 JAMBO! JAMBO! JAMBO! JAMBO! by DAO | Learn the local customs of Zanzibar Island. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Zanzibar Island locals. Zanzibar Island Map |
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 Zanzibar women are very
conservative by SanguiniA
Apart from showing respect to the locals, you could be saving yourself some hassle as there are stories of women travellers being harassed because they were exposing a bit too much flesh. Leave a Comment
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 Beautiful Stone Town door by toonsarah
Look carefully for the different motifs used in the carving, such as fish, chains, flowers, leaves, lotus and many more. Some of these can be used to determine the age of the door; many of the oldest have a symbol resembling a fish near the bottom of the side posts, which in time gradually evolved into a pineapple. If therefore the carving shows a clear and distinct pineapple the door is likely to be newer. Another symbol that became part of the decoration was a chain-like row at the very outside of the whole door. The chain was said to protect the entrance from evil spirits. Look closely at my photo to see this chain.
For more images of Stone Town’s doors check out www.zanzibarstonetown.org/gallery/doors/.
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A popular activity for tourists in Zanzibar is to have a hand or some other body part adorned with traditional henna painting. We saw signs for this all over Stone Town (se Chris’s photo, no. 2) but it wasn’t until we got to the beach that I decided to have one. There were several women offering to do this at competitive prices – they would approach us on the beach, but rarely hassled us (I think they were carefully monitored by hotel staff and chased away if they became too aggressive).
Henna painting, also known as mehndi painting from the Hindu word for henna, is a traditionally used on the hands and feet. The leaves of the henna plant are dried and powdered to be mixed into a paste which is used to dye the skin a reddish/brown colour. The resulting pattern lasts between 1-3 weeks. Aware that I would have to go back to work the next week I chose this fairly subtle design, and was very happy with the handiwork. If you’d like a henna painting you’ll find plenty of opportunities wherever you stay.
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On one of our evenings at the Breezes Beach Club we were treated to a Swahili-themed barbeque and a performance by local drummers and dancers. The music was great (very hypnotic beats) and the dancing, illuminated by lanterns set in paper bags, was very lively and performed with a lot of enthusiasm. The main feature of all the dances was the use of wooden sticks. Sometimes these were used to pound the ground and add an extra beat to the music; sometimes they simulated weapons in a form of mock combat; at other times the dancers performed different steps over them, and even limbo-danced under them. Additionally the dancers stamped their feet to emphasise the rhythms.
The women wore colourful traditional costumes, though the men’s t-shirts advertising the dance company were a little more prosaic. As in many cultures, Swahili dances have specific meanings and play an important role in religion and social ceremonies. Traditionally women and girls are not allowed to participate in public dances – I’m not sure whether these women were ignoring that taboo or if they were not actually Swahili but were simply performing their dances.
If you get a chance to see a traditional dance performance, do take it, as it will certainly add to your appreciation and enjoyment of the local culture of Zanzibar.
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 Beer bottle labels by toonsarah
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 Local in Stone Town by toonsarah
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 Wonderful door of St Joseph's
Cathedral by toonsarah
We were fascinated to find that the mass, like the building itself, borrowed elements from the local culture, especially in the music with its strong rhythms, drumming and Swahili chanting. This is definitely something worth experiencing, but be warned – you’ll need some stamina. The mass lasted far longer than the one hour usual in England (closer to two) and as we had arrived not long before it started we found ourselves having to stand in what was a very hot and close atmosphere, despite the ceiling fans and open doors and windows. Local practice by the way is for men to occupy one side of the aisle and women the other, but no one seemed to mind that visiting couples like ourselves chose to stay together on the men’s side (we weren’t sure that the women would like to be joined by an unknown man).
If you would like to experience a different side to life in Stone Town do consider joining some of its people in worship, either here or in the Anglican Cathedral.
Directions On Cathedral Street, a little to the east of Kenyatta Road
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Basic Swahili
As you walk down the road, your conversations will go like this:
You will hear (shouted at you) – “Jambo!” (Hello)
You reply – “Jambo!”
”Habari?” (what is the news or how are you?)
”Nzuri” (I am fine)
You usually hear “Karibu” (you are welcome here) sometimes the name of the village is said as well. I often heard “Karibu Jmbiani.” OR “Karibu Zanzibar”!
Always reply “Asante Sana!” (Thank You very much)
Sometimes after you have spoken to someone a little longer or purchased something from them you will be called “Rafiki” which means friend. This is heart felt and you rarely hear it unless you have become friends – in the village.
If the word “Rafiki” is shouted at you as a greeting – they are trying to sell you something, usually in Stone Town.
A Few Basics Words/Phrases:
Yes = Ndiyo
No = Hapana
Okay = Sawa
Maybe = Labda
How are you? = Habari Yako?
Good = Nzuri
Thank you = Asante
Hello = Jambo
I am fine = Sijambo
Please = Tafadhali (the dh is pronounced like a th)
Goodbye = Kwaheri
What is your name? = Jina lako ni nani?
My name is ...= Jina langu ni ...
I don't speak Swahili = Sisemi Kiswahili
Bia = Beer
Bia baridi = Cold beer
Daktari = Doctor
Duka = Shop
Hakuna matata No problem
Karibu welcome
Rafiki Friend
A young person to an older one: "Shikamoo!" (originally it meant "I touch your feet" as a sign of respect) and the greeted answers, "Marahabaa!" (I acknowledge your respect!).
** Please note that as this is a Muslim Country – never greet a woman in conversation outside. You may respond if they greet you first. ** Leave a Comment
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 ngalawa by sachara
We were lucky not only to see these ngalawa at the beach with playing kids around, but we saw also some of those authentic boats, sailing in front of the Kizidi Restaurant. Leave a Comment
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 dhow sailing along the coast
of Zanzibar Island by sachara
In Stone town you can book an one-day cruise at a dhow, visitng a sandbank, a reef and two islands. Also common are the 8 M long mashua dhows, that shuttle between Zanzibar and the mainland. I didn't sail with a dhow myself, but enjoyed to see them sailing at the ocean. Leave a Comment
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