Zanzibar has more Romantic, Legendary and Fascinating history which emanates from Long interaction with many cultures.

As Early as AD 60, Zanzibar was the first mentioned by the Periplous of the Erythraen in sea in AD 60. A Book by one of the famous Greek Sailors of that time. It suggests that residents and traders from other continents must have visited Zanzibar Island.

The Early travelers were coming from Persia, India and North Africa. Then The Arrival of Shirazis, Omanis, Portuguese and the British who exposed Zanzibar to the rest of the world. The Shirazis from Persia were among the first people to come to Zanzibar, some took refuge avoiding disputes prevailing in their home land. There are some remains of the Shirazis at Kizimkazi, Tumbatu and Wamaa.

The Kizimkazi Mosque was Built in the AD 1107 is believed to be one of the oldest remant of Shiraz in Zanzibar.

In 1499, Vasco Da Gama passed Zanzibar on his way to India.
The British warship, Edward Bonaventure anchored at the Zanzibar port in 1592 lead by James Lancaster.

In 1963 Zanzibar got its independence followed by a popular revolution in 1964. In April in the same year it emerged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Though part of the Union it has its own government led by the President and has a House of Representative popularly elected as a legislature. Since 1995 election, Zanzibar is a multiparty democratic state.

GOVERNMENT OF ZANZIBAR.
Zanzibar is an Island state within the United Republic of Tanzania and has its own semi autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives.
The Present Government is led by the Islands President Amani Karume.
The Government body responsible for tourism promotion is the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism.



LOCATION
Zanzibar (Unguja & Pemba) is located in East Africa, at the western side of the Indian Ocean at 39° degrees East of the Prime Meridian and 6° degrees South of the Equator. Zanzibar has the total of 2332 square kilometers which includes the two main Islands and several small surrounding Islands.



CLIMATE
Zanzibar experiences warm tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity all the year. The average temperature is 25° degrees C, but it can be as high as 39°C because of the Ocean Breezes. During day time and the continental wind in the night it makes the condition more comfortable.
February is the warmest while August is the coolest. There are two rainfall season, the heaviest in March to June and lesser rains in September to November. Tourists are advised to note heavy rain season to Avoid inconveniences! Unless if you like to spend your holiday in the rain!!!



PEOPLE, RELIGION & LANGUAGE
Zanzibar's Local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicatives of her colorful history. Islam is the dominant religion and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are followers of Christianity & Hinduism.

Most resident of Zanzibar are Muslims but there are also Christians, Hindus and other faiths. Churches and Temples are available.
The Anglican Cathedral Church at Mkunazini and Minara Miwili Church offers regular service on Sundays and specials Holidays.

Population is estimated at 800,000 with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants.

Zanzibar speaks Swahili (Known locally as Kiswahili) a Language which is spoken extensively in East Africa.
Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as is it the birth place of the Language.



TRAVEL TIPS
We recommend you to consider the following tips when traveling to Zanzibar and avoid all the inconveniences that might happen to the visitors.

Electrical current is 220 volts. Two UK/Asia style plugs are standard.

Swahili is the official language; But English & Italian are used in most tourist areas, Arabic is also understood.

A Valid Passport and Visa is required from the visitors
- You can obtain visa from the Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or upon arrival at the point of entry.



CURRENCY
Zanzibar uses Tanzanian Shillings. Notes are in the denomination of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000
Coins are in the order of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 & 200.

You can change money in the banks, Bureaus and other specified areas.

Few places accept card (Master, Visa and American Express)

Cash Machines are available all over Stone Town