What happens during a tidal change? In a time interval of about six hours it is possible to observe mutations in the color of the water, from crystal to turquoise to emerald and blue. The ocean advances or retreats, and during these movements leaves traces that we can see during the low tide: colorful sea stars, corals and small tropical fishes, that you can meet just having a walk along the shore.

During a holiday in Zanzibar the tides “timetable” will change completely, because it depends on the lunar cycle. It is better to consider the relevance of this phenomenon, most of all if you’re planning boat trips and other sea activities. For people who enjoy and relax walking on the beach, normal carefulness is enough – when you see that the ocean is coming up, better to get back to the dry land!

For very careful travelers, it is possible to find complete and precise tides’ calendars online, for instance at this link.

And remember… once you get informed, don’t worry much about it. Just relax and enjoy good time and wonder of nature that you can see only in Zanzibar!

Is malaria a risk in Zanzibar? Do I need any special health certificates?
Yes, Zanzibar is an area where malaria is endemic. It’s better to consult a doctor about anti-malaria medication, before leaving. Also check with your local heath authorities for any vaccination requirements. Generally speaking, the healh authorities in Zanzibar may ask you to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, if you have travelled through a yellow fever infected area.

Should I carry medicines, medications and health supplies that I commonly use?
It’s better to take with you adequate supplies of any medication that you are taking. About malaria prevention, remember to check if your accommodation is equipped with mosquito nets over the beds and mosquito proof windows. A good personal mosquito repellent, especially for use in the evening, is anyway advised.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?
No. It is important to drink purified bottled water only. Complimentary bottled water is provided in many hotels. Don’t forget to ask before booking your place!

What about climate and sun protection?
Zanzibar is 6 degrees south of the equator. An effective sunscreen for a tropical sun is therefore essential, as are good sun glasses and sun hats. Humidity is generally quite high; average daytime temperatures are around 27 degrees C (80F). Comfortable and fresh clothes will make the difference about your wellness.

Do I need to get a travel insurance?
Please ensure that you have taken out the appropriate travel insurance, for health but also for your valuable equipments and for your own personal requirements. A good insurance will keep you off from many problems in case of emergency, and will make your stay quiet and peaceful.

If you have any specific question or doubt, just get in touch with us through our website or our pages on Facebook and Google+. We’ll be pleased to assist you!

“From daytime sunbathing to the evening blaze of bonfires, the beaches of Nungwi are always busy and always inspiring. Tourists and backpackers from all walks of life mingle here – luxury resort lovers, laid-back hippies, families with energetic kids. Enjoy a rejuvenating lemongrass massage, right on the beach, or splash in the electric turquoise waters. By night, snag a cocktail from a beach bar and sway to the beat of thumping bass”.

For travellers who can resist everything but temptations, one more reason to plan a trip here around.
It’s time to book… what are you waiting for?!

Have a look at the Top 10 Beaches in Africa
Visit the Nungwi’s page on Trip Advisor
Read more about Nungwi on our Blog

What is the local currency and how should we manage carrying our money?
The local currency is Tanzanian Shilling, but US Dollars are widely accepted. Most of times it will be easier for you to pay cash, especially if you wish to buy clothes and art & crafts at local shops. The same if you want to taste traditional food at local restaurants. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels: if you decide to pay your bill with credit card, there will be a surcharge between 5% – 10%. In Stone Town are available ATM points, where it is possible to make transactions over the major international circuits.

What about electricity in Zanzibar?
Electricity in Zanzibar is 220-240V AC, 50 Hz. Plugs have 3 flat-pinned prongs (UK type) and are eventually available in Stone Town. Anyway, bringing plugs in your luggage you’ll save lot of time for excursions and activities. In case of power outage, many hotels are equipped with backup generator – make a check before booking!

Can I use my mobile phone in Zanzibar?
Tanzania has excellent mobile phone coverage, well extended on Zanzibar as well. To call home, you’ll have the possibility to choose if using the roaming service of your usual mobile operator (don’t forget to get information about international roaming rates and data coverage, before leaving!) or to get a sim card of a Tanzanian operator (you’ll easily find promotions and special rates to call your country, depending on the period). Main Tanzanian mobile operators are Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo and Zantel: you can check information and rates on their websites. Blackberry services are available, as well as data packages good for iPhone and other smartphones.

If you have any specific question or doubt, just get in touch with us through our website or our pages on Facebook and Google+. We’ll be pleased to assist you… See you next week, with a new series of travel tips!

We’ll keep on blogging, even under the rain. Available to give all the advices needed to travel to Zanzibar a safe and enjoyable way. Let’s start with some general issues.

What documents do I need to go to Zanzibar?
A Valid passport with a Tanzanian Visa will be required. Contact the Tanzania Embassy or High Commission in your Country, we recommend at least 14 days notice by given. Keep on mind that with your touristic visa you’ll be free to visit the whole Island, but any kind of business or volunteering activity is interdicted.

What is the weather like and when is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate with average daytime temperatures of about 27° Celsius / 80° Fahrenheit in summer and about 24° C/ 75° F in winter. July to October are the most pleasant months because the days are dry with low humidity – perfect for the beach. But this is not the only good season: check our Blog’s archive about the best months to visit Zanzibar.

What is the water temperature? And what about the tides? Is it possible to swim when the tide is out?
The Indian Ocean which surrounds Zanzibar is wonderfully warm all year around, averaging about 27° C/ 80° F. Along the east coast when the tide is out, you can expect to have to walk up to 200 – 300 meters out to reach the sea. The further north one moves up the east or West coast, the less of an issue this becomes. The Z Hotel is ideally situated, so you can swim at any time, whether the tide is in or out, as the tide only ever goes out by approximately 30 meters.

