The coolest and driest time to visit is
between late June and October. From late December to February or early March
temperatures are a little higher. April and May which are seasonally subject to
the long rains. Short rains can occur in November but are characterised by
short showers which do not last long. The island is blessed with an average of
seven to eight hours of sunshine daily.
Visas are required by
almost all visitors to Tanzania, and should be obtained before arriving in
Tanzania. If you are arriving from a country without a Tanzanian embassy or
consulate, visas are issued at Dar es Salaam international airport and at
Zanzibar airport. Tourist visas are valid for three months from the date of
issue.
Visa requirements are likely to change so please check with
your local Tanzanian embassy or representative.
Official Currency:
Tanzania Shilling=100 cents Current Exchange Rate:
Today's Exchange
Rate
Mastercard, Access and Diners Club have a limited acceptance.
Travellers cheques can be exchanged with authorised deals and bureaux de change
and are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Many hotels may require
you make payment in foreign currency either in cash or by Travellers Cheque.
Ferries from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar leave fairly regularly. There
are three high speed ferries companies to choose from and each has about two
departures per day. The journey takes about one and half hours. No need to
purchase ticket in advance, they can be brought at the port. Times change
regularly, but there is usually a boat ever hour or two.
There are
several medium sized ferries and catamarans running this route regularly
throughout the day. Ferries dock in the centres of both Dar es Salaam and
Stonetown - Zanzibar.
Bus:
Converted pick-ups or dalla-dallas (minibuses) link all major towns on
Zanzibar island, and it's easy to arrange car, moped or motorcycle rental. In
general, prices are reasonable and there are few hassles, although breakdowns
are fairly common, as are accidents.
The Africa Guide's recommended Map Zanzibar Island Map (Maps Worldwide)
Published by Harms Verlag - Series Touring Maps Format Folded Map, Scale
1:100 000 . Language English, Dutch Italien A touring map of Zanzibar
with town plans. Includes colour shading and contours.
Driving is on the left hand side and an International Driving Licence is
required and before hiring a car, most establishment require that these are
endorsed by the police. Self drive car hire is expensive but most companies
offer car with driver.
If you need medical care whilst in
Zanzibar, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away.
- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line....
Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.
