DISCOVER TANZANIA
Dar-es-salaam to Zanzibar by Ferry
Taking the ferry to Zanzibar is considered the most convenient mode of transportation, especially for those on a tight budget. You can travel inside or outside the boat, and from the top, you can see the beautiful horizon on your way over.
Traveling by ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is an excellent way to begin your adventure to this fascinating island off the coast of Tanzania. The semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, as well as the surrounding islands, are a tourist’s paradise. The island is the epicenter for thrilling adventures including beach relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, kite tours, and diving, among others. Moreover, Zanzibar also has a natural reserve where tourists can admire the local animals and plants.
Dar-es-Salaam city, on the other hand, is Tanzania’s largest and one of the safari tourism industry’s capitals. It is a charming city full of ancient traditions as well as a very modern and well-organized city. You will visit monuments, parks, nice seaside promenades, and marketplaces. Then you can proceed to the archipelago that is rising in front of it. The city and towns are easily accessible by bus. However, you will need ferry boats to access the islands. Several ferry services companies specialize in fast ferry service from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar and Azam Marine Kilimanjaro Fast Ferry is the best.
Taking the ferry to Zanzibar is considered the most convenient mode of transportation, especially for those on a tight budget. You can travel inside or outside the boat, and from the top, you can see the beautiful horizon on your way over.
Azam Marine coastal ferry and Zan Fast ferry are the two main ferry companies that provide fast ferry service from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar. These two businesses merged and now work well together. Simply take any ferry at any time, regardless of which of the two companies operates it, and you will be satisfied.
The fast ferry boats are a total of 8 vessels with a speed range of 25knots up to 40knots; fast enough to sail for just 1 hour and 40 from the Dar-es-salaam port to Zanzibar.
Dar-es-salaam to Zanzibar Ferry Costs
There are different ferry fares for Tanzanian residents and foreign visitors when traveling from Dar-es-Salaam to Zanzibar. These costs range between $35 and $60 for adults when traveling with Azam Marine fast ferry. However, travelers have a choice to choose between Economy, Business, VIP, and Royal.
ECONOMY
Residents will pay Tshs 25,000 for adults above 10 years and Tshs 15,000 for children under 10 years whereas, nonresidents will pay, USD 35 for adults, and USD 25 for those under 10.
BUSINESS
Residents will pay Tshs 35,000 for adults above 10 years old, and Tshs 15,000 (for those under 10 years. Nonresidents will pay USD 40 both for adults and children.
VIP
Residents will pay Tshs 60,000 for both adults and children under 10 and nonresidents will pay USD 60 both for adults and children.
ROYAL CLASS
Residents will pay Tshs 80,000 for both adults and children whereas nonresidents will pay USD 80 both for adults and children.
How do I make a Ferry Reservation from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
Start by choosing a reputable ferry operator for your ferry travels from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar and Azam Marine is one of the more dependable firms. The Zanzibar ferry is extremely popular, especially between June and October when the island’s weather is at its best, so one must book and buy one ticket a day or two ahead of time. This can be done online, directly with the operator, or at the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal. You can also request assistance from your hotel.
Please avoid acquiring any ferry tickets from people in the street claiming to be representatives or agents from operators. A valid passport is needed to book and secure a place on the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.
When does the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar depart?
Taking the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar takes roughly two hours. The four main departure times (Azam) in both directions are;
- 07:00hrs
- 09:30hrs
- 12:00hrs
- 16:00hrs
What to expect on the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
The ferry ride from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is an adventure in and of itself. When the weather is nice, there are plenty of opportunities to see the local marine life, especially when sitting outside. However, remember to protect yourself from the sun. Dolphins are known to follow these boats, so it could be a lucky sight to see.
Because the Indian Ocean waters in this part of the world can get very choppy at times, the fresh air is a natural remedy for seasickness. If you are concerned, you can take an over-the-counter motion sickness medication about 10 minutes before departure.
Snacks and drinks are served in business class and above, while refreshments are available at kiosks. Please keep in mind that no alcohol is permitted on board.
Other Information you need to Know when Planning your ferry Ride
Make sure to leave early on your travel date because Dar es Salaam can be extremely congested. When you arrive at the ferry terminal, go straight to the gate and avoid drawing the attention of street vendors and porters. Having said that, you will be bothered by a slew of porters. They are dressed in green/orange vests and will carry your bags as if it is mandatory.
Hold your ground and refuse at all costs—don’t let go of your bag but keep your cool—unless you’re willing to pay them, which isn’t just a tip but a fixed price that they will only tell you later. You are not required to use porters, and you should not support a system that intimidates tourists.
When you enter, you will be asked to leave your bag in a designated area where crew members will stow it in an open container. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings until they’ve been stowed in one of those cages. Even if your bags have been tagged, do not leave them on the ground.
Before disembarking, you must complete a boarding card, which must be presented to immigration officials along with your passport. They may also request a yellow fever certificate, especially if you have recently traveled through a high-risk country such as Kenya or Ethiopia.
The cages containing your belongings will be brought onto the dock or ferry terminal where you can retrieve them. After taking the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, and assuming there isn’t too much luggage, tourists can walk to most hotels in Stone Town (see: hotels in Zanzibar), which is not far from the ferry terminal in Zanzibar.
Taking a taxi to your accommodation is the most preferred option and there are more than enough available drivers just outside the main building.
