Location and Size

Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba) is located in East Africa, at the western side of the Indian Ocean at 39º degrees East of the Prime Meridian and 6º degree South of the Equator. Zanzibar has a total of 2332 square kilometres, which includes the two main islands and several small surrounding islands.

Climate

Zanzibar experiences warm tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity all the year. The average temperature is 25º C, but it can be as high as 39º C. Because of the ocean breezes during daytime and the continental wind in the night it makes the condition more comfortable. February is the warmest while August is the coolest. There are two rainfall seasons, the heaviest in March to June and lesser rains in September to November. Tourists are advised to note heavy rain season to avoid inconveniences.

Population

In1998 Zanzibar had a population of 640,685, increasing at the rate of 3 per cent per annum. Currently (2004) it is estimated to reach one million residents of which 51 % are female and there is a wider base of children under 18 years.

Short History

Zanzibar has more romantic, legendary and fascinating history which emanates from long interaction with many cultures. As early as AD 60, Zanzibar was first mentioned by the Periplous of the Erythraen in Sea in AD 60, a book by one of the famous Greek sailors of that time. It suggests that residents and traders from other continents must have visited Zanzibar. The early travelers were coming from Persia, India and North Africa

Then the arrival of Shirazis, Omanis, Portuguese and the British who exposed Zanzibar to the rest of the world. The Shirazis from Persia were among the first people to come to Zanzibar, some took refuge avoiding disputes prevailing in their home land. There are some remains of the Shirazis at Kizimkazi, Tumbatu and Wambaa. Kizimkazi mosque built in the AD.1107 is believed to be one of oldest remnant of Shiraz in Zanzibar.

On his way to India Vasco da Gama passed here in 1499 on his way to India. The British warship, Edward Bonaventure anchored at the Zanzibar port in 1592 lead by James Lancaster.

In 1963 Zanzibar got its independence followed by a popular Revolution in 1964. In April in the same year it emerged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania (Tan–Tanganyika, Zan–Zanzibar). Though part of the Union it has its own government led by the president and has a House of Representative popularly elected as a legislature. Since 1995 election, Zanzibar is a multiparty democratic state.

How to travel to Zanzibar

By Air

The only airlines providing direct scheduled connection to Zanzibar with the rest of the world include Gulf Air, Ethiopian Airline and Kenya Airways. Other airlines-The Royal Dutch Airline KLM, British Air, Swiss Air, Egypt Air, Air France, Aeroflot, Emirates Air, Royal Swazi, Zambian Airways, Air Zimbabwe etc. fly to Dar – Es – salaam from, connections Zanzibar are made by local airlines, or sea ferries.

Small local charters operate regular schedule services, the most common are Precision Air, Air Zanzibar, Coastal Travel, Island Air Services and Skyland Safaris and Travel

By Sea

Ferry boats provide regular services to Zanzibar some are hydrofoils, catamarans and the local boats called dhows. The hydrofoil takes 75 minutes on a good weather day. The following boats are operational at the time of writing, sea Express, Sea Bus, Super Star, Sepideh, Kondo, Kilimanjaro. Bookings can be made at the ports in Dar – Es Salaam and Zanzibar and from some travel agents.

Travel Trips

We recommend you to consider the following tips when traveling to Zanzibar and avoid all the inconveniences that might happen to the visitors.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport and Visa are required from visitors. You can obtain visa from the Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or upon your arrival at the point of entry.

The rate of the Visa varies according to the types, duration and nationality. It is advisable to check this well in advance in order to avoid inconveniences.

Health And Safety

Transit travelers coming to Zanzibar from endemic areas even for a brief stay are strongly advised to protect themselves with vaccination against Yellow Fever at least two weeks prior to their departure.

It is advisable to take precocious measures, particularly mosquito repellant and wearing long – sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening. Note that the best preventative for Malaria is not to get bitten by the mosquitoes.

Money Currency and Exchange

Tanzania uses a shilling (Tanzania shilling) Notes are in the denomination of 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000, shillings. Coins are in the order of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.

You can change money in the banks, bureaus and other specified areas. Exchange rate varies from place to place and according to the time. Only few areas accept credit cards and traveler checks.

Customs

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, I litre of wine or sprit, 250mls of perfume are regarded as personnel effect and are not charged any tax. Some of the curio or handicraft purchased in Zanzibar as souvenirs may require tax and it is advisable to keep all receipt.

Religion

Most residents of Zanzibar are Moslems but there are also Christians, Hindus and other faiths. If you not a Moslem you are not to enter mosques. Photographing of the mosque interior from the doorway is not allowed during prayers.

In the Islamic holly month of "Ramadhan" (dates change) Muslims are fasting you may find it difficult to find food during the daylight hours. Some specified restaurants are allowed to serve the tourists. Contact the Commission for Tourism for advice. You are requested not to eat, drink or smoke in the public during this month.

Churches and temples are available. The Anglican Cathedral at Mkunazini and Minara Miwili Church offer regular services on Sundays and special holidays.