Zanzibar

Visa and Immigration  Procedures

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of the Republic of Tanzania and visitors are required to have a valid passport and visa for the whole duration of their stay. Tanzanian Visa can be obtained from Tanzanian embassies or high commission offices in abroad. Alternatively, the visa can be obtained upon arrival at the entry point. The payment, $50, can be done by cash in dollars or by credit card. However, we advise you to verify with the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate before your travel for any updates or check this website: http://www.immigration.go.tz

Health

Zanzibar is not an official malaria region anymore, however, if visiting mainland East Africa, malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Despite relative safety from the disease, precautionary measures should be taken to avoid mosquito bites. It is advised to apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets during the night. Visitors coming from yellow fever-endemic countries are required to have a valid international yellow fever vaccination certificate. However, this requirement may also apply to other travelers transited from yellow fever countries. To avoid any inconveniences we recommend having the vaccination anyway. Due to the amount of sun exposure in the archipelago of Zanzibar, avoid extensive sunbathing as it may result in sunstroke or heat exhaustion. When in the sun, apply sunscreen and drink enough water to feel good throughout the length of your holiday. Medical facilities have been improving in Zanzibar but rather take necessary precautions to avoid putting a visit at the doctor’s office on your itinerary.

Safety

Zanzibar is one of the safest places in East Africa. The locals are amicable, approachable, and friendly. However, standard safety measures still apply. If you do not want to invite trouble, avoid excessive display of jewelry, accessories, electronic devices, and money, especially in crowded areas. Do not leave valuables lying around, advisably use the facilities provided by the hotel (most rooms have deposit boxes for safekeeping) or your local travel agency. Zanzibar’s nightlife is a lot of fun, however, better keep yourself from walking alone around unfamiliar areas after dark, especially secluded beach strands. We also advise visitors to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy before their Zanzibar holiday.

Money/Credit card payment

The local currency is Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) however the US dollar is the major trading currency in the tourism industry in Zanzibar. Most hotels and other touristic service providers would prefer payment in USD, though in many places you can usually settle the bills in USD, EUR, or local currency. Important fact: the old USD banknotes (issued before 2006) are not valid anymore in the Republic of Tanzania, including Zanzibar so be sure you bring the new ones. There is a large number of money exchange offices in Stone Town and a few operating already at the Zanzibar Airport. They all have more or less the same rates. Unfortunately, the exchange service is a bit more difficult in rural areas, however, it can still be arranged in some of the coastal villages where most of the resorts are.

Credit card transactions

Credit card service is not yet very popular in Zanzibar. Cash is the preferred form of payment in most of the service outlets and with small vendors. However, you will find places that accept Visa and MasterCard, especially in town, though a surcharge of 5% per transaction is likely to follow. In Stone Town and Zanzibar town, there are several ATMs and visitors can withdraw a limited amount of cash per transaction. Note that you can only use your card to withdraw in local currency.

Telephones & Internet

Telecommunication in Zanzibar has been improving drastically with different companies investing within and providing quality service at affordable costs. You can buy a SIM card according to your choice at an outlet located at the airport’s main parking area or in Stone Town and town areas. The telecommunication service has reached in rural areas as well and coverage has been improved. The Internet service is available almost everywhere in the islands, though the speed and reliability may vary. In Stone Town area internet access is excellent with different cheap internet cafes. The postal service is also quite reliable. The infrastructure in Zanzibar has been improving day by day with about 85% of the roads tarmacked or semi-tarmacked. However, some of the roads are still dirt roads, though renovated annually to improve accessibility yearly.

Etiquette

Zanzibar boasts a reputation as a place of hospitality. The social norm for the people here is to be kind, honest, and humble, which the visitors are advised to take into consideration to avoid offending the local customs, deeply rooted in Islamic values. While on the archipelago, it is appreciated to behave courteously and dress modestly, especially when you are out and about. When wandering around towns and villages, women should dress covering their shoulders and knees, and avoid transparent attires in public. Keeping swimwear for the beach, such as showing a bare chest or wearing a bikini top around the local population is considered rude and offensive. Walking through local fishing villages in briefs or bikinis shows a complete lack of respect towards local customs. It also makes sense to restrain yourself from public displays of affection, however, you might want to still do that within your hotel premises. During the fasting month of Ramadan, it is respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public areas during daylight. Non-Muslims should not enter the mosque without permission or take pictures during the prayer. Despite Zanzibar being a very photogenic place, there are few places where photography is prohibited, such as military camps, police stations, and other security-sensitive areas. It is common courtesy to ask permission before taking a photograph of people and children, as some of them may refuse.

What to pack

Traveling to Zanzibar is a lifetime trip, hence the journey should be carefully planned with consideration. How should one pack for such a holiday?

At Dolly Tours and Travels, we have put together a recommended set of items that you would need on hand to make your holidays enjoyable and smooth.

