Swahili is a common language on the African continent. Translated from it, simba means " lion " (here we recall the main character from "The Lion King"). However, the people of Tanzania are not only using Swahili. For example, among the Maasai - an African tribe - the lion sounds like " lugala ". The easiest way to remember is the Masai " yes " and " no " - " aa " and " her ."
Zanzibar is located near Madagascar, being an archipelago with 75 islands. However, for travelers, this is a large island bearing the same name (or Ugunja ).
Perhaps you think that the most desperate, daring tourists go to Zanzibar, but no. Moreover, the resort is becoming more and more popular and, perhaps, a worthy alternative to Turkey or other places familiar to foreigners.
Main reasons to choose Zanzibar
- The flight will take longer than to Egypt or Turkey, but in Zanzibar you can find your favorite all-inclusive, while the Indian Ocean is exotic for inexperienced travelers. April and May are the rainy season, the rest of the year is warm and blessed. A great option for winter recreation when you want to escape from the cold! By the way, this place was one of the first to be allowed to leave after the first coronavirus wave.
- Regarding the language, be calm: the local population, even uneducated, at least somehow, but speaks English. Moreover, as the popularity of the resort grows, locals master the languages of tourists.
- You will be surprised, but the time zone of Zanzibar coincides with ours.
- You don't need to get visas for visiting in advance: they are made upon arrival for $ 50.
What you need to know
- Islam is widespread in Zanzibar, therefore there are certain rules. This, by the way, makes Tanzania akin to Turkey.
- We advise you to go all-inclusive: in the experience of many travelers, food on the street can be disappointing.
- Infrastructure is poorly developed here, so don't expect to be able to buy everything you need nearby.
- Beware of cunning sellers: they often take advantage of the fact that newcomers are poorly versed in local currency, trying to deceive the buyer.
- Here they use the Tanzanian shilling - an echo of the past, when the British colonists had power. You can pay in dollars. True, the course is counted along the way and, most likely, not in your favor.
- It is not enough for you to pay by card, where you can manage: take care of cash.
- Interesting fact: the great Freddie Mercury was born on the island. After the independence of Zanzibar in the 1960s, the family of the future musician went to Britain. You can visit the museum in his honor, located where Mercury grew up.
