Travel Answers

We would like to honeymoon in Zanzibar for 7 days from South Africa.
We hear the North is beautiful but expensive and its worth staying in Stone Town for a night or two. We like to snorkel and explore - we don't want to hang around the hotel all day...
Any accommodation suggestions? What about self catering beach bungalows?
We don't like the resort style but the all inclusive packages sound affordable.
Would you recommend we make our own itinerary (stay in a few different places) or do an all inclusive package? Which would work out cheapest?

We've been to Greece before where we just arrived and winged our whole holiday and it was amazing as we spoke to locals and planned our stays accordingly.

Thanks in advance for your help

Hello -- our college aged daughter will be traveling to Tanzania this summer with a group called GIVE -- Growth International Volunteer Excursions. They will be doing a service project and also recreation mostly on and around Zanzibar Island, then to Arusha and Kilimanjaro to finish. I'm totally unfamiliar with the area and would appreciate any advice. I expect the group organizers will have the agenda pretty much planned out. This is a regular location for them. Otherwise just looking for comments or cautions from fellow travelers. THANKS

Hi there! We're a family of four (kids aged 13 and 10) thinking about going to Zanzibar in July. Is it really as wonderful as it looks? Is it really worth the expensive air fare from Norway? Immeadeate thoughts on this? We'd like to have a couple of nights in Stonetown and then to find a nice, small hotel somewhere by he sea. We're looking for an area and a hotel that is safe, but not full of package tourists - would be good if there are a few restaurants to choose between nearby. I guess as far as price is concerned, we're aiming for mid-range. Any suggestions, particularly when it comes to area? We have 3 weeks in total - should we spend all the time in Zanzibar - or should we perhaps combine it with 10 days in South Africa? In which case, advise on the best way to travel to/from would be much appreciated! Or maybe you have suggestions to other places worth visiting in the area? Thank you in advance :)

Hi, We arrive in Zanzibar on Dec 30th, and we would like to go to the North Coast. So far, i cant find any place available from the web. Tried most websites, and sent about 25 emails. Just looking for a normal/clean place, no views on anything... Never been to Africa, but travelled a lot in Asia. Since i cant book anything in advace, is it possible/easy to just show up in the North, and find a small place to rent for 4-5 days? Like in Thailand or Bali? And if you have any suggestion, dont be shy!! Thanks Rik

Hi, I may get a chance to accompany a friend to go to Zanzibar for a week in November to stay at a place called Breezes on the East Coast. It looks beautiful and Id love to go. However I have no innoculations up to date, as my friend does, he thinks I should start the ball rolling now and get my injections done, he actually listed a few! (i hate jabs btw!) Yellow Fever Tetanus Malaria tablets Hep A and B I emailed Breezes and they said if staying around that area, then YF and Tetanus are all that are needed, but the hotel has mozzie nets that surround the bed, so surely the malaria tabs are required? Is a week long enough to see and relax in the area? Thanks for any info on this. Regards Jane London

Hi guys, I am arriving to Zanzibar after the Kilimanjaro trek in the afternoon and leaving the next day around 4pm. Is it better to stay in one of the hotels/hostels in Stone Town which would be close to the ferry terminal or shell I look for some place at the beach? I am keen on having an easy access to the port but on the other hand would love to stay right at the beach. Can you recommend something and could you advice if it is expensive to move around by taxi? Many thanks

Hello people, i read there are some little islands around Zanzibar Island and i'd like to know if i wanna visit one of those little islands (with noone living there, i mean)...how can i get there??? how can i find a boat to get there? any tips for me, plz????

We impulsivley booked our honeymoon last week for a 4 night safari on the Masai Mara and then 10 nights in Zanzibar. The trip sounds amazing and the price was also really good. It seems that the rainy season is in May and I am now worrying that we will not get to lay on the beach and relax because of all the rain! Is it generally really bad or will it just be short showers clearing the humidity? Basically - am i still going to get to experience the amazing sights of Zanzibar in the dry and come back with a honeymoon tan?!! Also can anyone tell me what it will be like in the evenings - will the temperature drop quite a lot? Any advice you can offer and tips on particular trips or sights we should see would be greatly appreciated Thanks! :)

Dear All. i planning to visit Zanzibar this weak end for 10 days & Dar es Salaam plz help & told me if it is a free country & what is the best thing in this city i should visit or make it .... & is their any nightlife in this city ??????

