Zanzibar

Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh) Although major currencies like EUR, USD, GBP also accepted. – Take note – * USD notes – All USD money must be issued from 2006 onwards. Notes issued from 2005 and before will not be accepted at any establishment nor will be exchangeable at any bank. * GBP notes – Only the new GBP notes made from the polymer PLASTIC which is waterproof, see through window strip of her Majesty, a hologram feature, and raised Braille dots are now accepted. The older paper based GBP notes are no longer accepted. * Kenyan Shillings Notes – Only new KSh notes featuring the image of Kenyatta International Conference Centre, and the images on the back symbolizing green energy, agriculture, social services, tourism, and governance are accepted. Previous generation notes are no longer accepted by most establishments. * Currency exchange may only be done by a bank or registered exchange bureau. * You can still pay for services in the major foreign currencies (EUR, USD, GBP), establishments like hotels are not permitted to facilitate any foreign exchange transaction for example changing USD to TSH. This can only be facilitated by a bank or registered exchange bureau as per Zanzibar’s Financial Acts & Regulations. Official

GMT + 3

Kiswahili & English

220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz

Predominantly Islam

Code of Conduct All visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Zanzibari local traditions, customs, values and culture especially in the matter of clothing. Both male and female visitors are advised to wear proper concealed clothing covering themselves minimum from shoulders to knees when moving around in villages, towns and other public areas. Men – should wear trousers at least up to knee length with a proper shirt, polo shirt or T-shirt. Avoid tank top shirts exposing shoulders or walking around without a shirt or open buttoned shirt. Woman – should wear summer dress or trousers covering your knees with a blouse covering your belly to breast and shoulders areas. Avoid wearing tops with a low-cut exposing your breast cleavage area and belly button. Avoid transparent Sheron/sheer material coverups and ensure when using such clothing over your swim suit that its made of non-transparent material. Alternatively, Zanzibar residents will show you with pleasure how to make use of the traditional kanga available from many shops to use as cover-up when going out in public These guidelines are not applicable to the beach areas or Resort areas although proper swimwear is still encouraged in respect for the staff in the hotels. Improper behavior's and clothing might lead to a penalty fine ranging from US$ 700 to US$ 5,000, imprisonment or both in accordance with the Tourism Regulations.

Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains can occur in November but are characterized by short showers. The heat of summer is often cooled by the wind, with pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily and year round average temperatures of between 25 and 28 Celsius.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The island is in a celebratory mood that may last for several days. There is plenty of feasting, Taarab music concerts, and everyone dresses in their finest clothes. Stone Town can be a particularly exciting place at this time. Mwaka Kogwa the Shirazi New Year, is celebrated at the end of July. The best place to observe this festival is Makunduchi, a village in the southern part of Zanzibar, where huge bonfires are lit and mock fights occur between men using banana stems as weapons. As the men fight, women can sometimes be heard in the fields, singing songs about life and love. Sauti Za Busara (“Voices of Wisdom”) is a 4-day celebration of African music, drawing performers from all over the continent and beyond. It is held annually in Stone Town in February. The Zanzibar International Film Festival is a 10-day cultural extravaganza of film screenings, music, workshops, exhibits, and more. Stone Town, July.