Be sure to pack enough summer clothing but also do not ignore something slightly warmer for evening and early morning, as it sometimes tends to be a bit cold, especially for the children. Even in the dry seasons, a rain jacket might come in handy as sudden showers that come without notice are not uncommon on a tropical island. Both men and women should pack trousers and shorts, including a few choices that cover the knees. Do not forget to pack a good pair of shoes or boots for nature walks, as well as a smaller backpack. Travelers to Zanzibar should expect sun, and lots of it, as well as sand –there must be room for a hat, good sunglasses, and sunscreen in your suitcase. You will also need sandals, and reef-walking shoes (any kind that will allow you to walk in water and protect your feet). If you are boarding the plane with kids, do not forget kid-sized snorkeling gear. Suitable reef and beach attire are mostly available in some of the shops on the island, but it is better to have them with you to avoid any inconveniences and waste time on shopping. And of course – do not forget your camera. If you are using film, please bring enough supplies. It is also a good idea to think about a basic medical kit. Mosquito repellents are a must – while available on the island, the choice is quite limited.

When best to visit

We believe that one can find good times even in the worst of times. It all depends on personal expectations and preferences. However, most holidaymakers find Zanzibar most enjoyable during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February. Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate, therefore weather patterns can be unpredictable. Do not be surprised by morning or afternoon showers even in the dry seasons – they tend to go away quickly and cool down the heat nicely. If you are coming here for diving, it is possible to visit any time of the year. Big game fishing lovers say the best time is August-March. As we stated in the beginning: it is all up to you.

Contact Dolly Tours and Travels Zanzibar to guide you on your Zanzibar holiday plans!

How to reach Zanzibar

Compared to several years ago, the Zanzibar Islands have become much easier for tourists to reach. There are great connecting and regular direct flights now.

You can also check out websites like www.skyscanner.com or www.kayak.com to find a flight to Zanzibar that fits your budget. Please note that Zanzibar can also be reached via Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. From there, it is easy to find optional domestic flights to Zanzibar, operated daily. Domestic flights tend to take between 20-30 minutes and are available only during the daytime. If you would like to experience your arrival by sea rather than air, it is also possible to reach the Spice Islands safely through a ferry service operated by various companies of which Azam Marine Company is the most reliable one. Azam offers a daily scheduled ferry service from morning to afternoon, with the travel time ranging between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

Old Stone Town (mji mkongwe)

Traveling around the coastal regions of East Africa may lead you into different beautiful towns, yet the uniqueness of Old Town located in the western part of Zanzibar Archipelago famed as Stone Town, or mji mkongwe in Swahili, is truly unmatched. It is not just the external beauty of the place: once you step into the maze of winding alleys, you will experience a touch of exotic rare to find elsewhere.

Stone Town is a part of Zanzibar town which is the capital of the islands. It is separated by a former creek road from its partner town called N’gambo meaning “the other side”. One of the biggest pleasures is to wander around the town and discover the historical sites, and related artistic exhibitions or just watch life go by in the busy, narrow streets. The old Stone Town is one of the reasons that make Zanzibar such a unique place to visit, with diverse influences that outline the Swahili culture. The alleys lined with houses with balconies decorated with carved wood, small and bigger craftsmen workshops, mosques, and bazaars only add life to the unique atmosphere of the place. Getting lost in Stone Town is something everyone should try out.  Most buildings in this outstanding architectural area are made from lime, coral stones, and clay which were the main construction materials used by local architects, blending Indian, European, Arab, and Persian influences. Back in the day, the town was a fishing village which was transformed into a town in the 19^th century, as the first urban construction began in the 1830s. Currently, there are about 1,700 buildings in Stone Town with most of the facades graced with  Zanzibar wooden carved doors. This unique site qualified and made the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. The old town is home to several historical buildings such as the former Freddie Mercury’s house, Old Arab Fort, Palace Museum (former Sultan’s palace), House of Wonders, Old Dispensary, former slave market, Darajani Market, Hammani Persian bath and the site of seafront park, the famed Forodhani Gardens with a night food market which serves the best of Zanzibar cuisine and drinks. Another place to visit is the Old Customs House, which is currently the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA), the only music school in Zanzibar celebrating and teaching local music traditions and offering all sorts of music-related events. Do not forget to go to the town beach and walk down the waterfront promenade of Stone Town in the late afternoon to watch kids carelessly splashing into the Indian Ocean and give your eyes the chance to view the stunning sunset.

