There’s something about arriving in a place by sea. Watching the mainland slowly fade into the horizon while a new island appears ahead—it feels like stepping into a different world. That’s exactly what the ferry journey from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar offers. But like many travel experiences in East Africa, it comes with a mix of chaos, improvisation, and small adventures along the way.
There are several ferry companies operating between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, with multiple departures a day. I decided to go with Azam Marine, one of the most well-known providers, and booked my ticket online in advance—which I can definitely recommend for peace of mind. You can book here.
Before even getting on the ferry, there’s one important thing to know: Zanzibar requires a mandatory travel insurance. Yes, it’s official. You’ll need to show proof upon arrival. To avoid unnecessary waiting time, it’s best to book it in advance. Otherwise, you’ll end up queuing for it after landing—along with everyone else.
Now, let’s talk about the departure experience in Dar es Salaam. Calling it “confusing” would be an understatement. The area around the ferry terminal is intense: dozens of people approach you, offering help, asking for your ticket, trying to sell you another one—even if you clearly say you already have one. Many wear official-looking vests, making it nearly impossible to tell who actually works for the ferry company and who doesn’t.
Within seconds, my luggage was taken out of my hands, and before I could fully process what was happening, I was being guided through the crowds, past long lines, straight through security checks and procedures. Five minutes later, I had somehow skipped the chaos and found myself at the gate, slightly confused—but also, if I’m honest, quite relieved. Of course, this “service” wasn’t free. That didn’t come as a surprise. Luckily, the price was reasonable, and in that moment, totally worth it 😊
The ferry ride itself takes about two hours, cutting across the Indian Ocean. And then, just as you think you’ve made a simple domestic journey, Zanzibar reminds you that it’s a little different. The island has a semi-autonomous status, which means that upon arrival, you’ll go through immigration, passport control, and yes—you’ll even get a stamp in your passport.
A small but very useful tip: you’ll need to fill out an arrival form. Try to get it already in Dar es Salaam before boarding. That way, you can use the ferry ride to fill it out and avoid more waiting time once you arrive.
And then, finally, you step off the ferry into Zanzibar—and into another wave of activity. Countless taxi drivers will be waiting for you, all offering rides. If you’re staying in Stone Town, here’s a tip: just walk. The old town is a maze of narrow alleys where cars can’t enter anyway, so taxis will only take you to the edge. From there, you’ll have to continue on foot.
If you’re heading to other parts of the island, it’s usually easier (and often cheaper) to organize a transfer заранее through your hotel.
In the end, the ferry to Zanzibar isn’t just a means of transport. It’s an experience—slightly chaotic, occasionally overwhelming, but somehow part of the journey itself. And when the island finally comes into view, all of it already feels worth it.
