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Zanzibar - This is the finest place I have known in all of Africa to rest before my final journey. An illusive place where nothing is as it seems. I am mesmerized...... David Livingstone, 1866

     In northern Zanzibar, approximately 40 miles from Stone Town, Nungwi is fast becoming a full resort set on yet another
     perfect white sand beach. It's well worth the hour to an hour and a half bus trip to get here, even if the final approach road
     can be so bumpy at times, you'll cling to anything that's firmly bolted down. Nungwi is where we will be spending our vacation
     soaking up the African sun and sipping on cocktails whilst relaxing on white sand beaches...

         

     
        Details of the trip :  Zanzibar Trip

        Passports and Visas -

      All nationalities require visas for Tanzania & Zanzibar, these need to be applied for in advance. I have contacted the
      Tanzanian embassy in Geneva, Switzerland and they require the following in order to grant a travel visa :
    
      . 1 x Visa Application form
     
      . 1 x Passport photo

      .  Passport valid for minimum of 6 months

      . Certification of return ticket from the travel agents

      . Self-addressed registered stamped envelope to return passports and documents

      .  Visa Fees - Sfr. 70.00

      
      to be sent to -

                          Tanzanian Mission
                                  Visa Section
                                  47 Avenue Blanc
                                  1202 GENEVA
                         
                                  Tel: 022 731 89 20
                                  Fax: 022 732 82 55


 

The following services are taxed in Zanzibar:        An Airport tax of 25$ per ticket must be paid on departure. Keep small denomination ready as change         might be limited sometimes.        A tax of 5$ for every ticket for the person traveling through sea port.

 

Details of the trip :  Zanzibar Trip                Accommodation @ www.amaanbungalows.com
A picturesque escape for unforgettable Zanzibar vacations.....      Situated on the north western point – Amaan is located in the centre of the wild tropical surroundings and pristine white      beaches of Zanzibar with the unforgettable turquoise water of the Indian Ocean at it's doorstep.      A postcard picture for sure....                                              Nungwi -     Nungwi, is and always has been the spot with the most atmosphere and good vibes of the island. Most of the hotels and     bungalows are situated in close proximity to each other and all the beaches and restaurants are open for anyone to visit, so     the general feel of the locale is friendly and inviting. The local village of Nungwi is in close proximity so tourism and the local     cultural heritage mingle on an everyday basis.     The catch of the day is still brought on the backs of bicycles and the local fisherman still use their picturesque Dhows to fish on,     Zanzibar is still very much 'traditional Zanzibar' in the wild northern region. Amaan Bungalows try to use the rich cultural and     exotic surrounding to give their guests a one-of-a-kind holiday.

       
       
        Details of the trip :  Zanzibar Trip

        Medication needed -

Visitors to Zanzibar are no longer required by law to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate when they enter the country.      See your local doctor or Travel Clinic for further information about inoculations required for the area.      Malaria is still prevalent in East Africa and so one should also take a malaria prophylaxis. There are many different kinds of      medication for this, the course duration of which depends on the type of tablets prescribed. Generally the course of tablets      begins before one enters the 'malaria area' but again, this is dependant on the type of medication prescribed. Precautions        should also be taken to avoid being bitten. Apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets at night. Wear long-sleeved      shirts and trousers in the evenings. Malaria is a disease that should be treated with respect and one should therefore be      sensible and take basic precautions.      As in almost all African countries, drink bottled water and avoid uncooked foods that may have been washed in untreated      water. Zanzibar is a safe country, and most locals are friendly and honest, still, common sense should be employed.      By taking simple precautions one should have a relaxing and interesting stay in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Diphtheria      Diphtheria is a serious throat infection, which infects from person-to-person through the air. The vaccination should be less      than 10 years old otherwise a booster is needed.      Malaria      Malaria tablets reduce the risk of infection. There is considerable chloroquine resistance in this area and the choice is between      Malarone, Lariam (most recommended) or Doxycycline. Protection against mosquito bites will reduce the risk further.      Yellow fever      Yellow fever is a serious virus infection, which cause a serious hepatitis. The vaccine provides protection for 10 years after a      single injection. Countries where yellow fever is present are entitled to request a valid certificate documenting a vaccination      against yellow fever at least 10 days before entry. The certificate is a stamp in the WHO yellow book.      Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis)      Infectious hepatitis infects through food and water. Vaccination consists of two injections about 12 months apart, which protects      for up to 20 years. The first vaccination protects for 12 months. Gamma globulin consists of purified antibodies from people      who have had hepatitis A, and protects for up to 5 months. The vaccination is preferred. The hepatitis A vaccine can be      combined with the vaccine against hepatitis B.      Tetanus      Tetanus is a complication to wounds contaminated by soil. If there has been a vaccination within the past 10 years it is not      necessary to give a booster in case of wounds and accidents. Tetanus is usually given in combination with diphtheria. If you      are previously vaccinated, the vaccine can be given right up to departure.

