General Facts
Time Zone: GMT +3 / Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh) / Exchange rate: US$ 1* 2,600 but it varies from time to time. / Official Languages: Swahili & English (few people can speak) / Electricity: 220 – 240 VAC, 50Hz / Religion: Predominantly Islam / International Dialing code: +255 plus code number, followed by 9-digit local number.
History
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of the two main islands of Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, as well as roughly 51 smaller islets. In the United Republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a partner state with the mainland.
The name Zanzibar is derived from the Arabic terms Zenj´, which means black, and ´bar´ which means land, giving in the historic term ´Land of the Black´. Zanzibar absorbed people from all over the world, including the Orient, Iberia, Assyria, and India. Pemba is the Archipelago´s second biggest island, known to Arab mariners as Al-Khudra, or “The Green Island”. It is famous for its clove production and its channels offer some of the best diving experiences in East Africa.
Climate
The Zanzibar archipelago is a tropical island and its climate is subject to the whims of monsoon winds. The northen monsoon (known as Kaskazi in Swahili) lasts three to four months from April to November, The rainy seasons (Maskika) starts in March or April and lasts in May. June to October is dry and the temperatures are clement. There are short rains known as vuli. Zanzibar gets about 60 inches of rains annually. The maximum temperatures are 88.50F in February and 810F in July. The minimum temperatures are 800F in march and 710F in June.
Hospitality & Culture
Zanzibar cultures become more diverse in its range, more unique in its expression. Zanzibar is the birthplace of Swahili, a lingua franca forged from global dialects, upon which legends were carried, trade routes opened and a Sultan´s empire prospered. It is here that the African culture blended with other cultures mainly Persian, Arabic and Indian to form Swahili culture. Today the romance, vibrantly alive, traditional sailing dhows, carved wooden doors, chests, scent of cloves and the smile of the hospitable people welcome you to Zanzibar.
Visa Procedures & Customs
The visitors require a valid passport and visa for the duration of their stay. Visa can have obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or alternatively at entry points. The rate of visa currently $50. However, it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy. High Commission or Consulate prior to your travel for updated information.
Health & Safety
Visitors to Zanzibar are no longer required by law to have Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. When you enter the country, please see your local doctor or Travel Clinic for further information about inoculations required for the area.
Malaria is still prevalent in East Africa and so one should also take a malaria prophylaxis. There are many different kinds of medications for Malaria. However, precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets at night. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings.
Zanzibar is not much infected by HIV/AIDS. However, you are advised to avoid all AIDS fueling factors.
As in almost all African countries, it is pleased to drink bottled water and avoid uncooked foods that may be have been washed untreated water. Sunstroke and heat exhaustion are common, so drink sufficient water, wear sensible clothing and use a high-factor sunscreen.
Zanzibar is a safe country and most locals are friendly and honest. Though simple precautions should be taken so as to have a relaxing and interesting stay in one of the most beautiful places on earth.