Zanzibar Travel Tips

Zanzibar - General Information

Zanzibar is part of the East African republic of Tanzania. It consists of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25-50km (15-30mi) off the coast off the mainland. There are numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as "Zanzibar Island"), and Pemba Island. Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world; it united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, and still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union. The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City, and its old quarter, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site.

Zanzibar's main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism. It is still sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands (a term also associated with the Maluku Islands in Indonesia), because of the significance of its production of cloves, of which it used to be the world leader, and also nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper. Your visit to Zanzibar should definitely not miss the aroma of the Spice Island.

The ecology is of note for being the home of the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus and the elusive Zanzibar Leopard. The word "Zanzibar" probably derives from the Persian, Zangi-bar ("coast of the blacks"); ultimately from the Arabic words of the same meaning, however it is known in Arabic as Zanji-bar.

Pemba Island

The island of Pemba known as 'Al Jazeera Al Khadra' (the green island, in Arabic) is an island forming part of the Zanzibar archipelago, lying off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is situated about 50 kilometres to the north of the island of Zanzibar. In the 1960s Zanzibar was united with the former colony of Tanganyika to form Tanzania. It lies 50 kilometres east of mainland Tanzania. Together with Mafia Island (south of Zanzibar), they form the Spice Islands (not to be confused with Maluku Islands of Indonesia). In 1988, the estimated population was 265,000, with an area of 980kmsq.

Most of the island, which is hillier and more fertile than Zanzibar, is dominated by small scale farming. There is large scale farming of cash crops such as cloves - there are over 3 million clove trees.

The most important towns in Pemba are Chake-Chake (the capital), Mkoani, and Wete. Pemba is with the exception of a strip along the east coastal area a very fertile place; beside clove trees the locals grow mainly rice, coconut, bananas¸ cassava and red beans called maharagwe in Kiswahili.

Photo Info: A dive site in Pemba

Pemba is also becoming a well-known Zanzibar travel spot for its dive sites, with vertiginous drop-offs, untouched coral and very abundant marine life. Great place to visit!

Zanzibar Adventures Guidelines

Trip to Zanzibar

By Air: The principal carrier for a trip to Zanzibar by air is Kenya Airways transit at Nairobi. Other carriers are Qatar Airline, Ethiopian Airline, Air India, South African Airways, British Airways and KLM stopping over Dar-es-Salaam, from where you can catch a ferry to Zanzibar. There are also a number of regularly chater flights from Europe travelling direct to Zanzibar.

If your air ticket takes you only to Dar-es-Salaam, local air carriers such as Coastal Travel, Zan Air, Precision Air, Tropical Air provide scheduled flights in small twin-engined to Zanzibar. [Travel to Zanzibar by Air]

By Sea: This is the cheapest way to balance your Zanzibar travel budget. Regular ferries operate between Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba. The services between Dar-es-Salaam and Zanzibar range from 75minutes trip to 90minutes trip and that of Pemba can take about 3 hours one a noe-way trip depending on the weather condition. Timetables and prices are displayed on boards outside each office. Alternatively you can get the detailed information from a local tour operator. [Travel to Zanzibar by Sea/Ferry]

Visa Procedures & Customs: All visitors require a valid passport and visa for the duration of their stay. Visa can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or alternatively at the entry points. The rate of the visa is currently USD 50 or EUR 50. However it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to your visit for updated travel information.

The Zanzibar travel taxes: An Airport tax of EUR 50 per ticket must be paid on departure. Keep small denomination ready as change might be limited sometimes. A tax of USD 5 for every ticket for the person traveling through sea port.

Climate

The archipelago is a tropical island and its climate is subject to the whims of monsoon winds. Perfect condition for Zanzibar travel holiday. The northern monsoon (known as Kaskazi in Kiswahili) lasts three to four months from December to March. The South west monsoon (Kusi) lasts from April to November. The rainy seasons (Masika) starts in March or April and lasts in May. June to October is the dry season and temperatures are clement.

There are short rains known as Vuli. Zanzibar gets about 60 inches of rains annually. The maximum temperatures are 88.50F in February and 810F in July. The minimum temperatures are 800F in March and 710F in June.

Hospitality and Culture

Zanzibar cultures became more diverse in its range, more unique in its expression. Zanzibar is the birthplace of Swahili, a lingua franca forged from global dialects, upon which legends were carried, trade routes opened and a Sultan's empire prospered. It is here that the Africa Culture blended with other cultures mainly Persian, Arabic and Indian to forms Swahili Culture.

Today the romance, the splendor and legends of the past are still vibrantly alive, traditional sailing dhows, carved wooden and doors, chests, the scent of the clove and the smile of the hospitable people welcomes you on your trip to Zanzibar.

Health & Safety

Visitors on their trip to Zanzibar are no longer required by law to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to complete your Zanzibar travel arrangements. When you enter the country, please see your local doctor or Travel Clinic for further information about inoculations required for the area.

Malaria is still prevalent in East Africa and so one should also take a malaria prophylaxis. There are many different kinds of medications for Malaria. However, precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets at night. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings. Zanzibar is not much infected by HIV/AIDS. However you are advised to avoid all AIDS fueling factors.

As in almost all African countries, it is pleased to drink bottled water and avoid uncooked foods that may have been washed in untreated water. Sunstroke and heat exhaustion are common, so drink sufficient water, wear sensible clothing and use a high-factor sunscreen.

Zanzibar is a safe country, and most locals are friendly and honest. Though simple precautions should be taken so as to have a relaxing and interesting stay in one of the most beautiful places on earth.