Zanzibar: Zanzibar, the emerging pearl of the Indian Ocean

Zanzibar is over 7,000 kilometres from Paris, but the time difference is slight. There is a difference of 2 hours with Paris in winter and just 1 hour in summer. Stone Town, the archipelago's capital, is just 6 kilometres and 10 minutes from the airport. Taxis cost €12. Buses cost a maximum of €1. Buses are parked outside the car park and take you directly to the market square at the entrance to the town.

Formalities and visa

All European Union nationals require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in the country. Unless you are French, you will also need a visa if your first point of entry into Tanzania is Zanzibar. This costs $50 and is issued at the airport. You can also apply for a visa online via the Tanzanian immigration website. The price varies according to the type of visa requested: $30 for a transit visa, $50 for a classic visa, $100 for a multiple-entry visa and $250 for a business visa.

Security

The island has experienced some political tensions and demonstrations that have spilled over violently. However, there is little danger as a tourist if you wish to visit the island. In Stone Town**, there is no problem** walking around during the day. However, after 10pm, the streets become deserted. So avoid walking around showing off your wealth (rings, necklaces, watches, etc.). However, Stone Town's beaches have a relatively bad reputation. Especially those between Kilimani and Mazizini. Once again, leave your valuables and passports at your hotel. There are no real problems on the island's other beaches, but as everywhere, be vigilant.

Religion

Tanzanians on the mainland are equally Christian, Muslim and animist. Zanzibar, on the other hand, is 98% Muslim, so be sure to dress decently when visiting places other than your hotels and beaches (shoulders and knees covered).

Health

In 2008, the yellow fever vaccine became compulsory again, in theory, for people who spend more than 12 hours in transit in another African city. In practice, however, proof of yellow fever vaccination is regularly requested on an indiscriminate basis. Proof of yellow fever vaccination can save you a lot of trouble. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, DPT, typhoid and meningitis.

As in many tropical areas, it's best not to drink tap water. You should also avoid eating the skins of fruit and vegetables.

Tanzania has a very high incidence of malaria, while Zanzibar is much less affected. However, to be on the safe side, don 't hesitate to take anti-malarial medication throughout your stay. And remember to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Don't forget that in this part of the world, the sun's rays are very strong and prolonged exposure is harmful to your body.

The island has a good number of medical centres, but hospital cover is almost non-existent. Remember to take out insurance in case you need to be repatriated.

Electricity

220 V. These are three-plug sockets (two flat horizontal and one vertical). Don't forget your adaptor.

Currency

The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) has a very low value. 1 euro is worth 2335 TZS. There are 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 shilling notes. There are also coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 shillings. The dollar is also widely used in Tanzania. If it's easier for you, you can pay in dollars just about anywhere.

However, we advise you to take a large sum of cash with you, as there are very few ATMs.

Tips

Prices generally include VAT, but tips are appreciated. It is also customary to tip your taxi driver when you have finished your journey.

Language

Kiswahili and English are the most commonly spoken languages in Tanzania.

A basic glossary:

• Hello - Jambo
• Welcome - Karibu
• How are you? - Habari gani?
• Ca va bien! - Mzuri sana
• Gently - Pole Pole
• Bon voyage - Safari njema
• Hotel - Hoteli
• Sun - Jua
• Beer - Pombe

Telephone

To call Zanzibar from France dial 00 255 24 followed by the number. To call Zanzibar from France dial 00 33 followed by the number without the 0.