GENERAL INFORMATION
- English is the official language. Swahili, the local language is widely spoken.
- Time is 1 hour ahead of South Africa.
- Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas; it is prohibited in indoor public areas.
WHAT THINGS COST
- Bottle of water USD2 / Soft Drink USD3
- Beer USD5 / Bottle of wine USD 10-15
- Light lunch USD20 / Dinner USD35-40
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
- DON’T buy anything that comes from the sea such as large shells, turtle shells or pieces of coral from the street or beach vendors. Buying such items encourages the destruction of the country’s fragile marine eco-system.
- DO ask for permission from locals before taking their pictures.
- Ramadan is a holy month in the religion of Islam, when Muslims are not allowed to eat during daylight. Please respect this and do not eat or drink in public places over this time.
PLASTIC BAGS NOW BANNED IN ZANZIBAR:
Visitors are asked to refrain from bringing any plastic bags onto the island. This includes all the duty-free plastic shopping bags en route to Zanzibar. Please kindly discard all plastic bags beforehand and help save our planet!
GOOD BUYS
Spices; fabrics; Tingatinga paintings; wooden chests; other handcrafts from Zanzibar and Tanzania. Bargaining is customary in markets. Do not buy products made from shells, coral or other sea creatures etc.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Stone Town; unspoilt marine environment; Prison Island; beaches of East Coast, Nungwi and Vumawimbi; coral gardens of Pemba Island; Jozani Forest; Ndume Ruins; Pemba Channel (fishing); House of Wonders museum; old Arab forts; colourful markets; Sultan's Palace; Forodhani Gardens; Anglican Cathedral; Darajani Market; Hamamni Persian Baths; Livingstone House; Old Dispensary; Peace Memorial Museum; People's Palace; St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral; Kizimkazi Mosque; Zanzibar Butterfly Centre.
