Getting Around Zanzibar
Zanzibar, located off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean, consists of two large islands—Unguja Island (the main island, informally called Zanzibar Island) and Pemba Island—along with numerous smaller islands. The capital, Zanzibar City, sits on Unguja Island. Getting around this island archipelago requires a mix of transport options, from walking through the historic Stone Town to buses, taxis, and ferries connecting different areas.
Arriving at the Airport
Most visitors arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, located about 5 kilometers south of Zanzibar City. Several transport options connect the airport to the city and surrounding areas.
By taxi: Taxis wait outside the airport terminal. Drivers display a price list for various tourist destinations, but prices are negotiable. Many hotels offer free or discounted shuttle service from the airport, though negotiating with a taxi driver directly often yields better rates than booking through your hotel.
By dala dala (minibus): A budget-friendly option exists just outside the airport gate. The dala dala bus service costs TSh 200 and takes about 20 minutes to reach the city center via Creek Road. This option works best if you travel light with a backpack rather than large suitcases. To return to the airport from Stone Town, look for buses marked "Ndege" (Swahili for airport) at the crossroads just south of the market on Creek Road.
Getting to Zanzibar from Mainland Tanzania
If you're traveling from mainland Tanzania, particularly from Dar es Salaam, ferries and catamarans provide the main connection to Zanzibar.
Ferry services: Several operators run services between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, including Azam Marine, Sea Express, Sea Star, Seagull Kilimanjaro, and Sepideh Megaspeed Liners. Journey times vary from approximately 2 hours on faster vessels to 4.5 hours or more on slower services. Ferries typically depart Dar es Salaam multiple times daily. Arrive at the ferry port at least 30 minutes before departure to clear immigration, security checks, and secure seating.
First-class tickets offer more comfortable seating but cost only slightly more than economy and often feature very cold air conditioning. Economy class passengers can typically access the sundeck, which many travelers prefer. Prices quoted in US dollars may be more expensive if you pay in local currency, so exchanging money beforehand is advisable.
Important immigration note: Although Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, it maintains its own immigration service. You must carry a valid passport to enter Zanzibar, even when traveling from mainland Tanzania. You will fill out both a Tanzania arrival card upon entering Stone Town and a departure card when leaving. Immigration officials may also check vaccination records, particularly for yellow fever.
Walking in Stone Town
Stone Town, the historic center and a World Heritage Site, is best explored on foot. Most alleys are narrow—barely wide enough for a bicycle to pass—making walking the most practical and enjoyable way to navigate this UNESCO-protected area. Expect to move slowly through the winding streets and allow time to discover the district's architecture and character.
Taxis and Private Cars
For travel outside Stone Town, taxis and private cars offer the most comfortable option. Private cars (essentially taxis with drivers but without official taxi designation) may be 10-20% cheaper than official cabs. Your hotel can arrange a private car, though be aware that hotels often add substantial commissions to quoted prices.
Negotiate taxi fares before traveling and ask your hotel staff or locals about typical street prices to avoid paying inflated rates. Sample routes include Stone Town to Nungwi (the northern tip), Stone Town to Paje beach, and Nungwi to Kizimkazi in the south.
Dala Dala (Minibus) Network
A network of daladalas—minivans, small buses, and sometimes pickup trucks—connects major villages across the island at very low cost. Travel anywhere on the island should cost less than TSh 2,000 per person. These buses are primarily used by locals and offer an authentic glimpse into everyday island life, though they work best for travelers with light luggage rather than large suitcases.
An important limitation: there is no direct dala dala service running north to south across the island. To travel between these directions, you must return to Stone Town and change buses. Traveling to Nungwi in the north, for example, typically takes about 2 hours by dala dala.
Shared Taxis
Shared taxi services offer another option for island travel. These services cost around US$10 per person for trips anywhere on the island, with flexible pickup and drop-off points. Tickets must be booked online in advance through Zanzibus before your journey.
Car Rental
Renting a car provides freedom to explore independently, though driving in Zanzibar requires caution. Roads can be in poor condition with unexpected obstacles—sudden bumps, animals, and pedestrians appear without warning. Avoid driving at night when possible. Even a one-way rental for a single day can make sense for traveling between distant points, as rental companies can deliver and pick up vehicles at your hotels.
If you rent a car, ensure you have your driving license, a temporary Zanzibar driver's permit (obtainable from local authorities), and the vehicle's insurance sticker visible on the windscreen. Expect frequent police checks on roads; officials will verify your documents. Gas stations are well distributed across the island, so plan fuel stops accordingly to avoid running out of petrol in remote areas.
Ferry Connections Between Islands
Zanzibar is accessible via five ports, enabling ferry connections between islands. While this source material focuses primarily on Unguja Island, ferries connect to Pemba Island and other smaller islands in the archipelago for visitors wishing to explore beyond the main island.