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| Fast
facts |
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| Languages: |
Swahili, English,
Italian, Arabic |
| Population: |
800,000 |
| Capital city: |
Stone Town (also
known as Zanzibar Town) |
| Currency: |
Tanzanian Shilling |
| People: |
Native African,
Arabic, and Indian |
| President: |
Amani Karume |
| Government: |
Republic |
| Religion: |
Muslim (95%),
Christian and Hindu (5%) |
| Climate: |
Hot and humid |
| Average Temp: |
25ºC (77ºF) |
| Major Industries: |
Tourism, Spice, and
Fishing |
|
| Accommodation |
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| Most
tours will begin with a stay in Stone Town as this is
where the international airport is located. Stone Town
has a variety of accommodation ranging from budget bed
and breakfast inns to extremely luxurious hotels. All
accommodation featured in our packages have been tried
and tested by ourselves, and we have a policy of
"if we have not seen it, we will not put our
guests in it". This means that all the
accommodation featured on this website has been tried
and tested by ourselves.
The most popular
resorts are located on the East Coast of Zanzibar,
mainly in Kiwengwa and some very good accommodation is
found on the northern tip in Nungwi. Nungwi is
possibly the most "happening" place of
Zanzibar with international backpackers frequenting
this area due to it's cheap diving and budget
accommodation.
Accommodation
guide |
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| Roads,
trains and aeroplanes |
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| International
access to Zanzibar is either via Zanzibar
International Airport situated in Stone Town, or via
the port also located in Stone Town. Direct flights to
Zanzibar from South Africa are from Johannesburg
International Airport with flights leaving on Monday,
Wednesday and Saturday. The only direct carrier is Air
Tanzania. Local transport is freely available at the
airport and the port, but all charges are in US$. A
daily ferry leaves from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam and
vice versa. These ferries leave approximately every 4
hours, and the journey between the two ports should
take about 2 to 3hours. Traveling around Zanzibar can
be quite tricky if you do not know what you are doing.
The local taxis are called "dala dalas" and
can be quite intimidating if you are a first time
traveler on these. The best alternative is to contact
us and we will arrange all transfers for you. Visitors
can also hire motor bikes and cars, but this is also
not recommended as the roads are quite tricky to
navigate, with many cyclists and motor cyclists
driving all over the roads. If you do not have proper licenses, or you knock over a cyclist, the police are
quick to arrest you.
Pemba Island is only
accessed by domestic flights from most Tanzanian
domestic airports and from Zanzibar Airport and
ferries. Flights leave to Pemba on a daily basis
whilst ferries to Pemba leave the Zanzibar and Dar Es
Salaam ports from Tues - Fri. |
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| Best
time to go |
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July to
October - during this period, there is little rain, the average
temperature is 25ºC and the humidity is low. Light breezes at night
provide some relief from the hot days. Not as many tourists as in
January, so for somebody who likes a bit of privacy, it is ideal.
November to March - are good months although
the short rains come at this time and it is VERY hot
and humid. Added to this is the Muslim festival of
Ramadhan in December/ January, which see Muslims
fasting during the daytime for an entire month. This
festival moves back a couple of days every year, so be
sure to check here again if you plan on going to
Zanzibar a couple of years down the line. Some local
restaurants, bars and discos are closed during this
period. All resort and accommodation entertainment is
still open though. If you are planning to go to a
resort, this is a fantastic time.
April to June - this is the quiet season. The
long monsoon rains pour down. It does not rain the
whole day every day, but you will have to remain
indoors for some time when they come down. If you are
on a budget trip, then this is the best time in terms
of price unfortunately. Many resorts are closed though
during this period, so you will have a smaller
selection of places to stay. |
|
| Climate |
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| Zanzibar
is a few degrees south of the equator and enjoys a
tropical climate that is largely dominated by the
Indian Ocean monsoons. Average temperature in the
summer months is 27ºC and in the winter months is
24ºC. It is very humid all year round, particularly
in the summer monsoon rain period. April and May
experience the highest rainfall with figures averaging
at 249mm and July and August with the lowest averaging
60mm. |
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| Communications
and electricity |
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| Communications
from the island are easily accessible, with a
multitude of internet cafes who also provide
telephonic facilities. International cell phone
roaming is also available, please contact your network
to ascertain if they have facilities in Zanzibar.
Electricity is 230V AC
but you will have to buy flat 3 pin plugs should you
wish to use any electrical appliances. These are
available at most shops in Stone Town. |
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| Money
Matters |
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Currency:
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. The
current rate of exchange (May 2001) is Tsh900 = $1.
Almost every hotel and resort accepts US$ but beware,
some of their exchange rates are not very favorable.
It is best to exchange your currency at a local Bureau
de Change into Tsh as their rates are normally the
best. Not many Bureau de Change or hotels accept ZAR.
Banks:
People's Bank of Zanzibar - Stone Town
National Bank of Commerce - Stone Town
Bank of Tanzania - Stone Town
Credit Cards and
Traveler's Cheques
Credit cards are accepted at some of the major hotels,
restaurants and resorts. Traveler's cheques are the
safer option as these are more widely accepted than
credit cards. |
|
| Language
and cultures |
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Language:
The official language of Zanzibar is Kiswahili. Most
residents have a good knowledge of English, Italian
and various Arabic dialects. Some important words in
Swahili are:
Jambo - hello
Habari - what's news?