Is Zanzibar safe?
Zanzibar is in general a safe place, however exercise caution just like any where. We advice to book your tours through registered tour operators only, where qualified staff will take care of your needs in any situation.

Are there any important cultural or social issues to be aware of before we travel to Zanzibar?
The prevailing religion in Zanzibar is Islam, so it is important when outside the resort to dress conservatively without exposing too much skin. At hotels and beach resorts instead, you’ll be free to wear bikinis and all of your favourite clothes.

This is just the beginning. We’ll go deeper into details during the next weeks. So, just stay in touch! If you have any specific question or doubt, just get in touch with us through our website or our pages on Facebook and Google+. We’ll be pleased to assist you.

Diversity of cultures from all around the Country will give you the chance of finding little treasures of many kinds, to suit your taste and according to your budget. Here you are a brief guide to shopping. Have a look, and you won’t miss what you’re looking for!

Beads
Beads-made costume jewellery, but also embroidery and accessories are among the most popular African art & craft. Their use began long time ago among local populations, who used to wear ornaments made with ostrich eggs, shells and other natural materials. Proper beads have been imported from Near East, India and Europe, between the 10th and 15th Century. Choosing Maasai or Swahili style beads jewellery, you’ll get back anyway with an “easy” and creative gift.

Wood Carving & Sculpture
Zanzibar and coastal carving tradition is mostly about beautifully sculpted doors and frames, very diffused in this area. Decorations are typical and unmistakable – lotus, fishes, chains are very recurrent symbolic figures. You’ll also find amazing carved jewellery boxes, the perfect finishing with ethnic but classy furnitures. Besides, the majestic Makonde sculptures carved out of ebony, following a 300-year tradition.

Musical Instruments
Traditional musical instruments are a fine example of excellence in Tanzanian craft – from the marimba, typical in the region of Dar Es Salaam, to many different types of drums. Music passionates and collectors will find their African masterpiece, for sure.

Stools, Mats, Pottery
If you’re looking for local furniture currently used in many Tanzanian houses, you can choose among a wide range of stools (more ore less elaborated), multipurpose handmade mats and potteries. You’ll find high quality manufactures, good not just as decoration but made to be used.

Masks
Masks are still used in traditional ceremonies and activities of masked dancing, mostly in the south-eastern part of Tanzania. They are a symbol of the relationship between people and their ancestors. Buying a mask, you’ll bring home a piece of the most deep traditions of these areas.

Textile and Tailoring Products
Colorful kanga or kitenge (the traditional clothes of women), Maasai fabrics, traditional shirts, embroidery hats or scarfs are available in most of the common marketplaces. Digging among stalls and small shops, you’ll find pleasant surprises at very cheap prices.

First inhabitants of Zanzibar were Bantu as origin and mainly fishermen. Their diet consisted in seafood such as tuna, mackerel, lobster, squid, octopus and oysters, mixed with ingredients from Africa mainland, such as beans, sweet potatoes, manioc, yam and plaintain.

Coconut, mango, citrus and rice has been brought by Arabs and Persians during the colonial period. But most of traditions about spices come from India. During the Omani sultanate, commercial relationships between Zanzibar and India intensified, influencing also cuisine with recipes such as chutney, masala, biriyani, curry and samoosa, adapted with ingredients available on the island.

Portuguese introduced large use of manioc, maize and pineapple. Germans and British instead, even if not mixing much with the local population, left traces in recipes such as pepper steak. The most recent influences come instead from China, and ingredients such as soy sauce are becoming popular during the last years.

But what to choose, if you want to taste the best of Zanzibar cuisine tradition? One of the most typical recipes is pilau, a dish made with rice, meat, coconut, nuts and spices, which clearly reflects its Arab origin. Tasty, not to be missed!

Nungwi is a lively village where mostly fishermen live. It is located in the northern part of the island, and can be reached easily by bus, tourist minibus or hired vehicles.

Traditionally famous as the centre of Zanzibar’s dhow-building industry, it is at present one of the most popular destination for seaside holidays. Nungwi is one of the most recent touristic settlements, offering a wide choice of locations for water sports and natural beauties.

It is a traditional and conservative place, but villagers are friendly with visitors showing respect and interest for their culture and lifestyle. A growing number of entertainments – shops, bars, restaurants – makes it suitable for travelers who loves to enjoy their free time in an “easy” but active setting.

Many places in this area are reachable by car or motorbike, and hotels organize excellent tours and other facilities. Here it is also possible to visit the local Aquarium, with the opportunity of swimming with turtles and feeding them.

Nungwi, on the northern side, is suitable for visitors looking for fauna and flora “paradises”, with its turquoise-blue ocean and a good choice of diving locations. Scuba and sea-sport – but also photography – passionates will love tours and activities around this area.

Tan lovers, looking for white sand beaches surrounded by palms, can choose a location on the North-East coast. Here it is possible to find accommodations for every budget, but the most magical place is the high-rated Mnemba Atoll.

For relaxing holidays, better to choose the South-East coast. Beaches remain stunning, with white sands, coral reef and green palms, but villages – such as Jambiani – are much more relaxing and quiet, compared to other areas of the Island. Finally the Fumba Peninsula, south of Stone Town, can be a pleasant surprise: a very friendly corner still reached by a few visitors.