Zanzibar, The Beautiful Tourists Destination in The World.
TOURISM IN ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA.
All visitors to Zanzibar require a passport. Passports must be valid for 6 months and have at least two clear pages. Most nationalities also require a visa. They are easily available on arrival at the airport and cost US$50 per passport, payable in US Dollar only.
Yellow fever certificate is an erratic requirement, occasionally the immigration officer may ask to see it, but more often than not they just stamp passports and collect the visa fee.
Please note there is a government departure tax of US$35 per person also payable in US Dollar.
So make sure you have US$85 per person in cash for visa and government departure tax.
Nationals of some countries do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to visiting.
Tanzanian visas are issued by the Director of Immigration Services in Dar es Salam and by the Principal Immigration Officer of Zanzibar.
As well as Zanzibar International Airport there are currently three other points of entry into Tanzania from where visas can be obtained. They are at the Dar es Salam International Airport, Namanga Border on the road from Kenya into Tanzania and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
In mainland Tanzania, visas are granted on showing a return ticket from Tanzania. This ensures that the person has enough funds for making a return to his/her original country. A permit visa of three months is issued for tourists.
The height of summer on Zanzibar is mid June and winter is in December. However, the islands are warm all year round due to their proximity to the equator. The short rains occur November – December. Expect frequent showers that do not last long.
Some coastlines can get very seaweed heavy at this time. The long rains fall between April and May. The rainy seasons are tourist low-seasons but for those looking for seclusion and not so bothered by the weather, they can be appealing. The rains are not normally continuous, but do not be too optimistic about rain not putting (if the pun can be excused) a damper on things.
Zanzibar is home to two major festivals; the Sauti za Busara music festival in February and the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July. Both these take place in Stone Town and the city gets hugely busy during both. Another music festival has also recently sprung up, this one in Kizimkazi on the south coast; The Kizimkazi Cultural Music Festival Ramadan is one festival most tourists aim to avoid (especially those travelling to Stone Town) as many restaurants close during the day and eating in public before nightfall can be very awkward. However, the Eid-al-Ftri (end of Ramadan) is an excellent day to be in Stone Town as feasting and partying takes over the city, and all are welcomed. Since Muslims do not ingest any foods or fluids from first light until last light during the period of Ramadan, and as religious fervor is heightened during this period, and exhibitions of what locals would deem immodesty will be regarded with less tolerance than at other times, travelers should be very aware of Ramadan’s dates: 18 June 2015 – 17 July 2015.
Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, holding hands is fine, but nothing much more unless you are somewhere more private or secluded. Unmarried heterosexual couples have been known to be made to feel uncomfortable in some hotels but this is not normally the case. Single women may suffer from unwanted advances from Zanzibar men. This is partly due to the fact that these ‘lovers’ make a living out of affairs with tourists.
Zanzibar is in a malaria area and you need to take precautionary measures. Prophylaxis is most probably the better option. But, also use repellents and other precautionary measures.
Zanzibar is absolutely blessed with sunshine an almost continuous 10 months a year. Combine this with being at sea level and only a few hundred miles south of the Equator – you can get sunburn in 10 minutes. Trust me. I know.
Getting lots of episodes of burnt skin and peeling can greatly increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Please cover up with good quality sunscreen anytime you are out and about here.
HOW TO GET THERE
AIRPORT
Fly to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, then connect to Zanzibar.
AIRLINES FROM THE UK.
Book flights to Dar es Salaam through Alliance Air, (020 8944 5012; www.allianceairlines.com), British Airways (0845 779 9977; www.british-airways.com) or KLM (0990 750900; www.klm.com). The easiest option is to take the Alliance Air night flight from London, which leaves every Monday and Friday at 21.05, and the following morning take a 20-minute flight on a small plane to Zanzibar with the most reliable shuttle operator, Precision Air. Precision Air flights can be booked through Alliance Air. Check at Dar es Salaam for other charter and shuttle flights.
You could alternatively take a ferry, hydrofoil or dhow from Dar es Salaam harbour (after a taxi ride from the airport), but this takes between one and four hours and is probably more hassle than it's worth. The beauty of Alliance Air's early-morning arrival is that you can be in Stone Town for lunch. You can either book your Precision Air ticket ahead (though there can be a problem with credit-card payments) or take the fairly certain chance of being able to pick one up at Dar es Salaam airport. The office is in the departures lounge. Best to get your return ticket in Zanzibar, at Maha Travel in Stone Town before heading to the beaches, as you have to confirm it there anyway on your way back. Confirm your Alliance Air ticket at the same time.
