8 Tips for Visiting Zanzibar: Africa's Spice Island

If you’re keen on tacking on some R&R after your oh-so-stressful Safari, consider Zanzibar. The "zan" in Tanzania is just an hour-and-a-half ferry ride from the mainland in the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect tropical spot to kick back and relax. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip.

1. Remember your visa. Visitors from the United States and Europe require visas to enter Tanzania. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state within Tanzania, so you don't need a separate visa to visit, but you do need to show your passport.

2. Travel June through October. This is the best time to visit Zanzibar because the temperature averages 26°C (79°F).

3. Plan your trip around the holy month of Ramadan. Zanzibar observes Ramadan for a month every year. During this period Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke between sunrise and sunset. Although hotels catering to tourists are not affected, many small shops and restaurants are closed during the day. If you plan to arrive during Ramadan, aim for the end, when a huge feast called the Eid al-Fitr (which means "end of the fast") brings everyone out to the streets.

4. Rent bikes. Bikes can be rented from shops near Darajani Market. Mopeds and motorcycles are another great way to get about the island.

5. Take the ferry. Not a big fan of flying in the small planes? Several hydrofoil ferries travel between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town. The fastest trips, lasting about 75 minutes, are on hydrofoils operated by Sea Express and Azam Marine. Tickets can be purchased on the spot or in advance from the row of offices next to the port in Dar es Saalam. Timetables and prices are displayed on boards outside each office. Tickets for nonresidents range from $40 for first class (Tsh 65,000) to $35 (Tsh 60,000) for second class. The harbor is quite busy so keep an eye on your possessions and if you don't want help from a porter, be firm.

6. Take a deep breath when flying. Remember to exercise patience with all the local airlines because schedules are flexible and very often flights are delayed.

7. Be wary of taxi drivers. Whether you arrive by plane or ferry, you will be approached by taxi drivers. Be sure to agree on a price before getting in, as taxis do not have meters. The fare to Stone Town should be around Tsh 11,000 (around $10–$15). Your driver may let you out several blocks before you reach your hotel because the streets are too narrow. Ask the driver to walk you to the hotel. Be sure to tip him if he carries your luggage.

8. Be very careful when using ATMs. Make sure you use one that is on a reputable bank’s premises and that the bank is open—cards get swallowed all the time. Beware the airport ATM—it is omnivorous.



Fodor's

Sol Melia To Expand Into Tanzania

PALMA DE MALLORCA—In keeping with its strategy to expand into new markets, Sol Melia will open a new hotel on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania.

Melia Zanzibar will be a five-star holiday resort and bolsters the company's presence in Africa following the inauguration of its first hotel in Cabo Verde. Previously operated by the Kempinski chain (Zamani Kempinski), the hotel will reopen next August under the Spanish company's most international brand, Melia Hotels & Resorts, joining the portfolio through a management contract.

Hotel Business

EAC finalises draft legal, good governance protocol

The East Africa Community partner states have finalised the EAC draft protocol on good governance.

The draft was finalised during a three-day meeting between the five EAC member states in Moshi, Tanzania.

The final draft will be discussed at a multi-sectoral meeting of the partner states’ Ministers responsible for good governance, ethics and integrity, foreign affairs, EAC, justice and constitutional affairs, among others, which is scheduled for between June 8 and 1 June in Zanzibar.

Opening the meeting of experts, the EAC deputy secretary general (Political Federation), Ms Beatrice Kiraso, said the protocol was crucial especially in view of the deepening and widening of regional integration, with the ultimate goal of a Political Federation.

“Good governance is a cornerstone of our integration and regional prosperity because it guarantees internal security and stability through accountability,” Ms Kiraso said, adding that good governance does not just happen; it is built and nurtured through sustained effort and must be willingly accepted by both the government and the governed.

She said that if the East Africa region was to see lesser conflicts, it has to seriously embrace and address issues of good governance seriously and attain the vision of secured, peaceful and politically united East Africa.

She admitted that the draft EAC Protocol on Good Governance was very sensitive but that the region has to apply the best practices to improve the living standards of its people and achieve the ultimate goal of EA Political Federation.

Justice Minister for Burundi, Mr Nestor Kayobera, who chaired the experts meeting, also stressed the importance of good governance for effective and sustainable development of the EA region.

“Good governance is critical for overall development of EAC,” Mr Kayobera said.

To make it comprehensive, the Protocol shall also include issues of Economic and Corporate Governance.

The final draft, which has been subjected to wide consultations in the Partner States involving key stakeholders, is due to be presented to the EAC Council of Ministers in August for consideration.



Daily Monitor

"Wabara" wachomewa vibanda Zenji; waambiwe waondoke