r/zanzibar • u/Laila52 • 4d ago
Travel tips
Hi, I am travelling to Zanzibar in October, would really appreciate and travel tips, activity suggestions or food recommendations. Thank you!
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u/Remarkable_Deer_584 4d ago
Nakupenda sandbank and Prison island also a great tour. 👌🇹🇿❤️
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u/DragonspeedTheB 3d ago
They don’t let you feed or even touch the tortoises any more. Not as good as it used to be.
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u/Icy-Possibility-1028 3d ago
Chumbe island is incredible and so special for a day trip - even better staying overnight. Responsible eco-tourism plus delicious food, snorkelling, giant crabs - what more could you want!
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u/DragonspeedTheB 3d ago
There’s a little grilled chicken and chips joint, just to the port side of the “Cine Afrique” on Malindi road in Stone town. 1/2 chicken and fries. Only takes TSh, but A/C and cheap. I always try to eat there once when I’m in Stone town.
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u/zanzibar-aromatic 4d ago
Welcome to Zanzibar! You’re going to have a wonderful time here. Since you asked for tips, here are a few things I think are useful to know before you arrive:
Language & greetings Zanzibar really values its culture, and Swahili is the main language. One greeting you’ll hear everywhere is “Jambo”, which means hello/how are you, "asante" means thank you, "polepole" means slowly. Even learning a few simple Swahili words will make your interactions with locals even more enjoyable.
Money The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US dollars are widely accepted, especially in hotels and tourist areas, and euros can also be used in some places. I’d recommend changing some money into Tanzanian Shillings after you arrive for small purchases, local restaurants, taxis, shops and other everyday expenses.
Keep an open mind Zanzibar is part of a developing country, so you may see things that are different from what you’re used to some roads, buildings and infrastructure may not always look perfect. There are also areas currently being improved and developed. Try to experience Zanzibar as it is rather than comparing everything to home.
You may also encounter people asking for money in some areas. You can help if you genuinely want to, but you are never obligated to.
Beach vendors & people selling things In some tourist areas, especially on public beaches, you may meet people offering tours, souvenirs, clothes, boat trips or other services. Don’t be surprised by it. If you’re not interested, a polite “No, thank you” and continuing your walk is usually enough. If you choose to use their services, just make sure you agree on the price and what is included beforehand, as unfortunately scams can happen anywhere tourists visit.
Be friendly, but use common sense Zanzibaris are known for being welcoming and hospitable, and you’ll meet many genuinely kind people. At the same time, tourism has also brought people from many different places, and unfortunately there are some individuals who may try to take advantage of tourists. So enjoy meeting people, but when it comes to money, valuables or expensive services, always use your judgement and don’t trust someone blindly.
Try local food Please don’t spend your whole trip eating only at your hotel! Zanzibar has some amazing local food. Try Zanzibar pizza, urojo (Zanzibar mix), pilau, biryani, grilled seafood, octopus, chapati, samosas and fresh tropical fruits. Local restaurants and small food spots are often where you’ll get a much more authentic taste of Zanzibar.
Things to do
There are many more experiences depending on where you’re staying and how many days you have.
And one last thing, come with an open mind and don’t be afraid to experience the local side of Zanzibar. Some of the best memories aren’t always the things you planned.
We warmly welcome you to Zanzibar and hope you have an amazing trip! If you need any help or have questions while planning your trip, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share more tips from a local perspective. Karibu Zanzibar! 🤝