All About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago of historic Indian Ocean islands, awash with atmosphere, intrigue and idyllic beach experiences. It has a wide range of accommodation choices and plenty to see, do and discover. The island is the perfect place to relax after an exciting safari or after conquering Kilimanjaro. It is also a paradise for honeymooners or a romantic holiday getaway. As the site of Sultans’ palaces and renowned for its spice plantations, the little island republic of Zanzibar is a must-see for any visitor to Tanzania.

Zanzibar is an archipelago located 23-miles from mainland Tanzania. When you arrive there, you might as well be in a different country because while it is officially part of the country, in almost every way - politics, religion, culture, food - life there is different.

As a base for traders from the the Arabian peninsula, the African Lakes region and India, Zanzibar became a hub for the region’s slave and spice trades. Most locals consider themselves Zanzibari rather than Tanzanian, and the territory has its own leader and governing bodies. Tanzania has a mixture of Christian, Muslim, and indigenous groups, but Zanzibar itself is almost completely Muslim.

GETTING TO ZANZIBAR

Most travelers get to Zanzibar by airplane from Arusha or any of the small airstrips in the national parks. If you’re traveling from Dar Es Salaam you can also take a boat. Depending on where you are boarding the plane, a flight usually takes about 1-3 hours in a bush plane. If you depart from Dar es Salaam by high-speed boat (four times a day each way), it takes about two hours, and tickets are cheap.

STONE TOWN

Visitors to Zanzibar tend to arrive and leave via Stone Town, a historic historic hub for commerce and culture within Zanzibar City. This ancient center was the seat of the Sultans, whose crumbling palaces, bath houses and mosques are a legacy of this opulent and vibrant time at the heart of the gold trade. Stone Town remains a wonderful place to spend a night or two, getting lost among the ancient buildings and labyrinthine streets and its ancient spice markets, eating fresh fish on the sea front, and breathing in the sights, sounds and smells of a true Swahili center.

Stone Town was declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site in 2000. It’s charming, but it can sometimes be a challenge to navigate. There are street names, kind of, but no one really uses them. However, on the bright side, Stone Town is small and safe, and not knowing where you’re going is part of the adventure and experience. The locals are helpful, so feel free to ask for directions as many times as you want, but sometimes it’s better to just go with it and let yourself get lost.

FOOD IN ZANZIBAR

Over its history Zanzibar has had many rulers and its long, tragic history is responsible for one of Africa’s most interesting cuisines. A tasty mash-up of Indian, Arab, Chinese, Portuguese and African cooking traditions, all driven by the constant presence of spice (these are known as the Spice Islands, after all, where cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and nutmeg come straight from the source.), this is the original fusion food! Be sure to sample African ugali, Indian chapatti, Swahili curries, and eat as much of their fresh seafood as possible. Keep an eye out for specialties like octopus curry and urojo, a turmeric and coconut-based soup with crispy fritters and spiced potatoes that seems to have the island’s entire history contained within its broth. If you want to try to reproduce these recipes when you get home, head to the Darajani market at the main Bazaar, where the locals shop – but get there early, before the weather gets too hot.

ZANZIBAR CULTURE

In Zanzibar, life moves slowly (pole pole in Swahili). Things don’t always make sense, they don’t always work, or they can take a while so it’s better to enjoy the calm chaos and unhurried pace. Your smoothie might take 45 minutes to appear, but rest assured it will be delicious and well worth the wait.

In Zanzibar, you’re allowed to drink, and it’s also permissible to wear beach clothes in the right places. Having said that, there are times and places when neither is appropriate. For example, skimpy clothing and overdoing the alcohol while Stone Town is best avoided. There are bars in Stone Town, and you can also drink in tourist and expat restaurants or in the fancier hotels in town or on the coast, but you should remember that your waiter probably does not drink, so be patient and kind if their wine-bottle opening isn’t as graceful as you’re used to. There are only a couple stores in Stone Town that sell alcohol, and it’s a good idea to bring your own bag so you’re not seen with a bottle of gin or vodka on the streets.

Drinking is not just for beach bars and rooftops - the local tea scene is a great way to meet people that live on the islands. Most tea stands or carts start serving once the sun has gone down so be sure to try the tangawizi (ginger) chai and, if possible, add vanilla. Taking a mug of hot and spicy tea to the side of a road is a fun way to people watch. If you’re in Stone Town, ask for the nearest Babu Chai, and someone should be able to point you in the right direction.

