When to go to Zanzibar

As Zanzibar is close to the equator, temperatures range between 20-31°C year round. The long rains fall in April and May; and most beach lodges are closed for these months, reopening in June. The short rains fall in November and sometimes in December, but these tend to be cloudbursts, which can in fact occur at almost any time of year. 

 

 

British Airways, Kenya Airways and Virgin operate daily flights to Nairobi, where you can connect with a 75-minute flight to Zanzibar. British Airways flies to Dar es Salaam 3 times a week; KLM flies daily. From there it is a 20-minute flight to Zanzibar. There are connecting light aircraft flights between Zanzibar and the Selous which take about an hour.

 

GMT +3 hours

 

Visas are required for Zanzibar. British citizens can purchase visas at point of entry for $50. 

 

Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if you have visited Kenya or certain other countries. Zanzibar is a malarial area and precautions should be taken. Always consult your doctor at least six weeks before travel and refer to this useful NHS website for details of recommended vaccinations for your destination.