Money
· Tanzanian Shillings may be used to purchase meals and drinks
and to pay for curios, taxi rides etc. However, visitors are
..requested to pay for hotel accommodation
and services in foreign currency, preferably US$ (in smaller denominations).
· Credit cards are not accepted in most places in Zanzibar.
Health Considerations
· Before undertaking any travel all clients are encouraged to consult
with their GP and/or local travel clinic for the most up-to-
..date health information on the destinations
they are travelling to.
· Visitors to Tanzania & Zanzibar are required to have a Yellow
Fever inoculation and present the certificate when entering the
..country. Alternatively a certificate of
exemption from a travel clinic must be presented.
· Visitors to Zanzibar are encouraged to take Malaria prophylactics.
We suggest clients consult with their nearest travel clinic
..for detailed information and advice on
precautions.
Travel Insurance
· When travelling internationally, it is important to ensure that
a Travel Insurance Policy appropriately covers you against any
..unforeseen eventualities.
· Your insurance broker or provider will offer the necessary advice
on specific travel insurance policies.
· Travellers from South Africa can go to the IslandsOnly Travel
Shop for more details of tailor made travel policies.
Departure Taxes
· Only the South African or foreign departure taxes are included
on the airline tickets.
· Tanzanian departure taxes are not included in your ticket. The
following amounts should be paid in USD to tax officials at the
..airports on departure:
1. USD 6.00 per person per domestic departure (e.g. Zanzibar to Dar es
Salaam)
2. USD 30.00 per person per international departure (e.g. Dar es Salaam
to Johannesburg)
Tip: Pay the exact amount. Any change will be paid
in Tanzanian shilling and we’re sure you not going to have much
use for that when you get home!
Location:
The islands of Zanzibar are located about 40km off the coast of East Africa
roughly 6° south of the equator and about 35km northeast of the Tanzanian
coastal city of Dar es Salaam.
Geography:
The Zanzibar Islands are made up of several small islands and two larger
ones. Unguja - more commonly known as Zanzibar Island, is the largest,
while Pemba to the northeast is a little smaller. Unguja is roughly 85km
long and 20km to 30km wide. Pemba is 75km long and 15km to 20km wide.
History:
For 2000 years before the first European settlers arrived, the Arabs,
Indians and Persians visited and traded along the East Africa coastline,
including the Zanzibar Islands. The Portuguese arrived in the latter 15th
century while looking for a trade route to India and established a trading
station on Zanzibar Island. Their presence all but came to an end when
the Omani Arabs ousted them at the end of the 17th century. Under Arab
rule Zanzibar became a centre of the slave trade in East Africa with significant
trade and political power. During the second half of the 19th century
(from 1840 to 1888) Zanzibar became a focal point for European explorers
and adventurers like Livingstone and Stanley who often began and/or ended
their expeditions in Zanzibar. Zanzibar was a British Protectorate from
1890 to 1963, when it gained independence. The Sultan was overthrown in
1964 and Zanzibar and the newly independent state of Tanganyika formed
what is now known as the United Republic of Tanzania.
Government:
Zanzibar is actually a separate state within the United Republic of Tanzania.
The Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives govern the islands.
Population:
The population is estimated at roughly 1 million people, most of whom
are of African Shirazi or Swahili origin. There are also smaller populations
of inhabitants from India, Pakistan and Europe.
Languages:
The official language is Swahili, or Kiswahili as it is referred to locally.
English and Arabic are also spoken.
Religion:
Islam is the dominant religion, but Christianity and Hinduism are also
practised among the minority populations.
Economy:
Based heavily on fishing and agricultural exports, however tourism’s
contribution is growing rapidly as more and more travellers visit the
islands.
Currency:
The Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh)
Weights and measures:
The metric system is used.
Climate:
Zanzibar enjoys an equatorial climate with heavy rainfall from March to
end May.
· November to March is generally the hot and humid time of the
year with temperatures often climbing above 30°C. Rainfall is
..limited to short bursts.
· April to June is the monsoon period characterised by torrential
rainfall.
· July to October is probably the most pleasant time to visit Zanzibar.
The temperatures average 25°C and there is little rainfall.
Time:
GMT + 3
Electricity:
220 volts
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