Just the name ZANZIBAR conjures
exotic images … and indeed this is a truly unique place where there is an
infusion of Arabic, Indian and African cultures. It is difficult to describe
this place, to go deeper than the wonderful beaches and palms, this place must
be experienced to be fully understood. The relaxed attitude, the Islamic
traditions and prayers, the markets, the Stone Town architecture, seaweed
harvesting at the beaches, the Zanzibaris sitting on their house porches
watching life go by, children playing with a football or some simple toy, the
women looking curiously at westerners from beneath their robes and covered
heads, the fishermen returning from a hard day’s work, the dhows (traditional
boats) sailing through the emerald sea – these are but a mere fragment of the
sights you may encounter and cherish in your heart forever.
But first you need to guard yourself with
information before the experience. Here are 15 things you must know before
setting out to Zanzibar.
1. VISAS AND IMMIGRATION
All
visitors to Zanzibar require a passport. Passports must be valid for 6
months and have at least two clear pages. Most nationalities also require a
visa. They are easily available on arrival at the airport and cost US$50
per passport, payable in US Dollar only.
Yellow
fever certificate is an erratic requirement, occasionally the immigration
officer may ask to see it, but more often than not they just stamp passports
and collect the visa fee.
Please
note there is a government departure tax of US$35 per person also payable in US
Dollar. So make sure you have US$85 per person in cash for visa and government
departure tax.
Nationals
of some countries do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your
nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to visiting.
Tanzanian
visas are issued by the Director of Immigration Services in Dar es Salam and by
the Principal Immigration Officer of Zanzibar.
As
well as Zanzibar International Airport there are currently three other points
of entry into Tanzania from where visas can be obtained. They are at the Dar es
Salam International Airport, Namanga Border on the road from Kenya into
Tanzania and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
In
mainland Tanzania, visas are granted on showing a return ticket from Tanzania.
This ensures that the person has enough funds for making a return to his/her
original country. A permit visa of three months is issued for tourists.
2.
ZANZIBAR SEASONS
The
height of summer on Zanzibar is mid-June and winter is in December. However,
the islands are warm all year round due to their proximity to the equator. The
short rains occur November – December. Expect frequent showers that do not last
long.
Some
coastlines can get very seaweed heavy at this time. The long rains fall between
April and May. The rainy seasons are tourist low-seasons but for those looking
for seclusion and not so bothered by the weather, they can be appealing. The
rains are not normally continuous, but do not be too optimistic about rain not
putting (if the pun can be excused) a damper on things.
3.
ZANZIBAR FESTIVALS
Zanzibar
is home to two major festivals; the Sauti za Busara music festival in February
and the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July. Both these take place in
Stone Town and the city gets hugely busy during both. Another music festival
has also recently sprung up, this one in Kizimkazi on the south coast; The
Kizimkazi Cultural Music Festival.
Ramadan
is one festival most tourists aim to avoid (especially those travelling to
Stone Town) as many restaurants close during the day and eating in public
before nightfall can be very awkward. However, the Eid-al-Ftir (end of Ramadan)
is an excellent day to be in Stone Town as feasting and partying takes over the
city, and all are welcomed. Since Muslims do not ingest any foods or fluids
from first light until last light during the period of Ramadan, and as
religious fervour is heightened during this period, and exhibitions of what
locals would deem immodesty will be regarded with less tolerance than at other
times, travelers should be very aware of Ramadan’s dates: 18 June 2015 – 17
July 2015
Note
that Ramadan falls ten days earlier each year than the year before.
4. ZANZIBAR CULTURE
AND RELIGION
Zanzibar
is a strictly Muslim town. With a little bit of respect, consideration and
restraint this should not prove problematic for most travelers; there are of
course some exceptions.
The
major cultural code that many Western visitors fail to adhere to is the dress
code. While uncovered shoulders and arms are acceptable, and female travelers
should not feel obliged to wear any form of head gear, long skirts and trousers
are recommended (knee length and below). Of course on the beaches and in
resorts this is impractical and not expected. Topless sunbathing is not only
frowned upon, but illegal on the archipelago.
Public
displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, holding hands is fine, but
nothing much more unless you are somewhere more private or secluded. Unmarried
heterosexual couples have been known to be made to feel uncomfortable in some
hotels but this is not normally the case. Single women may suffer from unwanted
advances from Zanzibari men. This is partly due to the fact that these ‘lovers’
make a living out of affairs with tourists.
5.
MALARIA
Zanzibar is in a malaria area and you
need to take precautionary measures. Prophylaxis is most probably the better
option. But, also use repellents and other precautionary measures.
6.
SUNSCREEN
Zanzibar
is absolutely blessed with sunshine an almost continuous 10 months a year.
Combine this with being at sea level and only a few hundred miles south of the
Equator – you can get sunburn in 10 minutes. Trust me. I know.
Getting
lots of episodes of burnt skin and peeling can greatly increase your chances of
getting skin cancer. Please cover up with good quality sunscreen anytime you
are out and about here.
7.
SEA URCHINS
When
the tide goes out, there is a huge stretch of sand and rocks left bare which
allows you to walk out to the edge of the reef. A lovely walk, barefoot in the
sand, but beware!
Firstly
there is lots of spinney sea urchins, so barefoot isn’t a good idea! Secondly, it
is further than it looks. This means that, if you happen to be out as far as
you can go when the tide turns; the water starts to get deep pretty quickly. Ok
if you are a good swimmer, not so good if you’re not.
8.
FALLING COCONUTS
If
you spend some time on a beach in Zanzibar (and almost every visitor does), be
careful where you sit. A palm tree may provide some welcome shade, but a
coconut landing on your head could cause major injury, possibly even death.
Locals
are pretty vigilant in checking the trees regularly and picking any coconuts
that appear ready to drop, but even so avoid sitting beneath any that has nuts
on them.
9.
PAPASI
Street
Touts are often called ‘Beach Boys’ even when they are 40-50 years old. The
local name for them is ‘Papasi’ the Swahili word for ticks. So what do they
want? Most are friendly, definitely persistent and can be downright helpful
sometimes. They will approach you just about anywhere. If you truly do not want
any service of any kind, then be prepared. Here are services they can provide:
•
Tour of Stone Town
•
Other tours (Jozani Forrest, Spice Tour, Prison Island, etc.)
•
Souvenir SHOPS/crafts
•
Taxi
•
Hotel
•
Help with bags
•
Directions to a specific place (they walk you there)
Be
polite. If you tell them ‘I already have’ and list several of the items above,
they start to realise that you know how things work. I ‘hired’ one, or he hired
me and I paid $7 for a 2 hour tour of Stone Town. I was shown everything and
had a fascinating explanation of local life. They work on a commission. So if
you go to ‘my brother’s shop’ and you buy something they get paid a small
amount by the shop owner later. Always keep some small coins on hand. If you
get lost or really need help you’d be able to give them a small reward for
their assistance.
10. TOP
TIP
You
can get to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam very easily by ferry.
The service leaves four times a day and costs around $35-40, you can travel
first class for just $5 more. Beware of touts around the port and make sure you
get your ticket from a valid vendor. It is possible to do the return journey in
one day, if you like.
11.
EXIT
If
you leave Zanzibar via some unorthodox way, say by ship other than the
Pemba/Dar ferries or catamarans, ensure you get an exit stamp at the
immigration office. Especially if you leave for another country, such as Kenya
or Mozambique, South Africa etc. Explain to the officers at immigration your
situation and they will do their best.
Source:info@afrotourism.com