WHO TO GO WITH
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll is quite possibly the best “value for money” tour in the world. This may sound like a sweeping statement, but provided you choose the right boat captain, the return on investment for this $25 trip is no less than incredible.
Departing from one of Zanzibar's many Northern Beaches, you begin the morning by gliding across crystallized waters in a traditional Dhow sailing boat. Sailing is slow, but as a gentle breeze runs across the deck and you lay down beneath the shade of the mainsail, a distinct feeling of calm will ensure you do not want to reach anywhere fast.
Another great alternative for catching the sunset or sunrise in Stone Town is to choose a lodge or hotel that provides access to a terrace on the top of the building.
That being said, the northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are also ideal in that they both face in a westerly direction. Comfortable hammocks on the front of the bar at Sunset Kendwa(also known as the Sundet Bungalows Hotel) are perfect for enjoying sunset cocktails at Kendwa Beach while you can usually have the soft sands to yourself on the most southerly of the two beaches in Nungwi.
Prison Island is a must-see Zanzibar attraction.
Also known as Changuu, Prison Island is an 800 x 200 metre island found about 6 kilometres north-west of South Town.
Things You Must Know Before A Trip To Zanzibar
Just the name ZANZIBAR conjures exotic images … and indeed this is a truly unique place where there is an infusion of Arabic, Indian and African cultures. It is difficult to describe this place, to go deeper than the wonderful beaches and palms, this place must be experienced to be fully understood. The relaxed attitude, the Islamic traditions and prayers, the markets, the Stone Town architecture, seaweed harvesting at the beaches, the Zanzibar is sitting on their house porches watching life go by, children playing with a football or some simple toy, the women looking curiously at westerners from beneath their robes and covered heads, the fishermen returning from a hard day’s work, the dhows (traditional boats) sailing through the emerald sea – these are but a mere fragment of the sights you may encounter and cherish in your heart forever. But first you need to guard yourself with information before the experience. Here are things you must know before setting out to Zanzibar.
1. Visas and Immigration
All visitors to Zanzibar require a passport. Passports must be valid for 6 months and have at least two clear pages. Most nationalities also require a visa. They are easily available on arrival at the airport and cost US$50 per passport, payable in US Dollar only.
Yellow fever certificate is an erratic requirement, occasionally the immigration officer may ask to see it, but more often than not they just stamp passports and collect the visa fee.
Please note there is a government departure tax of US$35 per person also payable in US Dollar.
So make sure you have US$85 per person in cash for visa and government departure tax.
Nationals of some countries do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to visiting.
Tanzanian visas are issued by the Director of Immigration Services in Dar es Salam and by the Principal Immigration Officer of Zanzibar.
As well as Zanzibar International Airport there are currently three other points of entry into Tanzania from where visas can be obtained. They are at the Dar es Salam International Airport, Namanga Border on the road from Kenya into Tanzania and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
In mainland Tanzania, visas are granted on showing a return ticket from Tanzania. This ensures that the person has enough funds for making a return to his/her original country. A permit visa of three months is issued for tourists.
2. Zanzibar Seasons
The height of summer on Zanzibar is mid June and winter is in December. However, the islands are warm all year round due to their proximity to the equator. The short rains occur November – December. Expect frequent showers that do not last long.
Some coastlines can get very seaweed heavy at this time. The long rains fall between April and May. The rainy seasons are tourist low-seasons but for those looking for seclusion and not so bothered by the weather, they can be appealing. The rains are not normally continuous, but do not be too optimistic about rain not putting (if the pun can be excused) a damper on things.
4. Zanzibar Festivals
Zanzibar is home to two major festivals; the Sauti za Busara music festival in February and the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July. Both these take place in Stone Town and the city gets hugely busy during both. Another music festival has also recently sprung up, this one in Kizimkazi on the south coast; The Kizimkazi Cultural Music Festival Ramadan is one festival most tourists aim to avoid (especially those travelling to Stone Town) as many restaurants close during the day and eating in public before nightfall can be very awkward. However, the Eid-al-Ftri (end of Ramadan) is an excellent day to be in Stone Town as feasting and partying takes over the city, and all are welcomed. Since Muslims do not ingest any foods or fluids from first light until last light during the period of Ramadan, and as religious fervor is heightened during this period, and exhibitions of what locals would deem immodesty will be regarded with less tolerance than at other times, travelers should be very aware of Ramadan’s dates: 18 June 2015 – 17 July 2015.
