Zanzibar Town Local Customs

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Many of the oldest houses and building in Stone Town are falling down! Before the 1830’s most of the building were built from mud and other materials and were not built to last. With the rise of Colonialism and international trade, buildings were begun to be built from ‘Stone’, giving Stone Town its name. Stones, corals and just about any solid matter was mixed with earth, sand and cement to build the house that you see today (see picture 4). Many houses unfortunately took on flat Omani-style roofs from the days of Arab influence. Unfortunately these trap the water during the rainy season and the sheer weight and/or erosion can cause these building to collapse suddenly. There have even been fatalities recently (see picture 3). UNESCO became alarmed and declared Stone Town a World Heritage Site in December 2000. They set up the STONE TOWN Conservation and Development Authority (STCDA) to try and shore up these historic buildings. They have identified over 500 of historic significance.

If you would like to contact them, look at the website listed below or write to them at:
Stone Town Conservation & Development Authority, Zanzibar, Tanzania (East Africa)

Street Touts are often called ‘Beach Boys’ even when they are 40-50 years old. The local name for them is ‘Papasi’ the Swahili word for ticks. So what do they want? Most are friendly, definitely persistent and can be downright helpful sometimes. They will approach you just about anywhere. If you truly do not want any service of any kind, then be prepared. Here is what services they provide:

• 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, seize 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 running 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

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Traditional Zanzibarian Beds are essentially very large 4 poster/canopy beds. The canopy holds your mosquito net (essential), where is can be pulled back during the day. The head board and foot board are very high and have decorative panels. Most of the panels have paintings of simple objects like fruit. These beds are truly original and their history goes way back. I found 2 workshops in Stone Town who were restoring older ones and they estimated that they are about 200 years old. Given their depictions of inanimate objects, it is reasonable to assume that they are derived from Omani Arabs who practiced Islam when they occupied Zanzibar. This would also explain why they are not found on the mainland

You will most probably get away with USD, but I did find it very useful to have Tanzanian Shillings as well. At smaller shops, which is not very tourist orientated the local money comes in handy.
There is an ATM in Stone Town where I was able to draw money.

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We tried 4 different local beers during our visit to Zanzibar. The beers we tried were Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Safari and Tuskers.
Off the lot, I definitely preferred Kilimanjaro.
We paid anything between 3500 - 6000 TZ Shilling for a beer.

I noticed that the local people were not as friendly as they were in Dar es Salaam. They didn't want to be disturbed, and turned their back to me. Was it because I had a camera, or maybe they are too used to tourists in Zanzibar?

OK, try to hide your camera. Self-criticism to me for beeing to ignorant....

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Zanzibar fought the world’s shortest war against the British Empire – and lost after 38 minutes. Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini had been cooperation with the British when he suddenly died on 25 August 1896. His nephew, Khalid bin Bargash, seized power at the expense of another would-be pro British Sultan. Khalid was ordered to step aside. He did not. On the 26th, 5 British warships began the shelling of the Palace at 9:00 am. They quickly sank the H.H.S. Glasgow, the Sultan’s only warship, and the Sultan fled to the German Consulate. The war was over in 38 minutes and the British installed their own candidate who they then promptly billed for the expense of the shells used.

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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 in Stone Town – they are trying to sell you something.

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. ***