Travel Tips – Pemba Tours and Travel (Tanzania & Zanzibar)

1. Best Time to Visit

Tanzania and Zanzibar have two main seasons:

• Dry Season (June to October & January to February) – Best time for safaris, beach vacations, and outdoor activities.
• Wet Season (March to May & November to December) – Lush landscapes but some areas may experience heavy rains, affecting travel plans.

For wildlife safaris, the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park (June-September) is a must-see. For beach lovers, Zanzibar and Pemba Island are great year-round, but June to October offers ideal conditions.

2. Getting to Tanzania & Zanzibar

• By Air:
  
  • International travelers arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha for mainland adventures.
  • For Zanzibar and Pemba, flights operate from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Nairobi with airlines like Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and Auric Air.
• By Sea:
  
  • Ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar (Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries).
  • Pemba Island is accessible by boat from Zanzibar, but flights are recommended due to unpredictable sea conditions.

3. Travel & Transport Tips

• Local Transport:
  
  • Taxis & Private Transfers – Safer and more convenient for tourists.
  • Dala Dalas (Public Minibuses) – Cheap but crowded and not recommended for long journeys.
  • Car Rentals – Available but require a temporary local driving permit.
• Domestic Flights – A quick and comfortable option for reaching national parks and islands.

4. Accommodation Options

Pemba Tours and Travel offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges:

In Mainland Tanzania:

• Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti, Singita Lodges, The Highlands Ngorongoro
• Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Lodge, Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Selous Safari Camp
• Budget: Public campsites in national parks, budget safari lodges

In Zanzibar & Pemba Island:

• Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar, The Manta Resort (Pemba)
• Mid-Range: Nungwi Beach Resort, Kendwa Rocks, Fundu Lagoon (Pemba)
• Budget: Jambiani Guesthouses, Paje Backpackers, Pemba Eco Lodge

5. Activities & Top Attractions

Tanzania Mainland:

✅ Wildlife Safaris – Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Selous, Ruaha
✅ Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Africa’s highest peak, best months: January-March & June-October
✅ Cultural Experiences – Visit Maasai villages, local markets, and historical sites in Bagamoyo
✅ Lakes & Waterfalls – Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Materuni Waterfalls near Moshi

Zanzibar & Pemba:

✅ Beaches – Nungwi, Kendwa, Jambiani, and Paje
✅ Stone Town – Explore historical sites, including the House of Wonders and Old Fort
✅ Spice Tours – Learn about Zanzibar’s spice industry and try exotic flavors
✅ Diving & Snorkeling – Mnemba Atoll, Misali Island (Pemba), and Chumbe Island Coral Park
✅ Jozani Forest – Home to the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey

6. Health & Safety Tips

✅ Vaccinations – Recommended vaccines include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations.
✅ Malaria Prevention – Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening, and take antimalarial medication if advised.
✅ Drinking Water – Stick to bottled or filtered water; avoid tap water.
✅ Travel Insurance – Essential for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.
✅ Safety Precautions – Avoid isolated areas at night, be cautious with personal belongings, and use official taxis or hotel transport.

7. Money & Payments

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but USD is widely accepted (especially in tourist areas).
• ATMs: Available in major cities and Zanzibar but scarce in remote areas.
• Credit Cards: Accepted at hotels and major restaurants but carry cash for smaller transactions.
• Tipping: Common in tourism – guides, drivers, and hotel staff appreciate tips.

8. Local Culture & Etiquette

✅ Dress Code – Dress modestly in towns and villages, especially in Zanzibar and Pemba, where Islam is predominant.
✅ Greetings – A handshake and a friendly “Jambo” (Hello) or “Habari” (How are you?) go a long way.
✅ Ramadan Considerations – If visiting during Ramadan, be respectful of fasting practices.
✅ Bargaining – Common in local markets but done politely.

9. Connectivity & Communication

📶 SIM Cards & Internet – Purchase a local SIM card (Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo) for affordable calls and data.
📱 WiFi – Available in hotels and cafes but can be slow in remote areas.

10. Packing Essentials

🦟 Insect Repellent – Protect against mosquitoes
🌞 Sunscreen & Sunglasses – The sun is strong, especially on the beaches and safaris
👟 Comfortable Shoes – Necessary for safaris, city tours, and trekking
🏕 Lightweight Clothing – Breathable clothes for warm climates, plus a light jacket for cooler safari mornings
📷 Camera & Binoculars – Essential for capturing wildlife and landscapes

11. Entry Requirements

✅ Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or apply online for an eVisa via the Tanzania Immigration website.
✅ Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
✅ COVID-19: Check for any updated travel restrictions or vaccination requirements before departure.

12. Sustainable & Responsible Travel

♻️ Eco-Friendly Accommodations – Choose lodges that support conservation efforts.
🐘 Respect Wildlife – Maintain a safe distance and never feed animals.
🛍 Support Local Businesses – Buy souvenirs from local artisans and eat at family-owned restaurants.

13. Contact Information – Pemba Tours & Travel

📍 Website: www.pembatoursandtravel.com
📧 Email: info@pembatoursandtravel.com
📞 Phone:+255772273956 | +255777800773