Taraab music, from Arabic tariba (‘to be moved’), blends African, Arabic and Indian influences. Typically, a Taraab orchestra combines Western and traditional local instruments, including an accordian, a violin, a kanun, a nay and drums, plus a singer. You’ll find these groups playing at different venues around Stone Town.

NIGHTLIFE IN ZANZIBAR

When you first arrive, Stone Town can seem scary at night. The dimly-lit narrow streets and back alleys aren’t really inviting to people prone to aimless wandering. But don’t let the travel advisories for extra caution after nightfall keep you in your room. Stone Town’s nightlife is bustling, with kids playing, couples strolling, and people feasting everywhere. The centrally located night market, Forodhani Gardens, is jam packed with locals and tourists tasting the many fresh food stalls. Avoid the skewers of shellfish, which may have been sitting out in the sun all day, and instead go for grilled Indian spiced chicken and Zanzibar pizza with fresh sugar cane juice.

DIVING AND OTHER WATER SPORTS

Tanzania is known for its amazing safaris, but Zanzibar is not the Serengeti. Here, the wildlife is all underwater. With reefs surrounding the islands, Zanzibar is a prime destination for diving. The water temperatures are warm, visibility is typically excellent, the currents are weak and there’s a great abundance of colorful fish, all of which makes for an ideal location for beginner divers. On the North and East coasts, many of the larger resorts have professionally-run dive shops on-site. Please note that qualified divers must produce their certification and a log book.

If you make it to the islands, try and visit one of the many centers offering scuba diving training courses, and views of the coral and Indian Ocean life. But please take note that overfishing and lack of environmental oversight have damaged many of Zanzibar’s best reefs. Some of the best snorkeling can be found on Chumbe Island, a protected marine park about a ten-minute drive and 45-minute boat ride out of Stone Town.

If you’re not interested in diving you can go sailing on a dhow cruise, or try your hand at kayaking, snorkeling, waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet-skiing, kiteboarding and other water activities.

WEATHER IN ZANZIBAR

Just like the mainland, Zanzibar has two rainy seasons. Every year, there are the long rains and the short rains. On the heels of the hot East African summer, Zanzibar’s long rainy season lasts roughly from March until May. Booking a trip during this period if you’re set on a beach holiday will give you less tourists but you will very likely experience some rain. The short rains generally take place between November and December, but aren’t nearly as intense—they tend to show up in short and torrential bursts, then quickly fade back to blue skies.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar has a handful of East Africa’s most luxurious resorts, which can be a bit jarring in contrast to what is an otherwise quiet and poor island (the average local earns less than $1 a day). If you’re looking for a beach escape with other Westerners, you should head north to Nungwi and Kendwa, where you’ll find the same all-inclusive packages you’d find in most other warm parts of the world. It is a busy area with a bustling nightlife. For a more Zanzibari experience, check out quieter towns like Paje or Jambiani where the rhythms of village life will mix with your slice of island paradise.

5 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ZANZIBAR:

1. Zanzibar is not a single island; it’s a group of islands just off the coast of East Africa. The two large main islands are Pemba and Unguja. Unguja is sometimes incorrectly referred to as “Zanzibar”. 
2. The Anglo-Zanzibar War between the Zanzibar Sultanate and the United Kingdom on August 27, 1896 lasted only 38 to 45 minutes before there was a ceasefire. This makes it the shortest war in history.
3. The lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury, was born in Zanzibar in 1946. His birth name was Farouk Bulsara.
4. In 1973 Zanzibar was the first country in Africa to have color television. 
5. Zanzibar is called The Spice Islands because its main economic activity, after tourism, is spice exports – primarily, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and black pepper. 

Tips On How To Pack For Your African Safari to Tanzania

Preparing for your African safari can be an adventure of its own. Along with knowing where to visit and your accommodation settings, it helps to know what to pack. If you’ve never been on safari before, packing can feel intimidating, especially when you start hearing about all sorts of restrictions, like how you can only bring luggage under 20kg/44lbs on small charter planes or how it is better to bring clothes in colors that easily blend with the natural environment.

Not to worry, as we’ve put together this general rundown of what you should definitely include in your travel bags when visiting Africa and what it means to pack for a purpose.




