A paradise called Zanzibar
If we had to say three words that define Africa, perhaps we would say landscape and therefore beauty, fauna, which is equivalent to life, and ethnic groups or what is the same, culture. But beyond what makes it famous, there are those places that are sometimes left a little more forgotten for those who travel to the continent to enjoy a good safari in the parks of Kenya or Tanzania or a trek on Kilimanjaro. Nowadays, Africa is also a perfect destination for its beaches and its incredible seabeds such as those of the Indian Ocean.
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Zanzibar
The transparency of its waters, its great diversity of landscapes, and its white sand beaches define Zanzibar as the jewel of Africa. Together with the neighboring islands, they form one of the best places in Africa, if not the best, to spend a perfect vacation, sunbathing, diving or doing various activities. Known as “The Spice Island,” Zanzibar is not forgotten.
Who lives there
Zanzibar is an island that has a population of just over 1 million inhabitants. Most of them are located in the western part of the island, in Zanzibar and in Stone Town.
The majority of the population of Zanzibar is Muslim although there are also Christian and Hindu minorities.
Temperature
The Zanzibar archipelago is subject to an equatorial climate characterized by two rainy seasons: the largest (masika) runs from March to May and the smaller (vuli) from mid-October to December. Between the two there is a dry season, mainly from June to October. The month of February is the hottest.
In any case, rainy days do not exceed 10 days per month. The average temperature remains between 24ºC and 28ºC, with maximums of 32ºC between January and March and minimums of 22ºC between July and October, thus defining a pleasant climate throughout the year, ideal for diving and the beach. The months with the best weather in Zanzibar are the months of January and February and June to October.
How to get
Zanzibar has an airport with international connections. If you come from Tanzania you can also take a boat from the port of Dar es Saalam.
Documentation for the trip
Visas and Customs: Visitors need a valid passport and visa for their stay. The visa can be obtained at the embassy or at land or air entry points. We always recommend checking updated information with the embassy or your travel agency. Currently the visa costs $50.
Useful information
Time zone : GMT + 3
Total area : 2461 square kilometers
Population : 1.1 million
Currency : The Tanzanian shilling can be exchanged freely. Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments; Visa and Master Card are the most accepted cards.
Religion : Islam predominates although it coexists with other religions. The population is multicultural and multiracial due to its multiple origins.
Geography : Zanzibar is an island near the coast of Tanzania. It can be reached directly from many international airports, and there are also regular flights from Dar es Salaam.
Language : Swahili is the official language, although English is widespread. In Swahili the terms "Swahili" and "Kiswahili" are interchangeable although the former is usually used to designate the population and the latter for the language.
Electricity : 230 volts, AC, 50 Hz. Three-prong plugs can be round or square, fused or unfused.
Useful expressions
Welcome to Zanzibar! – Karibu Zanzibar!
Speak English? – Unasema Kiingereza?
Hello – Jambo!
No problem – Hakuna matata!
Thank you very much – Asante Sana
Very good – Pamoja Sana