OrangeSmile Tours Best destinations around the world - Travel Guide
Zanzibar Island

Preparing your trip to Zanzibar Island: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

1. Zanzibar became a resort center not so long ago. Therefore, there are not many tourists here. The island belongs to Tanzania geographically. The island is quite safe and civilized. It has a well-developed infrastructure and offers good living and recreation conditions.
2. The best time to travel to Zanzibar is from December to March and from June to October. It is warm and the weather is clear at this time here. The temperature is quite comfortable for this region. It is from 28 to 35°C.
3. You should choose a place to stay on the island based on your preferences. If you are planning an active holiday, you should go to the South-Eastern part of Zanzibar. The Western part is more suitable for a relaxing holiday.
4. The local population of Zanzibar speaks Swahili or Arabic. Almost everyone also speaks English.
5. It is recommended to get a yellow fever vaccine before the trip. You should bring a standard set of medications and sunscreen and insect repellents. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
6. There are no dangerous animals here. Snakes and poisonous insects are found in the jungle. But you are unlikely to get there. You should be wary of bites from malarial mosquitoes. You should definitely use repellents and special grid, and be careful when entering the ocean. There are a lot of sea urchins on the bottom. There is also a risk to step on a piece of coral or shell. It is better to buy special slippers.
7. It is safe here from the point of view of hygiene. However, you should not buy meat or fish in the market. Purchased fruit should be washed properly. You should not drink tap water. Buy bottled water. It is recommended to brush your teeth and wash your face with water from a bottle or boiled water.
Most families with kids are sceptical about flying to Zanzibar Island, but actually, it’s no longer than to Phuket. On the other hand, there are no direct flights, so get yourself … Open
8. Theft occurs both in the hotel room and on the street. Therefore, you should not carry large amounts of cash with you. It will be better to put your valuables in the hotel safe. It is better not to go to deserted and remote areas at night. You should also not carry the original documents with you. Make copies and leave the originals in your room.
9. There are no special requirements for clothing here, despite the fact that the country is Muslim.
10. Local people are friendly to guests. However, they can make a joke. So be careful when taking treats from the locals. If you are looking for an address, it is better to introduce yourself as a journalist. Local people can specify the wrong direction to ordinary tourists.
11. Of course, there is a local currency here. This is a Tanzanian shilling. But dollars are also accepted when paying here. You can pay with a card in hotels and in many stores. But it is better to have a small amount of cash for purchases.
12. You should definitely bargain. It is possible to reduce the price by almost half in the market, in souvenir shops, and even in some cafes.
13. It's customary to tip here. You will receive maximum attention for tips because of the low standard of living.
14. If you plan to bring ivory or animal skins for the memory, be sure to take the certificate when purchasing. Otherwise, problems may arise at customs control.
15. It is forbidden to smoke in public places in Zanzibar. Smoking is allowed in the hotel rooms. Check this with the administration. Smoking is also allowed in special areas of some restaurants. The ban is very strict. You can get a large fine or spend several hours in prison for non-compliance.
16. Everyone lives at his own pace on the island. It is unhurried and relaxed. You should not try to remake the natives and lose your temper.
17. There is public transport here. But it is recommended to use a taxi to move around the island. This is more reliable and safer.
18. There are certain rules regarding photography here. You need to purchase a special permission to take photos of some attractions.
Zanzibar Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What to visit being in Zanzibar Island - unique sights

Stone Town of Zanzibar

From the series “The Unesco World Heritage Sites in Africa”
Among the historical sights one must mention the Palace of Beit al Ajaib, also known under the unofficial name 'House of Miracles'. Once this ceremonial palace was used for the most solemn events. It managed to retain some of the original decoration. The ancient Arab fort, built in the 18th century, is also worth seeing. In total, there are more than 1700 old buildings on the territory of the Stone Town of Zanzibar, most of which, unfortunately, are under the threat of complete destruction. … Read further

City tours, excursions and tickets in Zanzibar Island and surroundings

Tanzania: travelling advices

5. Don’t make photos of local residents in Tanzania, especially women. A significant part of the population of the country professes Islam, and therefore, this behavior can be regarded as an insult.
6. The Tanzanian motto is Hakuna Matata, which translates from Swahili as 'no problem'. The local population does not hurry anywhere and doesn’t rush to fulfill orders or requests of guests. It’s worth to be ready for this. This behavior is one of the peculiarities of the mentality.
7. Another feature of Tanzanians' mentality is an increased interest in white people. It’s especially true for those living far from cities. This is due to the fact that many of the locals have never seen people with another skin color.
8. Laws regarding the conservation of nature and reserves are severe in Tanzania. Tourists who have left any garbage face a serious fine. All who visit the local reserved lands, have to treat flora and fauna with great respect. … Open
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Zanzibar Island

Preferred to Open 9 New Hotels in 2022

In September 2022, the Sommerro hotel in Oslo will start operating in a carefully restored 1930s Art Deco building. This building is a true landmark of Frogner, a historic neighborhood of the Norwegian capital. A multi-million-dollar renovation carefully turned the largest preservation project in Norway into a modern hotel with 231 rooms, including 56 residences. Preferred will open five more hotels in 2022, namely, The Wall Street Hotel in New York, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island (Florida, the US), TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar, Pendry hotel in Washington, and Pendry Park City hotel in Utah. Read this

28.03.2024

Photos of Zanzibar Island

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Tips for the cities around Zanzibar Island

Travelling to Zanzibar Island - advices and tips. What should be provisioned in advance, the rules you might want to follow, and the things you better avoid doing in Zanzibar Island. We help you to make your trip smooth and easy, with no unexpected surprises.
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