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GETTING TO ZANZIBAR
Presently Ethiopian Airlines, KLM (in partnership with Kenya Airways)
and Emirates offer international scheduled flights to Zanzibar.
Dar Es Salaam is also served by British Airways, Emirates Airlines,
South African Airways, Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines
as well as Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Air India, Air Malawi, and others.
Dar Es Salaam is only a short trip by sea or by air from Zanzibar
and there are regular scheduled daily flights (app. 70 US$ one way),
small charters and fast boats (35 US one way)
Italy, Israel, Switzerland and Germany have charter flights directly
on Zanzibar during the high seasons (July to Sept and December/January).
There are particularly frequent rapid direct flights from Italy, both
from Milan Malpensa and from Rome Fiumicini. Both these airports are
well connected to other cities in Europe by charter and scheduled
airlines and may offer a viable alternative to scheduled flights with
stop overs. |
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FACTS ON ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar is an island partner within the United Republic of Tanzania,
located in the Indian Ocean about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania
at six degrees south of the Equator. Zanzibar is made up of many islands,
the main two being Unguja (sometimes called Zanzibar) and Pemba.
The highest point is 390 feet above sea level.
HISTORY
Zanzibar has lured traders, adventurers, plunderers and explorers
to its shores for centuries. The Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Phoenicians,
Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and English
have all been here at one time or another. Some, particularly the Shirazi
Persians and Omani Arabs, stayed to settle and rule. With this influence,
Zanzibar has become predominantly Islamic (97%) - the remaining 3% is
made up of Christians, Hindus and Sikhs. The earliest visitors to Zanzibar
were Arab traders who are said to have arrived in the 8th century. The
earliest building that remains on Zanzibar is the mosque at Kizimkazi,
which dates from 1107, and is a present-day tourist attraction.
For centuries the Arabs sailed with the monsoon winds from
Oman to trade primarily in ivory, slaves and spices. The two main islands,
Unguja (normally known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, provided an ideal
base for the Omani Arabs, being relatively small, and therefore fairly
easy to defend. Indeed, in 1832, Sultan Seyyid Said, of the Busaid dynasty
that had emerged in Oman, moved his Sultanate from Muscat to Zanzibar,
perhaps making it easier to protect, where he and his descendants ruled
for over 130 years. Most of the wealth lay in the hands of the Arab community,
who were the main landowners at that time. They kept themselves to themselves,
and generally did not intermarry with the Africans.
This was not true of the Shirazi Persians who came from
the Middle East to settle on the East African coast. The story goes that
in AD 975, Abi Ben Sultan Hasan of Shiraz in Persia (now Iran) had a terrible
nightmare in which a rat devoured the foundations of his house. He took
this as an omen that his community was to be devastated. Others in the
Shirazi court ridiculed the notion, but Sultan Hasan, his family and some
followers obviously took it very seriously and they decided to migrate.
They set out in seven dhows into the Indian Ocean but were caught in a
huge storm and separated. Thus, landfalls were made at seven different
places along the East African coast, one of which was Zanzibar, and settlements
began.
Widespread intermarriage between Shirazis and Africans gave
rise to a coastal community with distinctive features, and a language
derived in part from Arabic, which became known as Swahili. The name Swahili
comes from the Arab word sawahil, which means 'coast'. The Zanzibar descendants
of this group were not greatly involved in the lucrative slave, spice
and ivory trades. Instead, they immersed themselves mainly in agriculture
and fishing. Those Shirazi that did not intermarry retained their identity
as a separate group. Two smaller communities were also established. Indian
traders arrived in connection with the spice and ivory trade, and quickly
settled as shopkeepers, traders, skilled artisans and professionals. The
British became involved in missionary and trading activities in East Africa,
and attempting to suppress the slave trade centred in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar was once one of Africa's most prosperous countries.
The spices that it grew, so desired by the rest of the world, made it
so. The wealth derived from the spice trade was augmented by the slave
trade, indeed the spices and the slaves went hand-in-hand as Zanzibar's
spice plantations depended on slave labor, and there are still sad relics
of this trade in human flesh to be found on the island. Furthermore, Zanzibar
was one of the most important ports in Africa.