Mambo - slang greeting like habari
Mzuri - I am well
Asante - thank you
Kwaheri - good bye
Maji - water
Chakula - food
Kahawa - coffee
Chai - tea (also referred to as a bribe)
Moja - one
Mbili - two
Tatu - Three
Culture:
The majority of people on the island follow the Muslim
faith. Dress code to them is of particular importance
and it is suggested that women try to dress fairly
conservatively in order not to offend the local
people. 95% of the people are Muslim, with the balance
being a mixture of Christian and Hindu. |
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| Medical
services |
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| Healthcare
facilities on the island are not up to Western
standards. It is highly recommended that you obtain
sufficient medical insurance prior to your departure
to Zanzibar. Flying doctor facilities are available
with the nearest hospital being in Nairobi, Kenya. |
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| National
Parks and main attractions |
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| There
are no National Parks on the island of Zanzibar
although there are some fantastic places to see:
Chumbe Island
Marine Reserve
This is the only marine reserve near Zanzibar. The
island has accommodation for guests and provides an
romantic getaway place for couples. Guests are not
allowed to dive here, but the snorkeling is just as
good. See our accommodation guide for more details on
Chumbe Island.
Jozani Forest
Jozani forest is a protected forest and is home to
some of our primate cousins. The Red Colobus monkey
are indigenous only to Zanzibar and there are about
2300 in and around the forest. Nature walks are
available and it is suggested that you cover yourself
properly if undertaking a hike, as there is very
little shade.
Spice Tours
Zanzibar is known as the spice island, and the
tour shows visitors the various spices are grown and
harvested.
Visitors will have the pleasure of seeing cinnamon
trees, nutmeg trees, vanilla trees (believe it or not)
and the likes. You will be asked to smell and taste
various spices and guess what they are, as well as
witness harvesters climbing huge trees with no
harnesses or protection, to bring down coconuts for
your delight.
Historical monuments
There are a multitude of historical buildings in
Stone Town, and most of these are within walking
distance of each other. Building to see include:
Forodhani Gardens, The Palace Museum, St Joseph's
Cathedral, Arab Fort, House of Wonders, Durajani
Bazaar and many more. We can provide a list of what to
see, or if you prefer you can walk around Stone Town
and discover things for yourself. |
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| Travel
Tips |
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What to pack
Light sandals or rubber flip-flops. Some places require you to remove your shoes
before entering.
Good walking shoes if you plan on doing a lot of sight seeing.
Raincoat or umbrella if you are traveling in the rainy season. Monsoon rains are heavy.
Flashlight, for those irritating power cuts. Many hotels do have generator backup systems though.
Clothes – these should be light as it is very hot and humid. A jersey or windbreaker is recommended for those winter nights (just in case).
Women are "frowned upon" for wearing revealing clothes. Mini-skirts are a definite no. Try to wear shorts (no not
hot pants) or a long skirt, and try to keep
the shoulders covered.
Malaria Tablets
Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, so it is recommended that you consult your physician on the prescription right for you. Pregnant women are not allowed to take Malaria
prevention drugs, and are cautioned before entering any malaria area.
Insect/ Mosquito
repellent
Mosquitoes, like little vampires, favour night
conditions. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover all
exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms). We
recommend that you wear trousers at night and long
sleeved shirts should you be outdoors. If the heat is
too much and you wear a short sleeved shirt, make sure
you smear/ spray your arms with repellent. At night
before you go to bed, make sure your mosquito net is
either touching the ground, or is tucked in, and your
exposed areas (especially your ankles) are protected
with repellent.
Travel insurance
It is imperative that you have travel insurance. Even though they do not check any certificates when you enter the airports, for your own peace of mind, make sure that you are
adequately covered.
Crime
As with all cities, Zanzibar is not free of crime. Unfortunately it has been on the increase, so make sure you do not take valuables on holiday with you. If you do take expensive
jewelery, make sure it is either locked up when you go out, or hidden from sight.
Be careful not to walk the streets at night alone, this invites trouble. If you are confronted, do not resist, and try to report the matter to the police as soon as possible. The police are sometimes
rude and arrogant, but an attempt will be made to recover your property. |
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| Entry
requirements |
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A
visa and a yellow fever inoculation certificate are
pre-requisites to enter Zanzibar. Visas cost $50 per
person and are obtainable from the Tanzanian Embassy
at:
822 George Ave
Arcadia
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 342 4393
You will need 2 passport photographs and 2 completed
application forms. Should you not have the time,
please let us know and we will do it for you for a
nominal fee.
Yellow fever inoculations are available at travel
clinics around the country.
Possibly one of the
most important requirements, although not a
pre-requisite is travel insurance. Visitors must make
sure they are adequately covered. If you are unsure
about what you should take out, please contact us and
we will gladly help you.
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|
Contact:
African Encounters |
Postnet
Suite 45
Private Bag x 12
Roosevelt Park
2129 |
Tel:
(011) 880 3079
Fax: (011) 447 6773
email: info@africanencounters.com |
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