WELCOME TO ZANZIBAR

Burning questions? We've got you!

We've put together this little guide to answer the questions we get asked most often.

Island life moves at its own pace and things can be a little different from what you're used to. Have a browse through this guide, pick up a few local tips and if there's anything you're still wondering about, just ask. We're always happy to help before, during or after your stay.

See you soon!

BEFORE YOU COME

IN GENERAL

Where is it most beautiful in Zanzibar – North or East?

The honest answer? It depends on what kind of holiday you are looking for.
The north of Zanzibar is known for its beautiful white beaches, almost no noticeable tides, plenty of water sports, nightlife and larger resort hotels.

The east coast, especially Jambiani, is a completely different experience. Here you’ll find a close-knit local community, traditional village life, dramatic tides, constantly changing ocean colours and smaller, more individual places to stay.

Neither is better. They are simply different.
(Although we might have a little favourite…😊)

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

There really isn’t a bad time to visit.

June to October comes with wind, cooler temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
December to February is Zanzibar's warmest and driest time of year. Expect hot, sunny days, warm evenings, and ocean temperatures that feel like stepping into a bathtub.

The rainy seasons (usually April–May and November) are quieter, greener and often still have plenty of sunshine between the showers.

Is Zanzibar safe?

Yes.

Zanzibar is generally a very safe and welcoming place. Like anywhere in the world, a little common sense goes a long way: don’t leave valuables unattended and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.

Is Zanzibar safe for solo female travellers?

Absolutely.

Many women travel Zanzibar on their own every year and have wonderful experiences.
You’ll probably receive plenty of friendly greetings along the way. A smile, a “Mambo vipi?” back and a polite “No thank you” when someone is selling something usually goes a long way.

As in many places, dressing modestly when walking through villages is important and appreciated.

What language is spoken?

Kiswahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry.
A few words are always appreciated:

Mambo vipi? – Hello, how’s it?
Poa – Good
Asante – Thank you
Karibu – Welcome
Pole pole – Slowly, slowly
Hakuna matata – No worries / no problem

You’ll pick up and understand the last two pretty quickly.

HEALTH & PREPARATION

What vaccinations do I need for Zanzibar?

Generally, no special vaccinations are required.

Common travel vaccinations such as tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A are often recommended. A Yellow Fever vaccination is only required if you arrive from (or have recently travelled through) a Yellow Fever country.

Please always check with your doctor and your local travel advisory before travelling.

Is malaria prevention necessary? Are mosquito nets provided?

There are occasional cases of Malaria in Zanzibar.
Whether or not to take preventative medication is a personal decision and something to discuss with your doctor before travelling.
All of our beds are equipped with mosquito nets, and we recommend bringing insect repellent, especially for the evenings.

How is the medical care situation in Zanzibar?

For everyday travel mishaps, there are clinics and pharmacies nearby. We hope you won’t need them, but it’s good to know they are there.

Medical infrastructure is still developing and may feel more basic compared to what you are used to at home. For more serious situations, evacuation to another facility may sometimes be required, which is why good travel insurance is always recommended.

What should I pack?

Five things we would definitely not forget:

Sunscreen – the African sun does not mess around.
Mosquito repellent – especially for evenings.
Reef shoes – your feet will thank you at low tide.
A reusable water bottle – practical and better for the environment.
An open mind – things work a little differently here, and that’s exactly why you’re coming.

ENTRY DOCUMENTS

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania/Zanzibar?

Yes, most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania.

You can usually obtain one on arrival, although applying online beforehand can save you some time.

Island time begins at immigration.

Is the mandatory Zanzibar insurance required if I already have travel insurance?

Yes.

Zanzibar has introduced mandatory inbound travel insurance for all visitors, even if you already have your own travel insurance.

Arrange it online before arrival and keep your confirmation accessible on your phone: www.visitzanzibar.go.tz

How much money should I bring?

That depends entirely on your plans.

Cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but cash is still useful for local shops, beach vendors, markets and tips.

We recommend bringing a mixture of USD (newer notes from 2009 onwards) and Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).

ATMs are available if you need more cash.

What daily budget should I plan?

Accommodation aside, around USD 30 per person per day usually covers meals, drinks and the occasional cocktail quite comfortably.

If you are planning lots of excursions, shopping or diving, you may want to budget a little more.

Accommodation varies greatly. With us, prices range from around $19 for a bed in our shared budget dormitory to $80+ for private comfort with AC.

Sharing a private room usually works out around $40 per person.

ARRIVING IN ZANZIBAR

Is Teddy’s a backpacker or a hotel?

A hotel with a special love for backpackers.
At Teddy's, everyone finds their place. Whether you're a backpacker, couple, family, or group of friends, you'll feel welcome from the moment you arrive. That’s a promise!

Can I park my car at Teddy’s?

Yes. We offer free on-site parking for all our guests. The property is secured 24 hours a day, giving you peace of mind throughout your stay.

Do I have to book in advance?

