Zanzibar

Currency
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, it fluctuates considerably against the US Dollar. It is not available internationally, so visitors are advised to bring a sensible mix of hard currency, traveller's cheques and cash. These are easily changed into local currency in Bureaux de Change or Banks. US Dollars are recommended for the best rates of exchange. There is not an active currency black market in Zanzibar. You can use credit cards at larger establishments - Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted - but remember that they are subject to 5-15% commission and to a bad exchange rate.

Official languages
Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili) & English.

Religion
Islam is the dominant religion of Zanzibar although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Although the Zanzibari's are not very rigid in their beliefs, as a matter of respect for local customs, we recommend that women cover their shoulders when in Stone Town and avoid over provocative dress as this is frowned upon. We are also not in favour of nude or topless bathing in any but the most secluded of locations. The mosques of Zanzibar are off limits to both non-Muslim men and women alike. There are both Anglican and Catholic Churches in Stone Town and Sunday services have a strong local flavour with excellent choirs. Services can be an uplifting experience for believers and non-believers alike.

Climate
The climate of Zanzibar is determined by the Monsoon winds which blow from the North East from November to February and from the South West from April to September. The beginning of each new season brings rains. The heavy rains run from late April to early June and this is not a good time to visit Zanzibar, the light rains are in November but usually are brief outbursts between large stretches of sunshine. The hottest season is January and February but there is usually a refreshing sea breeze and Zanzibar is rarely overpoweringly hot. Daytime temperatures usually vary between 26 and 28 degrees centigrade.

Places to visit

ZANZIBAR - AROUND THE ISLANDS

There are three islands that together make up the archipelago of Zanzibar, the main island, commonly known as Zanzibar Island or Unguja, Pemba to the North and Mafia to the South.

Zanzibar Island - Unguja -The island is unique in that it combines unique natural beauty, forests, spectacular beaches with a rich cultural heritage.

The North
Nungwi is the most Northerly village on the island and has given its name to the surrounding area. Tourist development came late to Nungwi but it has come with something of a vengeance. The North West beach of Nungwi is the most popular area for the younger travellers with loud music and rave parties. It can be fun but it is not really our style and those seeking accommodation in the many cheap beach guesthouses are best advised to check the place out on arrival and find a room on the spot. The beach is particularly beautiful, as it is one of the few areas without a coral reef which means that one can swim at all tides.

The East Coast
The reef runs down the whole East Coast of Zanzibar, protecting the long white sand beach which runs from North to South for miles. It is a unique location and one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

Stone Town
Stone Town, more than anything else is what makes Zanzibar so different from a thousand other tropical isles. Behind its elegant waterfront, it is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners fought with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. One of the most characteristic aspects of these ancient mansions is the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork.

The vivid colours and perfumes and smells of Stone town both pleasant and unpleasant leave a strong impact on the visitor. The senses are heightened and the impact is sometimes overwhelming. You either love Stone Town or you hate it, fortunately most fall in love with the town and never forget it.

Most of the houses were built in the 19th century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The tradition was Swahili, those commissioning the houses were usually Omani, British architects were often used as were Indian carpenters. This mixture of cultures is evident in the exotic nature of the houses. The basic building material for Stone Town was coral stone. It is a good building material but quite volatile and houses that are tampered with a liable to sudden collapse. Slowly Stone Town is being restored but the humidity and heat are a deadly mixture and it sometimes feels as though Stone Town the isolated restoration projects can not keep pace with the decline. The city is now a Unesco World Heritage Site and a Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to co-ordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence.

The islands opposite Stone Town
There are a group of small islands a few miles off the coast in front of Stone Town. Despite their names, Prison, Snake and Grave they are beautiful islands and excellent for snorkelling and for a day out from town. Prison island, perhaps the most well known, is home to giant tortoises and was once the quarantine centre for Zanzibar. It has a lovely beach but the Government run restaurant leaves a lot to be desired. A visit to the historic maritime graves on the island is also worthwhile.

Fuji Beach
Just a few miles North of Stone Town is the village of Bububu, which marked the end of the old railway line. It is here that is situated the last of the surviving Royal country houses, Salome's Garden, now converted into a beautiful Guesthouse. There is a long white sandy beach that runs all the way along the coast. It is a beautiful beach and good for swimming, except at low tide when the coral bed is exposed.

