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Zanzibar Travel Information

Arrival & Transportation

Airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (55 km from Xanadu)

 

Ferry: Ferries departing from Dar-es-Salam dock at Stone Town's main harbor to reach Zanzibar.

 

Driving: Traffic lane on the left side of Zanzibar. In order for tourists to drive, they must present their international driver's license at the police station and receive a local driver's license. However, we recommend that guests do not rent a car or drive their own car. Instead, focus on enjoying the Zanzibar landscape with a private driver or a taxi. Our team will assist you with the organization.

 

Zanzibar Facts

Currencies: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) is the local currency. American Dollars (USD) are accepted in many places, too. ATMs can be found in Stone Town and Paje, which is 8km (5 miles) away from the resort.

 

Time: The time zone is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, except in the summer, when it is 2 hours.

 

Electricity: For Tanzania there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Additional adapters can be requested.

Climate: In September to April, the temperature is 26 to 32°C, and from May to August, it is 25 to 28°C.

 

Health: Ensure you are adequately hydrated and wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, heat stroke, and exhaustion caused by extended exposure to the strong African sun. Direct appointments with private doctors can be arranged in the hotel in case of medical issues.

 

Code of Conduct: In order to respect the local norms, all visitors to Zanzibar should observe the following code of conduct.

  • The wearing of swimsuits and skimpy dresses is prohibited in public areas and is limited to resort premises only.

  • Residents may be offended if you consume alcohol in public.

  • Nudity is not acceptable on the beach.

  • Zanzibaris do not kiss in public or display affection.

  • Photographing residents without their permission is considered offensive.

Location and Climate

Zanzibar, located in the Indian Ocean, is a small island on the eastern coast of Tanzania. It's home to over 1 million people and is known for its tropical climate, which can be hot or rainy depending on the season!

The island is also home to an equator line, which means that it experiences 24-hour sunrises and sunsets every day. The dry season runs from December through April, while the rainy season runs from May through November.

Zanzibar's long dry season is almost a guarantee of blue skies and sunny days (June through October). The green season lasts from April to the End of May. More rainy days can also be expected between November and December before the second dry season between January and February. The temperature from September until April is around 26-32˚C and from May to August between 25 and 28˚C. The temperature difference between these seasons varies depending on where you live in Zanzibar—the northern parts are usually cooler than their southern counterparts.

The tides are important too—High tide and low tide occur twice per day at different times throughout each day. Guests usually use high tides for water-based activities and low tides to explore the island or to relax at their villas.

Current Weather and Tidal Info

Weather Forecast and Tide Times

HIGH TIDE AND LOW TIDE AT XANADU

High tide brings the best conditions for water sports. Enjoy SUP boarding right off our beach, where the water rises to embrace the shore, offering a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure.

Discover a hidden underwater world during low tide. Our guided ocean walks let you stroll among the corals and witness marine life up close. It's a perfect time to explore the natural wonders that are usually submerged under the waves.

Plan your experience

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We want to create your perfect stay in Xanadu. Tell us what type of activity or experience you like, and we will do our best to satisfy you.

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