 

Details of the trip :  Zanzibar Trip               What to bring along -

        Light sandals or rubber flip-flops, some places require you to remove your shoes before entering. Good walking shoes if
      you plan on doing a lot of sight seeing.


      Flashlight, (not too important) for those irritating power cuts. Many hotels do have generator backup systems though.


      Clothes – these should be light as it is very hot and humid. A jersey or windbreaker is recommended for those winter nights
      (just in case).


      Women are "frowned upon" for wearing revealing clothes. Mini-skirts are a definite no.
      Try to wear shorts (not hot pants) or a long skirt, and try to keep the shoulders covered.

     
      Bikinis and beach wear worn on the beach at the resorts is no problem.


      Sunscreen lotion & after-sun lotion are both definite musts, bring loads as it is hot and sunny in February!


      A large beach towel is also recommended as most resorts do not provide these.


      You should also pack a small medical aid kit (first-aid kit) containing the essentials, plasters, disinfectant, pain killers and
      bandage.

      A good hat or baseball cap for protection against the sun and a pair of sun glasses to complete you wardrobe and you're
      all set for your beach break.
           

Use this checklist to keep up to date with outstanding items - www.doodle.ch

 
 

Details of the trip :  Zanzibar Trip                Important notes -             Currency -

        Traveler’s cheques and cash are accepted at hotels and Bureau de Changes. US$ are the preferred currency. If you plan
      on taking cash, make sure you take large bills (e.g. $50 or $100) as these for some unknown reason always get a better
      rate. Don’t go running to the first Bureau you see at the airport, as these, along with the hotels and resorts, normally have
      the worst exchange rate. If you are planning on taking a taxi into town, rather pay the fare in US$ and go to a bureau in town. 
      There are many all over town. Try to negotiate a better rate, you never know. 

      Try to pay for as much as possible in the local currency (Tanzanian Shillings), always bearing in mind the exchange rate.
      If the locals see you have foreign currency, they will try to relieve you of it. ALWAYS haggle or bargain and try to pretend
      you know what you are doing. Remember to keep some of your home currency for your return, just in case. You will also
      have to pay a departure tax of around $25 - $30 when you leave.

      Travel insurance -

      It is imperative that you have travel insurance. Even though they do not check any certificates when you enter the airports,
      for your own peace of mind, make sure that you are adequately covered.

      Crime -
     
      As with all cities, Zanzibar is not free of crime. Unfortunately it has been on the increase, so make sure you do not take
      valuables on holiday with you. If you do take expensive jewelry, make sure it is either locked up when you go out, or
      hidden from sight.
      Be careful not to walk the streets at night alone, this invites trouble. If you are confronted, do not resist, and try to report
      the matter to the police as soon as possible.

        Insect/ Mosquito repellent -

       Mosquitoes, like little vampires, favour night conditions. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover all exposed areas of your
      body (e.g. neck and arms). It is recommended that you wear trousers at night and long sleeved shirts should you be outdoors.
      if the heat is too much and you wear a short sleeved shirt, make sure you smear /spray your arms with repellent. At night 
      before you go to bed, make sure your mosquito net is either touching the ground, or is tucked in, and your exposed areas
      (especially your ankles) are protected with repellent.
    
       
            Links  -   www.zanzibartourism.net  ||  www.amaanbungalows.com  ||  www.zanzibar.net  ||  www.lonelyplanet.com


 
 

Details of the trip :  Zanzibar Trip                Some helpful phrases -  Language - Kiswahili

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jambo = hello!        habari zako = how are you?        nafurahi kuku ona = i'm happy to meet you
sana = very/a lot (asante sana)        chakula kitamu, nimeshiba, asante = the food was good, i am full, thanks.        tafadhali naomba maji = please can I have some water        samahani, naomba kuku piga picha? = excuse me, can i take your picture?
mambo = what's up?        nzuri = good        salama = peaceful        asante = thank you
nimeshiba = i'm full        kwaheri = good        byechakula kitamu = tasty food        maji = water        ni mzuri sana = is very beautiful

      

       Details of the trip :  Zanzibar Trip

       
       Music Festival -  Sauti za Busara 2008


     We will be attending 'The festival finale party' on the 12 February 2008, featuring live music, DJs and acrobats to be held
     at The Fairmont Hotel, Zanzibar.

     The Fairmont Zanzibar is located on the beautiful north east coast of Zanzibar, famed for miles of white powder sandy
     beaches and pristine coral reefs - see  www.fairmont.com/zanzibar      

     The Busara music festival itself takes place in Stone town from February 7th - 10th, 2008 with the festival finale party to
     close it all off on the 12th of february 2008.

	Learn all about the Busara music festival here -