5. Zanzibar Culture and Religion.
Zanzibar is a strictly Muslim town. With a little bit of respect, consideration and restraint this should not prove problematic for most travelers; there are of course some exceptions.The major cultural code that many Western visitors fail to adhere to is the dress code. While uncovered shoulders and arms are acceptable, and female travelers should not feel obliged to wear any form of head gear, long skirts and trousers are recommended (knee length and below). Of course on the beaches and in resorts this is impractical and not expected. Topless sunbathing is not only frowned upon, but illegal on the archipelago.
Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, holding hands is fine, but nothing much more unless you are somewhere more private or secluded. Unmarried heterosexual couples have been known to be made to feel uncomfortable in some hotels but this is not normally the case. Single women may suffer from unwanted advances from Zanzibar men. This is partly due to the fact that these ‘lovers’ make a living out of affairs with tourists.
6. Malaria
7. Sunscreen
Zanzibar is absolutely blessed with sunshine an almost continuous 10 months a year. Combine this with being at sea level and only a few hundred miles south of the Equator – you can get sunburn in 10 minutes. Trust me. I know.
Getting lots of episodes of burnt skin and peeling can greatly increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Please cover up with good quality sunscreen anytime you are out and about here.
HOW TO GET THERE
AIRPORT
Fly to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, then connect to Zanzibar.
AIRLINES FROM THE UK.
Book flights to Dar es Salaam through Alliance Air, (020 8944 5012; www.allianceairlines.com), British Airways (0845 779 9977; www.british-airways.com) or KLM (0990 750900; www.klm.com). The easiest option is to take the Alliance Air night flight from London, which leaves every Monday and Friday at 21.05, and the following morning take a 20-minute flight on a small plane to Zanzibar with the most reliable shuttle operator, Precision Air. Precision Air flights can be booked through Alliance Air. Check at Dar es Salaam for other charter and shuttle flights.
You could alternatively take a ferry, hydrofoil or dhow from Dar es Salaam harbour (after a taxi ride from the airport), but this takes between one and four hours and is probably more hassle than it's worth. The beauty of Alliance Air's early-morning arrival is that you can be in Stone Town for lunch. You can either book your Precision Air ticket ahead (though there can be a problem with credit-card payments) or take the fairly certain chance of being able to pick one up at Dar es Salaam airport. The office is in the departures lounge. Best to get your return ticket in Zanzibar, at Maha Travel in Stone Town before heading to the beaches, as you have to confirm it there anyway on your way back. Confirm your Alliance Air ticket at the same time.
WHO TO GO WITH
Be warned that telephone lines to Zanzibar are notoriously unreliable. It may be more convenient to arrange flights and accommodation together, through specialist agents like Zanzibar Travel (tel/fax: 01242 222027). Tailor-made trips also available.
TOURIST INFO
TOURIST INFO
The Zanzibar Tourist Corporation or ZTC (00 255 54 31341) is located at Livingstone House, Stone Town, north of town on the Bububu road.
TRAVEL TIPS
TRAVEL TIPS
Health: Take paludrine and chloroquine against malaria. The mosquitoes are particularly bad at Mbweni and the Fisherman's Resort. Also take insect repellent. You can spray your room with insecticide (a brand called 'Doom' is on sale in local supermarkets). Drink bottled water. Stock up in Stone Town, it's cheaper.On your return journey, watch out for the departure tax sting: on your international ticket, you will see that you have already paid for the Tanzanian airport tax. The Zanzibar authorities may try to get you to pay again.
WHEN TO GO
For the best weather in Zanzibar, go between June and October. From December to March, the weather is very hot. High season runs from 1 June to 15 October and from 1 January to 15 February. Avoid the 'long rains' between March and June. There are also 'short rains' in November and early December.
TOURIST DESTINATION
Steeped in history and overflowing with charm, Stone Town is the iconic capital of Zanzibar.It is in Stone Town that myriad narrow streets wind their way through craft shops, art galleries, fabric stalls and quaint coffee shops. It is also the perfect place to explore on foot and getting lost within this maze of ancient streets will give rise to a number of cultural experiences that can appear much more local and authentic than the beach life up north.
