FAQs

How flexible are the itineraries that you propose?

Although in one sense our itineraries represent the total of our experience and expertise in organising travel to and within Africa, in another sense each one can be different - tailored to the customer's own interests and needs. Adding on a day here and there, or diverting to some other tourist attraction can all readily be accommodated.

Are there any health/fitness/age considerations?

In visiting Zanzibar, we assume that your principal intention is to simply take a well-earned rest from the world, soaking up the sun on a tropical beach.

In general, however, a visit to Africa usually constitutes an activity holiday, rather than a rest, and you need to be of a reasonable standard of health to withstand the, often long, flight into East Africa. If you are also contemplating taking a safari, then you should consider the stresses of being jolted around cross country on a 4 x 4 vehicle. If undertaking a walking safari you obviously need to be able to take the distances involved (rarely more than 10 km in a day), also bearing in mind the temperature considerations. Age is not necessarily a barrier, at either end, although young children are usually excluded from walking safaris and certain types of camp. However very young children are probably not suited to this kind of holiday, and many operators may operate a minimum age policy - for example 12 years old.

Please see the separate section which discusses the various vaccinations and so on that you may need to consider. Unlike in many other parts of the world, it is usually quite safe to drink the tap water, but bottled water should always be available to you as an alternative.

Is it safe to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar?

There are certain countries and areas that we wouldn't take you to. But rest assured - we want your repeat business, and our prime concern is to see that you are returned in one piece. One of our reasons for making Tanzania one of our destinations of choice is its fairly stable political situation, absence of recent terrorism threats, and low crime rate (virtually nonexistent out on safari, and relatively low elsewhere, barring city centres).

Of course, whilst viewing wildlife, out on safari, there must always be some degree of danger, since the behaviour of wild animals (like that of people!) cannot be guaranteed. However attacks on human beings are extremely rare, and you can rely on your guide, and, where appropriate, an armed park ranger to keep you safe.

Needless to say, these considerations do not apply to a purely Zanzibar-based beach holiday, and, unlike in many other countries, most beach areas are perfectly safe.

When is the best time to travel?

Like many African countries, Tanzania (and hence Zanzibar) experiences two rainy seasons (the 'long rains' and the 'short rains') which might be best avoided in the case of a beach holiday. Being in the Southern hemisphere, Zanzibar's summer is our winter, and vice versa. Hence it is hottest here during our winter - making this a perfect time to visit!

For more information on this topic, visit our "When to Visit Zanzibar" page. 

What is included in the cost?

What is included in the cost can vary from place to place (see the 'Other Information' tab on our individual Accommodation pages) - it can range from bed & breakfast only up to full board. Your bar bill will almost certainly be charged separately. You will need to take responsibility for international flights (although we can usually arrange these for you), insurance (a requirement), airport taxes, tips and casual expenditure. Tipping is at your discretion, but we would suggest $3-5 per day (usually left with the hotel manager or host to distribute). Credit cards may be fairly widely accepted, but it would be more usual to make payments in cash US dollars.

Couldn't we save money by booking with the hotel or lodge direct?

Absolutely not! ZanzibarAway guarantees that the price that you will pay is no more than you would pay if booking direct, without the hassle of having to arrange each element of accommodation separately, and to coordinate ground transfer and internal flight arrangements. In addition you have the absolutely invaluable - believe us - bonus of our being fully financially bonded for your protection.

What about insurance?

It is a condition of booking through us that you have adequate trip cancellation, emergency medical and repatriation insurance in place. The need for this will be obvious. We do not arrange this insurance for you, preferring that you look into this important matter for yourselves, and satisfy yourselves that you are fully covered.

What are the passport and entry requirements?

These will vary with your own country of origin. Obviously you will need a valid passport (with at least six months still unexpired), together with an entry visa (which it is usually possible to obtain on arrival). ZanzibarAway will advise you as to your precise requirements in this respect, but you should also check locally (for example through the internet) in order to satisfy yourself that all is in hand, since requirements can often change without notice.  More information on travel documentation can be found here:

Travel Docs.com

How do I make a reservation?

You are encouraged to discuss your interests and requirements with us initially, either by phone or email, following which we will put forward one or more possible itineraries, with cost. Once the itinerary is agreed with you we will then check availability and make a provisional booking on your behalf. Once this has been finalised we will require a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the final total, with final payment due 70 days prior to departure. You will be required to complete and sign our booking form (which can be emailed to you), together with acceptance of terms, and giving assurance that you have put adequate insurances in place. See our Terms and Booking Conditions.

What language is spoken?

As might be expected, a huge variety of languages and local dialects is spoken across Africa. However English is the lingua franca of the tourism industry, and of course is virtually one of the national languages anyway in many countries, arising from their original colonial days. Swahili is, however, the other common language throughout Kenya and Tanzania, and the ability to say 'please' and 'thank you' in this language would not go amiss (see our 'Safari Companion').