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GENERAL
INFORMATION
Zanzibar consists of two sistersislands, plus several smaller
ones, about 40km (25miles) off the coast of East Africa, in
the Indian Ocean, about 6’ south of the equator. The
two large islands are Unguja (usually called Zanzibar Island)
and Pemba.
Zanzibar Island is about 85km long and 32km wide, with an
area of just under 1500km (about 640 square miles).Pemba Island
is about 75km long and 20km wide, with an area around 850km
square (about 380 square miles)
The islands of Zanzibar are generally flat and low land lying.
The western and central parts of Zanzibar Island have some
low hills, where the highest point is about 120m (390ft) above
the sea level. Pemba Island has a central ridge, cut by several
small valleys, and appears hillier than Zanzibar Island, although
the highest point on Pemba is only 95m (310ft) above sea-level.
The islands were originally forested, but human habitation
has resulted in widespread clearing, although a few isolated
pockets of indigenous forest remain. The main crops grown
in Zanzibar are coconuts and cloves. Bananas, citrus fruits
and other spices are also grown commercially. Maize, cassava
and others vegetables and cereals are grown for local consumption.
Tourism has been ear-marked as the primary foreign exchange
earner, with more visitors coming to Zanzibar each year. At
this stage, the numbers are still low (less than 100,000 annually)
and the potential for tourism is relatively untapped. We are
dedicated to sensitive tourism that benefits both visitors
and the community, without losing the romance and magic that
is Zanzibar
Most visitors and local get around the town on foot
and in the stone town this is best way, but there is another
means of transport an available.
People,
religion and language
Zanzibar’s local people
are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative
of her colorful history. Population is estimated at
1,000,000 with the largest concentration being Zanzibar
City which has approximately 250,000 inhabitants.
Zanzibar’s speak Swahili known locally as Kiswahili),
a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa.
Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar
as it is the birth place of the language.
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Getting
to Zanzibar by Air (From the Rest of the World)
At present, Condor Airline, KLM (together with
Kenya Airways) offer international scheduled flights to
Zanzibar. Several large carriers fly into Dar es Salaam,
which is only a short trip by air or sea from Zanzibar.
Amongst them are British Airways, Swissair and Emirates
Airlines. |
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From the Rest of Africa
Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines
have regular flights to Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam is also
served by them, as well as Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air,
Air India, Air Malawi, South African Airways, Royal
Swazi Airlines and others. |
Domestic Flights
Coastal Aviation, Tropical Air and Precision
Air offer a range of scheduled flights between Zanzibar
and Tanzania's main cities and National Parks.
Zanzibar - Arusha- Zanzibar |
Zanzibar - Dar - Zanzibar
Zanzibar - Tanga - Zanzibar
Zanzibar - Mafia- Zanzibar
Zanzibar - Ruaha- Zanzibar
Zanzibar - Kilwa- Zanzibar
Zanzibar -Selous - Zanzibar
Zanzibar - Mwanza- Zanzibar
Getting to Zanzibar by Sea
Several sea ferry companies ply the waters between
Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam four times a day.
Zanzibar/Dar
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Dar/Zanzibar |
| Departure |
Arrival |
Departure |
Arrival |
07:00hrs
10:00hrs
13:00hrs
16:00hrs |
09:30hrs
12:30hrs
15:30hrs
18:30hrs |
07:00hrs
10:00hrs
13:00hrs
16:00hrs |
09:30hrs
12:30hrs
15:30hrs
18:30hrs |
Dar/Zanz
Time
Zone
GMT + 3 |
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh) = 100 cents |
Approximate
exchange rate
US$ 1 = 1300 Tanzanian Shillings |
Official
languages
Kiswahili & English |
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Electricity
220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz |
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International
Dialing code + 255 24, followed by 7-digit local number
(...)
Mobile phone codes:
Zantel: + 255 777 or +225 773...
Mobitel: + 255 713 or +255 717 or +255 714...
Vodacom: + 255 756 or +255 754 or +255 755...
Celltel: +255 784 or +255 787 or +255 786... |
DEPARTURE TAX:
Harbour tax $5 per person flight tax $30 per person for International
and Domestic flight T.shs 5000 p'p Note: the tax can only
be paid in cash.
EXCHANGE OF CURRENCY:
Bank, Bureau de change and most hotels exchange cash and travelers
checks. USD, EURO and GBP are preferred but other convertible
currencies are accepted. Please check rates first before you
do any transaction.
USE OF CREDIT CARDS:
Most hotels and some curio shop accept major credit card i.e.;
VISA and MASTERCARD but charge up to 10% surcharge always
check first.
MEDICAL CARE:
Before you leave for an international destination you should
consult your physician. You will also need to decide on a
malaria prevention medication. It is advised to take malaria
prophylaxis.
Vaccination for Yellow Fever is obligatory, but in recent
times at arrival not checked anymore. Other vaccinations like
hepatitis, tetanos, ... are recommended.
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