Zanzibar Island Travel Forum

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

Hello! I am a young traveler looking to rent an apartment or a flat or even just a room on Zanzibar (preferably on the beach) for cheap. I will be there from the middle of December until the end of February (not sure, I might stay longer, but that is how long I can book right now). Are there any places someone knows of? Also just a cheap beach shack type place that would be able to have me stay there for awhile. Thanks so much!

Hello travellers
We fly into Zanzibar next week, arriving around 11.00am, and we are staying up at Ras Nungwi. We would appreciate some advice on the best way to get to the other end of the island. We have read there are buses but that they take ages - are there any other options? Thanks

please post what's the absolute must-see-things-to-do in zanzibar? lots of the reviews and tips are quite outdated, some by two years....thank you

Helle
My daughter i on a holliday in Tanzania. In christmas she i going to Zanzibar and I would like to send her a christmas-present
Anyone who nows the adress og the postoffice in Stone Town?

Hello there,
I'll be in Zanzibar between 20-22 October for 3 nights. I wonder if I should spend all my nights in Stone town or should I stay 1-2 nights at beach resorts as well. If I stay in Stone town, can I reach good beaches easily during the day? In addition, I would appreciate recommendations regarding medium budget accomodation...

regards,
Tarkan

Hi

Just wondered what is the best way of getting to zanzibar from kenya. We will be staying near mombasa

Thanks

Please can somebody let me know the address fo the Karibu Inn??!! I have searched high an dlow but havent found it anywhere!

Thank you!

Anyone know where I can take some kite surfing lessons on Zanzibar?

In september after climbing on Kilimanjaro I'd like to spend with my wife few days on Zanzibar. Anyone can sugest me some interesting hotel for les than 100$ per night per room?

i am needing advice for a great place to stay in stone town. I am only planning to stay for one or two nights, but am willing to pay up to $150 for 2 people. i just cant find somewhere nice with good reviews. PLEASE ADVISE!!!

I am travelling to Tanzania next week, going on Safari in Selous and then onto Zanzibar. We are spending 2 nights in Stone Town and then 4 nights on the beach. Which location is best to stay at for the beach part of the holiday Nungwi or Jambiani? I keep getting mixed reviews. Ideally I don't want to have to walk miles to get into the sea. I'd also like to go diving when there so want somewhere with reputable dive centre. Any advice appreciated.

HI!
Just one question: What would you like to find in a Juices Shop in Zanzibar to buy a juice there?
Thanks!!

I'm going on honeymoon to Tanzania next July and thought it would be good idea to spend a few days on the beach at the end - and thought of Zanzibar. Only there seem to be lots of resorts - does anyone have any advise on where would be good to stay?

Hi,

I'm going to Zanzibar in mid-oct and plan a few days in Nungwi. Does anyone have any suggestion for good backpacker style accomodation, somewhere near the beach and a good party atmosphere, but cheap - I've heard Jambo Bros is good...anyone been there? Anyone know if it is possible to pre-book this place or should I just show up? Any other suggestions for what to do and where to eat/drink etc.

Thanx, Frank.

Me and my boyfriend are going to zanzibar in august/september 2006 for 5 weeks to do our elective in a hospital in stone town.

we're looking for an accommodation reachable by car. Should be at the beach...
But not to expensive... student budget ;-)

Has anybody a good idea?

By the way, where is the cheapest place to rent cars or motorbikes?

Thanks for help

Lisa

My son (19yrs) and I will be visiting Zanzibar for a week in mid-March. We plan to stay in Stonetown for 2 nights then head on down to Kendwa for beach and scuba. Should we pre-book accommodation or is it best to just turn up and find a place to stay?

Any advice on hotels/bungalows? Any advice on where to stay in Stonetown gratefully received - do we need air-con? Not looking for luxury, but don't want to rough it. In Kendwa I fancy the Sunset Bungalows - has anyone stayed there? I don't want to pay over the odds by booking in advance through an agent, but I don't want to get there and find nowhere decent to stay... what to do? Any advice?

From what I've read there are 2 PADI scuba dive centres on Kendwa beach - Scuba Do and Sensation - does anyone have experience of these? Which is best? Again, should we pre-book or just turn up?

Thanks for any help! Sally.

We will be arriving in Stonetown around the 3rd of November. From what we have read, the election will take place on the 30th of October. Can someone enlighten us as to what to expect? We're staying in a major hotel but want to walk around Stonetwon on our own prior to heading out to the beaches. Tips on Stonetown would also be appreciated. Thanks.

hi

we're thinking of maybe heading to Zanzibar in late october - and we're searching for the perfect beach. We're thinking of Nungwi at the moment -although nothing is decided yet. has anyone been there and can share some information and tips?

we're eventually willing to consider other areas - the only no-go is Kiwenga, as we're not really interested in the big resorts scenes. We're really hoping for a no-frills holiday.

thanks for any help
Rhia

My partner and I will be travelling to Zanzibar this September. We are staying in the Amaan Bungalows, but I really know very little about them.
Has anybody been that can give me some feedback? Is it worthwhile? Does it have a swimming pool?
Are the beaches nearby good?
How is the food priced? And simple things like a coke or beer? Are those averagely priced?

