ABOUT ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar has lured traders, adventures, plunderers and explorers to its shores for centuries. The Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Oman Arabs, Dutch and English have all been here at one time or another. Some, particularly the Shiraz Persians and Oman Arabs, stayed to settle and rule. With this influence, Zanzibar has become almost entirely Islamic. The earliest building that remains on Zanzibar is the mosque at Kizimkazi, which dates from 1107, and is a present–day tourist attraction.

For centuries the Arabs sailed with the monsoon winds from Oman to trade primarily in ivory, slaves, and spices. Zanzibar and Pemba Islands provided an ideal base for the Oman Arabs, being relatively small, and therefore fairly easy to defend. Indeed, in 1832, Sultan Seyyid Said, of the Busaid dynasty that had emerged in Oman, moved his Sultanate from Muscat to Zanzibar, perhaps making it easier to protect, where he and his descendants ruled for over 130 years. Most of the wealth lay in the hands of the Arab community, who were the main landowners at that time.

Widespread intermarriage between Shirazis and Africans gave rise to a coastal community with distinctive features and a language derived in part from Arabic, which became known as Swahili. The name Swahili comes from the Arab word “swahili”, meaning ‘coast’. The Zanzibar descendants of this group were not greatly involved in the lucrative slave, spice and ivory trades. Instead, they immersed themselves mainly in agriculture and fishing. Those Shirazi that did not intermarry, retained their identity as a separate group. Indian traders arrived in connection with the spice and ivory trade, and quickly settled as shopkeepers, traders, skilled artisans and professionals. The British became involved in missionary and trading activities in East Africa, and attempted to suppress the slave trade centered in Zanzibar.

Goods from Britain docked here before they moved on to other parts of Africa. No longer very prosperous in the fiscal sense, the island has a wealth of historical monuments to visit which commemorate the African, British, and particularly Arab influences — sultan’s palaces, cathedrals, mosques, fortresses and old colonial houses. Spice Tours are the ideal way to see the island’s historic sites and spice plantations. There is also a sanctuary for the rare Zanzibar duiker and the red colobus monkey in the protected Jozani Forest, just twenty–five kilometers from the town.

The main language is Kiswahili. Even if you only use a few words while you are in Zanzibar, you will make many friends. English is widely spoken and many people also speak Arabic. Other European languages such as French and Italian are known by some local people, especially around the tourist areas.

The combined population of Zanzibar, including Pemba, is approx 1,000,000.

About 97% of the local population is Muslim, the remainder being Hindu, Christian, and some with traditional beliefs. As well as many mosques, Stone Town hosts an Anglican and a Catholic cathedral, as well as a Hindu temple.

The population of Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, with a rich Swahili culture. Because of the religious and cultural traditions, dress code is important, and men and women should dress appropriately when away from the beach, i.e. covering shoulders and legs to below the knees. Beachwear on beaches is fine, but nude or topless bathing is not tolerated. When in villages or in Stone Town, wearing beachwear or revealing clothing would (and does) cause offense. Try to wear loose–fitting, non-see-through clothing when in public. The people of Zanzibar are generally very warm, open and hospitable, and your respect for permission before taking photographs or filming them is appreciated. Do not take photos or film at sensitive government sites including the State House, seaport, airport or military sites. If uncertain, it is always better to ask. Public consumption of alcohol is not permissible, except in hotels and tourist areas, bars, and some restaurants, where it is no problem. Public displays of affection such as kissing are not customary and generally considered offensive. Local customs should be respected. Mosques are sacred places and there is generally no entry to non-Muslims, unless accompanied by a person of the faith who can show you around inside, except during the times for congregational prayer, which are five times daily. When offering or accepting things, try and remember to offer and receive with your right hand. This is also the hand which should be used for eating.

The heat of summer is seasonally often calmed by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the north and east coasts. Being near the Equator, the islands are warm all year round but officially summer and winter peak in December and June, respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily.

SUMMER — November to May is usually hot, with some humidity, with rains in November, and May.

WINTER — June to October is usually warm, with rains in June, but otherwise sunny.

BEST – December to March and July to October.

The unit of local currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh). American dollars in cash or travelers cheques are acceptable in many places around town. Credit cards are still almost unknown in Zanzibar, and if you do manage to find a place to use them, there will usually be a surcharge of at least 10%. Bartering about prices is common in Zanzibar marketplaces. Hotel, restaurant, and tour operator prices are generally non-negotiable.

A variety of locally produced crafts can be found in the shops and bazaars of Stone Town. Buying such goods benefits the local community, so we encourage you to check out these items.

Representatives abroad.

Visitors traveling to Tanzania should check with their local health department or on-line to see what vaccinations are currently required/recommended, and that you have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination filled out.

Anti-malaria medication is recommended when traveling within East Africa, and tablets are recommended to be taken a few days prior to arrival, during your stay, and for a short period after returning home — depending on the schedule of the type you are taking.

Airport departure tax on international flights is to be paid in CASH only. In some cases, some airlines include the departure tax in their tickets price, so please check with your travel agent.