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.

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

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, that is covering shoulders and legs to 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.
Zanzibar 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 and 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.

MONEY MATTERS
The unit of local currency is the Tanzania Shilling (T Sh). American dollars in cash or travelers cheques are acceptable in many places around town. There are many Bureaux de Change around Stone Town, which offer reasonable rates and are usually faster than banks. Recommended bureaux for changing money are located in Malindi, Shangani, or ask Festival Staff for help and directions. The exchange rate is more favourable for cash, and at June 2001 the rate is just above 830/- T Sh for one US dollar, or 1,200/- for £1 Sterling. 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 as:
• wood carved doors and chests
• embroidered kofia, hats as worn traditionally by muslim men
• kanga cloths (women) and kikoi (men) worn as a skirt or wrap
• tie and dye and batik materials and tablecloths
•‘tinga tinga’ paintings
•‘mkeka’ woven mats
• incense (‘udi’) and candle pottery
• Zanzibar spice baskets
• soaps, scented oils
• women’s henna body painting - available in boutiques around Stone Town
• woven baskets (‘mkoba’)
• recordings of local music, eg taarab

CLIMATE
Long rains are March to May, cool dry season is June to October, short rains October to November and hot dry season December to March. Average daily temperature is about 80F / 26C, with 7-8 hours of sunshine

WEATHER FORECAST FOR ZANZIBAR

STONE TOWN
Stone Town holds magic and mystery. Shafts of bright light joust with deep shadows creating a fascinating world within its narrow streets, built for pedestrian traffic. The streets wind between tall buildings, opening unexpectedly into ornamental squares that endow the town with gathering points for local people as well as atmosphere of Arabian Nights charm.
Stone Town was declared a Conservation area in 1988, although several individual buildings had already been declared national monuments well before then. These sights included the Turkish Bath (Hamamni) built by Persians in the 1870s and the Omani Fort (Ngome Kongwe), where the Festival Office is housed, which was built on the site of a Portuguese Fort destroyed in 1753. Other national monuments include the House of Wonders and the Cathedrals as mentioned above.The old town of Stone Town is roughly the shape of a triangle, bordered on two sides by the Indian Ocean and the eastern side by Creek Road. Walking from one side of the old city to the other takes about 15 minutes, unless you are a beginner in which case it could easily take several hours. Maps are available at any tourist shop. Main Festival venues are centered around The Old Fort, House of Wonders and Forodhani Gardens, whose waterfront make a pleasant place to spend hours of an evening at any time of year, with the local traders selling freshly cooked kebabs, seafood, breads, chai and sugar cane juice.

 Back To Top