Visa:
Visitors
to Zanzibar (Tanzania) are required to have a valid
passport. Visa can be obtained on arrival at all entry
points. You may seek assistance at your nearest Tanzanian
Embassy.
Airport/Port
Departure Tax:
Zanzibar International Airport $30
Domestic – Harbour $5
Domestic – Airport $5 (Ts5000)
Population:
Above million (Unguja and Pemba)
Area:
2300 sq.meters
Head
of State:
President - His Excellency Mr. Amani Abeid Karume.
Language:
Kiswahili is the lingua franca. English is spoken widely.
Religion:
Islam. (About 95%)
Culture:
Zanzibar is a Muslim orientated country – Dress code to be
observed and must be practical and comfortable. Ladies
upper arms and legs must be covered at all public places.
Shorts and beachwear is restricted at swimming pools and
beach areas
Currency:
Tanzania Shilling ($1 = Ts 1200)
Tanzania Shilling ($1 euro = Ts 1500)
Tanzania Shilling (sa rand = Ts 180)
Credit
Cards:
All international – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, are
accepted.
Photography:
Zanzibaris are courteous and helpful but strongly advise
you to seek permission from the person you intend to
photograph. Most suitable time for photography is between
0800 and 1700.
Health
Precautions:
Visitors are advised to wear some form of protective
headgear when walking outside in the heat of the day. Dark
Sunglasses are also a comfort to those who suffer from the
sun’s glare. There are few, if any, dangerous snakes on the
island, while sharks are seldom, you need not to worry
about bathing on any of the beaches round the coast, or
walking in bush or long grass.
Malaria
is endemic in Africa and we stress the importance of taking
prophylactics. We suggest you consult your doctor for
advice. Prophylactics should be taken before, during and
after your visit as prescribed by your Doctor.
Yellow Fever Vaccination – a must if you have travelled
within the last 24hous through an endemic
country.
Insurance:
Holiday Insurance Cover is advised to be taken for lost
luggage, medical, theft etc.
Time:
GMT + 3hours
Security:
Zanzibar is no different from other major towns in Africa
or in Europe or Americas.
Useful Tel. Nos.
Zanzibar: Country Code 255 City Code 24 (for land lines
mobiles dial direct)
Medical Emergency
Al – Rahma Hospital
– +255 24 223 6715
Emergency Medical – +255 777 413 102
Police 112
Business
Hours:
Banks/Post Offices: 0800 – 1600 (Mondays to Friday)
Supermarkets: 0900 – 1300 & 1500 – 2100 (Daily)
Shops:
0900 – 1300 & 1600 – 1800 (Daily)
Drinking Water: Bottled Mineral Water is recommended
Electricity:
230/240 voltage 50Htz. Sockets 3Pin square, applicable. It
is recommended to bring your own adaptor for video battery
charger and other appliances for 110-220 voltages.
Car
Hire:
Driving is on the left. Foreigners must be 21years of age
and in possession of International Driving Licence.
Climate:
Hot / Dry, and during periods humid
December to March – Northeast monsoons – hot and
comparatively dry
April to May – heavy rains (masika season)
June to October – cool and dry
November & December – short interval rains
Public
Holidays:
Fixed:
Good Friday; Easter Monday; Christmas & Boxing Day; New
Year; Independence Day 09/12 – (mainland); 12.01 –
(Zanzibar); Labour Day – 01.05; Saba Saba Day (07.07.
Peasant Day);
Muslim Holidays
vary from year to year – Prophet Mohammed’s Birth Day;
Muslim Festivals of Ramadhan, Idd-el-Fitr; Idd-el-Hajj;
Muharram; Maulid;
(If any of these holidays fall on a Sunday the following
Monday is observed)
Mementos
of Zanzibar:
Brass and copper trays; coffee pots, etc; Baskets, Mats,
Arab and camphor wood chests; carved wooden spoons; Pemba
stools; Arab swords and daggers; ebony articles; Silver
Arab bangles, anklets, etc; Amber beads, Persian rugs,
silks, pottery.
(All are obtainable at the shops and Bazaar)
Tipping:
For exceptional service, tipping is always appreciated and
is largely at your discretion.
VAT:
A value added tax of 20% is payable on rendered services in
restaurants and hotels and purchased
goods.
