Anyone ever been to Zanzibar?

[djmcmath]

By good fortune, I've managed to end up with most of a week in Zanzibar, this coming Labor Day. Now I've got to figure out where to stay, and where to dive. This place seems to be loaded with well-traveled folk, so I thought I'd ask.

- From the look of it, the diving is good all over Zanzibar. Are there particular dive sites that are "must see?"
- I'm a single guy, so part of the fun of a dive trip lies in "drunken shenanigans."
- I'm nearly 40, so "drunken shenanigans" need to be balanced with getting a good night's sleep, and limiting insanity to what's required to make a good story afterwards.
- Looks like Zanzibar is primarily Muslim, so I understand that drinking in public and "nudity" (to include pretty much anything you'd see in any tropical site anywhere) is pretty strongly discouraged. Given that, are there parts of the island that are more tourist-friendly? Are there places that I really need to avoid, as a Westerner who speaks neither Swahili nor Arabic?
- What's the best thing to see on my day off, when I'm not diving?

Thanks in advance.

[cashflyer]

I've not been to Zanzibar, but I have been to Kenya.
I had no trouble finding people who speak English.

Also, according to Google, there are plenty of bikini clad wimmins around the coastal areas.


Some links suggested by Google:
http://www.africatravelresource.com/zanzibar-island-safari/
https://www.expertafrica.com/tanzania/zanzibar-island

[HardDrive]

I've always loved Zanzibar....red.

[Seahawk]

Zanzibar is one of those places I thought I knew the location of...

I was wrong.

Looks like fun!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g482884-Zanzibar_Island_Zanzibar_Archipelago-Vacations.html

[Neilk]

Tourist destination of choice for British tossers.

J/k. Just seen a few headlines in British rags about drunken stupidity by tourists there.

[djmcmath]

For some fun background, I'll be visiting a friend in Malawi, about 500mi to the south, flying in and out of Lilongwe "International" Airport. I said to myself, "If I'm going to be in South Africa, I should look at diving in Mozambique or Madagascar -- right next door, and some of the world's best dives!

After much googling, I discovered that there is no way to get directly from Malawi to either Mozambique or Madagascar. Lilongwe offers direct flights to only 5 airports, so it turns out that it's actually just about quicker to get to the Mozambique coast BY BUS. Flights were roughly $1500 (that's USD, not local currency), and were looking like 30-40 hours.

For perspective, that'd be like visiting a friend in Charleston, SC, and saying "Gosh, it'd be nice, while I'm here on the East Coast if I could hop down to Ft Lauderdale for some beach time," and discovering that it's a 2 day trek with flight connections through Houston and Mexico City.

So I said: Where can I fly to from Lilongwe? Turns out Dar es Salaam is one of the 5 locations, and it's only a 3 hour flight. So I can get to Dar for peanuts. Adding a hop through Zanzibar on the way back from Malawi only added $150ish to the total cost of the trip. Bonus!

[vash]

that lady with the snorkel would make me swallow sea water for sure..

[sammyg2]

Tips on Zanzibar Island Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Zanzibar Island Warnings and Dangers
Zanzibar is a beautiful island located off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It’s a popular tourist spot for history lovers and beach lovers alike, and like any other tourist hot spot there are warnings and dangers that travelers need to know about.
Health Concerns on Zanzibar Island
Before visiting Zanzibar, you will need a Yellow Fever vaccination. In fact, you won’t be able to get a tourist visa for Tanzania without it. Also, malaria is quite common in this area of the world so be sure to take the proper precautions. Take anti-malaria medication and avoid mosquito bites by using bug spray, covering skin with clothing at dusk, and sleeping under a mosquito net.

The sun is strong in Zanzibar. Wear plenty of sunscreen and avoid extended exposure out in the sun. You will be tempted to frolic in the water for hours and laze on the beach in your bikini, but keep a shirt or cover up with you and seek out shade whenever possible. But, when seeking out shade try to avoid coconut trees, as the coconuts can fall without notice.
Crime and Aggressive Salespeople, Especially Guides
There is crime in Zanzibar so you will have to keep your wits about you and use common sense. Be sure to lock up valuables like money, jewelry you’re not wearing, and keep your passport in the hotel safe. Pickpockets can be a nuisance so be aware of where you keep your money and whether or not a pickpocket can get to it. There have been isolated instances of violent crime on the island where tourists were robbed at gunpoint. However, this is the rare exception.
The overnight ferry back to Dar es Salaam chugs along at a leisurely pace and while you are asleep in first class, some passengers might be plotting how to steal your valuables. If you take the overnight ferry, be sure you can keep your stuff safe while you get some shut eye.
From historic tours of Stone Town to early morning tours swimming in the ocean with dolphins, many Zanzibar residents offer their tour guide services to visitors. However, take caution that some guides can be pushy. Politely tell them you already have plans. There are plenty of tour operators to choose from on the island. Consult with your hotel for a good referral.
Police in Zanzibar
Overall, the police are friendly and helpful on the island. However, some have been known to cite tourists for minor infractions and demand payment without writing a ticket. It’s up to you if you want to pay or ask for a formal ticket to be written, which will usually settle the matter.
Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers on Zanzibar Island.

https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/02/13/tips-zanzibar-island-warnings-dangers-stay-safe/

[imcarthur]

I have nothing to add but encouragement.

A quick search on Fodors turned up this recent Trip Report: A week self driving in Zanzibar

Have fun & as always in strange places, keep your eyes open & don't do stupid.

We will be back in SA in April.

Ian

[Jeff Alton]

We were there 2 years ago. Lots of good diving from what we could see (we snorkel and not dive...) The area being primarily Muslim is not any issue. People were friendly, polite and welcoming. All resorts cater to the western tourist.

Cheers