Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island Tour

Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of the mainland. The archipelago is made up of small islands and two major islands, Unguja (the main island) and Pemba. This is a perfect addition after a Tanzania safari. Historic Stone Town, located in the centre of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. Persian traders initially used Stone Town as a base for travel between the Middle East, India and Africa. By the 19th century, it had become the centre of the spice trade and the slave trade with some 600,000 slaves passing through Zanzibar from 1830-1863.

Dos And Donts

Wear loose fitting, non-transparent clothing, do not wear swim suits or other revealing clothing in the villages or Stone Town.

Topless or nude sunbathing is prohibited anywhere on Zanzibar or Pemba.

Always ask permission before taking photos of local people, some people might ask you for some money to take their photo.

Do not take photos at sensitive government offices e.g, the State House, Military bases, etc., always check with your guide Mosques are sacred places. Generally, non-muslims are not allowed to enter.

Photographing the interior of a mosque from the doorway is prohibited during prayers

During the holy month of Ramadhan, the local muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and visitors should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours.

It is illegal to buy or remove any turtle or coral products and most overseas countries forbid the importation of most marine and animal products.

An international driving license is needed in order to rent motor vehicles.

Beware of traffic in the Stone town, even some of the narroweststreets are in fact public roads.

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