CLOTHING
Apart from selecting reasonably neutral or ‘non-bright’ colored clothing, safari-wear is generally casual and practical. Be sure you take clothes that you feel comfortable in – especially when it comes to walking shoes. Newer quick-drying fabrics, shirts with ventilation and trousers that convert into shorts are all worth considering. Wearing clothes in layers is the most practical way to cope with fluctuating day/night temperatures and cool evenings. As the day warms up you can peel off another layer. Then as it begins to cool toward evening, you can put them back on.

Starting from the bottom, you’ll want to pack at least one pair of sturdy, but comfy shoes. Open-toe sandals and flip flops suffice while you’re in the safari vehicle or at the camp, but you’ll definitely need sturdy shoes/sneakers when you’re out and about in the wild and at night (to avoid mosquito bites).

For the actual clothes, you’ll want to choose lightweight, moisture-wicking materials, preferably in khaki or natural colors that make you blend in with the environment. This is because overly bright colors can cause you to stand out in the bush and may irritate the animals, while dark colors like blue and black attract tsetse flies and other bugs, and an encounter with them can cast a slight pall on your safari experience. Bring a mix of t-shirts and shorts as well as long-sleeved shirts and long pants for different weather situations. Early mornings and late nights can get quite chilly so don't forget to pack a lightweight jacket or a warm sweater/hoodie. Other items to consider include wide-brimmed hats for when you’ll be out on game drives. Bring your swim wear if you will stay at hotels or lodges that have a pool, or are planning a visit to the beaches of Zanzibar after your safari.

Check the weather: ask us at Sababu Safaris (or check online) and find out what the weather will be like where you are going. You may not need any serious cold weather gear at all (and that will really help with the luggage limit!). Alternatively, if you are going to visit Tanzania in the dry season when temperatures drop dramatically once the sun goes down, you may need a scarf, a thick jacket and even a beanie.  Certain spots in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation area can become very cold in the early mornings and late evenings during the dry season/winter months (June through October).

YOUR LUGGAGE
Due to weight restrictions, it’s important that you utilize the space available efficiently and look for ways to reduce the total weight of your luggage. For instance, we recommend opting for a lightweight, spacious duffel bag instead of a regular suitcase with wheels. It is important to know that hard shell suitcases are not allowed on most domestic flights in Tanzania. For your carry on, don’t forget to pack any medications and other essential items just in case your checked bag is lost or delayed by the airline.

Don’t panic about limited space! Same-day laundry service is usually available at most safari camps and lodges. This means you do not need a change of clothes for each day you are on safari! The exception will be for some mobile tented camps where it is often difficult to offer laundry service. It may also be possible to leave a bag with the charter company, or the person meeting you, for the duration of the safari portion. When in doubt, ask us at Sababu Safaris.

SAFARI GEAR
Africa is a photographer’s dream. Not only does the boundless wildlife come in all shapes and sizes, but the continent is also blessed with stunning landscapes, colorful people and fabulous light! Don’t miss out. Buy a camera, if you don’t already have one. If you want to bring your phone and music, do not forget to bring chargers and country-specific adaptor plugs (UK sockets are used in Tanzania). All our safari vehicles have charging outlets so you will be able to keep them charged at all times. However, we encourage you to try to leave your tablet and laptop at home – they can be a distraction from your beautiful surroundings.

Sababu Safaris provides binoculars in each safari vehicle but feel free to bring your own as well, if you like! Binoculars are essential for optimum wildlife viewing on safari (and a good pair of binoculars will make a big difference to your safari).

You’ll also need to bring along a functional bag where you can store your gear and be able to access it quickly. Other essential gears include extras for your camera (batteries, memory cards, lens cleaners, etc). Most camps and lodges will provide a flashlight, and will walk you back to your tent at night as required, but being self-sufficient is always a good idea (usually the flash light on your mobile phone is sufficient as well).


SELF-CARE
Items for self-care include sunscreen, lip balm, polarized sunglasses, medication, personal toiletries and any other items that you may need, like a small first aid kit and hand sanitizer.

If you wear prescription glasses, be sure to pack more than one set (in case you lose one or they get broken). You will be outdoors for much of the time, so be prepared. If you wear contact lenses, definitely bring glasses, too, because it can get dusty!

Just in case the worst happens, consider bringing the following medication: diarrhea and indigestion medicine, pain killers, heartburn medicine; insect repellent, antihistamine (for allergic reactions against bug bites), throat drops (lozenges), eye drops, and most important – anti-malarial tablets.
It is also recommended to bring some cash for tipping the lodges and camps you will be staying at as well as your guide, and for purchasing gifts and souvenirs during cultural visits to local markets, for example.

