You've traveled across the world. Do you have flexibility and want to extend your stay? Visit Tanzania's most iconic tropical island, Zanzibar. If you have not booked yet and are interested, please contact your travel coordinator and they will help you add this on to your trip!
Time to leave the mainland and enjoy some island time. Over the course of 4 days, we’ll compliment our time in Kilimanjaro’s vast plains with an Indian Ocean island adventure. Explore the winding streets of Stone Town venturing through the former Slave Market, the Sultan’s Palace and the Old Arab Fort on a guided tour. Along the way, experience modern-day island life in the coastal spice and fish markets. Venture offshore to idyllic Prison Island and scout for the island’s famous giant tortoises at a sanctuary, relax on powder white beaches and swim in crystal blue waters.
A reminder that Zanzibar is a slower pace of life, people are on "island time", we ask that travelers be flexible as things run at a different pace.
Here is some important information that you need to know about traveling on the Zanzibar extension.
Packing List - Please be sure to pack the following for the Zanzibar extension:
Beach appropriate clothing (swimsuit, sunglasses, light shirts and shorts, flip flops).
Light long sleeve shirts and skirts for time in Stone Town (it is more conservative in town)
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket/umbrella (March to May)
Tanzania Visa/Passport info - The same visa and passport requirements would apply as the main itinerary. If you are traveling from the 10-day trip, your visa will cover your time in Zanzibar. Please read here for more information on these requirements.
Vaccination Information - Tanzania requires travelers to have proof of yellow fever vaccine if coming from Kenya (that includes +12 hours at the airport). Please see CDC Recommendations here. We recommend that you consult your doctor or travel health clinic to discuss further.
Flight Information - Please see detailed flight information here
Effective October 1, 2024, all foreign visitors arriving in Zanzibar through the seaport or airport must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance, covering their stay for up to 92 days. This requirement is enforced by the Government of Tanzania to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers.
Purchase Your Insurance - You can purchase the mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance through this link. The cost is USD $44 per visitor, inclusive of all charges.
Important Information:
Proof of Coverage: Proof of international insurance coverage will not be accepted. The insurance policy must be issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, a registered entity in Tanzania.
Purpose of the Requirement: This policy is implemented to mitigate risks associated with travel and provides comprehensive coverage, including repatriation, evacuation, and other related emergencies.
Policy Documentation: Your policy documents, including the unique policy number, effective date, benefits, terms and conditions, limitations, exclusions, and other important information, will be sent to your registered email address. Ensure you keep a copy of your policy with you while traveling.
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of entry at immigration checkpoints.
Please note that this is not the Discover Corps Medical Insurance, CISI, or the recommended Travel Insurance. Discover Corps will continue to issue the CISI Medical Insurance for the whole duration of your trip, and we still recommend your purchase Travel Insurance.
For more information, please download a FAQ document here.
Maru Maru Hotel
Stone Town. Nights 1-2
Amaan Beach Bungalows
Nungwi. Night 3
*Accommodations are subject to change based on availability
Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). It’s relatively easy to exchange foreign currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and authorized Forex dealers in tourist areas, major towns, and cities. U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially by safari operators, lodges, and other tourist services. However, be aware that most places will only accept notes printed after 2006 and in good condition, while some establishments may refuse to accept $100 bills or give you a lower exchange rate on them.
If you prefer to use your credit card while traveling in Tanzania, then it’s best to carry a Visa or Mastercard. Most of Tanzania’s high-end hotels, tour companies, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, but smaller establishments in rural areas may not. Bear in mind that many Tanzanian businesses will add a 3–5% surcharge for credit card transactions, so it can be a good idea to carry cash as a backup.
Overall, it’s advisable to carry both Tanzanian Shillings and US dollars in cash when traveling to Tanzania. You can exchange your foreign currency for Tanzanian Shillings at banks and Forex bureaus or withdraw money from ATMs. Nevertheless, be sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling to Tanzania before your trip to ensure uninterrupted access to your funds while abroad.
You can tip our guide and drive in either Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) or US Dollars.
On the last day of your extension, you will stop at a spice farm and meet some farm workers. Tipping is voluntary but is common for our travelers to tip them. Since it is the last day of the trip, if you would like to tip, please save some cash for the occasion.