Who already started to think about next holidays put his hand up! The rain season is beginning here in Zanzibar, and The Z Hotel will be closed between April and May. But we know that for many of you it’s time to choose the destination for your next journey, to get information, arrange and… to book your place.
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.
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Looking for the perfect souvenir to bring home, after your holiday in Zanzibar? Nothing better than some “made in Tanzania” handicrafts! Exploring markets and shops around the island, you’ll find a wide variety of local products and artifacts, best expression of the people’s creativity.
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.
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A short escape to Zanzibar is also a nice opportunity to taste the local traditional recipes. Zanzibari food tells much about the history of this island, reflecting a number of different influences from many different places around the World. Here you’ll find the Swahili heritage, mixed with ingredients coming from Arab, Portuguese, Indian, British and even Chinese cuisine.
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.
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Zanzibar is famous for its wide choice of locations where to relax and enjoy free time, next to amazing white sand beaches and extraordinary landscapes on the Indian Ocean. For tourists visiting the archipelago for the first time, it’s not easy to choose the best area for accommodation. Actually it’s difficult to get wrong staying around villages next to the beach. Nungwi is one of them. What’s special about it?
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.
Zanzibar is the perfect place for people loving seaside holidays and tropical beaches. Different areas of the Island offer different landscapes, options and choices. Knowing peculiarities of these locations is useful to plan a pleasant and unforgettable holiday.
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.
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Tagged beach, holidays, tips, travel
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Nominated for Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel
