Travel Info
- CAPITAL: Zanzibar City (on island of Unguja)
- SIZE: 2461 sq. km
- POPULATION: Approx 1,1 million. Zanzibar consists of a multiracial and multicultural community. It is a society of many faiths and of different origins. Please dress accordingly as to respect Muslim beliefs (99% population is Muslim).
- CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling (Tzh) - Please inform yourself in advance as the rate fluctuates. US Dollars are also widely accepted (please be aware that dollar notes printed before 2003 are usually not accepted). Money can be changed freely at the banks in Stonetown. ATM’s are not always reliable and sometimes break down or run out of money. Some bigger hotels do accept credit cards but it will be an extra fee required.
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport or Travel Document which is valid for not less than six months issued by a State or an International Organization recognized by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. Also a valid Visa (for nationals whose country requires visa) which is purchased upon arrival. The cost for the Visa is US$50 or €50 to be paid onsite at arrival and either in cash or with credit card (prefer cash again…) !.
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Kiswahili, English and Arabic.
- TIME ZONE: GMT + 3
- ELECTRICITY: 220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz
- TELEPHONE: + 255 plus code number, followed by 6-digit local number
- CLIMATE/CLOTHING:The Zanzibar archipelago is a tropical island and its climate is subject to the whims of monsoon winds- it can get humid in the low season but you will never be cold !
- HEALTH & SAFETY:Visitors to Zanzibar are no longer required by law to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Malaria is not a big issue anymore and it is said that the coasts are malaria free. However, precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets at night. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings. Sunstrokes and heat exhaustion are common, so drink sufficient water, wear sensible clothing and use a high-factor sunscreen.
- TRANSFER: The transfer from Airport in Stonetown to Paje takes 1h.
