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Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa and recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Wildlife

There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Civets - and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopard! Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving.

People, Religion and Language

Zanzibar's local people an incredible mixture ethnic backgrounds, indicative her colourful history. Islam dominant religion, practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers Christianity and Hinduism. Population estimated at 800,000, with largest concentration being City has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally Kiswahili), a which extensively East Africa. Many believe that purest form spoken in Zanzibar as it is birth place of the language.

Weather and Climate

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Government

Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania, and has its own semi-autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives. The present government is led by the island's President, Amani Karume.

Economy

Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people. Zanzibar was once the world's largest producer of cloves, and her economy was based on large incomes thus derived. Although cloves are still a major export along with coconut products and spices, tourism has been ear-marked as the primary foreign exchange earner, with more visitors coming to Zanzibar each year. At this stage, the numbers are still low (less than 100,000 annually) and the potential for tourism is relatively untapped. We are dedicated to sensitive tourism that benefits both visitors and the community, without losing the romance and magic that is Zanzibar.

Getting to Zanzibar by Air

From the Rest of the World

At present, Gulf Air, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM (together with Kenya Airways) offer international scheduled flights to Zanzibar. Several large carriers fly into Dar es Salaam, which is only a short trip by air or sea from Zanzibar. Amongst them are British Airways, Swiss and Emirates Airlines.

From the Rest of Africa

Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have regular flights to Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam is also served by them, as well as Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Air India, Air Malawi, South African Airways, Royal Swazi Airlines and others.

Domestic Flights

Various airlines offer a range of scheduled flights between Zanzibar and Tanzania's main cities.  Typical one-way per person ticket prices are:

Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam	USD65
Zanzibar - Arusha	USD165

Getting to Zanzibar by Sea

Several sea ferry companies ply the waters between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Tickets generally cost between USD35 and USD45 per person one-way.

General

Visas and Entry Requirements

All visitors require a passport, valid for the duration of their stay. Preparations are under way for visitors to obtain visas at any entry point, and this time-saving facility is available to visitors arriving at Zanzibar International Airport. Other points in Tanzania currently offering visa on entry are Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports, and Namanga on the road border between Tanzania and Kenya. Nationals of some countries do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to visiting.

Latest entry requirements, and visa information can be found at the Tanzania High Commission (London, UK) web-site.

For further information on Zanzibar, we recommend Zanzibar.NET