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Zanzibar
The great British eccentric Noel Coward sang of Zanzibar:
“Why do the wrong people travel, travel, travel
When the right people stay back home?
What compulsion compels them
And who the hell tells them
To drag their cans to Zanzibar
Instead of staying quietly in Omaha?"
Zanzibar evokes far away lands and the very spirit of travel
itself, a truly exotic location of pristine coral reefs and
the labyrinth of Stone Town. Zanzibar is actually an Archipelago
with Pemba in the north and Unguja, known as
Zanzibar Island, is the main tourist attraction.
Zanzibar is the island of spices, and in particular
cloves. During the 19th century, Zanzibar was the largest
producer of both cloves and slaves. If you’re heaven
is lying on pristine beaches and hiding in abandoned coves,
then Zanzibar is the place to be.
Climate
Tanzania
The coolest months and best time to visit is June to October,
with the warm summer from December to March. The coastal and
island climate is tropical with sea breezes, cooler inland
on the central plateau (around 70F), and more chilly in the
mountains when temperatures drop below 40F in the winter (June
- July). The rainy season is March - May when you can expect
rain every day.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a year round destination, coolest during June
to October. Temperatures are fairly consistant on the Zanzibar
archipeago of between 60- 65F.
People
Tanzania
Tanzania's population of thirty million comprises of 120 tribes
numbering around ten million, another ten million are Muslim
and ten million Christian. Most people are of Bantu origin.
Tanzania's tribes have been greatly affected by the missionary
movement. If you are taking pictures of people you have to
be sensitive as it is not generally accepted, so permission
of your subject should always be sought.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s main religion is Sunni Muslim, so avoid
the period of Ramadam to visit. Women should keep themselves
covered and men should avoid the disgrace of wearing shorts
when visiting towns. The Zanzibaris are comprised of three
indigenous ethnic groups; the Hadimu, the Tumbatu
and the Pemba. The population is little more than one
million on both islands.
Language
Swahili and English are the official languages.
Rurally and amongst tribes, Swahili is the only language likely
to be spoken, so if you're heading off the beaten track, invest
in a good phrasebook.
Visas
Nearly all visitors require a Visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar
costing between $10 to $60 depending on nationality.
Cash
The national currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh).
US $1 = approx Tsh650
UK £1 = approx Tsch 1050
Euro 1 = approx Tsch 750
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
For organised treks and safaris, you will need to use US
dollars. If you pay by credit card at a resort, expect to
pay up to 20% more. There is a problem with the port tax in
Zanzibar. You have to pay in American dollars and they are
hard to come by in the banks so make sure you bring your own.
Local food, markets and transport is inexpensive, you can
stay in basic accomodation for around 20$US a day. Budget
for $100 - $150 dollars per day or more for safaris and treks.
Prices will sore during the high season in the town (June
- October) but costs are usually consistent elsewhere. For
accommodation, It is usual practice to inspect a room before
hiring it. Make sure there is a mosquito net and running water
or buy your own net.
Health
You will need proof of yellow fever vaccination to
enter the country. It is recommended to get vaccination against
diphtheria, polio, hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, meningitis,
rabies and tuberculosis (TB). It's a high risk
area for malaria, so taking a course of tablets is
recommended.
Food
Food is well prepared generally, be careful to only eat street
food that you can peel or have seen being cooked and only
drink bottled water.
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