Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands – the most famous being Unguja located 25 kms from the mainland coast at Dar es Salaam. The island is famous for its mix of exotic beaches, famous spice plantations, history (Stone Town being the capital) and diverse culture.
Can you drink alcohol in Zanzibar? Yes, you can drink alcohol in Zanzibar, but be discreet. If you drink in the appropriate places and respect the local Muslim culture, having a few drinks is fine.
Then, What is Zanzibar called now? In April 1964, the republic merged with mainland Tanganyika. This United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar was soon renamed, blending the two names, as the United Republic of Tanzania, within which Zanzibar remains an autonomous region.
Can I wear shorts in Zanzibar? In Zanzibar Town and in villages, wear loose fitting, non-transparent clothing. Dresses, skirts and shorts should reach down to your knees and cover your shoulders and upper arms. Going shirtless is unacceptable.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
The Tanzania tourist visa policy, which includes the visa laws for the Zanzibar Archipelago, states that roughly 40 nationalities may visit the country for tourism without obtaining a visa, for short stays. However, all other foreign citizens traveling to Tanzania or Zanzibar for tourism or leisure need a visa.
Is Zanzibar Indian? Zanzibar is one of the Indian Ocean islands. It is situated on the Swahili Coast, adjacent to Tanganyika (mainland Tanzania).
How old is Zanzibar? Both Zanzibar and Pemba are believed to have once formed part of the African continent, the separation of Pemba having occurred during the Miocene Epoch (about 23 to 5.3 million years ago) while Zanzibar dates from the Pliocene Epoch (about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago) or even later.
Who owned Zanzibar? The island of Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania) became a possession of the south Arabian state of Muscat and Oman in the late 17th century; Saʿīd ibn Sulṭān, who created a flourishing commercial empire along the East African coast, made it his capital in 1832.
Where did slaves from Zanzibar go?
Every year, about 40,000-50,000 slaves were taken to Zanzibar. About a third went to work on clove and coconut plantations of Zanzibar and Pemba while the rest were exported to Persia, Arabia, the Ottoman Empire and Egypt.
Is Zanzibar a country or island? Is Zanzibar a country? It’s a partly self-governing state in Tanzania; it’s not an independent country. The archipelago was once the separate state of Zanzibar, which united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous within the union, with its own government.
Can you wear black in Zanzibar?
Top style tips for Zanzibar
Avoid blue or black clothing – the tsetse flies are drawn to these colours, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness.
What kind of food is in Zanzibar? 10 delicious dishes you should definitely eat in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar pizza. Zanzibar pizzas are not pizzas as you know them. …
- Biryani and pilau. Biryani and pilau. …
- Mishkaki. Mishkaki skewers sizzle on a Stone Town street. …
- Octopus everything. …
- Persian food. …
- Urojo soup. …
- Mandazi. …
- Zanzibar chocolate.
Is it safe to travel alone in Zanzibar?
Just to reassure you, as you have hinted, Zanzibar is perfectly safe as long as you follow all the usual rules. Be careful after dark and don’t wander around town in next to nothing or covered in valuables. – Just as anywhere else.
Is Tanzania safe to live?
Although generally considered safer than many other African countries, crime rates in Tanzania are unfortunately on the rise, especially in Dar es Salaam. Expats should rent a house or apartment in a gated compound with 24-hour security guards and an alarm system, as robberies are common.
What currency should I take to Zanzibar? The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, but US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas.
What is the best month to visit Zanzibar? The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the archipelago’s dry season, from July to September, which is a very popular time to travel. However, it’s worthwhile travelling at most times of year, with balmy temperatures between 28°C and 34°C and sunshine the norm.
Which country owns Zanzibar?
The Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous territory in political union with Tanzania. It consists of the island of Zanzibar or Unjuga, Pemba as well as smaller neighbouring islands.
What is the religion of Tanzania? Christianity is the largest religion in Tanzania representing 60% of the total population. There are also substantial Muslim and Animist minorities.
When did the Arabs come to Zanzibar?
By AD 700, the first Muslim influence had been established on Zanzibar as Arabs sailing from the Gulf, via the trade winds, began to settle there.
Does Zanzibar have President? The President of Zanzibar (Swahili: Rais wa Zanzibar) is the head of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, which is a semi-autonomous government within Tanzania. The current president is Hussein Mwinyi.
Who founded Zanzibar?
The island of Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania) became a possession of the south Arabian state of Muscat and Oman in the late 17th century; Saʿīd ibn Sulṭān, who created a flourishing commercial empire along the East African coast, made it his capital in 1832.
Who started slavery in Africa? The transatlantic slave trade began during the 15th century when Portugal, and subsequently other European kingdoms, were finally able to expand overseas and reach Africa. The Portuguese first began to kidnap people from the west coast of Africa and to take those they enslaved back to Europe.
Does Zanzibar have a flag?
The flag of Zanzibar was adopted on 9 January 2005. It is a horizontal tricolour of blue, black, and green with the national flag of Tanzania in the canton.