What is the weather like and when is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate with average daytime temperatures of about 27° Celsius / 80° Fahrenheit in summer and about 24° C/ 75° F in winter. July to October are the most pleasant months because the days are dry with low humidity and the temperatures are about 25° C/ 77° F - perfect for the beach. November to March is also a very nice time of the year, it is just slightly hotter. You will probably want to avoid the rainy season, between April and May. The Z Hotel closes for these months.

What is the water temperature in Zanzibar?

The Indian Ocean which surrounds Zanzibar is wonderfully warm all year around, averaging about 27° C/ 80° F.

Are there any important cultural or social issues to be aware of before we travel to Zanzibar?

The prevailing religion in Zanzibar is Islam, so it is important when outside the resort to dress conservatively without exposing too much skin. At the hotels or in the beach resorts, bikinis and less conservative clothing are fine.

Is Zanzibar safe?

Zanzibar is predominantly very safe, however exercise caution just like anywhere and Book your tours through registered tour operators only.

I heard that you cannot swim in Zanzibar when the tide is out. Is this true?

Along the east coast when the tide is out, you can expect to have to walk 200 - 300 meters out to reach the sea. This becomes less of an issue the further north you go. The Z Hotel is ideally situated high up on the north west coast, we are very fortunate as you can swim at any time, whether the tide is in or out, as it never goes out very far.

What is the local currency and how should we manage carrying our money?

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling but US Dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, but not at many shops and certainly not at the local markets. Be prepared to pay a surcharge between 5% - 10% if paying by credit card. There is a 2% surcharge on any card transactions made at The Z Hotel.

What about electricity in Zanzibar?

Electricity on Zanzibar is 220-240V AC, 50 Hz. Plugs have 3 flat-pinned prongs (UK type) and adaptors are available to buy in Stonetown.

Can I bring my mobile phone to Zanzibar?

Tanzania in general has excellent mobile phone coverage, well extended onto Zanzibar as well. Please check with your home based network provider for international roaming and data coverage.

Is malaria a risk on zanzibar? Do I need any special health certificates?

Yes. You will need to consult your doctor about anti-malaria medication. Check with your local health authority for any vaccination requirements.

The requirements for the Yellow Fever vaccination changes from time to time so although it is not required for travelers from places where yellow fever is not endemic at the moment, this may change and you should check with your local health authority before travelling. However, if you are coming from an area where Yellow Fever is endemic, eg. from Kenya, you will probably be asked to show your vaccination certificate. If you do not have the correct certificate, the health authority at the airport will vaccinate you prior to entry into Zanzibar.

Do children pay full price?

We recently found it necessary to implement a child policy procedure within the hotel. While we would like to welcome children, our rooms and pool area are not equipped for children under 16 years of age. At the discretion of the management, we can sometimes accommodate families with younger children during low and medium season.

Do you offer family rooms?

As we do not receive children under the age of 16, we do not offer family or interconnecting rooms.

Do you offer triple rooms?

Yes, we have one triple room in the hotel, which has three single beds. All our other bedrooms contain queen or twin beds. Please note that we cannot add an extra bed to any rooms as all our room categories are designed to accommodate a maximum of 2 people.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. it is important to drink purified bottled water only. Complimentary bottled water is provided at the Z hotel.

How can I be certain that my valuables will be safe where we are staying?

Each room at the Z hotel has its own safe for your valuables. However, like when you are travelling anywhere in the world, you are advised to be careful with your belongings.

Are the rates per room or per person per night?

The rates are per room per night.

What kind of honeymoon specials do you offer?

Please take a look at our honeymoon packages

Do you provide transfers?

Yes, we have a partnership with a local tour operator, Coconut Tours who arrange all our transfers. Please contact us for further information on price and to arrange your transfers.

Do you have any special seasonal offers?

Special offers are available on all bookings during the low seasons. Any additional offers will be mentioned on our website homepage.

What payment options are available when booking direct with the Z?

We require a 25% deposit to secure the reservation at the time of booking. The remaining balance is then due 28 days before your arrival at the hotel. This can be paid using an online card payment link or by bank transfer. There is a 2% surcharge added to all card transactions.

What excursions and water sports are available?

These are listed on the activities section on our website.

what is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy:

a) More than 28 days before date of arrival: Receive a full refund.

b) Less than 28 days before date of arrival: The full amount of the booking is non-refundable. 

We have heard of frequent power cuts in Zanzibar. Does the Z Hotel have a generator?

Yes, we do.

What are our meal options if we decided to go for meal package?

We have two meal package options: 

Half Board: A 3-course dinner (available any of our restaurants, please note some dishes have an additional charge.)

Full Board: The 3-course meal for dinner & a 2-course meal for lunch (available in any of our restaurants, please note some dishes have an additional charge.)

Do you offer all inclusive?

No. We offer bed & breakfast, half board and full board only.

Do you offer smoking rooms?

All rooms are non-smoking; however please feel free to smoke on your balcony, where ashtrays are provided.

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