Dear All.... I'm planning with my friends, to visit Zanzibar island in Tanzania next week and I need any one had visited this country before To give me advice and answers to questions I have. Anas Thanks.

Is there a direct Flight from Zanzibar airport to Kilimanjaro airport ??? which airlines ?? when?? and how much???

Initially I slotted 9 days for a safari in Tanzania. After my research I feel like I don't need 9 days. Now I'm thinking about spending 2-3 full days in Zanzibar and 6-7 days on a safari. I haven't found much in forums about doing both. Thanks for any advice.

Dear Travelers! Its that time again and my girlfriend and I are planning our next holiday! Just some background on us: we are the 'beachy, sunnny, outdoorsy' types (ages 31 and 28) that love to laze on the beach but also to explore a bit, do some fund activities (water sports, hiking,etc) meet people and eat good food! We LOVE good, local cuisine! Our previous destinations include Thailand, Cambodia, Seychelles, Europe and USA. This year we want to do (or stay in) Africa (we are from Namibia), and we're very keen on visiting Zanzibar. Our time-line would be around 28 December 2011 - to 10 January 2012, and we have a few questions: First of all, Zanzibar Island or Pemba?? Any advice?? then... 1) Is the weather fine (acceptable) that time of year? (How 'bad' is the 'small rainy season - bad? ) 2) Where on Zanzibar should we go? Stay in one place or move around and stay in more than one hotel/etc? - I heard the central-east coast is better for relaxing etc, whereas further north its more the 'club-med' scene? 3) Budget wise - is it expensive there? By expensive, I mean Seychelles-type expensive..for those who know. 4) What would you recommend we do while there? I.e the 'must-see-must-do' type of things. (Does not need to be the obvious 'touristy' thing, and any advise/tips will help! ) Thank you in advance for those who will answer my Q's and give us some advice. it is always good to hear from fellow adventurers who've been there! :) Regards, Jurgen from Namibia

Does anyone have any advice on where to stay as a female backpacker travelling alone? Not too concerned about safety (I can handle it), I am looking for a good backpacking atmosphere (no honeymoon spots) with nice beaches and cheap!! Thanks :)

Hi all, Can you please give me an indication on what Zanzibar is like during Ramadan? I'm from Dubai and would like to get away from the heat etc by doing a Kenyan safari followed by Zanzibar with my mum. Will we be inhibited by a lack of restaurants open during the day, souks closed, no drinks before iftar etc? Being from Dubai I also know not to run around in a bikini in town! Also, can you recommend any decent places to stay that won't break the bank? We would like 2 days in Stone Town followed by 2 days on the beach. About200 per night for the beach resorts and100-150 for Stone Town. I know that availability in August will also be an issue given that it's peak season. Thanks! Natalie

Hi We are considering staying at the Coral Rock Beach Bungalows in Zanzibar next January. It will be a family affair, with grandparents in their 70s, us and our two children (then 8 and 5). Has anyone else stayed there, and, if so, what was your experience? Regards Cathy

is it safe and ok to walk around town . can you get public buses or a cheap tour around the whole island - is there much to see ? what about abeach at this time of year ?

Hi all We want to travel to Zanzibar soon and want to know which is the best beach for swimming. Swimming is our main interest so we want something with soft sand and not too much seaweed. For those of you who have been to both Zanzibar and Seychelles, is there any beach on Zanzibar that would match the amazing swimming conditions of Anse Lazio & Cote D'or beaches on Praslin, Seychelles? Also, what is the best time of year for swimming in Zanzibar? Thanks in advance.

