Welcome To Zanzibar!
Warm greetings from Africa Pension! We are thrilled to welcome you to our 5th Annual Conference in beautiful Zanzibar, Tanzania. As you settle in for the next few days, please review the following information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Our Conference destination:
Located about 22 miles (35km) off the east coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of the main island of Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar), Pemba Island, famous for its deep-sea fishing, and about 50 smaller surrounding islands and coral reefs.
Also known as the Spice Islands, Zanzibar evokes images of an exotic paradise with white palm-fringed beaches and turquoise coves, dreamy dhows with billowing white sails, and ancient Islamic ruins.
Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa
Around 50km off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the cluster of islands that make up the Zanzibar archipelago are best known for spices, coral reefs and their fringes of dreamlike beaches steeped with culture and activities in historic Stone Town.
As the island’s greenest hotel, it is one of a kind. Set just outside historic Stone Town and only a mere 15 minute drive from the airport, it is the ideal location for all travel purposes; family holidays, special events, adventure or business travel. Each room offers luxury accommodation with a private balcony and ocean-facing views of the coast or the mangrove forest.
Electricity:
230 volts, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.
Language:
Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.
Money:
The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in US dollars and this is the preferred unit of currency. Money can be exchanged in larger towns; foreign exchange bureaux may offer a better rate of exchange than banks. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a surcharge.
Tipping:
Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10 percent; guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips usually receive tips as well. The amount is discretionary according to the standard of service and the number of people in the travelling party.
Safety:
Most visits to Tanzania are trouble free, but violent and armed crime does exist. Travellers are sometimes the victims of mugging and bag snatching (especially by passing cars or motorbikes), and armed robbery and burglary rates have increased throughout the country. Travellers should walk as far away from the road as possible and avoid walking and cycling at night. They should also avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables, and leave their passport in the hotel safe.
As in other East African countries, there is some threat of terrorism in Tanzania, and visitors should be cautious in public places and at tourist sites. The area bordering Burundi should also be avoided. There have been reports of piracy in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden is a concern, with commercial and tourist vessels being fired upon and several tourists taken hostage.
Road accidents are common due to poor road and vehicle conditions, violation of traffic regulations and exhaustion among long-distance drivers. There have also been a number of ferry accidents in Tanzania in recent years. Travellers should take precautions, such as staying away from buses or ferries that seem overloaded or in poor condition.
Local customs:
Tanzanians are known to be friendly and generally welcoming, but travellers should be sensitive to local cultural mores. Drunkenness is frowned upon and Tanzanians feel strongly about showing respect for their elders.
Visitors to Zanzibar should be aware that it is a predominantly Muslim region and visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. Beachwear is fine on the beach or around a hotel pool, but not acceptable elsewhere. Topless sunbathing is a criminal offence. Some tourists buys a local sarong, called a kanga, which can be used to cover shoulders when needed, or otherwise be used as a towel.
Smoking in public places is illegal. Tourists should be especially careful during Ramadan, when public drinking, smoking and even eating in public should be avoided. Homosexuality is illegal.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. There is good mobile phone coverage in main cities and towns, while rural areas may have limited coverage. There are international roaming agreements with most international operators. WiFi is available in main towns and resorts; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.