About ZANZIBAR
ISLAND OF SWAHILI'S HISTORYOVERVIEW Zanzibar Island is a jewel in the ocean, surrounded by beaches that rate among the finest in the world. Here you can swim, snorkel or just lounge the hours away, while shoals of luminous fish graze over nearby coral gardens and pods of dolphins frolic offshore. In the island's capital, Zanzibar Town, sits the historic quarter of Stone Town, with a mesmerising mix of influences from Africa, Arabia, India and Europe. For these reasons and more, Zanzibar Island (officially called Unguja) is the archipelago's focal point, and the most popular destination for visitors.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ZANZIBAR \ TANZANIA Zanzibar Island is a jewel in the ocean, surrounded by beaches that rate among the finest in the world. Here you can swim, snorkel or just lounge the hours away, while shoals of luminous fish graze over nearby coral gardens and pods of dolphins frolic offshore. In the island's capital, Zanzibar Town, sits the historic quarter of Stone Town, with a mesmerising mix of influences from Africa, Arabia, India and Europe. For these reasons and more, Zanzibar Island (officially called Unguja) is the archipelago's focal point, and the most popular destination for visitors.
ENTRY & EXIT FORMALITIES Provided you have a visa, Tanzania is straightforward to enter. Exporting seashells, coral, ivory and turtle shells is illegal. There’s no limit on the importation or exportation of foreign currency, but amounts over US$10,000 must be declared. Almost everyone needs a visa, which costs US$50 for most nationalities (US$100 for US citizens) for a single-entry visa valid for a maximum of three months. Officially, visas must be obtained in advance by all travellers who come from a country with Tanzania diplomatic representation. One month is the normal visa validity and three months (upon request) is the maximum. For extensions within the three-month limit, there are immigration offices in all major towns, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi; the process is free and generally straightforward. Extensions after three months are difficult; you usually need to leave the country and apply for a new visa
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK Zanzibar, with its strategic location just off the coast of East Africa, has long been a melting pot. Arab traders from the Middle East, Portuguese invasions, immigrants from India – the list goes on. The result is a truly unique Zanzibar culture and a mixture of marvelous cuisines.