Arrival in Zanzibar

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On your arrival in Zanzibar, you will land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the main airport on the island. After landing, you will pass through immigration, collect your luggage, and meet your driver or representative outside the arrivals area.

Please make sure you have your passport, visa or eVisa approval, return or onward ticket, and your accommodation details ready. Tanzania Immigration may ask visitors to show a visa, return ticket, or onward travel arrangement on arrival. Tanzania also allows visitors to apply for an eVisa online before travel, which can make arrival smoother.

For Zanzibar, visitors should also check the mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement before arrival. Zanzibar’s official tourism portal shows mandatory travel insurance for visitors.

After airport formalities, your driver will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is usually for check-in, relaxing, and enjoying your first taste of Zanzibar. No heavy activity is recommended on arrival day unless your flight arrives early and you feel fresh.

What to consider

Arrive with your travel documents easily accessible, not packed deep inside your luggage. Keep some cash or a working bank card for small payments, tips, or airport needs. Also, if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country, you may be asked for proof of yellow fever vaccination.

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Arrival in Zanzibar TripAdvisor Reviews

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*For the most recent reviews/testimonials from our guests, please visit our TripAdvisor page and Trustpilot.

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  • mattropolis
    mattropolis
    July 31, 2026

    Great Tanzanian vacation

    We toured with Tanzania Safari Experience for an eight day trip to Tanzania. Five days of safari and then three days of beach vacation in Zanzibar. They were great to work with and customized everything exactly the way we wanted it. The lodges we were booked in were all incredible, particularly the Lahia Tented Lodge in the Serengeti. Our driver, Jay, seemed to know every road in every national park and as a result the wildlife viewing was unparalleled. There were times where we were the only vehicle seeing lions or hippos. The owner, Laurent, was extremely responsive and any issues we had in-country with our logistics were immediately sorted by him. He genuinely wanted us to have a first-rate experience. The only thing we were unprepared for is that some of the days in the safari vehicle were very long (10+ hours) and the roads can be really rough. But there were plenty of cold drinks in the car and it was worth it to see the wildlife. The safari/beach split was a great way to do the vacation and the beaches of Zanzibar were beautiful with clear blue water.

    Family · July 31, 2026
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  • nicolykiardopoul2018
    nicolykiardopoul2018
    June 2, 2026

    Safari May 2026

    This company exceeded everything we’d hoped for. From the start, the tour operator had everything covered — a detailed itinerary laid out well in advance, quick responses to any questions, and a genuine attentiveness that made the whole thing feel effortless. The accommodation was seriously impressive. Not what I was expecting at all — comfortable, well-appointed, and luxurious. We also spent time right in the heart of the bush. A proper treat. The two people who really made this trip were our guide Mariki and photographer Agnes. Mariki’s knowledge of the bush and animal behaviour is something else — he always seemed to know exactly where to go, and his instincts paid off every single time. Agnes has a brilliant eye and captured shots we could never have got ourselves. As for the wildlife — we saw far more than we ever imagined we would. Elephants, lions, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippos — the lot. As a first safari, I couldn’t have asked for more. Would recommend without hesitation.

    Friends getaway · June 2, 2026
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  • 370godsong
    370godsong
    January 3, 2026

    Great Experience with Tanzania Safari Experience

    We had an amazing safari with Tanzania Safari Experience, and honestly the whole trip was put together really well by Laurent and his team. From our first message to the last day, they were easy to reach, quick to reply, and clear about everything. The plan made sense, the timing was smooth, and we didn’t have to stress about anything. Uncle J was a big part of what made it special. He knows the parks incredibly well and seems to notice things before anyone else. He’d position the vehicle perfectly for photos and often got us to sightings before the crowds built up. We were lucky to see [your highlights: migration / lions / cheetahs / elephants / a crossing], and every drive felt exciting and different. The vehicle was comfortable and in good shape, and everything ran on schedule. If you’re looking for a well-organized safari with a great guide, I’d definitely recommend Tanzania Safari Experience.

    Solo travel · January 3, 2026
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