visa applications

a visa is required to enter tanzania/zanzibar for all non-east african nationals. this can be arranged in advance at the tanzanian high commission in your country of origin or at your port of entry into tanzania/zanzibar.

vaccinations and health precautions

it is recommended that you consult with your doctor on current health certificate requirements. you should take with you adequate supplies of any medication that you are taking. tanzania is a yellow fever endemic zone, please consult with your local doctor or travel clinic regarding the requirements for all countries of travel.

zanzibar is a malaria zone, and it is recommended that you consult your doctor or a registered travel clinic before departure. accommodation at the Z hotel has robust mosquito nets over the beds and mosquito proof windows, also we spray the room every evening as part of our turn down service, however we recommend that you bring a good personal mosquito repellent for use in the evenings. the Z hotel has access to a doctor if required in an emergency.

money & insurance

the local currency is the tanzanian shilling, which is not a hard currency and therefore unavailable internationally. visitors are advised to bring a mix of hard currencies, including us dollars. please be aware, that there are no atms in nungwi, however, there are a number of international banks with atms in stone town. the Z hotel and other larger establishments accept visa and mastercard but please be aware that a charge of 5-10% will be applied for using this service, as required by the bank of tanzania. as with all international travel, please ensure that you have taken out the appropriate travel insurance prior to travelling.

general information

the official languages of zanzibar are swahili and english.
zanzibar is gmt + 2 hrs in british summer time & 3 hrs in british winter time.
electricity: 220-240V AC, 50Hz; plugs are 3 square pin.
international dialling code: +255 followed by the local number

communications

the Z hotel has mobile phone facilities but please note these are an expensive means of communicating internationally. however,  we do have email facilities and wifi throughout the hotel.

climate & sun protection

zanzibar is 6 degrees south of the equator, so effective sunscreen for a tropical climate is therefore essential, as are good sunglasses and sun hats. Humidity is generally quite high; average daytime temperatures are around 27 degrees C (80F).