Country Information - Zanzibar
TRAVEL TOOLS
GEOGRAPHY
Zanzibar is a beautiful, evergreen island, covering an area of 1 464sq. kms, situated 36 kms away from the Tanzania coast in the Indian Ocean and is 76 kms from Dar es Salaam. It is known for its spectacular architecture, meandering lanes, luscious tropical fruits, aromatic spices and charming friendly people. The breathtaking beauty of its coastline and the magnificence of the historical Stone Town makes Zanzibar one of the world's famous touring destination.
HISTORY
Zanzibar appears in world chronicles a far back as 60AD when a Greek traveller connected it to the Silk Trade Route. Then the Arabs of Oman and Shirazis of Persia came into the scene and their presence is still manifested in various parts of the island. The 1107AD Kizimkazi mosque, which is one of the oldest structures of the main island of Unguja stands testimony of this.
Then came the Portuguese after Vasco Da Gama made a stop over the island on his way to India. The Portuguese influence is still felt in Zanzibar today when people go to table called meza in Kiswahili or send somebody to serve a jail sentence in a gereza (prison). People on the Unguja sister island of Pemba to the present day hold dear their annual bullfight.
The Sultan's transfer of his capital from Oman to Zanzibar in the 19th Century, the introduction of the clove plantations and the flourishing of the notorious slave trade made Zanzibar saw Zanzibar develop into a virtual commercial capital of the entire East Africa coastline and its interior and the external world.
The British made their debut in the late 16th Century and at the height of the Anglo-German conflict Zanzibar sought protection of the British and an agreement was signed to this effect. It is because of this phenomenon that Zanzibar found itself playing part in World War 1.
Zanzibar's march towards independence started at the end of the first quarter of the 20th Century. The island won its independence in December 1963. But before it could get through the independence honeymoon, so to say, a revolution took place in January. Three months later, together with Tanganyika, Zanzibar formed what has come to be known as the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar has its own government within the Union.
ECONOMY
The economy of Zanzibar relies heavily on two areas, the first agriculture in the form of spice plantations and the second tourism. Fishing plays a small role but is more supportive to the tourism industry.
CLIMATE
Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate, the cooler season being July- October when the average temperature is 26 degrees Centigrade. This is the most appropriate time of visiting the Spice Islands. Short rains usually come in November when the average temperature is in the range of 28 degrees Centigrade all the way to about March when the long rain sent in.
MAJOR TOWNS AND CITIES
Zanzibar Town is made up of two sections, the "old city" known as Stone Town and then the newer part of town called Ng'ambo.
MAJOR NATIONAL PARKS / GAME RESERVES / AREAS OF INTEREST
NATURAL ATTRACTION
The entire coast of the island is made up of a series of sandy beaches with coral reefs, which shelter the shore from the sea. In these areas there are exceptional locations for diving, canoeing and swimming - or just a day at the beach, shaded by the tropical vegetation which grows almost to the shoreline. Neighbouring Pemba Island offers divers dramatic underwater walls and drop-offs, which attract colourful fish. Cycle around Zanzibar (which will take 10 days to complete) where the route will take you through quaint fishing villages and past quiet diving and swimming spots serviced by basic guesthouses. Protected wildlife areas provide sanctuary for a vast range of bird species as well as the tortoise population.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
The Muslim community are the majority in Zanzibar town itself. Descendants of the Omanis, they no longer trade in slaves but are still powerful and wealthy members of the city's society. The Arab business revolves around the import and export of spices and other natural produce and explains the strong Islamic presence seen in its mosques, architecture and social customs. There are many African people here of mixed cultural background, which has resulted in unique art and crafts for which Zanzibar is famous. Apart from the distinctive designs of local handicrafts and the geometrically decorated splendour of the Sultan's palace, there is also special music. The Arab tradition of Taarab music came here with the Omanis and is still the musical style of choice for rituals and celebrations. The main instruments are the drum and a traditional violin but these are only a backing for the singers who undergo years of training before they are ready to perform. Although Arabic music has influenced Western music, it is a particularly haunting cultural tradition and whoever hears it again will always remember Zanzibar.
BEST TIME TO GO
The best time to visist Zanzibar is between July and March. November can be very humid and has short rainshowers that last for a few minutes on some days. Otherwise the weather is consistently warm to hot and the air quite humid.
BANKS
There are no international banks in Zanzibar, only local banks. US Dollar cash is widely accepted and can be easily exchanged for the local currency.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
A valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever and Hepatitis A is necessary for everybody.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling divided into one hundred cents. Always look for competitive exchange rates at bureaus de change or banks. Some hotels and souvenir shops accept major credit cards. Tanzania has no restrictions on the amount of money one can come in with.
LANGUAGES
English is widely spoken but it is advisable to learn a few Kiswahili words like jambo and habari (hello), asante sana (thank you very much) and kwa heri (good bye). The local people are so kind that one would find oneself at a loss for not finding these words to reciprocate with the abound people's hospitality.
CULTURE AND RELIGION
Zanzibar has a strong Islamic tradition. Respect their culture. Don't jump out of bed when the believers are called on big loudspeakers at dawn for morning prayers. The more days you spend in Zanzibar the more you will not notice this difference.
SHOPPING
Zanzibar is not the shopper's paradise but certainly has plenty vendors that offer a wide selection of curios, spices, antiques and clothing.
LOCAL FOOD AND WINE
Different dishes are available for every pocket. To get full satisfaction, try as many places as possible to get the feel of the big variety of Zanzibari kitchen engineering. The Forodhani Gardens offer such a chance of taking a good dinner, prepared as you wait. Imagine taking a prawns barbecue in a garden while enjoying the sea breeze under moonlight and shining stars! The food the locals eat is varied but fish and rice make up a large portion of their diet.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity is mainly generated by hydropower in Tanzania. The main supply is 240V AC, 50Hz. Wall plugs can be either round or square pin types.
WATER
Tap water is not reliable in Zanzibar and should be treated. To be safe rather just drink bottled mineral water which is readily available.