Another thing I would like to know is whether anybody knows if there are any good surf spots in Zanzibar? I am clueless as to whether we should pack the boards or not.

Thanks!

Hello there,

I am planning to stay at the Pongwe hotel on the south-east coast for several days this August. Does anyone have information on the the scuba diving in the area: recommended sites, dive centers etc. I am a moderate scuba diver, but have about 5 days to dive and want to dive at a variety of sites. Also, any information on other attractions in the area and the nightlife would be appreciated. I now realise that the top places to dive are in the north-east or close to stonetown, but as I am already in advanced stages of booking, I will settle for some good places near Paje (including sites that can be reached by boat or different towns that need to be driven to).
Also, how long is the drive from Paje to Stonetown? How much would such a ride cost by cab? or any other means available?
If familiar with Paje - are there many restaurants in the area? any chance of a mini-market where I can buy my own food?
I have seen several inquiries about the above hotel, but no answers, so I assume no one has stayed there. If you have, please share your experiences. Where is the main Zanzibar airport located? How far is it from Stonetown?
To all the scuba divers out there - does anyone know how long I should wait after diving before I fly back to the mainland?

Thanks in advance,

Danny

Hello there,

I am planning to stay at the Pongwe hotel on the south-east coast for several days this August. Does anyone have information on the the scuba diving in the area: recommended sites, dive centers etc. I am a moderate scuba diver, but have about 5 days to dive and want to dive at a variety of sites. Also, any information on other attractions in the area and the nightlife would be appreciated. I now realise that the top places to dive are in the north-east or close to stonetown, but as I am already in advanced stages of booking, I will settle for some good places near Paje (including sites that can be reached by boat or different towns that need to be driven to).
Also, how long is the drive from Paje to Stonetown? How much would such a ride cost by cab? or any other means available?
If familiar with Paje - are there many restaurants in the area? any chance of a mini-market where I can buy my own food?
I have seen several inquiries about the above hotel, but no answers, so I assume no one has stayed there. If you have, please share your experiences. Where is the main Zanzibar airport located? How far is it from Stonetown?
To all the scuba divers out there - does anyone know how long I should wait after diving before I fly back to the mainland?

Thanks in advance,

Danny

Hi has anyone been to this resort and if 'yes' how was it??

Hi

I'm looking at going to Zanzibar on honeymoon in July / August and possibly staying at the Breezes Beach Club.

Can anyone give me any info about what this place is like to stay there for around 10 days? What is the food like? What are typical prices for meals?

The other option is Karafuu but I have already heard some negativity about that.

ANY information you could give me would be gratefully received!!

You can email me on marclyon25@hotmail.com

Thanks - this really is appreciated!!

Hey!

I'm going to spend some days in Zanzibar in a month and staying at the beach, near Mnemba, like an hour drive from Stone Town. In 3 days, what do u suggest?

Just diving and suntanning? Drive everyday to Stone Town and chill there? Or spending two days on the beach and 1 day chilling in Stone Town (as I am thinking to do).

Or, rather than those, what exactly is there to do in Zanzibar's Northeast coast? Or in Zanzibar as a whole?

Is it worth to rent a car and explore the Island, rather than suntanning/diving?

Do fishermen take us with them fishing, if we ask for it and are willing to give a helping hand? (Portugese fishermen do allow that)

Again, a huge post of me! Thanks you all!

Hi, i want to come in your fantastic island in some days.. maybe at the beginning of february. But i've heard on tv about tsunami in Zanzibar. Fortunately i know it hadn't been so "hard" like in Thai, but, anyway, what's the situstion on the island? exspecially on the east cost? you know, things like dirty water, or destroyed beaches and resorts...?
Thanks.

We are planning to go to Zanzibar in Feb. and are looking around for accomodation.
Prefer to get something on the beach, close to good snorkelling - if possible directly off the resort beach and also if possible a place which has kanots, catamarans for sailing.
Is the east or the west side of Island better for snorkelling.
Does anybody have recommendations for accomodation ?

Would be a plus if possible to rent bikes.
Karin

I have just read on the Tanzania news website that there has been
rioting In Zanzibar and several people have been killed.
My boyfriend and I are travelling to Zanzibar for our honeymoon in August. Will it be safe enough for us to holiday there, or will the unrest continue up untill the general election which I believe is happening in October.

I would be greatful for any information anyone can give me about the situation over there.

Thanks

We're off to the Mapenzi Beach Hotek in February 2005 - if anyone has any information, tips etc... we would be grateful...thanks

I know Tanzania's shoreline was slightly hit by the Tsunami. I was just curious, does anyone know the affects that it has had along any of the coastline more specifically, and especially in Zanzibar... I know lots of people were evacuated... News mentions Dar Es Salaam and Mombasa, but havent heard anything about Zanzibar....

Also my condolences and thoughts to all those affected. I wish I could do so much more, I feel so helpless in these situations... If only something could be done.... If only all of us on VT could think of something we could do... These countries welcome us always travelling through... It is awful to see such devastation and not be able to do anything about it.

Sheryn