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 | Zanzibar Island Warnings or Dangers | Tips 1 - 10 of 21 |  |
 No hassle from this sugar
cane seller :-) by toonsarah
This isn’t to suggest that all guides in Zanzibar adopt such hard sell techniques, nor to create the impression that the people here aren’t warm and welcoming, which they almost uniformly are. But do be aware that there is a culture of fairly aggressive touting for business and that, perhaps unsurprisingly, local people are likely to see tourists as a relatively easy source of money.
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To drive in Zanzibar you have to get a Zanzibari licence. This can be obtained from the police station in Stone Town (only). I believe that if you have an international driving licence you won't need this though.
It is important that you do obtain this document as there are police checkpoints everywhere in Zanzibar - and they will probably ask for this document so that if you don't have it you can pay the fine.
Don't be worried about the checkpoints though - most probably the police will just have a look at you and let you pass. There has been some reported trouble, mainly involving fake incidents to get the tourists to bribe the police - but I think that these stories are a bit exaggerated. I have passed through some 12 checkpoints during my stay, all without incident. Also, the police are quite friendly if you take the opportunity to ask for directions. Leave a Comment
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PLEASE PREPARE! Malaria can sometimes be fatal and at best may make you regret that you survived. Medicines must be taken weeks BEFORE you come here. There are 4 different species of Malaria and humans can get them all from the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Illness and death from malaria are largely preventable if you plan ahead.
While you are here you need to use a repellent spray early in the morning and any periods of darkness, especially at night. The Bartender at my beach hotel had Malaria 3 times before he was 25. Do not take chances!
I would suggest you buy repellent with 100% DEET.
DEET Leave a Comment
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 Zanzibar Islands by Laerke
You will have to pay 25 USD to the airport, so make sure it isnt already included in your ticket or else have solid proof showing that you HAVE payed it in advance!
It will save you a lot of trouble later on.... Leave a Comment
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 PICTURE ALTERED TO PROTECT THE
INNOCENT by DAO
• Tour of Stone Town
• Other tours (Jozani Forrest, Spice Tour, Prison Island, etc.)
• Souvenir shops/crafts
• Taxi
• Hotel
• Help with bags
• Directions to a specific place (they walk you there)
Be polite. If you tell them ‘I already have’ and list several of the items above, they start to realise that you know how things work. I ‘hired’ one, or he hired me and I paid $7 for a 2 hour tour of Stone Town. I was shown everything and had a fascinating explanation of local life. They work on a commission. So if you go to ‘my brother’s shop’ and you buy something they get paid a small amount by the shop owner later. Always keep some small coins on hand. If you get lost or really need help you be able to give them a small reward for their assistance.
If you are here for a short period of time or just off a cruise ship, size them up first. Persistent, but polite is ok.
On the other hand
I did have an older one who kept talking to me in a bar. I am pretty sure he had a substance and/or mental health issue. The next day he saw me and was convinced that I had agreed to pay him for a tour of Stone Town. I had done this with another Beach Boy 2 days before. I even tried to hide in a shop who told me the obvious problem with our little friend. I ended up having to have a security guard chase him away. Other than that episode I had good relations with these guys and they would always shout ‘Jambo’ at me when I was out and about.
Please note: This tip is also on the ‘Cultural Tips’ as I found most of these guys were OK. Leave a Comment
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 volcanic rough landscape. by laughingsun69Leave a Comment
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 Picking coconuts (by
Chris) by toonsarah
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During the rainy season the large lakes that appear in the road take up exactly the entire width of the road. Also they are only located where the vegetation is so dense, that you cannot actually walk along the sides or avoid walking in the water. Take good boots that dry quickly. Get used to it. It is the rainy season and you are going to get wet and stay that way. At least it is always warm!
The rainy season is from November to May with the heaviest rains in the last 2 months.
Please note: Prices, including flights, are always cheaper during the rainy season. However, many hotels shut, so plan carefully. Leave a Comment
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 Zanzibar - North Coast by Laerke
I myself, am use to the strong Dubai sun, and it?s not just any sun you?re dealing with in Zanzibar as well as Tanzania.
Eventhough I avoided the sun and used pleanty of sunscreen, I still got burnt.
You?ll need to be particulary careful when snorkelling or even just sitting in a boat with shadow or not - the reflections with come right back at you!
Cover up, stay in the shade and use pleanty of sunblock! Leave a Comment
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As in the rest of Tanzanian towns, always exercise a degree of caution with your valuables and money. Do not leave them unattended in hotel rooms - always use the hotel safe if you are staying in a reputable place. Also be aware of pickpockets. No need to be paranoid though - normal common sense should suffice. Leave a Comment
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