The electricity supply in Tanzania is 220/240 volts at 50Hz. Plugs are 3 point square (UK Type).  Adapters are available at major airports.

CurrencyIn Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.Foreign currency and cash may be exchanged at any of the bureau de change. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger shops although you will generally be charged a 5% supplement to pay this way (remember to advise your credit card company that you are leaving the country, or they may block your transactions). Travellers cheques are not widely accepted. Stone Town also has some ATMs for obtaining cash.  BankingBanks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines. 

Not surprisingly Zanzibar’s specialities are centred around what is available locally, so take full advantage of the variety of spicy seafood dishes on offer. Lobsters, kingfish, prawns, octopus, crabs and squid are just a few of the many types of seafood on offer on Zanzibar Island. Coconut also features in many dishes.While predominantly a Muslim community, small bars can be found everywhere in Zanzibar. Try the ginger beer – tangawizi. The sugar cane juice and fresh coconut milk are not to be missed.Tap water in Zanzibar is not recommended for tourists, and most travellers try to stick to mineral water, which can be found in town as well as at most hotels and camps. 

Just south of the equator, Zanzibar’s weather pattern follows that of Tanzania very closely – although always tends to be a little more humid – and occasional rain in the dry season is less uncommon than in the heart of the mainland Tanzania.Generally the main rainy season, or the ‘long rains’, last during March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which can be heavy on any of the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.The long dry season, when rainfall is fairly unusual, lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it’s usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it’s a great time to visit Zanzibar. During November and December there’s another rainy season: the ‘short rains’. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania’s ‘short dry season’, before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

Getting around on the island: Cheapest way is the dala-dala. Shared taxis operate from Stone Town and there are regular taxis from Stone Town to any coastal area in Zanzibar.For Car rental in Zanzibar, make sure you chose a car rental company with excellent reviews. Rental cars in Zanzibar are in general about 15-20 years old with very low mileage – remember this is a small island. Therefore make sure you choose a rental car company that offers regularly serviced cars! It works out cheaper if you take over your rented car at the airport or ferry port and return it there again. Hotel transfers can be very pricey. There are many police checks on the roads. Make sure you have your driving licence, the temporary Zanzibar drivers permit, the car insurance as well as road license stickers on the windscreen. Also check that the rental car is roadworthy and the police will wave you through with a kind jambo. The temporary Zanzibar drivers permit can be obtained from local authorities. However, if you ask your car rental company in advance, they will get it for you and deliver it with the car. They need a scanned copy of your valid driving licence. Hotels are happy to arrange a taxi or rental car for you. There are also taxia available, but make sure you agree on a price before you get into the taxi.

Casual and informal.  Cool summer clothes and beach wear for the coast plus something smarter for the evenings;  shorts/swimsuits are usually not allowed in hotel dining rooms. A good hat and sunglasses are essential. We will provide you with a full packing list prior to departure. Zanzibaris are predominantly Muslim and have a strict dress code. Please be sensitive to this when you are in the towns/villages and ensure your chest and shoulders are covered as well as your legs above the knees. The locals are generally too polite to comment but you will cause offence if you are underdressed.