Hi all! I will be arriving in Stonetown Sunday 23rd January and returning to London 15th Feb. My Itinerary: Zanzibar Coffee House (B&B), Stone Town, Zanzibar - 3 nights Mbuyuni Beach Villiage (Half-board), Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar - 12 nights Verani Beach Hotel, Pemba (Half Board) - 7 nights All accommodations are booked, I just have to organise my return flight to Pemba and my transfers. I am travelling on a budget and I am not impressed with the cost of transport on these Islands. The Island hop to Pemba & back is around200 however this is nothing compared to the prices I am being quoted for land transfers - Pemba Airport to Verani Beach120 return! Any tips from previous visitors will be appreciated, not just transfers but my accommodation choices, things to do & see etc. will be appreciated. Regards, John

Hi, What is the best way of getting from the airport to our hotel (SEA CLUB KIWENGWA ZANZIBAR) located on the NE coast. The hotel itself can offer a transfer but are charging100. Surely this is excessive! Any tips? Cheers Jason

Hi, I'm a UK passport holder but live in Qatar, and so am stuck with getting a visa on arrival. But looking at the info I've read, it seems a bit worrying, namely: that passport holders should fulfil all immigration requirments. What exactly are these requirments? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am a 30something single female working in Nairobi planning to take my 10 day vacation in August to sit myself on the beach in Zanzibar. I want to relax, take in some rays, enjoy spa treatments but also meet people to have a drink with at night and enjoy the night life with. Any suggestions on nice resorts that are not to family-focused but also not to many 18 years olds getting sloppy drunk every night??

We will be in Tanzanya and Kenya in July. Considering our group formed of females in majority, searching more about Kenya I become more suspicious if we will face local guys forcing us to be more modest upon their local average. Other important question mark is on that if we should be wearing clothes several inches below our knees. Even though Zanzibar is a well-known tourist destination, we may assume that conditions might be different than in Kenya, nonetheless we are still looking for experienced trip details about 'female security in Kenya and Tanzania (especially Zanzibar)'. Your suggestions will be pretty much appreciated. Kind Regards, Berna Kanbay

We will spend a short time in Zanzibar Island , can you recommend us the "must see/do" in the Island ( We heard about turtles , beach , snorkeling, sunsets...) We will stay in the North of the island Thank you Gracias !!!!

We are thinking of going to Malaria in July with our 3 year old. We will take the required medication, but he absolutely HATES wearing shoes and anything with long pants or long sleeves, especially if its hot. How important is it to keep him covered in the early evening? Will we be ok with just loads of mozzie repellent? Really dont want to be arguing with him all the time about being hot in long pants and sleeves but more importantly dont want to risk him getting malaria. This could make or break our choice of destination. Pls advise.

I am travelling to Malawi in late April and wanted to stop off in Zanzibar on the way. I realise it is the rain season but having lived in a sheltered part of Malawi for 4 rain seasons I realise it doesnt pour all day every day. Does anyone know how bad the rainy days can be on Zanzibar at the end of April, I will only be there for 5 days but wouldnt bother going if it was likely to rain continuously. Does anyone who lives there or travelled there a lot have any advice?

hi there! we are totally broke travellers and when i say broke i mean we cant afford a place to stay for more than R100 (ZAR, u may have to convert that)for two!We have looked at the beach shacks at Kendwa rocks but the bed looks extremely dirty and we are also worried about having to share toilet facilities, plus we dont even know if they have shower facilities AT ALL! we refuse to stay in town and must be on the beach at all costs( so long as they are under R100 for two!) Pemba island looks like the waters are much more blue and so if u know of any place there that would suit our fussy criteria that would be great! we really dont mind staying on Zanzibar or other neighbouring islands either. basically we want somewhere with a shower,clean toilet and a clean, very acceptable bed( it can be a double or twin either is fine). we really dont care if its beach sand for floors and missing one wall! thank you so much! WE REALLY NEED HELP!!!!!!!!

We're a family group, (two Grandparents,two couples with no children plus one couple with 2 kids under five, 10 of us in total). We're trying to plan a beach holiday on Zanzibar. Does anyone know of a great place to stay? A couple of cottages on a hotel or resort property would be perfect. Thanks

Can you please help us out, we are planning to stay ten days in Zanzibar for our honeymoon after a busy 5 day safari in Tanzania. We wish to stay at a beach side hotel in an area where there are some bars and restaurants to visit in the evenings. We understand there is not much nightlife but surely there is some in certain areas. Which resort should we look at? Any suggestinos for reasonably priced hotels?

Dear Travelers, We are planing vocation for 2 weeks around X-mas- New Year with a baby , who will be 4 month old at that time. Is it safe to go to Zanzibar with such a small baby? Please, advice. Thank you in advance, Lena