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Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania which resulted from merge of the former Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar back in 1964. Under the Constitution of Tanzania, Zanzibar has its own government for all its non-union matters. Culturally, Zanzibar archipelago is a cosmopolitan consisting of residents of different ethnic origin where Africans are majority. Others are Persians, Arabic and Indians. Over the ages and through inter marriages these origins gave birth to the Swahili culture with distinct language known as “KISWAHILI.”

Zanzibar is a small archipelago, consisting of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar), Pemba and other smaller surrounding islands and other islets. Zanzibar is located on the East African coast, and is totally lapped by the Indian Ocean. It is situated at 39°E longitude east of the prime meridian and 6°s latitude, south of Equator. Temperatures are high with an average of 25°C; it is humid throughout the year with the pronominal south and north eastern monsoons.

According to 2012 population census Zanzibar has 1,303,569 people, (Male 630,677 and Female 672,892).

Zanzibar experiences warm tropical climate, where temperatures are relatively high and humid condition almost throughout the year. The islands experiences two rainfall seasons the longest and heaviest rain in March to May and short rain in September to November. Temperatures are relatively higher throughout the year with a an average of 25°C goes as higher as 39°C in February and as lower as 20°C in August.

As an Island Zanzibar can only be reached either by air or water. It is connected to international World by several airlines directly or otherwise, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Air, Fly Dubai, Oman Air and Kenya Airways connected to the rest of the world. Zanzibar is also served by scheduled charter companies.

Travelling within Zanzibar is mainly facilitated by the initiations of the private sector small enterprises. Several companies operate shuttled transfers to and from the entry points. It is important to note that in self driving services you have to fulfill certain requirements including possession of a valid international driving license. Currently most of the roads are tarmac and are passable throughout the year. Zanzibar uses the left hand driving model.

To enter in Tanzania a valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required. Kindly ensure that you have at least 3 blank pages for the entry and exist stamps. A valid return ticket is also required. Visitor from the following Nationalities do not require visas; British, Danish, Irish, Finnish, Icelandic, Kenyan; Norwegian, Singaporean, South Africa, Swedish and Zimbabwean. For the other countries please consult with your nearest Tanzania consulate about visa requirements.

Being situated near the equator Zanzibar is generally warm and humid throughout the year and as such it is advisable to wear light and decent clothes. In winter time along the beach, the condition may be relatively cooler and sometime windy. Sun glasses are recommended especially to the first time visitor.

Importation of goods to Tanzania is very strict, but a special consideration is made or items of personal use, without incurring custom duty. Currently visitors are allowed to take 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, 1 liter of wines or sprit, 250ml of perfumes.

Tanzania uses shillings (Tanzania shillings) as its National Currency, which is both, notes and coins. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the Bureaus, Banks and some Hotels. Credit cards including Traveler’s cheques are widely accepted in Zanzibar, most common Master Cards, Visa and America Express.

There are several taxes which are imposed by the government of Zanzibar that visitors must abide. An Airport tax of US $40 for every departure travelling outside Tanzania and Tsh. 10,000 within Tanzania and you’re advised to check if this is included in the ticket.

All travelers to Zanzibar are advised to have their vaccination at least 36 hours before their journey in the countries of their residence. In the circumstances or any reason that a traveler could not have yellow fever vaccination in his/her county of origin can be obtained at the major entry point in Tanzania.

All appliances run on 220/240 volt. Outlets are of the flat 3 pin-15amp type.