Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar is a must do destination, with exquisite beaches, turquoise water, and incredible people from a variety of cultures
Zanzibar is an insular autonomous region of Tanzania. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres off the coast of the mainland and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town as World Heritage Site. Zanzibar’s main industries are spices (which include cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper), raffia, and tourism.
Being situated 6° south of the Equator just off the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa means the islands of Zanzibar enjoy a warm equatorial climate with reasonably constant daytime temperatures of 26°C. The rainy season tends to be between March and Mid May; however, it is still nice and hot over this period and provides tourists with excellent value for money.
Zanzibar has so much to do. One can visit the culturally rich Stone Town and learn about the very interesting history of Zanzibar. Visit the Freddy Mercury Museum while you are there and swing past the market to buys some spices and saffron. Visit the beautiful beaches of Nungwi in the North which is full of things to do like restaurants, dive centres and water sports. Sail on a Dow and go for a private lunch on a beautiful island after swimming in a secret location in the Mangroves and snorkelling off the disappearing island. Hopefully you have some luck and see the dolphins on the way there.
If you are looking for an all-inclusive beach destination, which offers exceptional value for money, a short easy flight from SA and Visa less entry for SA citizens, amazing entertainment in the evening and a magnificent landscape full of heritage and culture, Zanzibar does tick all the boxes.
10 Things you need to Know about Zanzibar:
- Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the band Queen, was born in Zanzibar in 1946. His birth name was Farouk Bulsara.
- Zanzibar is a year-round destination temperature-wise with average daytime highs between 28C and 32C and night-time lows between 20C and 25C. February is the most humid month, while March to May are the wettest.
- Zanzibar was the first country in Africa to introduce colour television – in 1973.
- The capital of Zanzibar is not Stone Town, as some believe, it’s Zanzibar City. Stone Town is the historic town within Zanzibar City, famed for its labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and ancient spice markets.
- Zanzibar is popularly called The Spice Islands, due its main economic activity after tourism being spice exports – mainly cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper.
- Zanzibar is – or was – home to the Zanzibar Leopard. This beautiful wild cat is classed as “possibly extinct”, as none have been spotted in several years. According to local legend, several young Zanzibar Leopards were captured on mainland Tanzania and brought over the island as an exotic addition to the Sultan of Zanzibar’s palace. But as the leopards grew and ferocity, they were released into the Jozani Forest, where they bred. Sadly, they were hunted into (possible) extinction and the Jozani Forest is now best known for its rare Red Colobus Monkeys.
- I would recommend taking out insurance: (https://www.hollardti.com/Agent/LogOn/671864a9-11d3-43e9-bf45-35bb7bff4577).
- With living reefs surrounding the islands, Zanzibar is a prime dive destination. The water temperature is warm, visibility is usually excellent, currents are weak and there’s an abundance of colourful fish, all of which contributes to an ideal location for first time and novice divers.
- The electricity on Zanzibar is the standard 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz, as found in South Africa and most places in the world. The 2-point plugs found in RSA will connect to the electricity plugs found on Zanzibar, but an adaptor will be needed for the 3-point plugs.
- Passengers 18 years of age are permitted to bring the following into Zanzibar: 250g of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco (combined weight) 1 litre of spirits or wine.
Items you must pack:
- Hat & sunglasses
- Bikini/swimsuit and sarong
- Sunscreen (it’s expensive there)
- Short’s & flip flops
For recommendations on hotels, excursions, restaurants and things to do and see contact us on: info@vacationcentre.co.za
With our first-hand experience we will give you the best advice to have a fabulous time in Zanzibar!