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Here's everything you need to know for planning a visit:
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Zanzibar has international scheduled flights served by Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways. Also regional flights served by Precision Air, Air Uganda. and "1time" from South Africa.
Alternatively, Dar es Salaam is served by British Airways, Swiss Air, South African Airways and Emirates. From Dar you can get a local-hop connection with ZanAir, or Coastal for less than US$ 100 - OR - see Ferries below.
Note: Departing passengers on international flights have to pay a Departure Tax of US$30 cash. |
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Zanzibar is served by a number of ferry companies to/from Dar es Salaam. There are several fast (2hr) hydrofoil crossings daily plus several slower (4hr) vessels. Non Residents should expect to pay up to US$50 incl port tax one-way. |
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International visitors can book accommodation and reserve 4-day passes through Tabasam Tours |
If you are coming for the festival then ideally you should stay in or near Stone Town on the nights of 12, 13, 14 and 15 February 2009 (Thu-Sun).
There is a good range of quality and prices. But, not surprisingly, most places get booked, for festival time, up well in advance. Make arrangements sooner than later. If you need suggestions and further advice have a look at the web site for Tabasam Tours.
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Taxis from the airport can cost up to US$15. Taxis anywhere within town up to US$5. Local people travel around in shared minibuses - called "dala dalas". They tend to leave once they are full and stop often to drop and pick passengers - so not the quickest, but affordable and fun.
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The main festival venue is at the Old Fort, on the waterfront of historic Stone Town. (See satellite view.) This world heritage site is part of Zanzibar Town. Most places are within easy walking distance, although it can get very warm in the middle of the day and it's easy to lose yourself in the endless narrow alleyways - so you might consider taxies at times. |
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Tickets or passes are needed for admission to the main venue after sunset. There is NO allocated seating. International visitors tend to buy four-day passes and wander in and out as they choose. Local people usually buy an "admit once" ticket for specific performances and at these times - usually later in the evenings - there can be queues.
See tickets and passes for more information.
If you are booking flights and accommodation, for "peace of mind" you can reserve a four-day pass in advance with Tabasam Tours. |
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The requirements and rules regarding visas vary according to your nationality and country of residence. Please check well in advance. |
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Zanzibar in February can be hot and sunny. Think about sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream and loose baggy clothes). Also, in the streets of Stone Town, please respect that showing too much flesh may offend local (Muslim) standards.
Bring your camera - and any special batteries. Town power is 240v and mostly square pin sockets (like UK). Internet and CD burning is widely available.
Some restaurants and hotels have WiFi - so you might consider bringing that laptop or PDA.
Obviously, there will be opportunities for beaches and swimming. Plastic shoes of sandals are recommended for shoreline walks at low tide. |
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Zanzibar is a peaceful location inhabited by peaceful people. However, it is in the best interest of all visitors to "wise-up" on a few simple "dos and don'ts".
Please avoid walking around with more valuables than you need, especially late at night, or on the beaches.
Please consider the consequences of provocative behaviour and dress in public places. What maybe quite "normal" in some cultures may invite attention or cause offence in others. |
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While visiting Zanzibar you may also be interested in some of the following:
- Spice Tours
- Dolphin Tours
- Dhow and Sunset Cruises
- Safari Blue Day Out
- Prison Island Tour
- Jozani Forest Tour
- Diving and Snorkeling
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For Travel and Tourism in Tanzania we recommend the comprehensive web site set-up by the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania at www.tanzaniatourismonline.com |
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Here are links to the Zanzibar pages in several leading guide books
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