CURRENCY
The local currency in Zanzibaer is the Tanzanian Shiling (Tsh). UD$ are also widely accepted as payment throughout the island. Credit Cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger establishemnts.There is an ATM at the ZNZ airport, several ATMs in Stone Town;, one ATM in Paje ( 30 minutes ride from Kizimkazi)
The most reliable ATM in Stone Town is in main Barclays headquarters, short walk away from Malindi
TIME
Local time is GMT + 3
In Swahili, the time is measured from sunrise to sunset (daytime) and sunset to sunrise (night time). This is primarily because most Swahili speaking countries are on the equator and the times for sunrise and sunset are almost identical year-round.The counting of time starts from 6:00 a.m. on the English clock. 7:00 a.m. is the first hour in the morning 1:00 a.m.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
The local electric current is 220-240 V AC 50Hz. Most electric plug sockets take the British plugs. Mama Root has for you universal extension cords ( power strips). Visitors are advised not to leave expensive electrical appliances plugged in when not in use, due to occasional power surges.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mobile network coverage is good, GSM mobile phones enabled to roam will be able to pick up a reception. Internet despite being a little slow at times provide a cheap and easy method of communiction
MEDICAL
Advice should be sought from a doctor at home. Vaccinations for typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, meningitis and hepatitis A are ussually recommended. Visitors are no longer require to show a yellow fever certificate before entering Zanzibar
Malaria is possible. Cover up after sunset and use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.
Drinking water should be bought in sealed bottles. Medical facilities in Zanzibar are limitted. Tasakhtaa Hospital is in Stone Town. We can arrange transport if you decide to go. Appointments are available for walk-in guests. Prices vary but are affordable. We all believe that this won’t be necessary.
WEATHER
It’s summertime all year around. But long Masika rains fall between March and May. Showers, or heavy storms that are followed by periods of glorious sunshine. Very unpredictable. Very spectacular. It’s called low season as not many tourists come to the Island. This is followed by a dry period, Zanzibar’s high tourist season until November when the short, intermittent, Vuli, rains arrive. From mid-November to March the weather is hot and humid. Breeze at Mama Root is always available. For Zanzibar temperatures. Please check Holiday Weather. It’s a very good source of info.
VISAS
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomus state within Tanzania. Visitors flying direct to Zanzibar are able to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport.
ETIQUETTE
Zanzibari’s are very hospitable and in turn visitors are asked to respect dominating Muslim population. Visitors are requested to respect the culture by dressing modestly. Swim suits and revealing clothes should not be worn outside the hotels. knees and shoulders should be covered while walking in town and villages and public dispalys of affection avoided. Mosques are sacred places. Non-Muslim should not enter.
Ramadan is a holy month in which drinking, smoking, and eating during daylight hours for Muslims is prohibited. During the Holy Month of Ramadan while Muslim are fasting it is consodered the height of bad manners to eat, drink or smoke in public. Some restaurants are closed during this month and outside of town it can be difficult to get any food at all during daytime hours during Ramadan.
FESTIVALS, CONCERTS, EVENTS
Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA)
Zanzibar International Film Festival
Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival
,Mwaka Kogwa, Persian New Year
Eid-ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan