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Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, consisting of Zanzibar Island (locally, Unguja), Pemba Island, and several smaller islands. Zanzibar island is 60 miles long by 20 miles wide.
Get in
By Boat
There are many ferries and catamarans that can take you between Dar es Salaam and the Island. Azam Marine and Sea Express are among the nicest available. They run several times each weekday and costs between $35 and $40. The trip is beautiful and lasts about an hour/hour and a half. However, if the weather is bad it can take much longer and the trip can be very unpleasant.
You may be able to hire a private boat for cheaper, but the trip will take considerably longer and unless you know something about boats, you could be on a vessel that is not equipped for bad weather conditions or an emergency. Remember: you get what you pay for.
Be aware that the "porters" at the Dar ferry terminal will hassle you for money and expect tips for referring you to "the best boat." If you don't want their help, be forceful. The dock is a zoo -- a prime hangout for pickpockets.
By Air
There are several flights from Dar to Zanzibar. Coastal, Precision Air and ZanAir, run at least one flight each a day. Flights are often late but generally reliable.
As off March 2007, Coastal was charging 87,000 Tsh for a return flight from Dar with a 20kg baggage limit. The planes are small so luggage can be an issue if your doing a lot of shopping. A Precision Air ticket will cost 116,000 Tsh, but with a more generous baggage allowance.
Zanzibar has two (2) departure taxes. Domestic flights: 5,000 Tsh (or $5) and International flights: $25 (see GET OUT below).
Taxi
There are a number of taxis waiting for passengers when you exit the terminal. Despite having a "list" of prices for the various tourist destinations on the island, prices are negotiable. Although you can arrange a pick up at the airport with your hotel or tour company, even a little negotiating will get you a better price than the inflated one quoted by most hotels. However, some Stone Town hotels do offer free shuttle service from the airport.
Get around
Although taxis are available, you will probably want to walk through Stone Town. After all, most of the alleys are barely wide enough for a bike to pass.
Journeying outside Stone Town is most comfortably done with a taxi or a private car, however a network of Dalla-Dallas, small minivans, exist which service all the major villages on the island. The adventurous, armed with a phrase book and map, will experience a wonderful side of Zanzibar life, which all too often is just another photograph to the typical tourist zooming past. A private car is of course a lot more expensive than a dalla-dalla, $15 compared to $3. It will take you about 3 hours to get to Nungwi, on the northern tip of the island.
Many hotels are happy to arrange a...
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