Greetings,

Chilling on ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar Foreigners pay $35 and locals pay $10. It’s such a hustle and bustle, the ferry is madness. The ticket process was a mess. I most likely overpaid and immigration was a mess. When you’re the 0.1% foreigner or less on the ferry, you almost have to take whatever. You smile, say thank you and look forward to the adventure that awaits.

Information about ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar

The ferry to Zanzibar from Dar is a nice break. Dar Es Salaam is a rough city where you need to be vigilant. Zanzibar is a magic destination with some of the best beaches in the world. The ferry itself is quality and it runs several times a day. The crossing is 80km and takes roughly two hours. The ferry to Zanzibar ends at the city of Stone Town.

Hustle onto the ferry to Zanzibar so you can claim one of the three big leather bean bags on top deck. Do your best to grab one, I had the middle one. Times like this are where you just sit back and relax, let your mind wander about the upcoming adventure.

Ferry to Zanzibar from Dar Es Salaam Schedule

The ferry to Zanzibar leaves Dar Es Salaam four times daily. Each ferry ride takes approximately two hours.

The ferry leaves at 7:30, 9:00, 12:30 and 16:00 each day.

Be sure to get there early to ensure you get a ticket. When I went it was rather busy so keep that in mind. There was no issue of me getting a ticket or not but it could have been. The main reason you want to arrive early is to ensure you get a ticket.

Some places aren’t so bad to be left behind but the port isn’t a pleasant place. Once you make the trek, arrive early so you guarantee you’re not stuck.  Spending time in a seedy port is one thing, spending even more time because you were late is another.

Advice for Dar Es Salaam

When in Dar Es Salaam, especially when moving to the ferry, keep your wits about you. The city isn’t very touristy and you will stick out. Since you stick out you’ll attract lots of unwelcome attention. The best is to walk fast like you know where you’re going and don’t engage with undesirables.

Advice for Stone Town

Enjoy the place! Stone Town could be the most unique town I’ve ever visited. The roads are put together like child was drawing a maze. Do keep your wits about you in Stone Town as well, especially at night. Lots of winding and weaving narrow streets. Also, most homes are built for security so the roads are quiet desolate late night. While there, enjoy lots of the great street food, visit the slave market and enjoy the beaches. I loved Stone Town.

Tips hat,