Destination
Here is everything you need to know before your trip to Zanzibar.
If you you have any questions or requests regarding your stay, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Location
Located in the Indian Ocean, the islands of Zanzibar are located about 40km off the coast of East Africa roughly 6° south of the equator and about 35km northeast of the Tanzanian coastal city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Language
The official language in Zanzibar is Swahili, however, most Zanzibari people who have to deal with foreigners speak relatively good English.
Business Opening Hours
The weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday. Businesses such as restaurants and bars tend to be open 7 days a week in busy and touristic areas.
Visa
To confirm whether you need a visa to enter Tanzania, it is best to check with your own country’s Department of Immigration. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. There is no need to obtain a separate visa if you are visiting the Tanzania mainland and its islands (Zanzibar to Pemba). Valid passports are required for entry into Zanzibar. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months after your departure from Zanzibar.
Money
The local currency is the Tanzania Shilling, it’s sign is TZS . Although the Shilling is the main currency on the island, many places will also accept US dollars so it is always a good idea to carry a reasonable amount in small notes with you. The only reliable ATMs on the island of Zanzibar are in Stone Town so be sure to stock up on cash while you are there. Credit cards are accepted in larger places but do not depend upon them.
Traveller’s Cheques are not accepted in Zanzibar.
Check today's currency exchange rate below.
Voltage
The voltage in Zanzibar is 220-240v. Plugs sockets require the three-pronged British plugs but there are some that are wired to accept the two pronged European kind. It's best to take a universal travel adaptor with you so that you can use all available electrical sockets.
WiFi
Kholle House has 24/7 WiFi and most of the other large resorts and hotels will provide WiFi but some of the small accommodations might not have a connection and if they do it might be slow. There are cafes in Stone Town where you can get online too.
Time Zone
Zanzibar is GMT+3 and does not observe daylight savings time.
Tipping
While it is not compulsory to tip in Zanzibar, due to the high number of western tourists that travel here, workers have become habituated to receiving something for their service. USD $1-2 per day for hotel staff is an adequate amount and 5% or more should be added to restaurant bills according to how good you found the service.
When to Visit
Zanzibar is a fantastic year-round destination, however, the best time to travel is during the dry months from December to February and June to October. Recently, global warming has made these dates more fluid but it is a good guide to go by. The other months of the year are marked by rains that are also beautiful to experience.
Our Location
Malindi, Stone Town, Zanzibar - Directly behind the Old Dispensary
2 min walk
10 min
60 min or less
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Kholle House is located in the heart of legendary Stone Town, which today is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From our boutique hotel you are just a short journey to most Island excursions, which can all be enjoyed as day trips:
2 minute walk from the Ferry Terminal and Mercury's
5 minute walk from Forodhani Park, House of Wonders, Stone Town's best shopping alleys, and the Sultan's Palace
10 minute drive from the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
1 hour drive to the beaches of the East Coast
1 hour drive to Kendwa and Nungwi's clear waters
45 minute drive to Safari Blue in the Menai Bay Conservation Area
45 minute drive to the rare Jozani Forest red colobus monkeys, endemic to Unguja
10 minute boat ride to Prison Island and sand banks