Whether you stay at Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, or even somewhere along the East coast, exploring Zanzibar's north beach resorts is certainly worth the effort. Nungwi is the third largest settlement in Zanzibar, with a population of about 5,500, found at the far north of the island. The smaller nearby Kendwa is on the west coast, overlooking the tiny Daloni island and the larger island of Tumbatu. Both are located about an hour's drive from Stone Town.
WHEN TO GO
For the best weather in Zanzibar, go between June and October. From December to March, the weather is very hot. High season runs from 1 June to 15 October and from 1 January to 15 February. Avoid the 'long rains' between March and June. There are also 'short rains' in November and early December.
TOURIST DESTINATION
1. Stone Town
2. Nungwi and Kendwa beaches
Nungwi
Nungwi is the most popular resort in the north where a long line of quality restaurants, bars and hotels provide ample entertainment and variety. The real draw, though, is the golden sand beach, ranked at 43 on CNN's 2014 list of the world's best beaches. CNN commented as follows: "At sunset, white-sailed dhows leave from the boatyard, making for a great photo op." Whether you stay in a five star resort (such as Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Diamonds La Gemma dell' Est and Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort) or one of the most affordable accommodations, you still have full access to many restaurants, massage parlours, coffee shops and bars along the waterfront.
3. Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll is quite possibly the best “value for money” tour in the world. This may sound like a sweeping statement, but provided you choose the right boat captain, the return on investment for this $25 trip is no less than incredible.
Departing from one of Zanzibar's many Northern Beaches, you begin the morning by gliding across crystallized waters in a traditional Dhow sailing boat. Sailing is slow, but as a gentle breeze runs across the deck and you lay down beneath the shade of the mainsail, a distinct feeling of calm will ensure you do not want to reach anywhere fast.
An unexpected part of this trip will often take the form of interacting with the boat crew, which can be a real eye opener into the laid back attitude and charming personality of the local Zanzibarian. Expect a lot of laughing, but also understanding, as these guys know exactly when their guests want to rest in peace, sunbathe or even take a nap.
Traveling to Mnemba Atoll there is always the chance of spotting dolphins, and reaching the island itself, the colourful coral is no less than mesmerising. Zanzibar is home to many species of fish, with huge trevally, yellow snappers, barracuda, eels and many more.
Traveling to Mnemba Atoll there is always the chance of spotting dolphins, and reaching the island itself, the colourful coral is no less than mesmerising. Zanzibar is home to many species of fish, with huge trevally, yellow snappers, barracuda, eels and many more.
4. Watching the sunset
Zanzibar is also synonymous with stunning red sunsets ... and there are a number of unique locations to experience them.
Contrary to what many people may think prior to arrival, Stone Town is likely to be the most spectacular place on the island to witness the last light of day and more specifically, the Africa House Hotel. Luxurious in decoration and with a clear view of the horizon, the Sunset Lounge Balcony at the back of this unassuming hotel has a vibrant atmosphere, comfortable seating areas and the ultimate vantage point from which to watch the sun go down.Another great alternative for catching the sunset or sunrise in Stone Town is to choose a lodge or hotel that provides access to a terrace on the top of the building.
That being said, the northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are also ideal in that they both face in a westerly direction. Comfortable hammocks on the front of the bar at Sunset Kendwa(also known as the Sundet Bungalows Hotel) are perfect for enjoying sunset cocktails at Kendwa Beach while you can usually have the soft sands to yourself on the most southerly of the two beaches in Nungwi.
5. Giant Turtles on Prison Island
Prison Island is a must-see Zanzibar attraction.
Also known as Changuu, Prison Island is an 800 x 200 metre island found about 6 kilometres north-west of South Town.
Although there are wonderful coral areas to snorkel around Prison Island and you will have plenty of time to do so, the real attractions are the huge turtles and a highly engrossing Slave Trade Museum.
The waters are some of the clearest anywhere in the Spice Islands and, once more, there is every chance you will catch a glimpse of the many pods of dolphins which inhabit this part of the Indian Ocean. Once on the island itself, you will have the unique and incredible opportunity to visit the giant turtles and, most often, this invitation is extended assist with feeding time in the afternoon.
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