Yes! Direct bookings are always a bit cheaper. We’ll make sure to offer you the best deals! Feel free to contact us on WhatsApp: +255 776 894 389 or by email: info@newteddysonthebeach.com.

How do I get from Zanzibar Airport to New Teddy’s?

The easiest option is to take a taxi. The drive from Stone Town, the airport or the ferry takes around one and a half hours, depending on traffic.
If you’d like, we are happy to organise an airport transfer for you. Just let us know your arrival details.
If you're looking for a bit more adventure and the full Zanzibar experience, we highly recommend trying the Dala Dala! These local buses require a few changes along the way, but they're an authentic and fun way to explore the island.

I’m arriving at night – is that okay?

Of course.
Just let us know your arrival time and we’ll make sure someone is here to welcome you.

Should I exchange money or buy a SIM card at the airport?

A small amount of cash is useful for your first day, although exchange rates at the airport are not always the best.

If needed, simply ask your driver for a quick stop at an ATM or bureau de change on the way to us.

If you would like a local SIM card with plenty of data, we can also help organise this after arrival.

What type of power plugs are used?

Zanzibar uses the British Type G plug.
If you are travelling from Europe, you usually do not need an additional adapter.

YOUR STAY AT NEW TEDDY’S

Is there WiFi?

Our WiFi works best in the restaurant, at the bar, around the pool and all the way down to the beach. We do not have WiFi in the rooms.
That said, Zanzibar is still a small island. Very occasionally, weather or technical issues beyond our control can cause interruptions.
Not the worst excuse to disconnect, close the laptop and enjoy the ocean for a little while.

Can I pay by card?

Yes.

We accept both Visa and Mastercard.

However, we still recommend having some cash with you for smaller purchases around the island.

Where is the nearest ATM?

The nearest ATM is around 3 km away, or roughly five minutes by tuk tuk.
If you are heading out for the day, it is an easy stop along the way.

Can I withdraw or exchange money at Teddy’s?

Unfortunately not.
We are happy to point you towards the nearest ATM or exchange office.

Do you provide or rent beach towels?

We do.

We simply ask for a cash deposit of 20,000 TZS. And even better: in your room, you’ll find khangas waiting for you.

These beautiful, colourful traditional cloths are incredibly practical & perfect for the pool, sun loungers, beach walks or simply wrapping around yourself.

How do I keep my valuables safe?

Your room is equipped with a safe box for passports, cash and other valuables. Around the property, we recommend the same common sense you would use anywhere else. Please don’t leave phones, wallets or cameras unattended, especially on the beach while swimming.

How safe is the property?

Very.

Our property is staffed throughout the day and night, and someone is always around if you need assistance.

That said, we still recommend locking your room whenever you head out or turn in for the night.

It’s simply good practice wherever you are in the world.

Can I add someone to my booking?

Usually, yes.

As long as your room category allows it, we’ll do our best to make it work.
Just let reception know

Do you offer laundry service?

Not directly.

However, we are happy to help arrange something for you.
Just ask reception and we’ll be happy to assist.

FOOD & DRINKS

Do you have a restaurant and bar?

We do!

Our restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What are the kitchen opening hours?

Breakfast is served from: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Our lunch and dinner menu, together with delicious daily specials, is available until: 10:00 PM

The last kitchen orders are at: 9:30 PM

The bar stays open a little longer, so there is always time for one last drink after dinner.

Can non-guests eat at the restaurant?

Absolutely.

Whether you are staying with us or just passing by, everyone is welcome.

For outside guests, we simply request a minimum consumption of 20,000 TZS.

Do I need to reserve a table?

Usually not.

If you are a larger group or visiting during a particularly busy period, it is always worth letting us know in advance.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Absolutely.

Whether you are gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, vegetarian or have allergies, please mention it whenever you order.

Our team will happily prepare something suitable for you.

BEACH & OCEAN

How do tides work in Jambiani?

The ocean comes and goes.

Every six hours. Every day a little differently.
The tides are one of the most magical parts of the east coast. They constantly change the landscape, reveal sandbanks, create natural pools and show a side of the ocean you would never see at high tide.

Check our daily updated tide calendar to find the best time for swimming, beach walks or exploring.

Can I swim at low tide?

In our beautiful pool? Absolutely.

In the ocean? It depends.

Low tide is the perfect time to explore the tide pools, walk across the sandbanks, discover small sea creatures, watch the seaweed farmers at work or simply enjoy the incredible colours of the ocean.

For swimming, it is best to wait until the tide returns.

Do I need reef shoes?

We would definitely recommend them.

Especially at low tide, reef shoes make walking over coral and rocky areas much more comfortable and help protect your feet from the occasional sea urchin.

Is anything dangerous in the water?

The ocean here is generally very safe.

The main things to be aware of are sea urchins, coral, the occasional jellyfish or stingrays.

Our local skippers know exactly what to do, and these little encounters are very unlikely to ruin your holiday.

Reef shoes help with the first two.

For jellyfish, vinegar is the traditional local remedy.

Can I snorkel from the beach?

