Booking & Payments
You can book directly on our website, via WhatsApp, or email us at. We'll confirm availability within 24 hours and send you an invoice.
We accept bank transfer, credit/debit cards, Wise, and cash on arrival for selected services. A 50% deposit is required to secure most bookings.
Tours & Excursions
All our excursions include hotel pickup/drop-off, professional guide, entrance fees, and drinking water unless stated otherwise. Meals are included where specified.
We offer both. Private tours can be customized to your schedule. Group tours have fixed departure times.
Yes. Please tell us ages and mobility need when booking. We'll recommend suitable tours and arrange child seats or extra assistance if needed.
Travel in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Most visitors need a Tanzania tourist visa. You can get it online via e-visa or on arrival. Passport must be valid 6+ months.
June–October and December–February are dry seasons with great weather. March–May has more rain but fewer crowds and lower rates.
Yes. We provide 24/7 airport and ferry transfers in Zanzibar. Full names, Flight number and arrival time required for pickup.
We track all flights. If you land late, your driver will wait or we'll reschedule your pick up at no extra cost if notified.
Tips for guides and drivers are not included. Tipping is appreciated but optional.
Travel Insurance
Yes, all international visitors are required to purchase the $44 ZIC inbound travel insurance before arriving in Zanzibar, regardless of any other coverage you may have. Valid for up to 92 days, this mandatory policy provides essential protection, including emergency medical care, repatriation, personal accident, and baggage coverage.
We don't sell insurance but you can secure it easily through the official government portal online (https://zic.co.tz). It's better to arrange insurance before your trip to Zanzibar.
Our guides are first-aid trained and will assist you to the nearest clinic or hospital. However, all medical costs must be covered by you or your travel insurance.
Currency & Payments
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars are also widely accepted for tours, hotels, and park fees. For small shops and local markets, shillings are preferred.
Bring both. ATMs are available in Stone Town and major towns, but can be unreliable. Most hotels and our office accept Visa/Mastercard, but many local vendors are cash only. Carry small USD bills in good condition because torn or old notes may be rejected.
Yes. Credit card payments incur a 3–5% bank surcharge. Bank transfers and cash have no extra fees.
Health & Safety
Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever country. We also recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines. Check with your doctor 6–8 weeks before travel.
Yes, Zanzibar is generally safe. Petty theft can happen, so use hotel safes, avoid walking alone on beaches at night, and only use licensed guides and taxis. Our drivers and guides are vetted for your safety.
No. We recommend bottled water, which is provided on all our tours and available at hotels. Avoid ice in rural areas unless you're sure it's from purified water.
The risk is low but present. Use mosquito repellent, sleep under nets, and consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication before travel.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Yes, but Zanzibar's nightlife is more laid-back than major party destinations. Most night clubs are in Stone Town, Paje, Nungwi, and Kendwa. Expect beach bars with DJs, full-moon parties, and a few late-night clubs rather than mega-clubs.
We can arrange transport to reputable spots like:
• Coccobello – Nungwi: beach club with DJs, popular with tourists
• Bwawani Komba Nightclub – Stone Town: One of the town's most energetic dance spots
• Kendwa Rocks – Kendwa: famous full-moon parties monthly
• Jambo Beach Party – Paje: famous event, blends African hip-hop, bongo flava & international hits.
Generally, yes in tourist areas if you take normal precautions:
• Use Grandezza's licensed drivers and don't walk alone late at night
• Keep an eye on drinks, avoid accepting drinks from strangers
• Leave valuables in your hotel safe
• Dress modestly to and from clubs, especially in Stone Town
We only recommend venues we've vetted for safety and guest experience.
Mix of Afrobeat, Bongo Flava, Amapiano, international house, reggae, and Top 40. Full-moon parties at Kendwa Rocks often feature international DJs.
Yes. We offer "Zanzibar After Dark" experiences: private driver, and late-night hotel drop-off. Clubs open late and peak after 11 PM. Entry fees range from TZS 10,000 – 50,000 or free with drink purchase.
Dress Code & Culture
Zanzibar is 95% Muslim, so modest dress is appreciated, especially in villages and Stone Town.
• Beach/excursions: Swimwear is fine at the beach, but cover up when leaving. Bring a light shawl/kikoi, flip flops/sandals, sunglasses, beach bag, sunscreen, beach towel
• Town/villages: Cover shoulders and knees. Loose cotton clothing is best for the heat.
• Mosques/religious sites: Women need headscarf + long skirt/pants. Men need long pants.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged for lots of pictures
Yes, at hotel beaches and resorts. On public beaches and in villages, please be respectful and cover up when not swimming.
Local Food
Zanzibar is the "Spice Island" so don't miss:
• Seafood: Grilled lobster, octopus curry, prawns
• Street food: Zanzibar pizza, mishkaki skewers, urojo soup at Forodhani Market
• Swahili dishes: Pilau, biryani, coconut beans, cassava
Tell us about allergies or dietary needs and we can arrange vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and vegan options.
Yes, if you eat at reputable places. We only use vetted restaurants and vendors.
Smoking & Alcohol
Yes, but Zanzibar is a Muslim region so it's not sold everywhere. Hotels, resorts, and licensed bars/restaurants serve alcohol. You can't drink in public streets or villages. During Ramadan, some places restrict daytime alcohol sales.
Smoking is allowed in outdoor areas, but please be considerate of other guests and avoid smoking near children, in vehicles, or at religious/cultural sites. Dispose of cigarette butts properly, do not litter on beaches or parks.
For private boats/dhow cruises, yes with prior notice. For group tours and park visits, it's usually not permitted. Ask us when booking.
Can I speak like a local?
Yes, the following are the most common Swahili words to know:
Hello
Thank you
No worries
Slowly
Excuse me/Sorry
Please
Yes
No
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Feel free to reach out to us for any additional information.