Zanzibar: Indian Island Romance




Zanzibar is becoming one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa. Accommodation standards vary considerably from hotel to hotel, in particular in Stone Town. If guests are specifically looking for a beach holiday, we recommend that they stay somewhere along the South-east or south coast and possibly only spend one to two nights in Stone Town in order to do the various tours that are available. As a general rule once guests are settled at their coastal hotel they are reluctant to do the journey into town, however the various tours are offered from the hotels and are available should guests want to do them. We have sometimes found that guests have a very romantic view of Zanzibar and don't expect to come across beggars and dirty streets. It may be a suggestion to brief guests subtly on what to expect to avoid disappointment when they arrive. Zanzibar is a living island and has a great deal of charm but it is not immune to littering and poverty.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Climate
The average temperature is around 30°C and humid. The hot season is December to March with temperatures reaching 35°C. June to November is the best season to travel with the average temperature between 26°-28°C. Most of Zanzibar closes down for the annual monsoon season, which occurs in April and May.

Clothing
Zanzibar is primarily an Islamic country and modest clothing for women is recommended when in public. It is considered offensive for females to expose too much flesh. Clothing such as tank tops, bikinis and mini-skirts may be viewed as provocative and it is wise that women in particular dress with care when going out in public.

Lightweight, natural fabrics in neutral colours are the most comfortable and practical for the Zanzibar climate.  Sun block, hats and sunglasses help provide protection from the harsh sun.

Entry requirements
A Yellow Fever Certificate is essential for entry and if a Tanzanian visa is required for a particular nationality, the same requirement applies to Zanzibar. Please ensure that guests have the necessary documentation prior to departure on holiday to avoid unpleasantness and disappointment on arrival.

ACCESS

1. Coastal Air and Precision Air operate direct flights to Zanzibar International airport from Arusha on a daily basis that connects with RAS arriving from the Northern Safari Circuit.
2. Kenya Airways operates a direct flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar International airport.
3. Coastal Air and Precision Air operate daily flights from Dar es Salaam direct into Zanzibar International Airport.Air Tanzania operates flights once a day from Dar to Zanzibar on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  They run flights twice a day on Mondays and Thursdays.The ferry operates 2-3 times a day from the port in Dar es Salaam to the Zanzibar Port Authority.


Page: 2 ACTIVITIES
Historical Stone Town Tour - 3 hours: Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, this tour starts at the main city market, which was opened in 1904 and is still used by the local people to sell tropical fruits, veget ...