⛱️ Zanzibar without surprises: tides, haggling and first aid kit

Tides on Zanzibar go out for two kilometers. A few hours later the water comes back and floods the warm shallows. If you don't check the schedule, swimming ends with a knee-deep walk and an encounter with a sea urchin.

We've put together tips that eliminate these surprises in advance. You'll learn how to get a visa, what to pack in your first aid kit, where to bargain, and which souvenirs to bring home. We verified all the facts and figures against official sources, and you'll find the links nearby.

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Preparation before departure: visa, first aid kit, and power outlet

💡 In short:

Apply for your visa online before departure and check your passport expiration date.
Pack a first aid kit, discuss malaria protection with your doctor, and bring a type G adapter.
Visa and entry rules: 09/2026, verified on the official Auswärtiges Amt website.

You need a visa for Zanzibar too

Citizens of Germany and most EU countries need a visa for all of Tanzania, including the island of Zanzibar. Apply online in advance on the official immigration department portal. That way you won't stand in line after a long flight and can go straight through control. A visa on arrival also works, but having your documents ready is less stressful.

Check your passport: it must remain valid for several months after your departure date. We verified this rule on 09/13/2026 on the Auswärtiges Amt page for Tanzania. Keep a copy of your document separate from the original.

First aid kit and malaria protection

Bring a basic kit: painkillers, anti-diarrhea medication, bandages, and repellent. Zanzibar is classified as a year-round malaria risk area, so discuss prophylaxis with your doctor in advance (see the health section at Auswärtiges Amt). Not every hotel has mosquito nets, so you'll need repellent every evening.

Type G power outlet adapter

The island uses British three-pin type G outlets. Without an adapter you won't be able to charge your phone. Don't count on the hotel or bungalow: not every room has an adapter, and you'll waste your first day looking for one. Bring one adapter per person.

Sunscreen

The sun here works year-round, and clouds don't block UV rays. Apply high-SPF sunscreen to your face and body every morning. Reapply after swimming, otherwise you'll end up with red skin instead of a tan by evening.

Forget about jet lag

The time difference from Berlin is only one or two hours. Don't adjust your sleep schedule in advance and don't suffer during your layover. Land, check in, go for a walk: your body will barely notice the time change.

Safety: what you need to know on the island

Don't walk around the island after sunset

Evening walks around town and on the beach in Zanzibar are not safe. Auswärtiges Amt advises against walking or cycling after dark, including along the shore. If you're returning from a bar to your hotel, take a car. Even a short distance is better driven than walked at night.

Aerial panorama of Zanzibar City and the coastline

Don't show money or jewelry

Tanzania has a high level of street crime, and the number of robberies is rising (according to the Auswärtiges Amt special advisory on Tanzania). Don't carry large amounts of cash and don't display expensive jewelry. Keep money and documents in the hotel safe, and take only as much cash with you as you plan to spend.

Be careful in the sea: urchins, jellyfish, and currents

The shallows are full of underwater life, and some of it is dangerous. Poisonous sea urchins hide on the bottom, and jellyfish and venomous fish are also present. Don't swim far from shore and ask locals which areas to avoid. Enter the water wearing shoes or watch your step carefully.

Medical insurance on a trip like this is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Compare policies in advance so you don't have to scramble for money to pay a doctor later: compare insurance options.

Tides: the island's main quirk

Keep an eye on the tide schedule

On the east coast, for example in Paje and Jambiani, the water recedes almost two kilometers, leaving the bottom exposed (according to tide-forecast.com). On the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa the tides are small, so swimming there is easier. The tide comes back quickly and fills the shallows where you were just walking. You need to know the exact time, so check the forecast before every trip to the beach.

Low tide also requires attention. The water goes out and exposes bottom-dwelling creatures that are easy to step on. Plan your swimming for mid-tide: there is enough water, the bottom is clear, and the sea is calmer.

Money, bargaining and connectivity

Bargain at markets and small shops

Prices for tourists here are inflated several times over, and that is the local norm. Bargain confidently wherever there is no price tag: at markets, small stalls and shops. If the price is fixed, it is almost impossible to lower it, so just check a neighboring spot and compare.

