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TRAVEL TIPS. REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to Tanzania (except citizens of the Commonwealth and other specified countries) require a valid passport and visa. Visas can be obtained from any Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or consulate or from main Tanzania entry points. Applicants can also write to the Principal Immigration Officer, PO Box 512, Dar es Salaam and request the required documents. Visitors entering Tanzania through a point where no immigration officer is on duty must report to the nearest immigration office within 24 hours of entry. CUSTOMS
Personal effects including: binoculars, cameras, and film may be imported temporarily free of duty. A customs bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit. Liquor (1 pint) tobacco (200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams) are tax free for individuals of 16 years and older. Visitors buying valuable gems, skin articles, makonde carvings and other local handcrafts must keep cash sales receipts for presentation to customs officials on departure.
TRAVEL FEES
An airport tax in convertible foreign currency is levied on all visitors departing the country. Baggage is weighed at check-in counters and is subject to inspection by customs officials.
HEALTH
Visitors originating from countries with possible exposure to cholera and yellow fever should travel with valid vaccination certificates. Mosquito control efforts and the high altitude of Northern Tanzania greatly reduce the risks of contracting Malaria. It is recommended visitors consult with their medical professional before traveling. A preventative treatment plan may be necessary before, during and after the trip.
CLOTHING
Informal attire is appropriate on safari and on the coast. Clothing should be light-weight and light in color on safari. Warm clothing is recommended in the evenings and particularly in higher altitudes. Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro areas, Usambara and the Southern Highlands are areas where warmer clothing may be needed. Low-heeled walking shoes are recommended. Other accessories like a hat, sunglasses, swimsuits, flashlight, and insect repellent will be useful. ZANZIBAR What is Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches the coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone town.
Weather & Climate
Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year. The heat of summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. This is illustrated statistical weather information shown below. Zanzibar is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily. Short rains can occur in November but are characterised by short showers which do not last long. The long rains normally occur in April and May although this is often referred to as the 'Green Season', and it typically doesn't rain every day during that time.
Wildlife
There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by 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 colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili.(known locally as Kiswahili), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birth place of the language Food
Lobsters, kingfish, prawns, octopus, crabs and squid are just a few of the many types of seafood on offer. It is not surprising that Zanzibar's specialities are centered around what is available locally, so take full advantage of the variety of spicy seafood dishes on offer. Coconut also features in many dishes.
Stone Town
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.
Prison Island
Once the site of a goal for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing.
It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can
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