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Home | Facts about Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR  IN BRIEF 

The Islands can be described as the ancient Island at the same time known as the
(SPICE ISLAND) of the Indian Ocean. The clove trees which were introduced to the Island in 19th century, between 1820 – 1830 proved successful and in short period of time, the Island became an important commercial center internationally. Today there are still large clove trees which perfumes the Island evening breezes. In the Long run the Island has been renamed as Zanzibar  from its original name which is

SPICE ISLAND.

Zanzibar and its sister island, Pemba, lie in the Indian Ocean. Some 6o South of the Equator and just over 20 miles from the East African Coast.  The Island has an area of 640 miles and around its coast the long white sandy beaches slope gently into clear blue water, contrasting well with the abundant greenery of the interior.

History of this Islands –The Cosmopolitan Zanzibarians are colourful blend of peoples of different races,Cultures and religions,though Islamic takes 95% majority,back to the history of Island  came Sumerians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Arab, Chinese and many others. These came to the Islands in different motives such as missionaries, explorers and traders from this shore the great African explorers as Burton, Stanley, Spike, Vasco Da Gama, Grant and Dr. David Livingstone set out on their journeys of discovery. The Island became the focus and notorious of the slave trade in the 18th century.
Even though it was also one time as a Centre for the move slavery abolished.

On the 6th June 1873 slavery was abolished after Sultan decree and the Slave market was closed The Slave Market was just an open space surrounded by many small houses. After the abolishment of the slave trade , the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ was built in the same sport. Bishop Edward Steer was the founder and supervising all the work.

By the middle 19th century, the Arabs influence was so strong that the Sultan of Oman moved his capital to the Spice Island of Zanzibar.In 1890 the Sultanate became a British Protectorate, and in 1964 Zanzibar gained its independence and this was after the blood revolution which was carried by majority of people of Zanzibar on 12th January 1964.

ARCHITECTURE:  The different races that settled in Zanzibar over the centuries have left their mark on both the people and the architecture. Castellated buildings with arches are Moorish in its origin.

The simple stucco work in the Kidichi Persian baths reminds one of the former Persian princes, and as one walks through the cool narrow streets of the old Stone town of Zanzibar can admire the Arabs brass-studded old carved doors of which some of them have inscription of the whole Quran on the Top.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

AIRPORT/PORT DEPARTURE TAX:
International – Airport                                                                   US$  30.00
Domestic –      Port (Non-Residents)                                               US$    5.00
Domestic –      Airport                                                                   TSHS 6000
Domestic –      Port (Residents/ Non Residents)                      Included in the tickets

BANKS/BUREAU DE CHANGE/SHOPS:

BANKS                                                       

08H00 – 16H00 – MONDAYS-FRIDAYS

08H00 – 13H00 – SATURDAYS

CLOSED              - SUNDAYS

BUREAU DE CHANGE

08H00-17H00 – MONDAYS-SUNDAYS

SHOPS

09H00-17H00 – MONDAYS-SUNDAYS                                                        

CLIMATE:  Hot/dry, and during periods humid.
December – March, the North-East monsoon – hot and comparatively dry.
April-May – heavy rains. (masika)
June-October – cool and dry.
November-December – short interval rains.

CLOTHING:  Dress codes are relaxed in Zanzibar – but, Zanzibar is a Muslim orientated Culture and Country looking like predominate Muslim state on its mode of dress. It is not a must to wear Muslim code of dress but ,it is highly recommended that while visiting Zanzibar it is better to have  clothes that practical comfortable. But there is no law threatens any one to where short or tight and short sleeve. Zanzibarians are very friendly especial when you respect their culture.

So do not be confused with some unofficial news.

DRINKING WATER:  Bottled Mineral Water, recommended.

ELECTRICITY:  230/240 VOLTS 50Htz. Sockets for 3Pin square are applicable. It is advisable to bring your own adapter for video battery charger and appliances for 110-220V.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  A valid passport. Visa can be obtained at cost at entry points, namely Zanzibar Airport and Sea Port.

RESTAURANT:  Mercury – located at Forodhan garden facing Indian Ocean it serves Californian, Mediterranean and fresh opened daily.

PAGODA:   The only Chinese Restaurant.

236 Hurumzi (EMERSONS):   Located in one of the best site for viewing of the old stone town. The roof top has (majilis).
Monda recommend 236 Hurumzi for diner book 3 days before because it is always full booked.     

HEALTH:  Malaria is endemic in Africa and we stress the importance of taking prophylactics.
We suggest you consult your doctor for advice. Prophylactics should be taken before, during and after your visit as prescribed by your Doctor.

YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATE NO LONGER REQUESTED

INSURANCE:  Holiday Insurance is suggested to be taken to cover your luggage medical, theft and, holiday expenses.

LANGUAGE:  Kiswahili being the International Language for East Africa but French, Arab and English is spoken widely in Zanzibar.

