzania is a visa-free destination for South Africans.

Duty-free allowances:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
• 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages
• 580ml of perfume
• Personal effects

Prohibited goods:

• Drugs
• Obscene material
• Counterfeit items
• Local currency (Tanzanian shilling)

Special notes:

• Duty-free allowances only apply to travellers aged 19 years and older.
• Wild fauna and flora: For plants and plant products a phytosanitary certificate is required. For fruits an additional declaration that Xanthomonas citri (Hasse) Dowson does not occur in the country of origin is required.
• Arms and ammunition regulations: It is advisable to obtain an import permit from the police in advance.
• Export regulations: Free export of a reasonable quantity of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
• Pet regulations: Health Certificate of competent veterinary surgeon is required. All pets are subject to inspection on arrival and will be kept in quarantine for a certain period. Dogs and cats must have been vaccinated against rabies. Dogs: less than three years and six months at the latest prior to arrival. Cats: less than one year and one month at the latest prior to arrival.
• Baggage clearance regulations: Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Tanzania. Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Tanzania.
• Currency import regulations: Residents of Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda may import local currency (Tanzanian Shilling-TZS) up to the amount exported. Non-residents are prohibited from importing local currency. Residents and non-residents may import foreign currencies without restrictions.
• Currency export regulations: Residents of Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda may export local currency (Tanzanian Shilling-TZS) up to TZS1 000. Non-residents are prohibited from exporting local currency. Residents and non-residents may export foreign currencies without restrictions.
• Global liquid ban regulations apply. See below.

NB! This is only a brief overview of Customs requirements. If you need additional information, please contact the High Commission of Tanzania on (012) 342 4371/93.

GLOBAL LIQUID BAN REGULATIONS
Global security guidelines have been issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation implementing restrictions on liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols that passengers are allowed to carry in their hand luggage.

The following rules will apply throughout most airports world-wide:
Passengers may only carry small quantities (max. 100 ml per container) of liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in their hand baggage. The packaging of these products must also meet specific requirements.

The new rules apply for liquids such as water, drinks, cream, lotion, oil, perfume, spray, hair gel, bath gel, various types of foam, toothpaste, deodorant, lip gloss or any product of similar substance. Exceptions will be made for baby milk, special dietary foods and medication, for which prescriptions are required.

The following rules apply for liquids in hand baggage:
– Passengers are only allowed to carry liquids and gels in containers with a volume of 100 ml or less.
– These containers may only be carried in a transparent plastic bag.
– Each passenger may only carry one such transparent plastic bag.
– The volume of the transparent plastic bag may not exceed 1 litre.
– The transparent plastic bag must be re-sealable.
– You may bring a transparent plastic bag from home.

Liquids and gels that you purchase after passing through passport control or aboard the aircraft will be packed and sealed for you in the shop or on board, if necessary. The package seal will remain valid for 24 hours. If you have to catch a connecting flight, you will not be allowed to break the seal until you have reached your final destination.

Note: Please consult relevant airline for hand baggage rules regarding liquid ban.

  Doing business

Office hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:30; Saturday 08:00-12:30.

Dress: For men, a suit is acceptable for formal business situations. In rural areas, pants and a nice collared shirt are usually acceptable. For women, a pants suit or the likes is common for formal situations. If the business is done in a rural area it is more appropriate to wear a long skirt reaching below the knees. Jeans, shorts, and revealing clothing are generally not appropriate in business situations.

Greeting: It is best to use surnames initially and wait to be invited to use first names. A handshake is acceptable. Visitors who offer out their hand first, should always use the right hand. If in a room full of people, be sure to say hello or at least acknowledge everyone. Greeting one person and ignoring the rest is considered impolite.

Communication and etiquette: Tanzanians are a warm, friendly people very welcoming to visitors. When communicating Tanzanians will often touch a member of the same sex a number of times throughout a conversation. Long handshakes, pats on the shoulder or touches on the arm are normal. Prolonged eye contact is considered an invasion of privacy, but speakers will still look in the general direction of the face. There is no set protocol with the giving and receiving of business cards but it is always advisable to give and receive cards with the right hand.
 

  Getting around

• Generally international flights fly into Dar es Salaam. There are local airlines offering connections to other domestic destinations, but are notorious for their delays and cancellations. Some of the more upmarket safari lodges have their own airstrips and use small planes operated by private air charter companies to ferry their guests in, which is a good alternative to long drives on dusty roads.
• Roads are not great and driving in Dar es Salaam can be chaotic, however, self-drive is an option with car rentals available at the airport. For cross-country driving, it’s highly recommended to get a 4×4 vehicle with rental insurance and a local SIM card for outgoing calls in case your vehicle breaks down. Stretches of road between towns can be extremely isolated, so try to stay off the roads at night and plan accordingly with food, water and petrol.
• Taxis, which have white plates on the mainland and a passenger vehicle sign on Zanzibar, can be hired in all major towns. None have meters, so agree on the fare with the driver before getting in. Fares for short town trips start at TZS2 000 and TZS5 000 in Dar es Salaam. In major centres, many drivers have an official price list, although rates shown on it are often significantly higher than what is normally paid. If you’re unsure of the price, ask locals what it should be and then use this as a base for negotiations. For longer trips away from town, negotiate the fare based on distance, petrol costs and road conditions, plus a fair profit for the driver. Only use taxis from reliable hotels or established taxi stands. If your taxi passes through a toll stop, the toll is typically paid by the taxi driver, not you. Uber is relatively new to Dar es Salaam, providing a taxi alternative in the capital.
• Buses and trains are an option, however, be prepared for a long and sometimes uncomfortable ride. There are no toilets on buses but regular stops are made along the way.

  Accommodation

• There is a range of accommodation options in Dar es Salaam and other main centres including hotels, guesthouses, self-catering and backpackers. However, these become limited as you venture to the more rural areas.
• There are also numerous safari lodges, generally aimed at the luxury traveller, as well as three- to five-star resorts in Zanzibar. 

  Useful tips

• Always show consideration for the norms and beliefs of the country or area you are visiting. The main religions are Christian, Muslim and indigenous religions.
• Dress is neat and generally conservative, particularly for women who should keep their shoulders and legs covered.
• It is advisable to dress in dull colours on game drives.
• Ask permission before taking photos of locals, and be aware that some people will expect a tip.
• Only use the right hand for eating and giving or receiving items.
• Homosexuality is prohibited.
• It is illegal to smoke in public places.
• Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas, but is not mandatory. Tip about 10% in restaurants and give porters and hotel cleaning staff a small tip. Seek local advice on how much to tip game park staff.
• Do your research when it comes to companies offering safaris, tours and other activities. Some companies have a poor track record when it comes to safety such as equipment, transport, inexperienced/unskilled staff and more.
• Keep your valuables close to you or locked up in your accommodation.
• Look aware of scams – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  Disability awareness

There are hotels that offer disability-friendly rooms in major centres. Transport will need to be pre-planned as not all taxis will be wheel-chair friendly. Safari lodges and resorts, especially in Zanzibar, do offer rooms, transport and areas for those with disabilities, however research does not to be done beforehand. Rural areas will not have facilities and some attractions, particularly markets, will be inaccessible. Contact hotels and resorts directly for more information on what facilities are available.