Zanzibar Ferry Terminal — Local services in Malindi

You should absolutely book first class tickets and be sure to pick them up in advance. My group was not aware that we needed to pick up our tickets from a special office quite a ways away from the terminal, so we were in panic mode when we arrived. A local helped us out and we got the tickets in time, but the rest of the group (me included) ended up waiting in the main outdoor terminal during that process. It was unbearably hot. There are no fans in the entry area and the air is stagnant, humid and hot. There are no lines when waiting to get your passport stamped. It comes down to who can push to the window and slap their passport on the counter first. Yeah, I had to do that. Feels rude but you will stand there forever if you don't. After that if you have a first class ticket, there is a special air-conditioned lounge for you. It is TOTALLY worth it. There are ample sofas and recliners everywhere. Free instant coffee is offered as well. On the boat first class get an air-conditioned cabin with comfy recliner chairs. The economy seating is stuck out in the heat.

One thing that kinda annoyed me is the unorganized baggage claim situation. You need to pay attention to what baggage cart your luggage is put on. Each cart has a number, and despite what they might tell you, first class luggage is picked up in the same area as economy. There is no claim check to determine that the luggage is picked up only by the owner. It is just a mass mob of people, not at all like the airport, snatching up bags. I did get a little paranoid of someone taking my bag. I keenly watched the carts being rolled out in order to ensure that...

Total chaos! I'm sure I'm a bit paranoid, but the terminal to get on the ferry was hectic. Upon arrival the different ways on how people treat a queue may test your social battery. Once off the boat, they then suddenly need another document basically like a second visa that you had to get when entering Tanzania (don't bother showing them the visa receipt). You fill in the document, and then with their spotty wifi connect to the app they have you scan, to pay another $40 for "mandatory travel insurance"... because so many places take cash, but this is the one time cash doesn't work. Feels super sketchy, and I'll be watching my accounts especially. Then prove you paid, get that stamp, then give it to the customs officer he stamps, keeps the paper and you're free to go. All of this hassle with no warning until you arrive, no mention on the 1.5hr boat ride over. Once done there, you're not free, you will be hassled by tour guides, taxis, tuk tuks, motorcycles, and the like. Some will follow you for blocks pretending to be your buddy and then when the exchange is done, they want a tip. Social battery was depleted before I got off the boat, I had nothing left by the time I got...

It is an experience if you are a person who flies in airplanes. We went from Dar to Zanzibar around New Year on a special ferry because it's so busy. It was pure chaos - but it works. Here's what you need to know. Get tix a few days in advance. Bring passports - Zanzibar is a whole 'nother country. Arrive earlyish. Ignore the porters unless you want to tip them. You'll be in a mass of people chugging through. People will jockey for position. Eventually everyone will get through. Do yourself a favor & don't bring too much stuff. The legroom is tiny but there is room under the seats. find your spot & if you're up to it, go out on the deck after you get underway. This is the economy model. If you want to pay $50 or more you can sit up top with way more room & a snack. Its fun & it's...