Aparthotels & serviced apartments in Zanzibar

Getting around Zanzibar

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is about 5 km south of Zanzibar City, according to Wikipedia and the Zanzibar Airports Authority, and it is the main airport of the archipelago. Wikivoyage lists carriers including Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, plus domestic operators. Wikipedia notes that the airport has three terminals, with the third handling international traffic. Beach villages in the north and east are further away, so confirm your transfer when you book.

Wikivoyage lists several ferry operators linking Dar es Salaam with Stone Town, including Azam Marine, Sea Express, Sea Star, Seagull Kilimanjaro and Sepideh Megaspeed Liners, with a journey of about two hours. Azam Marine's own site says it runs daily services between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Pemba and Tanga.

On the island, Wikivoyage describes a network of dala-dalas (minivans, small buses and sometimes pickup trucks) serving all the major villages, along with taxis throughout the island. Car hire is also available, though Wikivoyage notes road conditions vary. Within Stone Town itself, the lanes are best explored on foot.

Living in Zanzibar for longer

For longer stays, Stone Town is the easiest place to cover daily needs. Wikivoyage describes Darajani Market as one of the largest open-air markets anywhere, selling fruit and vegetables such as bananas, garlic and avocados, and dala-dallas to other parts of the island leave from Creek Road beside it. Cooking in your own kitchen makes good use of that market. Forodhani Gardens is handy for an easy evening meal.

Beach villages are more spread out, so think about how you will reach shops and the places you want to visit. Staying in Paje or Nungwi gives you the widest choice of facilities on their respective coasts, while Jambiani and Matemwe reward those who like village life. If you are planning to relocate for work, our guide to serviced apartments for relocation covers what to look for.

When to visit Zanzibar

Wikipedia describes two rainy seasons: a primary maximum in March, April and May and a secondary maximum in November and December. In the climate table on the same page, mean daily maximums are highest from January to March, at around 33 to 34 degrees Celsius. Many travellers therefore aim for the months outside the two rainy periods, though conditions vary year to year.

Kiteboarding is a draw on the south-east coast, where Wikivoyage singles out Paje for its conditions. Swimming at Paje depends on the tide, as one travel blog notes, so plan beach time around tide tables rather than the clock.