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PICTURES OF ZANZIBAR
HISTORY OF ZANZIBAR
Language:
Official language are Swahili and English.
Population:
By 1992 estimate, the population of zanzibar, including that of
Pemba, is 723,300.
Location:
Zanzibar is an Island partner in the United Republic Of Tanzania
located in the Indian Ocean about 35 km off the coast of mainland
Tanzania at longitude 39 degree south of the equator. It is made
up of Pemba and Unguja Island along with about 50 small Islands.
Highest point is 390 feet above Sea level.
Religion:
Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Tradition Beliefs.
Climate:
The Climate of Zanzibar is Tropical.
Long rains form March to may (Masika). Short rain(Vuli) From October
to November. Dry Season from June to October. Hot Season from
November to March.Northern Monsoon (Kaskazi) from December to
March and South West Monsoon (Kusi) from April to November.
Time Difference:
3 hour ahead of GMT
Electricity:
Power system is 230/240 vitals ac, plugs 13 amps square.
Public Holiday:
1 Jan New Year;day
12 Jan Zanzibar Revolution Day
March/April Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
26 April Union Day
1 May Workers Day
7 July Peasants Day
9 DEC Independence Day
25 DEC Christmas Day
26 DEC Boxing Day
Visas:
Visas required from all visitors except some member of the British
Commonwealth. Please check with any Tanzania high commission or
consulate.
Health:
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Value Added Tax (VAT):20%
Airport International Departure tax:US$ 20
Airport domestic departure tax Tshs 2000=/
Sea port Depature tax:US$ 5
Costoms:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars. 1 Litre of wine or sprit, 250 ml
of perfume are regarded as personal effect and are not taxed.
Some curious and handcrafts purchased in Zanzibar can be taxed,
it is advisable to keep receipts.
SPICE TIPS
BLACK MARKET - Non existent, there are Bureaus
in practically every street in Stone Town. Rates very, but all
major world currencies are exchanged in both cash & traveler
cheques.
CURRENCY - Notes are in denominations of 200,
500, 10,000 Shillings. Coins are in order of 10, 20, 50, 100 &
200.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS - Emergencies: Qualified doctors
are on hand in Zanzibar, as well as pharmacies selling a wide
range of drugs. For more information, see page 4 of this guide.
MALARIA - The disease is endemic to all parts
of Zanzibar. Visitors are urged to take precautions as prescribed
or preferred.
WATER - avoid untreated water. Bottle water is
widely available.
AMERICAN DOLLARS - in cash is the
preferred currency in Zanzibar.
TIPPING - Tipping for good service is always
appreciated - 10% average. Some bars and restaurants include a
service charge in the bill.
WHAT TO PACK - light clothing in light or neutral
colours, hat , sunglasses, sun protection. Long sleeved shirts
and trousers help avoid mosquito bites. Open sandals are comfortable,
shoes for nighttime.
ETIQUETTE - While some traveler will make a point
of haggling over anything and everything, haggling is expected
and necessary in many shopping situations. Most bars, chemists
and supermarkets have fixed prices. As in any Muslim Culture,
it is a sign of respect that visitors dress modestly. Tank tops
and miniskirts may be seen as provocative, and cause unwanted
comments.
MOTORING - You will need a valid international
driving license, or you will have to dish out Tshs. 5000/- daily
for a road permit which is available at Malindi Traffic Police
Head Quarters. Make sure your vehicle has a valid road permit
and insurance. All rentals require your passport or a cash deposit
until the vehicle or motorbike is returned. Rates are negotiable.
TRAFFIC SAFETY - Is variable. Beware of unorthodox
maneuvers, poor driver signaling indicate right to worn motorists
behind them against overtaking when there is oncoming traffic
and left when it is safe.
PETROL & DIESEL - Fuel stations are located
on all major roads and in rural areas of Zanzibar. Petrol costs
Tshs 1580/= a litre, diesel costs Tshs 1520/= a litre.
DOLPHIN TOURS (KIZIMKAZI) US$ 50 per person full
day inclusive lunch, boat and half hour stop over at Jozani Forest,
entrance to Jozani Forest US$ 10 not included.
PRISON ISLAND - TSHS 40000/= return per person minimun passengers two,
entrance US$ 10 not included, .
GUIDED WALKING TOURS - Stone Town Tours last
between two to four hours at a cost of 25 - 30 US$ per person
inclusive entrance to all historical sites and a cool beverage.
SPICE TOURS - Very popular trips to the Spice
growing areas in the North, organized by Specialist Companies
30 US$ for a full day includes transport minimun passengers two on a shared bus and lunch,
plus a stop on a good beach. More advanced, exclusive trips have
higher rates.
DAY TRIPS TO JOZANI FOREST - Home of the rare,
indigenous Red Colobus monkey. It is usually convenient to combine
with your trip to the East Coast.
TRIPS TO EAST COAST - Travel costs are Tshs 30000/=
to the East Coast and Tshs 40000/= to the North Coast, minimumpassengers two in shared
minibuses
EXCURSIONS Rates have remained the same including
Taxi fares, since increase in fuel prices . But
could change with the high season. The rates we have given you,
should be a good indication either way.
NOTE All information on excursions are on shared
transportation, more advances and exclusive trips have higher
rates.
NIGHTLIFE Violent incidents are rare. Taxi are
advisable over distance after midnight. Rates are fixed at Tshs
3000/= within Stone Town at night; Tshs 10000/= daytime. Town to
Airport is Tshs 15000/=
CAMPING & PHOTOGRAPHY Camping is not permitted
anywhere on the islands. Be circumspect or ask permission before
taking photographs. Military installations and official buildings
are out of bounds.
PHONE CARDS Local and International calling cards
are available at Shangani Post Office in the Stone Town offer
the cheaper international call rates.
ZANTEL International Calling Points in the Stone
Town offer the cheaper international call rates.
PARCELS & POST Contact the Post Office in
Shangani, or the General Post Office at Kijangwani.
BEACH BOYS Unofficial "Facilitators"
who usually receive commission from the hotel or business, they
are trying to guide you towards, will often tell you that your
chosen hotel/business is closed, and try to sell you anything
or service under the sun. A few are honest enough, many aren't.
To avoid, ignore or dismiss politely.
BIKING the best way to experience and explore
the many historical and natural treasures of Zanzibar, is on a
bicycle or motorcycle. Recently though, tourist on bikes have
been stopped and robbed on the back roads of the East and North
Coasts. Plan your trip well and keep off the back roads by 5:00pm
local time unless accompanies by a guide or other bikers.
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Welcome and have a lovely holiday with Zanibar Adventures