Goods from Britain docked here before they
moved on to other parts of Africa. No longer very prosperous in the fiscal
sense, the island has a wealth of historical monuments to visit which
commemorate the African, British and particularly Arab influences- sultan's
palaces, cathedrals, mosques, fortresses and old colonial houses. "Spice
Tours" are the ideal way to see the island's historic sites and spice
plantations. There is also a sanctuary for the rare Zanzibar duiker and
the red colobus monkey in the protected Jozani Forest, just twenty-five
kilometers from the town.
LANGUAGE
The main language is Kiswahili. Even if you only use a few words whilst
you are in Zanzibar you will make many friends. English is widely spoken
and many people also speak Arabic. Other European languages such as French
and Italian are known by some local people, especially around the tourist
areas.
POPULATION
The combined population of Zanzibar including Pemba is approx 1,000,000.
RELIGION
About 95% of the local population is Muslim. The remainder are Hindu or
Christian and some with traditional beliefs. As well as many many mosques,
Stone Town hosts an Anglican and a Catholic Cathedral and a Hindu Temple.
TIME DIFFERENCE
3 hours ahead of GMT.
ELECTRICITY
Power system is 220-240 volts ac, plugs 13amp usually square pin. Please
beware that the solar power supply in the Evergreen hotel only generates
12 Volt, and only powers the lights.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The population of Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim with a rich Swahili
culture. Because of religious and cultural traditions dress code is important,
and men and women should dress appropriately when away from the beach,
ie covering shoulders and legs too below the knees. Beachwear on the beach
is fine, although nude or topless bathing is not tolerated.
When in villages or in Stone Town wearing beach wear would (and does)
cause offence. Try to wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing when
in public.
Zanzibari people are generally very warm, open and hospitable, and your
respect for permission before taking photographs or filming local people
is appreciated. Do not take photos or film at sensitive government sites
including the State House, seaport, airport or military sites. If uncertain,
it is always better to ask.
Public consumption of alcohol is not permissible, except in hotels and
tourist areas, bars and some restaurants, where it is no problem.
Public displays of affection such as kissing are not customary and generally
considered offensive, unless behind closed doors.
Local customs should respected. Mosques are sacred places an there is
generally no entry to non-Muslims, unless accompanied by a person of the
faith who can show you around except during the times for congregational
prayer, which are five times daily.
When offering or accepting things, try and remember to offer and receive
with your right hand. This is the hand which should also be used for eating.
CLIMATE
Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year,
with the exception of April and May, which are seasonally subject to the
long rains. Short rains can occur in November but are characterized by
short showers, which do not last long.
The heat of summer is seasonally often calmed by windy conditions,
resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East
coast. Being near the equator, the islands are warm all year round but
officially summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar
is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily.
SEASONS
SUMMER - November to May Hot, some humidity with rains in November,
May and June.
WINTER - June to October Warm with rains in June, otherwise sunny.
BEST - December to March and July to October
MONEY MATTERS
The unit of local currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TSh). 1 Euro=1070
Tsh, 1 US$= 1010 Tsh (Febr.2003). American dollars in cash or travellers
cheques are acceptable in many places around town. Credit cards are still
almost unknown in Zanzibar, and if you do manage to find a place to use
them there will usually be a surcharge of at least 10%. Bartering about
prices is common in Zanzibar marketplaces. Hotel, restaurant and tour
operator prices are generally non-negotiable.
SHOPPING
A variety of locally produced crafts can be found in the shops and
bazaars of StoneTown. Buying such goods benefits the local community so
we encourage you to look out for such goodies.
PASSPORTS&VISAS
All visitors must have a valid passport and visa to enter Tanzania.
Visa fees vary according to the country you originate from. Visas can
be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Representatives abroad.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
There is no need for an international certificate of vaccination
against Yellow Fever anymore!
Anti-malaria medication is recommended when traveling within
East Africa. Anti-malaria tablets are recommended to be taken a few days
prior to arrival, during your stay and for a short period after returning
home.
AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
Airport departure tax of 20 US$ per person on international flights
is to be paid in cash only. In some cases some airlines include
the departure tax in their ticket price. Please check with your
travel agent.
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