Night market under a tree with stalls and people

Do not pay for goods and services in advance

Never agree to pay upfront: this applies to purchases, souvenirs and taxi rides. First find out the final price, and hand over the money only afterwards. That way you will not overpay and you keep a chance to bring the price down.

Internet and connectivity: get a virtual SIM card

A local SIM card takes time to set up and requires a passport. A virtual SIM card is activated before you even fly, and you stay connected as soon as you land. This is convenient if you want to check tide schedules and maps on the road: buy a SIM card for Tanzania.

How to get around the island

Taxis and transfers

Use only registered taxis: you can recognize them by their white license plates and a colored stripe on the body. Do not get in with drivers who approach you at the roadside offering a ride (according to the taxi advice from Auswärtiges Amt). Agree on the price before the trip. If the transfer is booked through a hotel, confirm that the driver will meet you in the airport terminal.

Driver's license and car rental

With a license you can rent a car and drive around the island without a schedule. Keep in mind that traffic drives on the left, and get a local driving permit: it is issued at the rental office or at a police station. Compare offers in advance so you do not overpay on the spot: compare car rental prices.

What to bring back from Zanzibar

Maasai jewelry

Beaded jewelry and clothing with African Maasai prints offer bright color and handmade work. Zanzibar has a selection, but for the most authentic pieces you should go to the market in Arusha. That city is on the mainland, and you need a flight to get there. As a bonus, you will see a new city.

Ebony wood and soapstone

Tableware, figurines and masks are made from ebony wood and soapstone. Ebony is usually black, while soapstone is light: white, pink or gray. These items fit into any interior. A few decades ago ebony was valued more highly than ivory. Choose small items: they weigh less and raise fewer questions at customs.

Tanzanian carvers sculpting ebony wood figures

Spices

Spices are sold everywhere on Zanzibar, and spice plantations are open to tourists. Pick up packets of cardamom, turmeric and cloves at the market: there you can smell, taste and compare. A packet costs a few dollars, so the souvenir is both useful and cheap.

Cinnamon tree trunk with cut bark in the undergrowth

Coffee

Tanzania produces both arabica and robusta, and the beans here are fresh. Look for quality coffee in souvenir shops and local markets. If you visit a farm or a local production facility, buy directly there: the journey from plantation to shelf is minimal, which preserves the taste and aroma.

Tingatinga painting

Bright tingatinga paintings are made with automotive enamel paints, usually featuring birds and animals. A small piece starts at a few dozen dollars, and bargaining is appropriate here as well. For transport, the painting is removed from the frame and rolled up, so it won't take up space in your luggage.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Do tourists from Germany need a visa for Zanzibar?

Yes, a visa is required for all of Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Apply for it online in advance on the official portal or get it on arrival. Your passport must be valid for several more months after departure, and we checked the current rules on 13.09.2026 on the Auswärtiges Amt website.

When is the best time to go to Zanzibar?

The best months are the two dry seasons: from June to October and from December to February. During these periods there is less rain and more sun. From March to May there are prolonged downpours, and in November short but intense ones.

Is Zanzibar dangerous for independent travelers?

The level of street crime in the country is high. The main risks are theft, robbery, and walking at night. Do not wear valuables openly, do not walk after dark, and only take registered taxis. With caution, your trip will go smoothly.

Can you drink tap water?

No, you should not drink tap water, even if locals do. Buy bottled water, and it is better not to order ice in street cafes. For brushing your teeth, bottled water is also the way to go.

How much money should you take on the trip?

Cash is needed for markets, taxis, and souvenirs; cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants. Do not carry large amounts with you, keep some in the safe. For bargaining, keep small bills: sometimes change for large bills is simply not given.

In short: what to book

Zanzibar forgives a lot, but not carelessness. Get your visa in advance, check your passport, and pack a type G adapter and repellent in your suitcase. Plan the beach around the tides, and replace evening walks with a taxi ride.

The choice matrix for you looks like this:

If you are going for the first time: choose a hotel with a safe and do not go out on foot in the evening.
If you want to save on souvenirs: bargain at the market, not at the hotel.
If you plan to travel around the island: take a car with a local permit.
If you love experiences: add Zanzibar excursions.

Zanzibar: what to take, how to bargain and where not to swim