zanzibar details

Zanzibar Introduction

Zanzibar, or ‘Unguja’ –the spice island beckons you to its golden shores, warm smiles and delectable cuisine. An island with a history dating back to as early as 1st century AD, when Greek and Roman ships sailed along the East Coast of Africa. Centuries later saw a succession of Arab, Persian, Portuguese and African traders all searching for ivory, tortoiseshell, ebony, coconuts, fruit, timber and of course slave trading.

The British government still maintains a residence in Zanzibar, Hamerton House. It is located between Zanzibar Town and the airport, on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Hamerton House is used every now and then by the British High Commissioner in Dar es Salaam and/or his staff members, when they are on official duty in Zanzibar. It is also used in case of consular contingencies.

Geographically, Zanzibar’s location made it a viable commercial centre for trading through the centuries and as a result we see a wide array of architecture reflecting her history. It was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world; it united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania, but still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union. Zanzibar has its own Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives (with 50 seats, directly elected by universal suffrage to serve five-year terms) to make laws especially for it; these make up the semi-autonomous Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

Famous for its clove tree plantations Zanzibar also produces sesame seed, coconut oils, sugar and rubber, which are predominantly exported. Famous explorers such as Stanley, Livingstone, Burton, Elton visited

Zanzibar at various stages of their explorations.

The inhabitants of Zanzibar speak KiSwahili and fall into three ethnic groups, the Wahadimu, the Watumbatu and the Wapemba and relations between the various clans or tribes is very relaxed.
Zanzibar Archipelago consists of two islands, one being actual Zanzibar and the other Pemba. Zanzibar is approximately 85 km long and 30 km wide with area of 1500 km. Pemba lies to the north and is 75 km long and 20 km wide with an area of 850 km. Although not too far from each other (50 minutes by air) and 2 hours by boat, they have different climates and vegetation.

Visas: If required can be issued on arrival in Dar-es-Salaam or Zanzibar (approximately USD60). However, if you are transiting through Dar on your way to Zanzibar you will be required to pass through immigration in Dar in which case you will need to get your visa here.If your transit time is very short then it is advisable to get your visa prior to departure as you may miss your connecting flight.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). Euro and USDollars cash are widely accepted but payments at all hotels must be in foreign exchange. Surcharges are applicable at all hotels for credit cards and traveller’s cheque payments and only Visa / MasterCard are accepted.

Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate compulsory. Malaria high risk. It is not advisable to drink tap water. Bottled water sold everywhere. IMPORTANT – If you are travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area to South Africa, immigration officials may ask you for proof of your current Yellow Fever vaccination. It is important to keep this vaccination up to date and to keep it with you when travelling abroad. Be aware that the vaccination only becomes valid 10 days after inoculation and is valid for 10 years.

Language: English widely spoken and Italian understood. Kiswahili is the official language.