GEOGRAPHY

Zanzibar, consisting of Unguja Island (also called Zanzibar) and Pemba Island, is located on the east coast of Africa. Unguja Island is separated from mainland Tanzania by a shallow channel, approximately 37 km wide at its narrowest point. It is situated 73 km from Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian coast and 219 km from Mombasa on the Kenyan coast. The capital of Unguja Island is Stone Town, while Pemba Island has three major towns: Wete, Chake Chake, and Mkoani.

WHEN TO VISIT?

Zanzibar is a year-round destination. The coolest months are from June to October, with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. During the hot season from December to March, temperatures can soar well over 30 degrees. November experiences short rains, while between April and June, the long rains occur, and rainfall can be high. Rain in Zanzibar usually comes in short, sharp showers in the morning or afternoon, followed by sunshine.

The high tourist season is from June to August and mid-November to early January. During this period, many upscale hotels increase their prices, but smaller establishments and local guesthouses maintain consistent rates throughout the year.

Zanzibar’s predominantly Muslim population observes the fasting month of Ramadan, during which believers refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking between sunrise and sunset. As a result, many smaller restaurants and snack bars are closed during the day, and offices and shops may be closed in the afternoons. Tourist resorts and hotels remain unaffected, but local discos and clubs refrain from opening throughout the month. Travellers visiting Zanzibar during Ramadan can complete their holiday by celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the festive end of the holy month, which features huge festivities and parties, making it an enjoyable season on the island.

VISA AND VACCINATIONS

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state of mainland Tanzania, and visitors from most countries require an entry visa. It is advisable to check with the Tanzanian Embassy/High Commission in your country before making travel arrangements. Visas are valid for three months, with varying costs depending on nationality, and allow multiple entries into Tanzania.

TRAVELLING TO ZANZIBAR

  • By Ferry
    Frequent ferries operate between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. The fastest journey time is around 75 minutes on hydrofoils operated by Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries. Ferry tickets can be purchased on the spot or in advance from the booking offices near the port in Dar es Salaam.
  • By Airplane
    Zanzibar is well-connected by air, with several main carriers serving the island, including Precision Air, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and KLM. These airlines offer direct flights to Zanzibar or flights to Dar es Salaam, from where you can catch a ferry or a short coastal flight to Zanzibar. Additionally, there are various airlines that operate direct flights from Europe and Africa to Zanzibar.
    Daily charter flights from Europe, especially Italy, also serve Zanzibar, providing convenient travel options. Auric Air, Coastal Travel, Flightlink, Precision Air, and Zanair are among the scheduled charter flight providers. The flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar typically takes around 20 minutes, ensuring a quick and convenient journey.
  • By road
    Traveling around Zanzibar is quite easy. The options on Unguja include renting a cheap and easy vehicle. You must have an International Driving Permit or a temporary 3 month driver’s permit which can be purchased on arrival to drive in Zanzibar, as there are regular police checks.Cars with a driver are also available. A host of tour companies and freelance guides offer group transport to and from the coast and also arrange trips to other areas of interest on Unguja and Pemba. Price reliability and condition of vehicles vary so if you’re concerned, use a reputable tour company. For those on a shoestring budget or for travelling shorter distances, dala-dalas – local public transport are recommended as they travel all over the island. Zanzibar, and especially Unguja, is an ideal place to explore by mountain bike due to its flat terrain. Mountain bikes can be rented from several tour companies in Stone Town.
  • Money and Communications
    The unit of currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling but US dollars are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and bars. By law, visitors have to settle hotel bills in US dollars or other hard currency, but this can be waived at smaller establishments. Internet and email communication is excellent in Stone Town, with many cheap Internet cafés scattered around. Outside Stone Town, communication facilities have vastly improved and it is usually possible to find email facilities in the bigger villages on the coast.
    Telecommunications in Zanzibar has also improved dramatically with a host of different companies offering good services at reasonable rates. The Tanzanian postal system is fairly reliable.
  • Health and Safety
    Visitors to Zanzibar are required by law to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate when they enter the country. The malaria prophylaxis jab is also recommended. See your doctor for other recommended inoculations and further details before travelling.
    Drink bottled water and avoid uncooked foods that may have been washed in untreated water. Sunstroke and heat exhaustion are common on the island so drink enough water and wear protective clothing and a high factor sunscreen.
    Zanzibar is a safe country and most locals are friendly and honest. But avoid flaunting expensive jewellry or valuable camera equipment around. Don’t walk with all your valuables on you in Stone Town. Avoid walking alone on beaches, especially at night.
  • Important Cultural Considerations
    Zanzibar has a long history of religious tolerance and although the island’s residents are 99% Muslim, alcohol and tobacco are freely available. Visitors are,however, requested to show consideration by dressing modestly and refraining from public displays of affection. When walking in towns and villages, women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Men should not walk bare-chested or wear swimming trunks.
    Sometimes visitors refuse to cover up and this causes offense and even outrage amongst the local population even though these feelings may not be directly expressed. As one sign says, “Short skirts are like nude” At the beach swimwear is acceptable, but topless sunbathing is not allowed
    During the fast of Ramadan, it is bad manners to eat and drink in public places or while walking down the street.
    Non- Muslims should not enter mosques unless specifically invited to do so. Only take pictures of people if you have their permission and don’t peer too obviously through the doorways of private houses in Stone Town.
  • Language
    The national language is Kiswahili although English is widely spoken on the island.

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