To get a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is not as difficult as many people think. The ticket offices are found at the port and ferries leave regularly from 7h30 to 15h45 – although times tend to change. There are three high speed ferries companies to choose from and each has about two departures per day. No pre-booking is needed simply turn up and buy a ticket for the next boat. Times change regularly, but there is usually a boat ever hour or two.

The port is close to the centre of town in both Dar es Salaam and Stone Town. Tickets can be bought at the port but you will have to brave the ticket touts who earn a living from commission from ticket sales. Watch out for pickpockets.

The journey takes about an hour and a half and leaves The mainland and heads for Stone Town the capital of Zanzibar, the port and entrance to these spiced islands. Entering this small port by ferry from Dar es Salaam is certainly an unforgettable experience, never failing to make the most weary traveler eager to explore this ancient port.

As you step onto the wharf the smell of cloves is carried on the breeze to greet you; immediately you are aware Stone Town is out of the ordinary. Arab dhows white-sails shaped like the crescent moon, sail gently out of the harbor and pass along the miles of palm fringed beaches. Stone Town transports you into the past. The whole atmosphere is of medieval times, veiled women, their hands and feet hennaed with elaborate patterns, haggle in the markets and small shops which cluster on the peripheries of the town.

The spice islands of Zanzibar refers to an archipelago of fifty or so islands with Unquia and Pemba being the largest. The main island is more commonly referred to simply as Zanzibar and to all intents and purposes Unquia is Zanzibar.

The Return journey to the mainland has the option of the night ferry and as the name suggests sails overnight. It is a slow journey taking literally the whole night – however – it is cheaper than the high speed ferries.