When planning a vacation in Zanzibar, reviews of tourists will not be superfluous. In the publication, we will consider not only the recommendations of vacationers for 2021, but also find out all the pros and cons.
On billboards or in the brochures of travel agencies, you rarely see advertisements for the island of Zanzibar. Of course, this fact may alert travelers a little - or maybe there is nothing to do there, and the sea is dirty, and the beaches are bad, and there is nothing special for tourists to watch. Yes, Zanzibar is poorly advertised, but this does not mean that the island is not interesting.
In this situation, the lack of advertising is a plus. Tourists have not yet flooded this piece of paradise, a rich cultural heritage has been preserved here, and the beaches of the island are striking in their beauty.
Of course, when going on a trip to Zanzibar, you need to prepare and find out some of the features that you can meet in this region. To choose the right hotel and plan your trip budget correctly, it is best to study the reviews of tourists who have already visited the island of Zanzibar.
Holidays in Zanzibar - reviews
Reviews about the beaches of Zanzibar
The northern and eastern beaches of the island received good reviews. Vacationers are delighted with the clean and completely white sand that does not heat up in the sun. The ocean in this area has a transparent turquoise color.
The beaches on the east coast are popular with those looking for privacy and tranquility, but the traffic on the north side is more busy. The most beautiful Nungwi beach is undoubtedly liked by everyone, but it is also the most populated.
A significant plus of Nungwi beach is the absence of low tides, if they are, then only a couple of meters. The coast is sandy, without stones and sea urchins. According to tourists, it is the best beach for families with children.
We read a separate review about the weather in Zanzibar by months.
Cons of the East Coast
Some tourists vacationing in Zanzibar leave negative reviews. The reason for this is the low tide, especially the eastern beaches.
Indeed, when you check into a hotel by the sea, and in the morning you go out for a swim and find only small puddles, the mood from the rest spoils.
The tide can be very large when the ocean runs away from you for a kilometer, but it can also be small - just a couple of meters. The tide time is different and depends on the phases of the moon, it is rather difficult to figure it out.
At this time, it is best to plan a trip on an excursion or to the north of the island, where there is no low tide.
Reviews of tourists about excursions
Prison island
Finding a negative review about this island is quite difficult. Both adults and children are satisfied with the trip. There are giant turtles on the island that you can pet and even feed.
"Dolphin Tour"
But with the excursion “Swimming with dolphins”, many remain unhappy. The start of the event in the south of the island, tourists are seated in boats that go in search of dolphins in the open ocean. Of course, in such an event you need to have at least one lucky person in the boat, then the dolphins can meet. If a miracle happened, and the dolphins were spotted, all floating facilities rush to them and foreigners jump into the water under the command of the local captain. So much for all the bathing.
Spice plantation
There are different reviews about this excursion. Whether she likes it or not, it often depends on the guide. Here it is necessary that the guide speaks a language that you understand, otherwise it will not work to explain on the fingers.
You are taken through a small plantation where the spices known to us grow, but we do not know how they look in wildlife, because we buy them already packaged in sachets. The guide tells where these or those spices are used in their country, and we share our experience.
What you need to know about your trip
Now let's consider a vacation in Zanzibar, reviews of 2021 from tourists who primarily advise to know some aspects of travel to Tanzania.
- Do not burn yourself!
The sun in Zanzibar is very active, you can get sunburned in half an hour without protection. Don't rely on sunscreens, they often fail. In the early days, it is better to put on a T-shirt and a cap, take them off only when swimming, swim a little. Many of our tourists can be found with red shoulders, shabby nose and blistered feet, so sun protection is a must.
- Dangers in the ocean
Going on a trip, do not spare money and be sure to purchase coral slippers. In some places, the bottom is quite rocky, you can easily scratch it. Sea urchins are especially dangerous to your feet. They hide among algae and in depressions, it is unpleasant to step on such a thing.
- Should I buy groceries
You can easily buy fruits on the market or along the roads, but tourists do not recommend buying ready-made food, with the exception of restaurants and cafes. Almost all visitors eat in such establishments, cases of poisoning are extremely rare.
- About vaccinations
Judging by the reviews of tourists in Zanzibar, no one is vaccinating against malaria, since they have a negative effect on the body. The likelihood of contracting malaria is very small, in the hot season it is zero.
What to bring from your holiday in Zanzibar as a souvenir for yourself and your loved ones? A selection of the best gifts from the island and the specifics of customs.
Vacation pricing reviews
- Tourists complain about the high cost of living. Hotels with an average level of service are as high as five in Egypt and Turkey. Many remain dissatisfied with the level of comfort and negligence of the staff.
- The cost of food in restaurants is quite affordable, especially if this is not an establishment at an expensive hotel.
- Fruits in the markets and from the locals are inexpensive and absolutely accessible.
- For prices for hotels in Zanzibar, air tickets, food, meals and other expenses, we read on a separate page dedicated to the financial component of the trip.
Travel tips for Zanzibar from seasoned tourists
- If you decide to relax in Zanzibar during the coronavirus period, you should know - they do not require a PCR test for Covid-19 upon arrival.
- You can apply for a visa at the airport (the airport building is small, don't get lost at the exit and you will find a local transfer without any problems). The cost of registration is $ 50 per tourist. Payment is made in cash without change or by bank transfer with Visa and MasterCard. Here you will also have to fill out a migration card and a visa application form. Everything will take about 20 minutes.
- Full registration at the airport with baggage claim takes no more than 40 minutes.
- We advise you to change money at the airport. Banks and hotels are holding the most unfavorable course. We do not recommend changing money on the street - there are many scammers.
- Important! Dollars on the island are accepted not older than 2009!
- You shouldn't take the Euro, here they are equal to the dollar. That is, 1 $ = 1 €, it is not profitable for Russians.
- In restaurants, fruit shops, souvenir shops, cafes - it is profitable to pay with local currency (shillings).
- SIM cards of local operators can be more easily purchased upon arrival at the airport. The cost of a SIM card with a regular tariff is about $ 22 for 10 MB of Internet.
- If you use the services of Fly Dubai, find out if they are fed during the flight, some flights, even long ones, do not have meals. Bring some snacks or extra money to buy food on board with you.
- Find out the reviews of tourists who have already been here and know about all the nuances of a vacation by the sea in Tanzania.
