✈️ GETTING THERE

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All flights for our Explore Zanzibar trip should arrive into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar.

The airport code is ZNZ.

Return airport transfers are included in your package.

Once you have booked your flights, please make sure your arrival and departure details have been sent to the Indy Escapes team so we can arrange your transfer.

If you are arriving before Day 1 or leaving after the tour finishes, please contact us in advance so we can confirm whether your transfer is still included or if you need to arrange your own transport.

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📍 WHERE TO FIND US

When you arrive at Zanzibar Airport, head through arrivals and exit the terminal.

Look out for your Indy Escapes representative, driver, or transfer contact holding your name or Indy Escapes signage.

If you have any trouble finding your transfer, please call or WhatsApp us using the contact number provided in your welcome pack.

If you are organising your own transport, please make your way to the Day 1 hotel in Stone Town.

Hotel name: Dhow Palace Hotel, Stone Town

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⏰ START / FINISH TIMES

Check In

Please aim to arrive at the Day 1 hotel in Stone Town by 5:00 PM on the first day of the tour.

If you arrive earlier, you may be able to leave your bags at the hotel and relax before the group welcome meeting.

Your Indy Escapes representative will confirm the exact welcome meeting time closer to departure.

Check Out

The tour finishes on Day 7 in Zanzibar.

Return airport transfers are included, and your Indy Escapes representative will help coordinate departure transfers based on guest flight times.

Hotel check-out is usually late morning, around 10:00 AM–11:00 AM, but exact timings will depend on the final hotel arrangements.

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🏨 WHERE TO STAY BEFORE / AFTER YOUR TOUR

If you are arriving a day or two before the start of your tour, we recommend staying in Stone Town, close to the Day 1 meeting point.

Recommended hotel: Dhow Palace Hotel, Stone Town

We recommend arriving at least the night before the tour starts if possible. This helps avoid stress if there are any flight delays on Day 1.

If you are staying longer after the tour, you may wish to extend your stay in Paje, Stone Town, Nungwi or elsewhere on the island depending on your travel plans.

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🛂 ENTRY VISA

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.

To enter Tanzania / Zanzibar, most travellers will need a tourist visa.

Many travellers can apply for a Tanzania eVisa online before travel, and some nationalities may be eligible for visa on arrival. Visa requirements can change, so please check the official Tanzania Immigration website and confirm the rules for your passport before travelling.

Please use the Travel Voucher attached in your email for your visa application if accommodation or tour details are requested.

We recommend applying early and allowing enough time in case there are errors, delays or additional documents required.

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🛡️ ZANZIBAR INBOUND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Zanzibar has introduced a mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement for foreign visitors.

This is separate from your normal personal travel insurance.

Guests may need to purchase the official Zanzibar inbound insurance before arrival and show the QR code or confirmation at immigration.

Please check the official Zanzibar inbound insurance / tourism website before travelling and make sure you have completed any required steps.

Important: You should still have your own personal travel insurance that covers medical care, cancellation, theft, delays and any activities you plan to do on the trip.

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💵 MONEY STUFF & BUDGETING FOR YOUR TOUR

Many parts of your Zanzibar trip are already included, including accommodation, return airport transfers, daily breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners, and a range of included activities.

You will still need spending money for:

• meals not included

• drinks and alcohol

• optional excursions

• tips

• souvenirs

• laundry

• extra snacks or café stops

• taxis or personal transport outside the itinerary

As a guideline, most travellers find $300–$600 USD comfortable for the week, depending on how many optional activities they choose and how much they spend on food, drinks and extras.

Cash is useful in Zanzibar, especially for smaller shops, local markets, tips and optional extras.

Some hotels, restaurants and larger businesses may accept card, but card machines can be unreliable and card fees may apply.

If possible, download your digital card to your phone wallet, as some banks charge lower fees when paying this way rather than using your physical card.

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🙏 TIPPING

Tipping is not compulsory and is entirely up to you.

The local guides, drivers, boat crews, hotel teams and Indy representatives work hard to make sure guests have an amazing week.

You will have the opportunity to show your gratitude at the end of the tour if you wish.

As a general guide, many guests choose to tip around $40–$70 USD per person for the week, split between the team. This is only a suggestion and is completely optional.

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💱 CURRENCY

The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling, also written as TZS.

US Dollars are also commonly used in tourism areas, especially for hotels, excursions and larger payments.

We recommend bringing a mix of:

• Tanzanian Shillings for small local purchases

• USD cash for optional activities, tips or larger tourism payments

• a travel card / debit card as backup

Important: If bringing USD cash, make sure the notes are clean, undamaged and recent issue. Old, torn or heavily marked notes may not be accepted.

You can exchange money at the airport, exchange offices, banks, or withdraw local currency from ATMs.