CURRENCY:  Tanzania shillings as National Currency but also, all other major currencies, Cash, Visa/Master credit cards and authorized Traveler’s Cheques are also accepted.

SECURITY:  Zanzibar is no different from other parts of Africa or the World. Excessive displays of jewels or money will tempt undesirable elements. Do not leave valuables lying around, use the facilities provided by the hotels. Walking around in unfamiliar streets or places is not recommended.

TELECOMMUNIATIONS:  Facilities for International Telephone and Facsimile are available, but the charges and handling fees can be exorbitant as much as 50% more than the normal rates for the International calls and fax.

DRIVING:  Driving method is on the left. A valid International Driving License is necessary to undertake hired automobiles or motor-bikes.

A TOKEN OF ADVICE:  Our local people are always helpful and your patience will contributed by having a wonderful holiday.
 
Wildlife
There is no large wild animals in Zanzibar and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by the World rare spicies red colobus monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Civets - and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopard! Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkeling and scuba diving.
People, Religion and Language
Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colorful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 1, 0,000,000 with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City which has approximately 500,000 inhabitants. Zanzibar’s speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form of Swahili is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birth place of this language.

Culture and Festivals
Zanzibar's most famous event is the, also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries.  Every July, this event showcases the best of the Swahili Coast arts scene, including Zanzibar's favorite music, Taarab.

Government
Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania, and has its own semi-autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives. But remember Zanzibar is Country in the Country as It is still part of United Republic of Tanzania. The current Presdent for Tanzania is Hon. Jakaya Kikwete and that of the Zanzibar Government is President, Amani  Karume.  The government Authorities responsible for tourism activities and promotion is the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism and Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority.
Economy
Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people.
Zanzibar was once the world's largest producer of cloves, and her economy was based on large incomes thus derived. Although cloves are still a major export along with coconut products and spices, 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 120,000 annually).

EXCURSIONS:
Stone Town Of  Zanzibar
It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this
Handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.

Stone Town was recently and deservedly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
More information    can be found at the
Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centre in the Indian Ocean region. The coralline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to co-ordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence. Pictured opposite is a 'before and after' look at the restoration work done on the Old Dispensary. As a result of sensible policy, nearly all of the major hotels built in Stone Town are housed in renovated buildings.
As you walk through the town, please remember that Stone Town is very much a real community, where real people live and work. It is not a museum piece or theme park created for tourists, and sensitivity should be shown to the local people.
If you want to learn more about Stone Town, there are various ways to do it. You can either wander through the narrow streets by yourself armed with a map, or you can embark on a tour with one of the local tour operators.
HISTORICAL   SITES
The Old Dispensary (now known as the Stone Town Cultural Centre) is a grand four story building with a set of decorative balconies. It served as a dispensary during colonial times but fell into disrepair in the 1970's and 1980's. It is one of the Stone Town buildings that has been successfully restored, in this case with funding from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. It can be found on Zanzibar's seafront on Mizingani road.
Zanzibar Town market is a great place to visit even if you don't want to buy anything. It is a vibrant place where everything under the sun is bought and sold. People bring their produce here from all over the island, and other people come to buy things they can't get in their own villages. Of special interest is the huge selection of brightly coloured khangas (worn by the local women) and the auctions that are held regularly.
Livingstone's House was built around 1860 for Sultan Majid, and was used by many of the missionaries and explorers as a starting point. Most notably, Dr David Livingstone lived here before commencing his last journey (Expedition) to the Tanzania mainland interior in 1866.

The Peace Memorial Museum is an interesting look at Zanzibar's history. It has sections on archaeology, early trade, slavery, palaces, mosques, sultans, explorers (includes Dr Livingstone's medical chest), missionaries, colonial administrators, traditional crafts and household items, stamps, coins, fishing, and clove cultivation. Now under renovations.
The Palace Museum is a large white building with castellated battlements, and was built in the late 1890's for members of the Sultan's family. Originally called the Sultan's Palace, in 1911 it became the official residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar, but following the revolution in 1964, it was renamed the Peoples' Palace. In 1994, the palace was turned into a museum dedicated to the history of Zanzibar's Sultans which necessitated a third change of name to the Palace Museum. For the first time, visitors can see much of the Sultans' furniture and other possessions that survived the revolution.
The House of Wonders is a very large square-shaped building, with several stories, surrounded by tiers of pillars and balconies, and topped by a large clock tower. It was built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Bar hash and was the first in Zanzibar to have electric light and an electric lift. Not surprisingly, when it was built, the local people called it Beit el Ajaib, meaning the House of Wonders. Today, it is still one of the largest buildings in Zanzibar, and it has just gazetted and opened as the Zanzibar National Museum.
The Arab Fort is situated next to the House of Wonders and was built between 1698 and 1701 by the Busaidi group of Omani Arabs. It is a large building with high, dark brown walls. Topped by castellated battlements. The fort is open to visitors and now contains various shops and an open air theatre.