Zanzibar Archipelago Beach Holidays

When is the best time to visit on a Tanzania beach holiday?

The best time to go to Tanzania beaches. Usually, the dry season is recommended that runs from July to October. However, you will still have a marvelous time just outside these times (October and June), avoiding high season prices, and also from December – March is great – it could rain in short showers, but generally will be sunny and nice and lower prices on offer.

What are the Seasons in Zanzibar?

SUMMER – November to May Hot, some humidity with some rains in November, May and June.
WINTER – June to October Warm with rains in June, otherwise sunny.
BEST – December to March and July to October

For a classic African Safari, Tanzania offers some of the best safari options. As part of a Tanzania safari involves accommodation, we can arrange for all types of accommodation ranging from luxury to budget accommodation. There are various types of accommodation in the Zanzibar archipelago and other Indian Ocean destinations ranging from Bed and Breakfasts, inns, hotels and resorts. On a Zanzibar beach holiday, it is possible to stay in the historic Stone Town which allows you to experience the traditional setting with the narrow streets, carved doors, rooftop terraces, explore the local markets, ‘ngalawas’ (local dhows) floating by, and muezzins calling the faithful to prayer

In order to experience some bush and beach, it is possible to combine a Tanzania safari with a beach holiday either on the Swahili Coast (mainland Tanzania coastline), Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia. African Legends can easily make these arrangements for you, together with booking the relevant domestic flights.

THE ZANZIBAR HISTORY

Arab traders discovered the Islands and used them as a base for voyages between Africa, Asia and India. The Arabs settled in Stone Town out of convenience using it as a point from which they could trade with the east coastal towns. They traded in Spices, Ivory, and Slaves.

Plantations were developed to grow spices, hence the name ‘Spice Islands’ was coined. Zanzibar lured many traders, such as the Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, Greeks, Indians, Omanis, Persians, Portuguese, and eventually the British. The British were the ones who brought about the abolition of slave trade in the 19th century.

POPULATION

The combined population of Zanzibar including Pemba is approximately 1,000,000.

RELIGION

Religion was influenced by the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, British and the African mainland. About 95% of the local population is made up of conservative sunni Muslims. The remainder are Hindu or Christian and some follow traditional beliefs. As well as many mosques, Stone Town hosts an Anglican and a Catholic Cathedral and a Hindu Temple.

LANGUAGE

The main language spoken is Kiswahili. English is widely spoken and many people also speak Arabic. With the influx of tourism one may find other European languages such as French and Italian being spoken by some local people, especially around the tourist areas. Learning a few Swahili words whilst in Zanzibar may prove helpful in making many friends. (See: Swahili Phrases)

CURRENCY

The local unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh). American dollars in cash or travelers cheques are acceptable in many places. Credit cards are still almost unknown in Zanzibar, and if you do manage to find a place to use them there will usually be a surcharge of at least 10%. Bartering about prices is common in Zanzibar market places. Hotel, restaurant and tour operator prices are generally non-negotiable.

INSURANCE

It is essential that adequate travel insurance is taken out at the time of confirming your booking. This should cover any medical situation (such as hospitalization), as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and your baggage.

When you travel with African Legends, you are automatically covered by our emergency evacuation insurance, through AAR. This guarantees all reasonable, practical assistance in obtaining emergency medical services/ evacuation to hospital should you suffer either severe illness, or from an injury whilst traveling with us. As this is for EMERGENCY EVACUATION only it does not cover the cost of treatment once in hospital and it in no way replaces your normal travel insurance, which must be purchased prior to travel.

COMMUNICATION

A direct international dialing service is available from the major hotels. Both local and long distance calls are metered on a time basis and every second counts in terms of costs. Internet facilities are available in most major towns.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Although film is available at most hotels and supermarkets, it is recommended that you bring film and batteries with you.

WATER

Drink only boiled or bottled water or canned drinks

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +3

ELECTRICITY

Power system is 220-240 volts ac, plugs 13amp usually square 3-pin.

CLOTHING

When visiting Zanzibar, it is important for women to dress modestly out if respect for Muslim cultural beliefs, men should not wear shorts on the main island and women should wear dresses that cover the shoulders and knees.

SHOPPING

Locally crafted products can be found in shops and Bazaars in Stone Town. Local produce can be purchased in the local markets. Buying local goods benefits the community.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

All visitors must have a valid passport and visa to enter Tanzania. Visa fees vary according to the country you originate from. Visas can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Representatives abroad.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Visitors traveling to Tanzania need a valid international certificate for vaccination against Yellow Fever and Cholera. Anti-malaria medication is recommended when traveling within East Africa. Anti-malaria tablets are recommended to be taken a few days prior to arrival, during your stay and for a short period after returning home. Please consult your doctor no less than 10 days prior to travel. Pre-cautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: – insect repellent, wear long sleeved clothing and trousers in the evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX

Airport departure tax on international flights is to be paid in Cash USD Only. In some cases, some airlines include the departure Tax in their ticket price. Please check with your travel agent to avoid disappointment or confusion.