Yes you can!
However, with the tides coming and going, Dory and Nemo prefer to hide further out towards the reef.
For the best snorkelling experience, we recommend heading out by boat to the outer reef or one of the designated snorkelling spots along the east coast, where visibility and marine life are at their best.
We are happy to help organise a trip.

Do I need to reserve beach beds?

No.

Beach beds are there for everyone to enjoy.

No reservations needed nor wanted.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Can you organise tours?

Yes.

Our in-house tour operator, Moyo Adventures, organises everything from:

Sailing trips
Snorkelling adventures
Jozani Forest visits
Spice farm tours
Village walks
Stone Town experiences

There is no need to plan everything before arriving.

Have a chat with them once you are here! They’ll happily help you choose what fits your interests and your holiday style.

What excursions do you recommend?

Everyone has different favourites, but some of ours are:
Pungume Sandbank: A beautiful day on a tropical sandbank surrounded by turquoise water with a delicious seafood bbq.
Local cooking lesson in the village: A chance to meet local people, learn traditional recipes and experience everyday Zanzibar life.
Muunguni Village Tour with sunset canoeing through the mangroves: A slower, authentic experience and one of our personal favourites.

Fancy exploring? Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations! Our inhouse Tour Operator, Moyo Adventures, can organize everything from snorkeling trips and sand bank adventures to Stone Town visits, spice farms and much more. Get in touch: +255 659 337 424 (Salum).

What can I do at the property?

As much or as little as you like.

You can:

Relax by the pool
Swim in the ocean
Read a book in a hammock
Play beach volleyball
Challenge someone to a board game
Enjoy a drink
Watch the tides change

Sometimes doing nothing is exactly the right holiday activity.

Are there bars, pubs or parties nearby?

Jambiani has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of beach bars and restaurants within walking distance.

You’ll occasionally find live music or a beach party, but don’t expect a busy nightlife scene every night.

If you are looking for more action, Paje is only around 15 minutes away by tuk tuk.

How do I get around Zanzibar?

Getting around Zanzibar is easy, and we're always happy to help you arrange transport. Taxis are readily available and are the most comfortable way to travel around the island. For shorter trips around Jambiani and nearby villages, local tuk-tuks are also available and are a fun way to get around.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also rent a scooter or a car to explore at your own pace. Just let us know what you're planning, and we'll be happy to recommend the best option and arrange it for you.

Is it better to rent a car or a scooter?

It depends on how you would like to explore the island. Scooters are a fun option for shorter distances if you are confident and experienced riders. A car is the safer choice for getting around Zanzibar, whether you're making short trips or travelling across the island.
Please note: Zanzibar requires foreign visitors to have an additional local driving permit.
The permit costs around $25, is valid for three months and can easily be arranged shortly before renting.

LOCAL LIFE & SLOW ZANZIBAR

Why are there so many Maasai and beach vendors?

The Maasai you see along the beach are mostly working in tourism, security or selling handmade jewellery and crafts.

Beach vendors are also part of everyday life here. Many are local villagers making a living through selling souvenirs, fresh fruit, coconuts or organising excursions.

If you are interested, stop and have a chat. If you are not, a friendly smile and a polite “No, thank you” is always enough.

What should I know about Zanzibar culture?

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island with a rich cultural heritage, where tradition, hospitality, and a strong sense of community play an important role in everyday life. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and showing respect for local customs is greatly appreciated.

During the holy month of Ramadan, you may also notice some changes to daily life, as many locals fast from sunrise to sunset. Embracing these customs is a wonderful way to experience the genuine warmth and culture of Zanzibar.

What is the dress code?

At the property and on the beach, wear whatever makes you comfortable.

When walking through the village, we kindly ask guests to cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect and appreciation for our local community and its customs outside our gates.

How can I travel respectfully and support the local community?

The simplest answer: Slowly and consciously. Take time to talk to people instead of simply passing through.
Learn a few words of Swahili. Small gestures are noticed and appreciated more than you might think.

Check out our Slow Travel Movement for our recommendations on experiencing Zanzibar in a more meaningful way.

Are there good local donation initiatives?

Absolutely.

If you would like to support the local community during your stay, just let us know. We are happy to recommend schools, community projects, and organisations where your contribution will make a genuine and lasting difference.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

What time is check-out?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Is late check-out possible?

Late check-out depends on availability.
An extra hour is usually possible if we can manage it with the next arrival.

Anything beyond that depends on whether your room needs to be prepared for incoming guests.

You are always welcome to leave your luggage with reception and continue enjoying the pool, restaurant and hammocks after check-out.

How long does the drive to the airport take?

The drive takes around 1.5 hours. Sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more.

Traffic around Stone Town and unexpected delays can influence the timing, so we recommend not cutting it too close.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

We recommend arriving around 2 hours before departure. It is a small airport, but things can still take time depending on the season and flight schedule.

Can I store my luggage if I go on safari?

Yes, if it is not too much.

We are happy to keep your luggage safe while you are away.

Please note that we cannot take formal responsibility or liability for stored items.