Pemba Island
Situated some 50 miles to the North of the main island, Pemba is Known as "The Evergreen Island" because of its lush vegetation and rolling countryside. Pemba is also famous for its immense and dramatic blue water drop offs along with pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life of all shapes and sizes. The Northern tip of the island is one of the world's great dive sites but only suitable for advanced divers due to the strong currents. The beaches are not as accessible as on the main island and the roads on Pemba are terrible. The warmth of the people and the unspoilt beauty of the island make up for the difficulties. Those wishing to visit Pemba need to allow more time than for a visit to the main island. There are few quality Hotels on Pemba, undoubtedly the best is Fundu Lagoon, expensive but highly exclusive with every luxury in a paradise setting.

Mafia Island
Mafia Island lies South of the main island close to the Rufiji Delta, just a short aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam, the Selous Game Reserve or Zanzibar. Less scenically interesting than Pemba and without the historic status of the main island Mafia has escaped the attention of tourism. At the Southern end of the island is Chole bay, a protected deep-water anchorage studded with islands, sandbanks and beaches. The clear, protected waters offer wonderful snorkelling, sailing and swimming. Chole Bay and its surrounding forests and islands are now within the protected Mafia Island Marine Park, supported with assistance from the World Wide Fund for Nature. There are two wonderful hand made lodges on the island which are perfect retreats, these are Chole Island and Kinasi Lodge.

Health precautions
Given that Zanzibar is blessed almost all year around with a cool breeze, one can forget that one is in the tropics. Be careful with the sun and use a strong protection in the first days of your stay.

Zanzibar is a malaria area, as are most tropical destinations in the world, and you should take advice from your doctor at home regarding what malaria tablets to take. It is also a good idea to bring a mosquito repellent for use in the evenings. All hotels should provide mosquito nets. If you follow the above precautions you reduce the possibility of catching malaria to a minimum. The symptoms of flu are very similar to those of malaria and, in the weeks after your return home, should you have flu symptoms, inform your Doctor that you have been in the tropics.

It may also be advisable to get some immunisation before your visit and your doctor at home will be able to help you with this.

There are no legally required vaccinations for Zanzibar or Tanzania and as from April 2001 visitors heading off to Tanzania are no longer required to provide mandatory certification for yellow fever before entry into the country. If you have a previous stay in a country where yellow fever is required, you may be required to show your certificate.

Visas and Entry Requirements
All visitors require a passport, valid for a period of at least six months from the date of their departure. Visitors can obtain visas arriving at Zanzibar International Airport. The visa varies between nationality from Usd 50 for the British to Usd 20 for Italians, please check this with us prior to your departure as rates periodically change.

Other points in Tanzania currently offering visa on entry are Dar Es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports.

Electricity
220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz. Traditionally British wiring has been used in Zanzibar and three pin UK style plugs are the norm. Some of the more recent hotels, including Chapwani Private Island have been wired for continental plugs. Those coming from continental Europe should bring an adaptor or change the plug on arrival, visitors from the USA will need a transformer and an adaptor. There are occasional power cuts in Zanzibar but the situation has improved recently. In addition those using expensive electrical equipment need to be aware that there are occasional power surges which can damage electrical equipment although this is unusual and most modern equipment is designed to protect from this.

Telephones
It is often difficult to get through to telephone numbers in Zanzibar, keep persisting. The international dialling code for Tanzania and Zanzibar is 255. If you are using an older guidebook you should be aware that in 1999 all dialling codes for the main island were changed from the local pre-fix of +255 54 to +255 242. To call internationally from Zanzibar on a mobile phone, three zeros are required before the national prefix (for example to call the UK 000 44 ….. ). The local GSM network is good. Telephone cards can be bought at the Old Post Office on Kenyatta Road in Stone Town, from where international calls can be made.

Getting Around
Taxis and minibuses are available from good tour operators and can also be found at most major arrival points and around town. Local buses (known as dala-dala's) span the entire island. Vehicle hire is a possibility - but remember to bring an International Driver's Permit and request a road permit, available at the Malindi Traffic Police Head-Quarters in Stone Town. We recommend that you hire a car with a driver rather than drive yourselves. Road signs are almost non-existant and your driver's time will cost you little. If you negotiate well it will cost you no more than a hire car to hire a vehicle with a driver. All our hotel and house staff can recommend good honest reliable drivers who are also a wealth of information and great fun to be with.