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Getting to Zanzibar by Air
From the Rest of the World
At present, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offer international scheduled
flights to Zanzibar. Several large carriers fly into Dar es Salaam, which is
only a short trip by air or sea from Zanzibar. Amongst them are British Airways,
Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines and Swiss.
From the Rest of Africa
Kenya Airways, Precision Air and Ethiopian Airlines have regular flights to
Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam is also served by them, as well as Air Zimbabwe, Egypt
Air, Air Malawi, South African Airways, 1Time, British Airways and others.
Domestic Flights
Precision Air and Coastal Aviation offer a range of scheduled flights between
Zanzibar and Tanzania's main cities.
Getting to Zanzibar by Sea
There are several sea ferry companies that ply the waters between Zanzibar and
Dar es Salaam. The largest of these is Azam Marine. You can book ferry tickets
through a local tour operator. Links to these companies can be found in the
Touring Zanzibar section of this website.
Maps of Zanzibar
Weather and Climate
General
Time Zone
GMT + 3
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh)
Approximate exchange rate
US$ 1 = 1,400 Tanzanian Shillings = 100 cents
Official languages
Kiswahili & English
Electricity
220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Religion
Predominantly Islam
International Dialing code
+ 255 24, followed by 7-digit local number
Visas and Entry Requirements
All visitors require a passport, valid for the duration of their stay.
Preparations are under way for visitors to obtain visas at any entry point, and
this time-saving facility is available to visitors arriving at Zanzibar
International Airport. Other points in Tanzania currently offering visa on entry
are Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports, and Namanga on the
road border between Tanzania and Kenya. Nationals of some countries do not
require visas, so it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy,
High Commission or Consulate prior to visiting. Key Tanzanian diplomatic
missions:
Tanzania High Commission
43 Hertford Street
London W1Y 7FF
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 20 7491 3600
Tanzanian Embassy
2139 R Street NW
Washington DC 20008
United States
Tel: + 1 202 9396128
Latest entry requirements, and visa information can be found at the Tanzania
High Commission (London, UK) web-site.
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
centred around what is available locally, so take full advantage of the variety
of spicy seafood dishes on offer. Coconut also features in many dishes.
Help us preserve Zanzibar's magic
Zanzibar is unspoilt by the unpleasant effects of mass tourism - the number of
visitors to the island is still low, but has been on the rise throughout the
1990's. It is our hope that increases in tourism do not impact adversely on the
magic of Zanzibar, and we humbly ask all visitors to follow a handful of
guidelines, ensuring they will not offend the traditional values of the local
people or harm the environment in any way. It is typical of the Zanzibaris'
friendly nature that they will not harass you for infringing these guidelines,
but you should be aware that this is merely politeness, and is not an excuse for
ignoring them!
•Please ensure that you dress modestly when off the beach. Women should not
expose too much leg and chest, and topless sunbathing is also strongly
discouraged.
•If you have children and are bringing them to Zanzibar, please make sure that
they don't display their expensive toys in front of their Zanzibari
contemporaries. This may instill a false sense of values in the local children,
whose parents are unlikely to be able to afford such luxuries.
•If you are diving or snorkelling, you may be tempted to collect some pretty
shells from Zanzibar's many coral reefs. Please do not, as this kills entire
reefs, the devastating effects of which can be seen in the well-trodden areas of
East African coast. Although there are shell sellers, you are asked not to buy
shells from them, as it simply encourages this harmful industry.
•Zanzibar is an amazingly photogenic place, but if you want to take photographs
of people, please ask their permission first out of courtesy.
•If you are non-Muslim, then please do not enter any of Zanzibar's many mosques.
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