Zanzibar is not an independent country. It is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, made up of several islands in the Indian Ocean, with Unguja being the main island where most tourists visit.
So if you’re travelling to Zanzibar, you are travelling to Tanzania. Although the island has its own local government and some distinct rules and arrangements, it operates within the United Republic of Tanzania. So here is what you have to know before you visit the country.
Zanzibar’s Entry Requirements for Ugandan Travellers
Before travelling to Zanzibar, you should know the entry requirements to avoid any inconveniences at the airport. As a Ugandan you don’t need a tourist visa to visit Tanzania, but there are still a few important documents and requirements you must prepare.
You need a valid Ugandan passport preferably with at least six months’ validity remaining. You must also carry your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate commonly known as the Yellow Card because Uganda is considered a Yellow Fever risk country. The vaccination should have been administered at least 10 days before travelling.
Another important requirement is Zanzibar’s mandatory inbound travel insurance which international visitors including Ugandans are required to purchase through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. EAC travellers currently qualify for a discounted fee of US$22 while foreigners pay US$44 per adult. . You can obtain it through the
If you’re travelling by air you should have a return flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation and sufficient money for your stay to show immigration officials that you have a clear travel plan and can support yourself while visiting.
Currency Used in Zanzibar
Before travelling to Zanzibar, you should know which currency is used on the island so that you can plan your spending and avoid difficulties when making payments.
Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) which you will need when buying food, shopping in local markets and paying for most everyday goods and services. If you are travelling from Uganda, you should consider exchanging some of your Ugandan shillings into Tanzanian shillings before or upon arrival.
However Visa, Mastercard and US dollars are also accepted in some places particularly hotels and tourist establishments. You should know Tanzania introduced foreign currency regulations in 2025 requiring local goods and services to be priced and paid for in Tanzanian shillings.
Zanzibar’s Transportation
You should know the transport means you will use while in Zanzibar for the island has several transportation options whether you want something comfortable, affordable or simply want to experience how local people travel.
One of the most common options is using taxis as you can hire a taxi to take you from the airport to your hotel, visit different beaches or explore tourist attractions around the island. Make sure you ask about the price before getting into the vehicle since Zanzibar taxis require you to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you can use Dala-dalas which are local public minibuses. They are much cheaper than private taxis and are commonly used by residents to travel although they can get crowded and journeys may take longer because they make several stops along the way.
You can also hire a private car or arrange a driver through the hotel you booked with as it is better when visiting several attractions in one day.
If you choose to drive yourself, remember that you need to meet Zanzibar’s local driving permit requirements.
Zanzibar’s Popular Beaches
One of the biggest reasons people travel to Zanzibar is its beautiful beaches. The island is famous for its white sandy shores, clear blue waters and beautiful coastal scenery. It’s beaches provide a perfect setting for relaxing under the sun, swimming, taking photographs and enjoying various water activities.
- Among these is Nungwi beach, one of the most popular beaches in Zanzibar located on the northern coast of the island. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear blue water, hotels, restaurants and lively atmosphere if you enjoy swimming & taking boat trips.
- Kendwa Beach which gives you a more relaxed beach experience and is famous for its wide sandy shoreline, beautiful sunsets and generally favourable swimming conditions throughout the day giving a peaceful beach getaway vibe.
- Paje beach which is popular for water sports, especially kitesurfing and has beach restaurants, cafés, hotels and places where visitors can relax while enjoying the ocean views although Paje experiences significant changes in sea levels because of the tides as the water moves far away from the shoreline
- Jambiani beach, this is quieter unlike the busier tourist areas. It has traditional fishing communities, small hotels and beautiful stretches of white sand. It is a lovely place for beach walks, taking photographs and experiencing a quieter side of Zanzibar.
Food in Zanzibar
When travelling to Zanzibar you should look forward to the food. The island has a unique food culture influenced by African, Arab, Indian and Persian traditions. This means you’ll find a variety of dishes from seafood and rice meals to spicy curries, grilled meats and tropical fruits.
If you’re someone who enjoys trying new foods when travelling, Zanzibar will give you plenty of options which include;
- Zanzibar Pilau a spiced rice dish usually prepared with ingredients such as meat, potatoes and a mixture of spices. It is one of the popular meals worth trying.
- Zanzibar Biryani a popular rice dish often served with chicken, beef or other accompaniments and is known for its rich flavour and spices.
- Zanzibar is an island, so fresh seafood is a big part of its food culture and you can enjoy grilled fish, prawns, lobster, calamari and octopus.
- Another dish worth trying is Urojo known as Zanzibar Mix. This is a popular street food in Stone town made with a tangy soup, potatoes, bhajias, spices and different toppings.
- Zanzibar Pizza unlike the regular pizza you may know this is a local street snack made by filling thin dough with ingredients such as minced meat, eggs and vegetables before frying it on a hot pan.
If you want to try such local food you can visit Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town which becomes a lively food market in the evening.
The Best Season to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar experiences a tropical climate with warm and humid weather throughout the year and temperatures generally ranging between 25°C and 32°C.
The island’s different weather seasons can affect your holiday plans so the best time to visit is between June and October when the weather is mostly dry and sunny making it ideal for enjoying the beaches, swimming and exploring tourist attractions. January and February are also good months to visit as they are generally hot and sunny offering suitable conditions for swimming, snorkelling and other beach activities.
Zanzibar’s main rainy season runs from March to May with April usually receiving the heaviest rainfall while shorter rains occur around November and December and If you want to enjoy plenty of sunshine during your holiday, June to October is a good period to plan your trip and better make your bookings early to avoid any inconviencinces as these months attract many visitors.
Safety and Security in Zanzibar
Zanzibar welcomes thousands of visitors who come to enjoy its beaches, hotels and tourist attractions. However, just like any other travel destination, you still need to be careful and take a few precautions.
One thing to watch out for is petty theft especially in busy tourist areas such as Stone Town and popular beaches. Avoid walking around with large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or valuable electronics on display. Keep your belongings close and make sure your passport and other important documents are stored safely.
If you’re going out for dinner or visiting a different part of the island at night use a trusted taxi arranged through your hotel or a reputable tour operator and avoid accepting lifts from strangers or walking alone through unfamiliar and isolated areas after dark.
You should also be careful when booking tourist activities as some people may approach you on the beach offering cheap boat trips, tours or other experiences only to steal from you or harm you.
If you’re planning to go swimming or take a boat trip, pay attention to the ocean conditions tides and safety instructions. Only use reputable boat operators and avoid boarding vessels that appear overcrowded or lack proper safety equipment.
What to Wear in Zanzibar?
Before packing your suitcase for Zanzibar, it is important to understand the island’s dress culture. Although Zanzibar is a popular beach destination where you will see tourists wearing swimming costumes, bikinis and other beachwear, the same dressing may not be appropriate everywhere.
Zanzibar has a predominantly Muslim population and modest dressing is appreciated especially when visiting Stone Town, local villages, markets and religious sites.
If you’re planning to spend your day at the beach or swimming pool you can comfortably wear your swimming costume, bikini, shorts or beach dress. However when leaving the beach to visit other places it is advisable to cover up with a light dress, shirt, trousers or a skirt that covers your knees.
For women carrying long dresses, skirts, loose trousers and tops that cover the shoulders can be helpful. Men can pack T-shirts, shirts, shorts and lightweight trousers.
You should also remember to carry comfortable sandals, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen because Zanzibar can get quite hot, especially when you’re spending hours outdoors.
The good thing is that Zanzibar’s people are generally welcoming to tourists, and learning a few Swahili greetings such as Jambo (hello) and Asante (thank you) can make your interactions even more enjoyable.
