Jambo! This is the Swahili greeting that you will hear on arrival when you are welcomed by the warm and inviting locals. Zanzibar is the name of an archipelago in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of East Africa. There are many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, sometimes informally referred to as 'Zanzibar'), and Pemba Island. As the number one beach location in East Africa, Zanzibar is a wonderful island, with classic tropical beaches, lush plantations, an incredible history and a fascinating culture. Apart from historic Stone Town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, Zanzibar is known for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs.
Zanzibar was inhabited by Portuguese navigators at the end of the 15th century. They were ousted 200 years later by the Omani Arabs and Zanzibar became a major centre for slave trading. The island became an Arab state and was an important centre of trade and politics in the region. European explorers, including Stanley and Livingstone, began their expeditions into the interior of Africa from Zanzibar in the late 1800’s. In 1964, the sultan and the government were overthrown in a revolution and in the same year, Zanzibar and Tanganyika combined to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
The indigenous language spoken throughout Zanzibar is Swahili (called Kiswahili locally). English is widely spoken and understood. Jambo Rafiki – Hello my friend!
Most of the people in Zanzibar are Muslim and all towns and villages on Zanzibar Island have mosques. Visitors to Zanzibar Town (Stone Town) will hear the evocative sound of the muezzins calling people to prayer from the minarets, especially for the evening session at sunset. There are also small populations of Christians and Hindus.
Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the equator and enjoys a very tropical climate. The average daytime high is between 28°C and 32°C and the night-time lows are between 20°C and 25°C. Temperature wise – this island is an all-year-round winner. February is very hot and very humid (just leave your hair straightener at home!) and March to May are the wettest months.
The local currency is Tanzania Shillings (TSH) but the currency cannot be bought outside of the country. Cash (US Dollars) and credit cards are accepted at hotels and at any Bureau de Change. We strongly recommend that you take USD cash in small denominations for incidental purchases, tips etc.
220/230 V. square pin adapter (same plugs as UK). It is advisable to take along an international adaptor.
As Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, it is recommended that you consult your physician on the correct preventative medication required before you travel.
Whether you spend your days lazing by the pool, sipping cocktails on the beach at sunset, diving in warm waters or enjoying a Dhow cruise around small islands, your Zanzibar holiday will be a memorable experience.
Diving: With living reefs surrounding the islands, Zanzibar has excellent dive locations. There are plenty of places where the water temperature is warm, visibility is usually excellent, and currents are weak, all of which contributes to an ideal location for first time and novice divers. In addition to the warm and still waters full of colourful fish, there are many challenging dives as well. If you want to surf the current through a ravine, go for deep water, or search for wrecks, there are dive companies that can make it happen for you. Many of the larger resorts on the north and east coasts have professionally-run dive shops as well. Qualified divers must produce certification and a log book.
Shopping: Whether you’re in the market for T-shirts, spices, kangas, furniture or hand sewn pillow covers, Stone Town is a great place for fun shopping and bargain hunting. You will find the inevitable ashtray carved out of a coconut shell, but there are enough Tinga-tinga paintings, woodcarvings and woven goods to keep almost everyone in the market for a tasteful souvenir.
Stone Town: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Stone Town is a mishmash of cultures, languages and architecture. Over the centuries, Stone Town has grown from a small fishing village to a thriving town with an extraordinary history. Walking around Stone Town, you can see the influence of the different cultures that make up Zanzibar. Coral and stone houses show offimposing Zanzibar doors with brass studs as a defence against charging elephants and carvings with scriptures from the Quran. A tour of the town is highly recommended.
Excursions: There are loads of excursions available to help you explore this unique island. It is wise to stick to a reputable operator and not be lured by beach boys and vendors who prey on tourists promising cheap prices. There are two excursions that are not to be missed in our opinion. A visit to a spice farm village on the Spice Tour will allow you to walk through the farm with your guide – touching, smelling and tasting different spices and fruits. It will give you an insight into local life and the opportunity to try some Swahili dishes, taste the fruits in season and try some spiced tea.
Setting sail on a traditional dhow will be one of the highlights of your trip. Safari Blue is a full day excursion which takes you out into Menai Bay – a haven of beautiful uninhabited islands where the waters are frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins. The anchor is dropped on a sandbank which makes for some spectacular snorkelling. Drinks are served throughout the day and lunch is a buffet of grilled fish, lobster, calamari and chicken. Make sure this one is on your itinerary.
The shortest war ever recorded by man is the Anglo-Zanzibar War where the British bombarded the Beit al Hukum Palace and after 38 minutes, a ceasefire was called.
Zanzibar is popularly known as the Spice Islands.
Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the band Queen, was born in Zanzibar in 1946. His birth name was actually Farouk Bulsara.
The Royal Zanzibar is a 4 Star resort set in almost 20 acres of paradise on the North shores of exotic Zanzibar.
A unique blend of buildings, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, a spectacular white sand beach and warm and sunny weather almost year round – this is a tropical sanctuary where warm smiles and gentle breezes fill each day.
With terraces or balconies and garden, pool or ocean views. Superior Rooms are on ground and first floors. Superior Deluxe Rooms are on the top floor.
Located directly on the ocean front.
These rooms enjoy additional facilities including bathrobes & slippers, direct dial telephone and a large balcony with daybed.
The resort operates on an All Inclusive basis.
dishes, Zanzibari specials, a pizza corner, a pasta corner and something fresh on the grill.
A la carte restaurant menu covers Continental and Oriental cuisine withthe speciality being locally caught fresh seafood.
Is open all day for drinks and snacks whilst the pool has its very own swim up bar, Upepo.
The main bar, is open 24 hours a day.
The beach bar, is a great spot for sun downers.
Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the resort.
The resort offers a massage centre and beauty salon.
The Royal Zanzibar will be closed for refurb from 20 March 2019 to 7 July 2019.