Summer temperatures (November to March) range from 25°C to 35°C with very high humidity, which increases the feeling of warmth. Nights are warm, there may be winds blowing from the sea.

Winter temperatures (June to August) range from 19°C to 25°C. The wind blows from the mainland. June to October is very dry, with warm days and fairly cool evenings.

Late October to mid-December is hot, with the possibility of periodic thunderstorms. This period is called the “little rainy season”.
The rainy season (heavy rains) lasts from mid-April to mid-May. Temperatures oscillate around 20 – 25 ° C, but the rain is sometimes very heavy, access to the attractions may be difficult.
Zanzibar is a year-round destination, the stay is not recommended only during the month of the rainy season.

Before traveling to Zanzibar, we recommend contacting the local embassy to obtain the required visa and travel documents. Depending on your nationality, a visa can be obtained in Zanzibar or you will need to apply for one in your own country.

Zanzibar is not in a malaria zone – there is no need to take antimalarial medication. We recommend that you contact your country’s doctor about any immunizations that may be required during your trip, depending on your nationality.

Medical care is provided at a basic level. There are several local and international medical clinics in the vicinity of the hotels, the nearest hospital is located in Makunduchi. More serious illnesses need to be treated in the island’s capital Stown Town (60-90 minute drive) and severe illnesses in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam (30 minute flight from Stown Town).
It is highly recommended to obtain personal travel insurance, and if you need specific medications, bring enough with you as hospital services are not up to international standards.

Covid 19 entry restrictions change frequently so we recommend that you verify current regulations in your country.)

The time difference between Zanzibar and Europe is 1 hour in summer and 2 hours in winter. Zanzibar is in the same time zone as Moscow.

All Sisters of Zanzibar hotels have internet access for trouble-free communication. Additionally, you can purchase cards that provide Internet access outside the hotels. There are several telephone operators on the island, the range is common but the speed may vary depending on the location.

On Zanzibar there is 220V voltage. You can rent adapters at most hotels, but it’s a good idea to bring your own to make sure of the plug configuration and the quality of the adapter. Zanzibar uses British standard 3-pin plugs. Power outages are quite frequent, so hotels are equipped with their own generators.

The official currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh), but US dollars (issued after 2009), Euros and other major foreign currencies are accepted in most tourist destinations in Tanzania and can easily be exchanged for shillings in many stores and tourist spots.

In local markets and stands, payment is only acceptable in cash.

Visa and MasterCards are widely accepted. There are ATMs in the larger towns that allow you to withdraw cash (TSH) directly from an ATM. A few percent commission is added to the transaction.

Banks operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, on weekdays. Business hours on Friday vary. There are cash transfer operators like Western Union operating on the island.

The transfer from Stone Town Airport takes 60 – 90 minutes and depends on the location and current road conditions.
There are many cab drivers waiting for visitors at the airport and it is also possible to book a taxi in advance. The cost is around 50 USD per one-way trip.

Tanzania is a country proud of its diversity in beliefs, while Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. The principal place of worship and meeting place for the local community are mosques, which can be found in every village, even the smallest one. You should not enter the mosque, if you are not a Muslim – it is perceived very negatively by the locals and can be a potential source of conflict. On the island there are several churches and temples for Christians and Hindus.

Local authorities have issued a number of recommendations for tourists and recommend following the dress code outside hotels and the beach. Out of respect for religion, it is unacceptable to wear skimpy or beachwear in public places, this is especially important during the holy month of Ramadaan (a moveable holiday of about a month). It is also inadvisable to show physical affection in public places.

Do not take pictures in public infrastructure places such as military, navy, government and police buildings and procedures.
Always ask permission before taking pictures of people – expressing agreement may involve asking for support or a donation for the family.

The official language in Zanzibar is Swahili, but English is widely spoken throughout the island. There are large communities of Italians, Poles and also many expats of different nationalities living there.

There are no contraindications to visiting Zanzibar for the little ones. Children of all ages are welcome on the island and will find plenty of beach or water activities and a wide offer of optional excursions. With pleasant temperatures and exceptionally warm water in the pools and ocean, Zanzibar is seen as an ideal destination for family vacations.

In the local stores you can buy disposable diapers and baby care products. Supermarkets sell baby food (formula milk, nutritional supplements) and pharmacies offer a wide range of medicines and supplements.

Temperatures are comfortable year-round day and night, so light, airy and comfortable clothing is recommended.
During winter periods (June – August in Zanzibar) evenings can be cooler and windy, a warmer blouse or sweater may be useful for that time.

It is recommended to pack light cotton pants, skirts and shirts, shorts, comfortable shoes and sandals (full shoes, high-heeled shoes will definitely not work on the sand present everywhere), a hat and sunglasses, a swimsuit, insect repellent and high filter sunscreen (SPF 50).
Sea shoes are essential for walking at low tide.

If you wish to give gifts for the local community, financial or material support for schools or other educational institutions, we recommend contacting the hotel manager, who will indicate the most appropriate institutions in the area and help coordinate the support.

You are strongly advised not to distribute gifts, sweets or school supplies on your own on the beach or among the local community. This type of activity encourages people to beg and is not welcomed by the families or local authorities and in the long-term causes major social problems for the locals.