Zanzibar

Semi Autonomous Archipelago of islands off the coast of Tanzania. A rich history of seafaring and trading, still very authentic with subsistence farming and fishing. Well known for it's fascinating history, architecture, beaches and clear warm waters. Lesser known for exploring the outlying islands, diversity of flora and fauna found in the indigenous forest and rare red colobus monkeys.

Climate

Just south of the equator, Zanzibar follows a similar weather pattern to Tanzania but, being an island, has a more humid climate. May - August enjoys the south easterly trade winds making it cooler but sunshine is never in short supply apart from in April & May when there can be periods of longer spells of rain and cloud cover.

Temperatures 
Peak temperatures can hit 40°C in January & February. Hot and humid

Dry Season
June - October Lovely long sunny days between 36 - 38 °C. Best time for scuba diving.

Wet Season
April & May welcomes the rainy season with a fresh, average daytime temperature of 24°C. November into December expects the short rains

Dates for the diary

Whale Sharks

September- December | Annual

Whilst diving conditions are good year round, whale sharks can been seen off the Mnemba Atoll between Sept & Dec.

Humpback Whale Migration

July - October | Annual

Best time to see Humpback Whales off Zanzibar.

Whitetip reef sharks, dolphins, and hawksbill turtles.

Manta & Eagle Rays

December - April | Annual

Best time to see Manta Rays. Eagle rays can be seen throughout most of the year (not April & May)

Sauti za Busara

February | Annual | Stonetown

Sauti za Busara is a pan-African music festival celebrating cultural diversity & live performance. Africa's best loved and the largest music festival in East Africa, Sauti za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) unites people from all corners of the world attending over three days of cultural extravaganza. Showcase a diversity of performing arts, rooted in Swahili language and traditions .

Zanzibar International Film Festival

July | Annual | Stonetown

The largest cultural event in East Africa. ZIFF was built as a platform for reaching out to communities through film & the arts promoting local talent and providing in depth cultural tours.

Stone Town Food Festival

October | Annual | Stonetown

Showcasing the town’s offerings, from traditional Swahili cuisine through new additions from other countries. Also striving to increasing food and nutritional awareness, inspired by the UN World Food Day.

Zanzibar COVID Protocols Zanzibar COVID Protocols

Zanzibar (Direct Arrivals) COVID-19 Travel Protocols

Updated: 05 September 2022

Pre-Departure Requirements

  • All travellers (incl. children) must complete a Travellers Surveillance Form, to be submitted within 24 hrs before arrival. Upon submission you will receive a Unique Health Code which will be requested during primary screening.
  • Travellers fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine and accompanying certificate including QR code no longer need to provide a PCR test
  • Unvaccinated travellers (5yrs and below) are required to take a PCR test taken 72 hrs before arrival into Tanzania
  • Travellers who were infected and recovered from COVID 19 shall be required to submit a proof of recovering from the disease obtained from Authorised Medical personnel upon arrival to Tanzania.

On Arrival

  • Presentation of Covid-19 certificate / QR code & health screening.
  • The cost of a Rapid Antigen test on arrival into Zanzibar is US$25. Travellers are advised to pay for COVID-19 rapid test online to avoid unnecessary queues upon arrival.
  • Travellers entering Tanzania through Zanzibar with proof of being fully vaccinated using vaccine accepted by RGZ will be exempted from Rapid Antigen Test. Click HERE & HERE for the updated list of countries for Rapid Antigen Test & accepted COVID 19 vaccines.
  • All travellers who arrived through Zanzibar from COVID-19 high risk countries & wish to visit Tanzania mainland within 14 days from the date of arrival will be required to present a -ve Rapid Antigen Test certificate obtained during entry, otherwise they will be subjected to Rapid Antigen Test at Points of Entry.
  • Travellers testing +ve must isolate for 14 days or until they test -ve (RT-PCR test) & will be under strict surveillance procedures.

On Departure

  •  Dependent on airline / transit point / final destination

Useful links and documents