WEATHER
It's summertime in Zanzibar from November to March, with temperatures varying between 25°C/77°F and 35°C/95°F.
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Rainy season starts in April and ends in May having an average of 8 inches or 200 mm rainfall. Temperatures are still high and Zanzibar is crowd-free.
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From June to October it's dry and warm, but it cools down quite a bit in the evening. Some local thunderstorms are possible in the month of November.
MONEY
The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh).
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Currency exchange bureaus are located at the airport and across Zanzibar City.
There are a few smaller exchange bureaus in the area of the hotel.
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We accept cash in Tanzanian Shillings, United States Dollars and in Euros. We also accept credit card payments at an added banking fee of 5% as is the practice across the island.
1 USD = 2500 Tsh
1 EUR = 2700 Tsh
CONNECTIVITY
Zanzibar uses British Standard 3-pin plug points and 220V.
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We offer adapters for guests to borrow during their stay, but it is recommended to bring your own to ensure specific plug configuration.
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Wi-Fi is freely available at the hotel. While regular Internet usage shall be no problem, massive downloading and streaming is more difficult.
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VISAS &
TRANSPORT
You will need a Tanzanian visa to enter Zanzibar.
Check with your local embassy on on their website which documentation you will need to acquire such visa, but for the majority of travelers the visa can be purchased at the airport. Prices vary depending on nationality.
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The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the only one on the island. There are daily ferries from Dar es Salaam.
HEALTH
Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is only needed for entry into Zanzibar if you are coming from an endemic area.
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No other vaccinations are legally required, but it is wise to be updated on tetanus, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis A, meningococcus and rabies.
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The Anopheles malaria-carrying mosquito is nearly eradicated from the island. We personally advise to use sprays to protect against mosquito bites, but not to take prophylaxis. Please consult your travel doctor for further medical advice.
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LANGUAGE &
CULTURE
The official language of Zanzibar is Swahili.
English is widely spoken throughout the island, as well as Arabic.
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The population in Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. T
We always ask our guests to behave and dress modestly, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
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We recommend to not take pictures of local children without their parent's permission, or of military or governmental buildings or procedures