The age of Stone Town is in some dispute. Did it
rise from a fishing village known to have existed on the point of the peninsula
since the 12th century; or is it even older? Is it the result of 10th century
immigration from Persia? The visits of 9th century Islamic Disciples? A 1st
century outpost of the Queen of Sheba? All have been suggested by historians.
Or must we look even further back, to five or six thousand years ago when
indigenous Africans crossed the great Rift valley and first occupied the
islands of East Africa? Was it they who truly created the Swahili Coast by
conquering the reefs and tides of the Azanian sea? Was it they who cultivated a
civilization of Island City States from Lamu to Lindi, an archipelago of Stone
Towns spanning almost a thousand kilometres?
As the site of the largest Swahili Stone Town in
the world, Zanzibar is well worth a visit. Tourists are now welcome on Zanzibar
and the infrastructure for guests has greatly expanded in the last few years.
Hotels and Guest Houses are available in all price ranges. Accommodations
extend from basic backpacker support to luxurious private islands. There is an
international airport about 5 km. from Stone Town and many modern Ferry's now
ply the short sea routes between the Islands and the mainland.
For those who cannot yet visit please enjoy the
rest of the pictures, links and information about Zanzibar, its history and
people.
Getting to Zanzibar
Many
airlines from Europe and the rest of the world fly to Zanzibar:
Emirates, Oman Air, Alitalia, Gulf Air, etc. Regional flights from
Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha and Dar es Salaam (Dar) are operated daily.
Zanzibar is also accessable by sea with hourly ferriers departing from
Dar each day.
Travel Trips
We recommend you to consider the following tips when travelling
to Zanzibar and avoid all the inconveniences that might happen to the visitors.
Visa and Immigration
Visitors from most countries require a visa to enter Tanzania, and passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Single three month entry tourist visas can be applied for at Tanzanian embassies and High Commissions. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state within Tanzania, so although visitors won’t need separate visa to enter, you will need to show your passport on arrival. Visitors flying direct to Zanzibar are able to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Religion
Most residents of Zanzibar are Muslims but there are also Christians, Hindus and other faiths. If you not a Muslim you are not to enter mosques. Photographing of the mosque interior from the doorway is not allowed during prayers.
In the Islamic holy month of "Ramadhan" (dates
change) Muslims are fasting you may find it difficult to find food during the
daylight hours. Some specified restaurants are allowed to serve the tourists.
Contact the Commission for Tourism for advice. You are requested not to eat,
drink or smoke in the public during this month.
Churches and temples are available. The Anglican Cathedral
Church offer regular services on Sundays and special holidays.
Accommodation
Zanzibar offers a variety of hotels, resorts and guesthouses
and visitors should be able to find something to suit both taste and budget.
Breakfast is usually included in the prince. During low season most hotels and
guest houses offer discounted rates.