INTRODUCTION TO ZANZIBAR (2)

[Introduction]      [General Info]      [Booking Conditions]     [Map of Zanzibar]

The islands of Zanzibar are fringed with white sandy beaches lined with palm trees swaying in the wind. Closed to tourism for many years, Zanzibar is now a welcoming and exciting destination for a relaxing or adventurous holiday. The name comes from a combination “Zanj” which in Arabian means “the land of black people” and “Bar” which means coast. The Islands truly deserve their nick-name “the spice islands”. Over forty of the most valuable, tropical, aromatic plants are grown here - introduced over the last two centuries by the Omani Sultans.

The Stone Town holds magic and mystery, where shafts of light joust with deep shadows creating a fascinating world in the narrow streets. It was recently declared by UNESCO as one of the world’s historic cities, and is thus now a protected area. Built only for pedestrian traffic, the streets wind between the tall buildings and open unexpectedly into ornamental squares.

On 9th. December 1961 Tanganyika was declared independent without a single shot being fired, under the ruler-ship of a school teacher, Julius Nyerere. Now only one thing remained for total unity, Zanzibar was still a British protectorate. Then in March of 1964, after a bloody revolution, a blue band, representing the sea, was added to the flag and Zanzibar and Pemba Islands joined with the main land to become the “United Republic of Tanzania”.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON ZANZIBAR

• GETTING TO ZANZIBAR:
  Airlines flying directly to Zanzibar include; Air Tanzania, Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, Precision Air and Ethiopian Airlines. There is a regular Ferry Service operating between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
  
  
• WEATHER:
  Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate that is largely dominated by the Indian Ocean Monsoons. The average annual rainfall is 165 cms. Average temperature is 26°C. January to March is generally hot and dry with little or no rainfall. April to June is wet because of the long rains which taper off in May. July to October is best time to visit, the air is dry and breezy, with little rainfall and an average temperature of 25°C. November and December bring the short rains.
  
  
• CLOTHING:
  Light but decent clothes are recommended year round although sometime it gets cool enough to wear a light sweater at night. Being a predominantly Muslim society, scantily clad tourists in town and in the villages are an insult to the local population. At the individual hotels and resorts beach clothing is fully acceptable.
  
  
• GETTING AROUND:
  The local public transport “dala-dala’s”, are easy to catch and operate to all major parts of the island. More convenient though is to hire a taxi or a minibus. None of the major car hire companies operate on the island, however, cars and motorcycles (Vespas) can be rented from travel and tour companies. Please note that a valid international driving licence is required. Bicycles are also easily rented, however the quality is not guaranteed.
  
  
• ELECTRICITY:
  The current on the Islands is 240 volts AC. TIME: The Zanzibar Islands are GMT + 3 hours, on the same time as the rest of East Africa.
  
  
• LANGUAGE:
  Official language is Swahili, but English is widely spoken, especially by all the staff within the tourism industry.
  
  
• VISA AND HEALTH DOCUMENTS:
  All visitors require a valid passport and return ticket. On arrival, visitors are granted a Visitor’s Visa for 1 month (but please check with us or the local diplomatic mission incase things change). From any other African country - a Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory.
  
  
• HEALTH:
  All visitors are strongly advised to use malaria prophylactic drugs. Prevention is obviously better than cure so certain precautions such as using mosquito nets at night, application of mosquito repellant and wearing trousers and long sleeved shirts at night are advised. Drinking tap water is not recommended.
  
  
• DEPARTURE TAX:
  There is an international departure tax of USD 20.00 per person (payable in Zanzibar in foreign currency only). For passengers departing Zanzibar by air to another Tanzanian airport there is a departure tax of USD 5.00 per person and if departing by boat it is USD 1.00 (By boat this is included when you purchase your ticket).
  
  
• SHOPPING HOURS:
  Monday - Friday 08:00 - 17:00 Saturday 08:00 - 12:00
  
  
• DRIVING:
  A valid national or international driving licence is required. In Zanzibar driving is on the left-hand-side of the road (most of the time).
  
  
• CREDIT CARDS:
  Mastercard, Visa and American Express have only limited acceptance at present and visitors should not be dependent on using them. However, most reputable tourist establishments will be able to accept cards.
  
  
• EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS:
  There are practically no exchange control restrictions. Money (Cash or Traveller’s Cheques) can be changed at any bank, Bureau de Change and at the larger hotels.
  
  
• MONEY:
  Tanzanian currency is used and operates on a decimal system. The Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh). Notes are available in the following denominations 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10 000. Coins are 10, 20, 50 and 100. Most banks work on the shopping hours shown above but some bureaus open on Sundays.
  
  
• BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
  First or Business Class and economy Class Passengers are allowed 30 and 23 kgs respectively and 40 and 33 kgs respectively for passengers departing from Zanzibar.
  
  
• SECURITY:
  Petty thieving is on the increase in Zanzibar and therefore visitors should always be aware of their belongings and not to obviously advertise their relative wealth.
  
  
• PHOTOGRAPHY:
  Ask permission first before taking photographs of people. No military installations may be photographed and there are normally signs indicating the same in these areas.
  
  
• EXPORT OF FAUNA AND FLORA:
  The Zanzibar authorities restrict the export of live shells, fish, tortoise and birds.

ZANZIBAR BOOKING CONDITIONS

• PRICES:
  Prices are based on rates and other costs prevailing at the time of publication of price lists and are subject to change without notice.
  
  
• RESERVATIONS:
  A deposit of a minimum of 25% of the tour cost is required on booking and the balance not later than 38 days before the tour begins. Notwithstanding any prior confirmation of arrangements, the right is reserved not to execute tours if payment has not been received in accordance with the foregoing.
  
  
• BOOKING AND AMENDMENT FEES:
  An Amendment Fee, which is to cover our communication and administrative costs, is US$ 20 per reservation per hotel. The fee is per hotel booking - irrespective of the number of clients and duration of stay.
  
  
• CANCELLATION:
  In the event of cancellation, notice of which must be given in writing, the deposit will be refunded minus the charges for reservations that have been processed; cancellation fees imposed by hotels, transporters and any other relevant expenses.