Zanzibar is a collection for Islands, off the shoreline of the giant Indian Ocean. The main two islands are Unguju and Pemba; each with amazing attractions. It is the place which has ever experienced the shortest war; about 45 minutes, between the sultans and the United Kingdom. The island is an all year-round destination, with temperatures ranging between 28”C and 32”C during daytime, and 20”C and 25”C; thus a reason for your visit as a family, group, solo or lovers, for honey moon, adventure or relaxation. It is in the island of Zanzibar where the first colored Television was watched.
Zanzibar’s capital city is called Zanzibar city, with the stone; which many people regard as the city being part of it. The languages commonly spoken are Swahili; a Bantu language spoken by most of the countries in African great lakes region, Arabic and English by a handful of Zanzibaris. The locals welcome and entertain visitors. Human settlement in the Island has been for over 20,000 years; right at the start of the Stone Age era.
Talking about having unforgettable safari holiday; where else could you be, if not Zanzibar? A spectacular destination in the continent of Africa; which for years has not lost its original identity and the ancient mark of spice plantations and the historical Arab infrastructure. Our experience in organizing and taking tourists to Zanzibar enables us confirm how Zanzibar island is remarkable in all its form.
We make a mention of the breathtaking ancient culture, happy people, luring beaches, and cool climate among others. Discover Zanzibar from the hidden to the known truth, with a wide range of holiday packages offered by a number of tour operators in and outside the island; but first, know what you have to know about Zanzibar through us in this piece of facts of Zanzibar Island. To settle the housing crisis in Zanzibar, an aid from East Germany in 1970s helped in the construction of the largest settlement house; namely the Michenzani flats in east Africa.
11 FACTS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE COMING TO ZANZIBAR.
Religion.
98% of Zanzibaris are Muslims, and the rest of the portion are Christians and other faiths. The cities and other parts of the island are dominated by mosques, and dotted cathedrals and churches. Once you are in Zanzibar, be conscious of Islam and thus control your actions wherever you are. Don’t drink recklessly or insult the natives by dressing half naked.
Food and drinks.
A taste of plantain, nutmeg, chapattis and several other island foods sold in the restaurants and streets only get better per each taste you make. Yes, the foods, including those at the sea are lip-smacking, and prepared using local knowledge. So all you must prepare for is a change of diet, to a much tastier cuisine.
We know that most people love alcohol, and these we appreciate, but as you visit Zanzibar, be informed that a few places sale Alcohol. And once you get into the place the alcohol is offered, drink responsibly because even the waiter serving you and your neighbor might not be drinkers.
Safety.
For years, Zanzibar, which once was a hub for slave trade has been and is always safe for travel. No fear of attacks, robbery and rebel activities, unless others. Be it that you are outside the tourist attraction, or in the streets, there is respect of life and visitors in this island.
Rhythm of Life.
Life is slow in the island, and no one seems to care about it. It is the system set from the ancient times that nothing worries a lot. Though you get into the restaurants, or eating points, with excellent service, time for service might delay, thus no need of rush once you land. Appreciate these people and their way of life. Just a handful of them leave a decent life.
Time.
Once at Zanzibar, you stop looking at things the normal way, including the time. Here you interpret time in Swahili rather that the English way. Instead of stating 1 o’clock as it is, you count it as 7 o’clock. There is a shift is timing zones, temperature and hours of the day. Most of the natives count the clock in Swahili so master the art before arriving at this place.
Dress code.
In Africa and Zanzibar in particular, a lot of value is attached to one’s outfit. Their place is not so modern thus wrapped into the ancient type of dressing. The other thing is that the dominant religion in the island is Islam, and as you know, veils, and long clothes is the order of the day. Except if you are in your hotel rooms, beaches, or private places, you are expected to be clad on clothes that don’t reveal your thies, breasts, chest, or back. Though you are not a Muslim, we would advise doing it the Islam way during the entire period of your stay.
Transport means.
From the main land Tanzania, or any of the East African countries, you can only access Zanzibar on air through a chattered flight or on water by a ferry. Once in Zanzibar, there are motorbikes, public taxis and buses that can take you to the attraction you are going to. A flight lasts for about 30 minutes to one hour, whereas the ferry which is cheaper and more exciting, lasting for approximately two hours. High-speed boats are affordable and fast and operate about four times a day.
National parks
There is only one national park in Zanzibar island; Jozani chwaka national park. Don’t expect lions, leopards, Buffalos among other mammals in this place, but rather the unique tree species, the rare red Colobus monkeys and several other monkey species. The park is relatively small, but very affordable and rewarding.
Money in Zanzibar.
As tourist, you may maintain the dollars for transactions once at the different destinations notably the hotels, lodges, or local attractions, however, we on the other had advice our clients to exchange their money to local currency to avoid situations of theft, over charge, and many more cases. Once the money is turned to local currency, transaction is made easy and better.
The Name of Zanzibar capital city
Though many refer stone town as Zanzibar capital, the fact is that it is not, the capital city is called Zanzibar city; with the stone as part of it. The city is vibrant, with active locals trading, going to the mosques, and engaging in several other activities.