Zanzibar Doors

Zanzibar wooden carved doors, famously known as Zanzibar doors, are made of teak or red mahogany wood and characterized by deep, ornamental carvings. They are divided into two types, the first one, stemming from Arabic door-making tradition, is rectangular while the second one follows the Indian style with an arch on the top. When you walk around Stone Town, almost every house will have these characteristic Zanzibar doors and a visit to the Archipelago will not be complete without them. The cultural hybrid and norms of Zanzibar in some aspects have been outlined by those doors. In other words, Zanzibar doors talk through the ornaments and patterns reflecting the faith, occupation, and social status of the house owner. Chain patterns would symbolize protection against evil spirits or the residence of a wealthy Arab slave trader. Spice vines represent a spice trader’s home. Most Indian-style door designs include brass studs from India and they are believed to have been used there as protection against elephants; in Zanzibar, these brass studs were simply a decoration for the doors that demonstrated the wealth of the people living behind them. The majority of Zanzibar doors have been designed in a blend of Arab, Indian, and Swahili traditional woodcrafts and have started to be placed in Stone Town buildings in the 19^th century.

Shopping

Shopping on holiday is essential. How could you go back home from a faraway location with empty hands? Even the smallest gifts can remind you of some of your best vacation memories and will mean a lot to the people you cherish. Zanzibar town is a true shopping hub with a history and a place for all those who just love to go from one curio store to another. Gizenga Street and Shangani Street in Stone Town are some of the narrow alleys that offer shopping opportunities for different products, such as attires, jewels, fabrics, batik rugs, woodcraft products, books, antiques, local herbs, organic baths, and hygienic products. In addition, Hurumzi Street offers unique Zanzibar art paintings from several local art galleries. If you are looking to do some groceries, shop for clothes and electronics, and mingle with the local people, go to Darajani market, Kiponda Street in Stone Town, or Vikokotoni shopping hub across the creek road.

When shopping, please mind the effort taken in Zanzibar to stop trade in products made from endangered sea animals such as sea turtle shells, other types of sea shells, and souvenirs made from coral or other marine life, be aware that Zanzibar law is active against most of these products and protects the environment. The survival of ecosystems is threatened by the reckless purchase of these controversial items.

Dolly Tours and Travels Zanzibar is your prime choice to lead you into the right shopping path in Zanzibar islands.

Events/Festivals

Zanzibar Islands hosts both local and international festivals and events each year.

Sauti za busara Festival

Every February Zanzibar becomes the kingdom of music, enjoying the three-day Sauti za busara festival (meaning “Sounds of wisdom”). It is an African music festival held in Stone Town’s Old Fort venue with several fringe events such as a carnival street parade. The festival sets the stage for hundreds of artists from East Africa and other regions of the African continent to perform live, at the same time setting a platform for home-grown Tanzanian pop and hip-hop, not to forget traditional music such as Taarab and Kidumbak.

Zanzibar International Film Festival(ZIFF)

ZIFF, otherwise known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, gives a stage to the arts and cultures of the African continent, Pakistan, Iran, India, the Gulf states, and the islands within the Indian Ocean. The festival, one of the largest events of this type in Africa, was created to celebrate and showcase the heritage of this part of the world. ZIFF’s programs include feature and documentary films presented in both competitions (competing for the Golden and Silver Dhow Awards) and non-competition screenings. Other activities include music, dance, and theatre performances, workshops, and exhibitions on a stunning stage. For eight days in July each year, Stone Town’s Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens turn into the event’s main hub.

Zanzibar Beach & Watersports Festival

Zanzibar Beach and Watersports festival is a here-day event that takes place annually in Jambiani, a beach village on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. The festival includes a diversity of water and coastal sports such as kayak race, beach run, dhow race, beach volleyball tournament, mountain bike race, beach paintball fight, beach soccer tournament, kite surfing, rugby, tug of war, as well as workshops for children and live music from famous local and international artists.

Mwaka Kogwa

Makunduchi, a village south of Zanzibar, celebrates the Persian New Year for four long days in the last week of July. The event named Mwaka Kogwa Festival has Zoroastrian origins, meaning a Persian religion said to be older than Islam. As the southern part of Zanzibar was under the control of Persians, some of their influences are still present. The festival is a mixture of rituals and activities meant for pure entertainment:  the men engage in a mock fight using banana stems, wanting to clear the beginning new year of all misfortune, but also to let go of the past disputes. During the event, the women dress in their best attires and stroll around singing about family life, daily issues, and love. The remarkable part of the festival is a traditional hut burning which acts as a replacement for New Year’s fireworks. Followers of the Zoroastrian faith believe that this ritual ensures a good year free from bad events happening to the land and its people. The festival ends with traditional drumming, dance, and song sessions.

Eid Festival

The Eid celebration takes place for four days at the end of Ramadhan (the Holy Month of Islam), during which Muslims fast from morning to sunset.  Eid el Fitr is the biggest and the most respected festival in the Archipelago. There are no fixed dates for this celebration, as they depend on the moon – the Muslim calendar differs from the Gregorian one. During Eid, the people on the islands join in happiness. This is the time to visit relatives and friends. Little girls wear lovely new dresses, while the boys stroll proudly in their new clothes and sneakers, which creates a very colorful and cheery atmosphere. Together with the adults they enjoy delicious traditional Muslim food prepared especially for the occasion. There are also taarab concerts organized at this time and more modern music parties happening at night.