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

• Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas, markets, and ferry terminals.
  • Violent crime is rare, but incidents of burglary and opportunistic theft happen; keep doors locked and valuables secure.
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially on beaches and in isolated areas; use trusted transport options.
  • Keep valuables in hotel safes and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items when out.
  • Be alert when using ATMs and monitor credit card transactions for fraud.
  • Road conditions are fair, but driving standards can be poor; avoid driving at night outside major towns.
  • Wildlife and marine areas are generally safe, but obey park and reef rules.
  • Drug offences carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences.
  • Emergency services are limited; the general emergency number is 112, but response times can be slow.
  • Demonstrations are rare, but avoid any gatherings as a precaution.

  Note to LGBT travellers: Same-sex relations are criminalised and can lead to severe penalties. Social attitudes are conservative; discretion is essential.

  Note to women travellers: Harassment can occur, especially in crowded areas and nightlife settings. Dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night, and use trusted transport options.

  Health Precautions

Vaccinations

Compulsory:
None

Recommended:
• Routine vaccines (including MMR and diphtheria–tetanus–polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Influenza (seasonal)
• COVID‑19 (up to date)
• Cholera (consider for high‑risk areas or during outbreaks)
• Rabies (consider for long stays, rural travel, or potential animal exposure)

Additional Health Considerations
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, any country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Malaria: Zanzibar is a malaria‑risk area; antimalarial medication and strict mosquito‑bite precautions are essential.
• Dengue and chikungunya: Present; rigorous mosquito‑bite avoidance required.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: Moderate to high risk; maintain strict food and water hygiene.
• Extreme weather: Heavy rains and occasional storms may affect travel and access to services.
• Healthcare quality: Limited compared with mainland Tanzania’s major cities; medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.
• Medication availability: Bring essential prescriptions, as availability may be limited outside Stone Town.

  Currency

Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
Latest exchange rate: TZS1 = ZAR0,0062 (25 Feb 2026 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

  Customs

Visas:

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

Duty-free allowances:

• 200 cigarettes, cigars, tobacco and snuff not exceeding 250g
• 1 litre of whisky and liquors
• 2 litres of wine
• 500 ml of perfume and eau de toilette (not more than 125 ml of perfume)
• Personal effects
• Goods up to 500 dollars

Special notes:

• Duty-free allowances only apply to travellers aged 17 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.
• Passengers are not allowed to carry plastic bags in their suitcase or hand baggage.
• Import of minerals, mineral samples or gemstone requires an import permit.
• 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/export regulations: Foreign currencies – no restrictions, but amounts exceeding the equivalent of USD10 000 must be declared upon arrival. Local currency (Tanzanian Shilling-TZS) – Prohibited.
• 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

• Driving is on the left-hand side; roads are generally good in urban areas but can be rough in rural regions.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and may be required alongside your national license.
• Public transport includes dala-dalas (shared minibuses), which are cheap but crowded and informal.
• No domestic flights within Zanzibar itself; flights connect Zanzibar Island with mainland Tanzania and other regions.
• Ferries operate between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, as well as to nearby islands; schedules vary by operator.
• Taxis are available in towns and at the airport; fares are usually negotiated in advance.
• Ride-hailing apps are limited or unavailable; most transport is arranged locally.
• Car hire is available, including self-drive and with a driver; 4x4s are useful for exploring remote areas.
• Women travellers are generally safe; modest dress is advisable, especially in villages and coastal communities.
• Police checkpoints are common; carry ID and vehicle documents when driving.

  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.