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Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. Its tropical climate, Afro-Arabian decadence and proximity make Zanzibar a popular holiday destination for South Africans. As a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, many travellers combine a trip to Zanzibar with a trip to mainland Tanzania to get a unique safari and beach experience.
The biggest of the fifty islands that make up the archipelago, Zanzibar Island, holds the capital with the historic city of Stone Town on its western shore. The second biggest island, Pemba, is a little to the northeast, with the remaining islands being smaller.
The island beach resorts range from small, secluded boutique hotels and houses with private beaches to larger hotel resorts offering a range of activities. There is something to suit every person’s ideal beach holiday on this archipelago. On many of the smaller islands, more exclusive, private holidays are offered, each one with its own charm and wonderful beaches.
Zanzibar has a rich history, and Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, with beautiful old buildings that reflect the region’s Arab, Indian, and European influences. The town is also famous for its markets, where you can find a variety of spices, fruits, and vegetables.
Zanzibar is also famous for its beaches, which rival the best in the world. History buffs will also find a wealth of ancient trade routes to explore. The bustling Stone Town is a must-see destination where you can experience the unique mix of Indo-Arabic influences and African Swahili origins in its architecture, cuisine and culture.
Zanzibar is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which is endemic to the region. The Jozani Forest Reserve is a great place to see these monkeys and other wildlife, such as Sykes’ monkeys and bush pigs.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, wildlife, or simply relaxing on the beach, Zanzibar offers an unforgettable experience.
Time zone: UTC + 3
Currency: Zanzibar’s currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Tanzanian Shillings may be used to purchase meals and drinks, pay for taxi rides, etc. However, hotel accommodation and services are paid for in foreign currency, preferably US$. Most travellers buy local currency on arrival in Tanzania or Zanzibar.
Language: English and KiSwahili are the official languages spoken by most Zanzibari.
Transportation: Avoid using local public transport and opt for an officially licensed taxi or arrange transport with your hotel if possible.
Cuisine: The food served in Zanzibar’s beach lodges is good and uses fresh, locally available ingredients. Travellers can enjoy superb local cuisine in Stone Town’s restaurants, mainly serving local dishes, seafood and curries seasoned with the island’s exotic spices.
Safety: The best thing here would be to stay at a good establishment and discuss each day’s plans with the manager to ask for tips, advice and any relevant updates. Do not walk alone at night, and avoid deserted stretches of beach and other isolated places.
Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory but is highly appreciated. USD $1-2 per day for hotel staff is adequate, and 5% or so is acceptable to add to restaurant bills.
Social: Zanzibar is culturally conservative. It is acceptable to wear swimwear and shorts on the beach and around your hotel. If you are exploring the island or visiting Stone Town, you are expected to dress modestly and be covered from shoulders to knees.
Health: Visitors to Tanzania & Zanzibar must have a Yellow Fever vaccination and present the certificate when entering the country.
Dubai is known for its impressive architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant culture, and unique attractions. The most popular must-see attractions include the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which offers amazing views of the city.
Most visitors include a shopping trip in their plans, and the place to go for this is Dubai Mall. It offers an incredible array of shops and fun attractions like the Dubai Aquarium for those who need a break from shopping.
The Dubai Fountain is a must-see. It’s the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that is a captivating dance of lights and music.
Of course, no visit is complete without visiting the man-made Palm Jumeirah or the stunning Dubai Miracle Botanical Garden, with its display of over 150 million flowers.
For the more adventurous, a trip to the desert for dune bashing, riding a camel, or enjoying dinner and stargazing is the perfect way to top off a trip to Dubai.
Dubai is known for its impressive architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant culture, and unique attractions. The most popular must-see attractions include the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which offers amazing views of the city.
Most visitors include a shopping trip in their plans, and the place to go for this is Dubai Mall. It offers an incredible array of shops and fun attractions like the Dubai Aquarium for those who need a break from shopping.
The Dubai Fountain is a must-see. It’s the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that is a captivating dance of lights and music.
Of course, no visit is complete without visiting the man-made Palm Jumeirah or the stunning Dubai Miracle Botanical Garden, with its display of over 150 million flowers.
For the more adventurous, a trip to the desert for dune bashing, riding a camel, or enjoying dinner and stargazing is the perfect way to top off a trip to Dubai.
Dubai is known for its impressive architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant culture, and unique attractions. The most popular must-see attractions include the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which offers amazing views of the city.
Most visitors include a shopping trip in their plans, and the place to go for this is Dubai Mall. It offers an incredible array of shops and fun attractions like the Dubai Aquarium for those who need a break from shopping.
The Dubai Fountain is a must-see. It’s the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that is a captivating dance of lights and music.
Of course, no visit is complete without visiting the man-made Palm Jumeirah or the stunning Dubai Miracle Botanical Garden, with its display of over 150 million flowers.
For the more adventurous, a trip to the desert for dune bashing, riding a camel, or enjoying dinner and stargazing is the perfect way to top off a trip to Dubai.
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