PACKING FOR A PURPOSE
While it is vital to know what to pack, it is also equally important to understand that you don’t have to just pack for yourself alone. Most airlines allow you to check two full bags (23kg each), so we encourage you to bring a few useful items that some people of Tanzania might not have access to. This is what it means to Pack for a Purpose. Not only does it benefit the local community without adding a burden to you, but it also helps fulfill one of the tenets of responsible and sustainable travel. Families can use this as an opportunity to teach their children a valuable lesson while being on a holiday: it's not only all about making this trip fun for yourself but “giving back” can add a lot of value to your trip.

Packing for a purpose is growing in popularity and local tour operators such as ourselves at Sababu Safaris have seized on the initiative as a way of using travel to create a lasting impact among local communities in Tanzania. If you’re interested in packing for a purpose, you could bring along general school supplies (school bags, books, pencils/pens and educational games, among others). Other helpful items that you could include in your travel bags are art supplies, sports equipment like spring ropes or soccer balls, first aid materials, and office supplies for the teachers.

Nowadays, traveling should be more than just experiencing the thrill of a new destination but also making an impact. Packing for a purpose is a good way to achieve this. Why not give it a go for your next trip?

A WORD (OR TWO) OF WARNING
It is not advisable to wear any form of clothing that may be construed as “camouflage”. By this we mean any form of brown/green “combat” style coloring. Even if it is the latest fashion statement - and even if it is your 14 year old wearing it - and even if it is just a cap. Many African authorities have a disproportionate phobia of such garments and this could conceivably result in you being questioned or harassed by the police. It has the potential to cause you grief, so don’t do it.

Do not take any expensive personal jewelry on safari. Be minimalist or take only those everyday items that you normally wear, like your wedding band, inexpensive earrings.

With regard to securing your luggage, we would strongly suggest using a combination lock to secure zips together if your suitcase does not have its own locking mechanism. Luggage tampering in airports does occur, unfortunately. Luggage straps that wrap around your suitcase can also deter, whilst shrink-wrapping facilities are available at some airports. Most lodges and camps have a safe in the rooms…and if not, these combination locks on your suitcase will keep your valuables safe.

Original source: Sababu Safaris

Must-Have Travel Guide to Tanzania

On a Sababu Safaris tailor made holiday to Tanzania you can discover Tanzania's dramatic beauty and phenomenal wildlife.

Sababu’s tailor made Safari Itineraries focus on the national parks, game reserves and private wildlife conservancies in the north, south and the west, plus the mainland coastline and the island of Zanzibar.

THINGS TO DO IN TANZANIA

1.            Witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

2.            Conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro and watch the sunrise from ‘The Roof of Africa’.

3.            Enjoy an adventurous and authentic bush experience in Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania

4.            See resident hippo pods at Lake Manyara.

5.            Visit the Mahale Mountains National Park in Western Tanzania to see chimpanzees in the wild and enjoy activities such as hiking in the forests, swimming in ice-cold pools in the mountain waterfalls and kayaking on the turquoise water of Lake Tanganyika.

6.            Enjoy a river safari in the Selous Game Reserve.

7.            Spot an abundance of wildlife, including zebra, buffalo, warthog, wildebeest, hippo and elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater.

8.            Relax on the idyllic, palm fringed and secluded beaches of Zanzibar.


Tanzania is a vast country with much regional variation in geography and climate, plus distinct rainy seasons, therefore deciding when to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to experience whilst you’re there.

Game viewing in Tanzania's parks are at their peak during the dry season from June to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration cross the Mara River in the Serengeti is during July and August, whilst late January to February is the time to visit for the wildebeest calving season.

The ideal time to visit Tanzania's coast and the Zanzibar Archipelago is between August and October, whilst the coast and the islands are best avoided during the long rains from March to May.

If you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro they recommend that you do so during the warmest and driest times of year - December to mid-March and mid-June to end of October. 


You require a passport with at least two blank pages and six months' validity, plus a visa to enter Tanzania. Single-entry visas are available upon arrival at Tanzanian airports or you can obtain one in advance. A visa costs $100 for US citizens and $50 for other nationalities.

Visitors to Tanzania should ensure that they have Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations.  There is a high risk of malaria in most areas of Tanzania (including Zanzibar), therefore anti-malaria medication is recommended and you should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and sleeping under a mosquito net.