Ultimate guide to zanzibar

Ultimate guide to zanzibar

Everything you need to know before visiting Zanzibar

Ultimate guide to zanzibar  : Zanzibar is an incredible beach holiday destination with stunning beaches, untouched nature and incredible history. Zanzibar Island is a tropical paradise with the world’s most beautiful beaches offering a laid back beach life, a variety of activities and a colorful culture and history.

Zanzibar is an archipelago of over 50 islands with Unguja Island being the largest island and most visited area of the island, Unguja is normally considered Zanzibar and it hosts the capital city of the island “The Stone Town”, other island making up Zanzibar is Pemba Island the second largest island and found in North.

This article compiles all you need to know about Zanzibar Island as Africa’s best tropical paradise.

History of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is strategically placed as an incredibly important part of the trade route through the Indian Ocean, because of this it gained the nickname of “Spice Island” throughout the years of exporting and trading exotic spices including cloves, tamarind among others.

Throughout the years, countless colonial powers like Oman, Portugal and the Great Britain were in constant fight over the control of this island found in the Indian Ocean. Oman seemed to have the largest and longest influence in the religion and culture used on the island for more tragic purposes for the slave trade.

Zanzibar Island comprises of remains of the huge slave industry that used Zanzibar as its hub, the Prison Island off the coast of Stone Town was used as a jail for rebellious slaves and the less rebellious were sent to America and England to work as laborers on plantations.

Zanzibar island was so important to the Oman and their slave industry that the Sultan of Oman and in 1832, he made it the capital city.

In the 60s, the African locals started a revolution to over through the apartheid Omani rule and they succeeded, Zanzibar united with the neighboring Tanganyika to form what is known today as Tanzania.

Weather in Zanzibar

It is never interesting to go a beach vacation and be stuck in a rainy weather, the worst time to visit Zanzibar is March – May which is a rainy season in Zanzibar Island. Although it is still warm with afternoon downpours being quite common and you would probably find yourself stuck indoors most your holiday.

The best time to visit Zanzibar Island for a holiday is from June to October which is dry season , this season is filled with reliably warm and sunny days. From November to February, you may experience light rains but they last for such as short time that they are unlikely to ruin any plans.

Zanzibar Island is located just 6 degrees south of the equator, the island is usually warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 25°-35° C year round.

What to Wear in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim country with 99% of the population being Muslims with a few small Christianity population which are considered “minority”, however there is no real requirement to dress conservatively.

There are very moderate Muslims who are used to seeing tourists, as a tourist no one will make you uncomfortable for wearing shorts, short skirts, sundresses or bare shoulders throughout the town or bikinis on the beautiful beaches.

Note: it is more recommended you wear conservatively most especially if you are not at the beaches.

Zanzibar is a very open destination, so feel free to dress as you would like.

Cost/Prices of A Zanzibar Holiday

Zanzibar Island is a perfect destination for budget and luxury travelers, as a traveler if you are comfortable with staying in hostels or small bungalows and eating at small local restaurants, it can be around $ 50 – $ a day per person.

However, hotels can get quite expensive in the Northern Coast. Nungwi and Kendwa have the most expensive accommodation facilities, the Eastern Coast is almost half that price.

Since, tourism is a fairly new to Zanzibar, only within the past 10 years, majority of the hotels and resorts are built in western style which makes the prices relatively low.

Though most travelers may think Zanzibar is expensive, it fits any traveler basing on their budget.

Is Zanzibar Safari?

Zanzibar is a very safe country/ destination, locals residing on the island are very relaxed and hospitable and friendly that you can take a walk around the island and Stone town at night and you will not feel unsafe.

 Zanzibar’s economy relies heavily on tourism that is why security is very paramount on the island and the authorities of the island have made sure it is safe.

Getting Around

Zanzibar is a very untouched destination with even the largest of roads being one lane in each direction and most of them are made of dirt, the tourism industry on the island is fairly new thus giving travelers a truly authentic experience.

Taxi

Using a taxi is the best way to get around Zanzibar, there are registered taxis that you will see everywhere most especially in Stone Town, you can hire a driver to take you to your destination at a fair price of about $ 20.

Car Rental

Though not recommended as there are practically no road signs in Zanzibar and roads are difficult to maneuver, and end up getting lost. You can hire a vehicle and drive yourself around the island, other options are hiring a vehicle with a driver or rent a scooter along the beach.

Public Transport

There is an option of using public transportation to get around the island and this is by use of buses or taxis, you can ask locals for directions as there is no official bus system with official bus stops in place.

Visa Requirement on Zanzibar Island

Travelers from most countries are required to have a visa to enter Zanzibar and the cost of a Zanzibar visa is $ 50, one can apply for the visa online. You can also complete for one at the airport and you can pay with cash as they are are no ATMs at airport, as a traveler make sure you bring enough cash with you.

Other Tips

Wi- Fi  – Wi-Fi is a challenge on the Island with a few restaurant and lodges with a decent Wi-Fi service.

Cash – The official currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzania Shilling (1 USD = 2,300 TZSZ), however USD are widely accepted and more preferred at hotels and restaurants.

Food – in Zanzibar, many restaurants and hotels offer delicious meals, however you have to be cautious of food poisoning.

Language – The official language of Zanzibar is Swahili, many locals also speak Arabic and English. Due to the high prevalence of Italian and Russian tourists many locals speak a little bit of Russian and Italian.

In lodges, restaurants and touristic areas, most workers speak English although it may be difficult to communicate outside of these touristic areas.

Medical – Malaria is a risk in Zanzibar but far less than in most of the neighboring East African countries, during your holiday, try to avoid mosquito bites. Please carry Mosquito repellent lotion.

Alcohol – although Zanzibar is a majorly Muslim country, alcohol consumption is permitted and is served in most places. However it is suggested to avoid being blatantly drink most especially in the Stone or other towns of the Island.

Contact us to organize for you’re a Zanzibar holiday.