IT’S ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR BEACH DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA AND WITH GOOD REASONS. ZANZIBAR’S COASTLINE OFFERS SOME OF THE BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD, BUT SAND AND SURF VARY DEPENDING ON WHAT SIDE OF THE ISLAND YOU’RE ON. ON THE EAST COAST, WAVES BREAK OVER CORAL REEFS AND SAND BARS OFFSHORE, AND LOW TIDE REVEALS SMALL POOLS OF STARFISH, SMALL MINNOWS, AND ANEMONES. UP NORTH, OCEAN SWIMMING IS MUCH LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE TIDES, AND SMOOTH BEACHES AND WHITE SAND MAKE FOR DAZZLING DAYS IN THE SUN.

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WELCOME TO ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar, which means “coast of blacks” is an archipelago situated 25-50km east of mainland Tanzania. The archipelago consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: the main island is Unjuga, which is commonly referred to as Zanzibar itself, and the other is Pemba, which is known as the “Green Island”. The Zanzibar archipelago is characterized by the beautiful sandy beaches, which line its perimeter. As a former centre of the slave and spice trades, it is infused with African, Arabic, European and Indian influences.

The capital of Zanzibar is now Zanzibar City, though the historic centre was ‘Stone Town’, a bustling city that was once the hub of coastal trade up and down the East coast of Africa. The ‘Stone Town of Zanzibar’ was inscribed as World Heritage Site in 2000.

General

Zanzibar is a beautifully diverse destination where you experience the perfect blend of History with a splash of the African charm, together with wonderful exotic beaches. From historical Stone Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, with its shops, markets, rooftop restaurants, to traditional villages, turtle sanctuary, white sandy beaches shaded with palm trees and calm, turquoise water, there really is something for everybody.

Capital: The capital of Zanzibar is now Zanzibar City.

Language: Swahili but English is widely spoken and understood.

Clothing: Light sandals or rubber ­slip-­ops. Some places require you to remove your shoes before entering. Good walking shoes if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing. Raincoat or umbrella if you are travelling in the rainy season. Clothes should be light as it is very hot and humid. A jersey or windbreaker is recommended for those cold nights (just in case). A hat is also recommended. Women are “frowned upon” for wearing revealing clothes in the markets on the city tour, etc. Mini-skirts are a definite no. Try to wear shorts (no hot pants) or a long skirt, and try to keep the shoulders covered. This is not a problem at the resorts or on the beach.

Visas & Covid Information

South African passports do not require tourist visas to enter Tanzania, for stays of up to 90 days. Since Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, no visa is required for South Africans visiting the island.

  • Unvaccinated passengers: must hold a negative RT-PCR or NAAT test certificate with QR code from an approved laboratory obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.
  • Vaccinated passengers: Test is not required for fully vaccinated passengers who can present a valid certificate with QR code proving they are fully vaccination upon arrival. Vaccines approved by Tanzania or the WHO are accepted.

Test on Arrival: Passengers who have been in South Africa in the past14 days will be subject to health screening and a rapid test on arrival at their own expense ($25 USD for Zanzibar). If a positive result is received, passengers will be tested with a PCR test for confirmation.

Passengers are advised to book their test in advance via the Zanzibar Test Booking Portal for passengers travelling to Zanzibar.

This does not apply to fully vaccinated passengers travelling to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).

VIEW THE PROPOSED ITINERARY FOR ZANZIBAR

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights have been quoted from Johannesburg directly to Zanzibar International Airport on a charter flight with Safair. Charter details to be confirmed when booking.

Group flight details are as follows:

Hand Baggage

Your fare comes with two free carry-on bags. The larger of the two should not weigh more than 7kg. This bag must fit in the storage compartment in the cabin. The smaller of the two should not exceed 40cm x 15cm x 20cm, and must fit under the seat in front of you.

Checked Baggage

Your checked baggage should not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm and not weigh more than 20kg. Heavy Luggage: Our standard checked luggage allowance is 20kg. Bags that are over 20kgs will be charged a fixed heavy luggage fee of R250 per piece at the airport. For the sake of simplicity we charge a single flat fee, rather than a scaled fee. Any bag over 32kg will have to be transported as cargo.

EXPERIENCE ZANZIBAR

The currency used in Tanzania is Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). They do not accept ZAR, so you will have to convert your money into US$ and when in Tanzania either use the US$ or convert it into TSH.

Located just south of the equator, Zanzibar enjoys a year-round tropical climate with temperatures averaging 30°C. The main rainy season is March through May where the sudden afternoon downpours are the norm and are a welcome relief from the heat.

Yellow Fever Yellow Fever inoculation is no longer required by South African residents. Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, so it is recommended that you consult your physician on the prescription right for you. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover all exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms).

EXPERIENCES

Nungwi Tour – Included

Nungwi is located at the North tip of Zanzibar Island, 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive from the Stone Town. Nungwi has crystal clear waters, an excellent place for diving, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. This trip leads you through the Mangapwani cave which is a 30 minutes’ drive from Zanzibar town. Up to 1911 the cave was a secret hide out from which slaves were kept illegally then transported by dhow, after the official closure of the Slave Market in June 1873. You will then proceed to Nungwi which is an hour’s drive from the cave. Other highlights of this tour are: Visit a site where local villagers build dhows and boats using traditional tools, Visit the natural turtle aquarium, Visit villages, Swimming & Sunbath

Stone Town – Included

Stone Town, the historic quarter where you can wander for hours through a maze of narrow streets, easily losing yourself in centuries of history. Each twist and turn brings something new – a former palace, a Persian bathhouse, a tumbledown ruin, a coral-stone mansion with carved doors and latticework balconies, or a school full of children chanting verses from the Quran.

Dolphin Tour – Included

The drive from town to Kizimkazi a small village at the Southern point of the island takes one hour. The surface of the Kizimkazi channel is broken by the skimming arcs of wild bottle-nosed dolphins, here you are taken by boat powered by an outboard engine into the sea to see the dolphins and if lucky will be able to swim quite close to them as they are very friendly and playful. Snorkelling will also be part of this tour (snorkelling equipment can be hired at the site). Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th Century Mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa. The return trip includes a visit of this Mosque which still contains the famous Kufic scripts in its walls.

Safari Blue – Included

A magical day exploring Menai Bay Conservation area in a traditional wooden dhow. Safari Blue gives all guests a chance to experience the beauty and natural wonders that Zanzibar has to offer. Spend the day watching dolphins playing, snorkel in crystal clear water and relax on powdery white sandy bays.

Lunch at Trade Winds at Africa House – Included

The Original building is part of the first generation of old Arab houses at shangani (“Where pearls are” = at the beach) of the Barwani family from Oman. An 80 seater stunningly decorated restaurant serves authentic Indian / Chinese / Mexican and Italian culinary delights under enchanting ambience within and on the sea facing deck are to stimulate any taste bud.

Jozani Forest – Optional

One of the last remaining tropical forests on the planet, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the island’s only national park and is soon to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A green and shady realm, traversed by nature trails and boardwalks that meander through extensive mangrove swamps, this tiny park offers a glimpse into the Zanzibar of prehistoric times. It’s also a sanctuary for the rare and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, Sykes monkey, Ader’s duiker, the Zanzibar servaline genet, bush babies, 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds. The professionally guided walk takes around an hour and make a rewarding excursion for couples and families alike.

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