Zanzibar

The people of Zanzibar are predominantly Muslim, about 95% of the population being followers of Islam. Swahili is the official and national language of Tanzania but English is also spoken widely in Zanzibar. The local economy is based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. The population of the archipelago is estimated at over 800,000 of which approximately 100,000 call Stone Town home. Most of the population lives in the more fertile regions of the north and west. The eastern part of the island is arid and covered in coral making it unattractive for farming, but the beaches and the reefs on the eastern coasts make them ideal for fishing villages, tourist guesthouses, and resorts.The literacy rate in Zanzibar is very high.

Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the equator and so enjoys a tropical climate. On average the island is bathed with 7-8 hours of sunshine daily, a perfect remedy for the winter blues. The long rains, known as mwaka, arrive in March and last until late May or June.

January - March hot, dry and sunny with little rainfall.

April - June Rainy season, warm with large amount of rainfall

July - October Warm, sunny with cold winds

November -December short rains in November otherwise hot and sunny

General

Religion: Muslim & Christianity

Time zone: + 3 hrs GMT

Average Rainfall: 165 cm or 65 inches

Average Temperature: 26 C or 79 F

Electricity: 220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz. British Style 3 point sockets

Currency. Tanzanian Shilling TSH

Approximate Exchange rate: $1 = 1000 TSH

Please refrain from buying large shells, turtle shells, or pieces of coral from street or beach vendors. These are mostly taken from endangered reefs and marine species and buying them only encourages the destruction of Zanzibar’s ocean fauna.

Please do not walk around stone Town or other towns and villages in Zanzibar dressed in bikinis, miniskirts or similar clothing. Modest dress is requested of all tourists in keeping with the Islamic faith of most of the island’s inhabitants. Women should cover their shoulders and wear trousers or skirts that reach below the knee. Men should not walk without t-shirts.

Please refrain from topless bathing on the beaches of Zanzibar. Bikinis and swim wear are acceptable on tourist beaches, but not if there are fishermen or seaweed harvesters nearby.

Please be careful about walking on the beach or on deserted parts of the island late at night or early in the morning. DON’T carry valuables on the beach or walk alone.

Under no circumstances accept tours or transport from unlicensed ‘beach boys’– their services are illegal and unreliable. In recent months there has been an alarming increase in the number of robberies by unlicensed tour operators, only use reputable tour agencies.

During the holy month of Ramadan, while Muslims are fasting, it is considered the height of bad manners to eat, smoke or drink on the street or in public places.

Please ask permission before taking pictures of people or private houses.

Zanzibar is a Moslem society,although alcohol is freely available on the islands, drunken behavior is not regarded with tolerance but is considered offensive by most people.

Please refrain from giving presents of money to children as this will encourage begging