For the most accurate and up-to-date exchange rates, check XE.com or download their app before travelling.

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🐬 EXCURSIONS

Our Zanzibar trip includes a mix of culture, beach time, wildlife, ocean adventures and local experiences.

Included activities may include:

• Stone Town walking tour

• spice markets / spice experience

• slave trade history tour

• swimming with dolphins

• sea turtle sanctuary

• Jozani National Park

• beach clean-up

• selected group lunches and dinners

Optional activities may include:

• Rock Restaurant

• Maalum Cave and / or Kuza Cave

• scuba diving

• massage

• sunset sailing excursion

• water sports such as SUP, parasailing, wakeboarding and kite surfing

Optional activities are not included in your tour price unless stated otherwise.

Your Indy Escapes representative will explain the available options during the trip, including prices, timings and how to book.

Optional activity prices: To be confirmed on tour.

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🎒 WHAT TO PACK

Packing for Zanzibar should focus on warm weather, beach days, cultural respect and ocean activities.

Clothing

• lightweight, breathable clothes for warm and humid weather

• swimwear for beach days, pools, boats and water activities

• cover-ups, sarong or loose shirt for moving between beach areas and local villages

• modest clothing for Stone Town, villages and cultural visits

• casual evening outfits for group dinners and sunset evenings

• light rain jacket if travelling during wetter periods

• sandals or flip-flops for the beach

• trainers or comfortable shoes for walking tours and travel days

• hat and sunglasses for sun protection

Gear and Equipment

• day bag

• reusable water bottle

• dry bag

• waterproof phone pouch

• camera / GoPro

• power bank

Health and Safety

• sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

• insect repellent

• basic first aid kit

• motion sickness tablets

• personal medication

• travel insurance details

Documents

• passport

• visa / eVisa if required

• Travel Voucher

• flight details

• travel insurance documents

• Zanzibar inbound insurance confirmation if required

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📱 PHONE

We understand the importance of staying connected while you’re away from home.

Before departing, make sure your phone is unlocked if you plan to buy a local SIM card on arrival.

You may be able to purchase a local SIM card at Zanzibar Airport or in Stone Town. Local providers can offer data packages for travellers, but setup may require your passport.

E-SIM

For guests who prefer to avoid buying a physical SIM card, eSIMs can be a convenient option.

Popular eSIM providers may include:

• Airalo

• HolaFly

• Nomad

• iRoamly

Advantages of using eSIMs:

• Convenience: set up before you travel and connect when you land

• Flexibility: choose a data plan that suits your length of stay

• No physical SIM: avoid the hassle of changing your SIM card

How to use an eSIM:

1. Check your smartphone supports eSIM technology.

2. Purchase your eSIM plan through the provider’s website or app.

3. Follow the provider’s instructions to install it.

4. Activate the eSIM plan when you arrive or just before travel.

Most hotels and restaurants will have WiFi, but the speed and reliability may vary.

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🍹 ALCOHOL

Alcohol is available in Zanzibar, especially in hotels, tourist restaurants, beach bars and resort areas.

However, Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so please be respectful of local customs.

Please avoid walking around local villages or Stone Town while visibly drunk, drinking alcohol in inappropriate public places, or behaving loudly in conservative areas.

Your Indy Escapes representative will give guidance during the trip.

As always, drink responsibly, look after each other, and remember that tomorrow may involve early starts, boats, swimming or activities in the sun.

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🔌 ELECTRICITY

In Tanzania / Zanzibar, the electricity supply is generally 230V and 50Hz.

Plug types commonly include the UK-style three-pin plug, but some places may also use other plug types.

We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor so you can charge your phone, camera, power bank and other devices without hassle.

Helpful tip: A power bank is useful for long day trips, beach days and travel days.

If you have several devices, a small multi-USB charger can also be helpful.

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🧾 INSURANCE

When travelling to Zanzibar with Indy Escapes, it is compulsory to have your own personal travel insurance.

This is separate from any mandatory Zanzibar inbound insurance requirement.

Why insurance is important:

• medical coverage

• trip cancellation or interruption

• personal liability

• adventure activity cover

• loss or theft of belongings

What to look for in a travel insurance policy:

• comprehensive medical cover

• emergency evacuation / repatriation

• activities included

• pre-existing conditions declared and covered

• 24/7 emergency assistance

Before purchasing a policy, read the fine print carefully and make sure it meets your needs.

Always carry a digital and offline copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers.

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📞 CONTACT

Contact our Indy Escapes team 24/7 via email at info@indyescapes.com or on WhatsApp +61413644281.

Get ready for an unforgettable week of beaches, culture, wildlife, ocean adventures and new travel friends.

If there’s anything you need before departure, or if you have any last-minute questions, we’re just an email or message away.

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See you soon for the adventure of a lifetime,

The Indy Escapes Team