Travel Around Zanzibar

Getting to travel around Tanzania is fun. Zanzibar is known for one of the most scenic areas in the country with a spice of mixed African traditions. Hence, it is a popular destination for visitors to tour. A holiday choice with a serene environment with respect for privacy policy for Tourists. 

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa with spectacular wildlife, mountains, and landscapes but going upcountry can get chaotic. Most Tourists visit by convenient means. 

Transit to Zanzibar happens by plane, train or ferry, most likely departing from Dar Es Salaam. The nation’s poor road conditions and limited infrastructure can make overland travel extremely slow. 

So if you’re planning a road trip, it’s a good idea to have a good grasp of local transit times and plan how you will safely get from place to place. There are many ways in Zanzibar to get from one point to another. In this article we show you how to go round to explore Zanzibar using the available and convenient transportation means on the island. Here are the various modes of transport available.

transfer car zanzibar

Transfers

Albatross Ocean View offers transfer service from Airport  to around Zanzibar.

Explore Zanzibar by:

Taxi – Train – Bus – Boat – Aeroplane

transfer car zanzibar

Taxi

You can hire a taxi in most major towns in Tanzania as they are abundantly available from the town to the island, with some driving through the Forodhani gardens. The Gardens are usually busy after sunset, when tourists and local alike gather at a popular food street then to the Indian ocean to spend a great time. Before jumping into one, agree on the fare with the driver, since most don’t have meters. Tickets start at Tshs.2000 in Dar es Salaam to Tshs.5,000. If you don’t believe the drivers, ask the locals the going rates for taxis.  If you plan to travel far, negotiate the fare based on the distance, road conditions and the price of fuel. Only use taxis that look reliable and are in good condition. Avoid using taxis that have other passengers already seated inside. Cases of theft at gunpoint are on the increase.

transfer by aeroplane

Aeroplanes

There are many air operators who operate in Tanzania. Most cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar have many flights landing and taking off every day. Some air operators fly to islands in the archipelago that can be reached only by air. Even some National Parks can be reached only by air and there are many air operators who do so. The most common aircraft is the Cessna.Though small, it does what it needs to do i.e., get you from one place to another.

dala dala

Dala Dala

Major Tanzania’s routes are serviced by Dala Dalas that venture deep into the mainland. They’re incredibly crowded and make many stops on the way either to pick or drop passengers. Accidents are common as the drivers’ race to outdo each other to collect new passengers. Fares are unregulated and largely depend on prevailing prices of fuel. Unfortunately, they’re so embedded into Tanzania’s culture that little can be done to bring sanity into the system.

boat transfer in zanzibar

Ferry

The City offers panoramic views out of the orchinary, and the most popular is the stone town. Stone town is punctuated with major historical buildings, several of which are found on the seafront when going by a ferry. Although scenic and relaxing, Tanzania’s ferries are slow but an excellent way to travel. Overcrowding is common, and most ferries are filthy. But the ferries that ply Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, run by Azam Marine, are clean and fast.

Bus

Traveling by bus is common in Tanzania. The main bus terminal is located at

Ubungo on the outskirts of the city. To minimize risk and maximize comfort, try to

travel during the daytime and not at night. Night travelling is not advisable for first time visitors.  Sit in the middle seats inside the bus and keep your luggage with you. Buy your bus ticket from the central office a few hours before travel. Avoid buying tickets from the many touts who roam the terminal.

Train

Zanzibar island is great, you get a nice view of the island and the beach. Most visitors prefer the train since it offers a better view of the town.  Traveling by train in Tanzania is slow but scenic.  The trips are enjoyable although there are frequent delays. Bring along your water and snacks. If you plan traveling first class, it’s a good idea to book in advance.