Zanzibar Independent Adventure Adventure Tour

The spice island of Zanzibar is a fascinating and beautiful world of its own. Discover Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while wandering its narrow streets and losing yourself in the buzz of the markets. Delight your senses on a guided spice tour, learning about the island's cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemongrass. Zanzibar's beaches are world-renowned, so enjoy the idyllic white sand, turquoise water, and unforgettable views.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Trip Specific Responsible Travel  

It's always best to ask permission before taking a photo of any local people. If you don't know how to ask in the local language, and the CEO isn't available to translate, you can gesture to your camera and to them and smile (asking a question through body language). If they indicate it's not ok by looking away or putting a hand up, then please respect their wishes and refrain from taking the photo.

Group Leader Description  

For this tour, we provide a G Adventures representative to assist you on your stay in Zanzibar. He will greet you at your hotel, advise you about Zanzibar and its sights, be there to help you organize any optional activity if needed, and be your main contact during your stay. Our representative may as well be guiding you on your spice plantation tour, or he will ensure to properly arrange the activity with our team of local guides.

Trip Specific Safety  

While Zanzibar is a safe place to travel, common sense and street smarts must be used. Stone Town and the northern beaches are notorious for hawks or touts, people who want to sell you any type of good or service. These are best avoided by a polite but firm NO THANK YOU! You will find that at times they will continue to bother you, or casually follow you. Act as though you are not interested, and even duck into a shop or hotel if needed. When in doubt of an operators service, ask the G Adventures rep or the hotel for any recommendations. Do not walk alone at night in Stone Town, or on the beach alone while at Kendwa/Nungwi. Taxis are available in Stone Town and the hotel can assist you in calling one if not readily available.

Remember that Zanzibar is overwhelmingly Muslim. Women who do not dress modestly, or men in shorts, are likely to cause offense to locals and are likely to attract unwanted attention.
In coastal areas, both male and female prostitution is widespread. Single female travellers in particular should be wary of ‘beach boys'. These male prostitutes often employ aggressive methods of socializing with female tourists with their end goal being to solicit sex, money or other benefits. The prevalence of HIV is extremely high in this region, and we urge all travellers to exercise extreme caution.
Our suggestion is to dress moderately, and drink moderately. At all times be aware of your surroundings, and your actions, and to exercise caution.

Photography
Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration are border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated.

Joining Instructions  

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), an arrival transfer to the joining hotel is included. When you arrive at the airport, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign. Please approach them, and ask them who they are supposed to be picking up (do not tell them your name, they should have this information already). Once they give you the correct name, have your passport ready to show them and you will be on your way!

**Please note, the arrival transfer included occurs on day 1 of the tour. If you plan to arrive prior to day 1, you will be required to arrange pre-tour accommodation through G Adventures to be eligible for the transport from the airport. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: The climate in East Africa varies between the dry and rainy season. Please ensure you bring a windproof rain jacket if you are travelling between April & May, October & November.

Health  

We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
 
 
Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2017)
 
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:

-           Botswana
-          Ethiopia
-          Kenya
-          Madagascar
-          Malawi
-          Mozambique
-          Namibia
-          Rwanda
-          South Africa
-          Swaziland
-          Uganda
-          Zambia
-          Zimbabwe
 
For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.
 
 
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.

Important Notes  

1. INDEPENDENT STYLE
Please note that this is an Independent style G Adventures tour. This means that we do not have dedicated group departures, but rather that we offer the trip on any given day that you choose. As such, there may or may not be other passengers booked on the exact same day as you. Locally, for your spice tour on day 3, you may have the option to be pooled with other passengers who have not booked through G Adventures.

2. FLIGHTS
Flights are not included and must be purchased separately.

3. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
Complimentary arrival and departure transfers can be arranged from/to the airport or the ferry terminal. Please provide us with your exact arrival and departure details at time of booking.

4. WEATHER
Zanzibar is a great place to visit year-round. It generally has a hot, humid tropical climate. The coolest and driest time to visit is between late June and October. The temperatures are a higher from late December to March. Zanzibar's main rainy season lasts from March until June, and there are strong winds and ocean currents in April to June. This makes this time the least favourable for visiting the island, as it can rain for days on end, and the choppy water affects the snorkelling/diving conditions below the surface.

5. ALCOHOL
As Zanzibar is inhabited by a prominently Muslim population, alcohol is not readily available for sale in some restaurants and hotels. This may include your accommodation in Stone Town, on days 1 and 2.

6. RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 15th and June 14th, 2018. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

7. ELECTRICITY
The power supply in Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz. Variable voltage, spikes and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected.

8. YELLOW FEVER
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 2 years for this trip.

Group Leader  

G representative in Stone Town, driver.

Highlights  

Take in the aromas on a spice plantation tour, relax on a tropical beach, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town

About Accommodation  

A variety of accommodation standards are available for Independent tours. Please remember that hotel/lodge/resort standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel . Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels. Under certain circumstances we reserve the right to change accommodation/location and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.

Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by our hotels in Zanzibar for a charge. Often it can take a day or two so please enquire with the hotel as to the price and how long it will take before handing your laundry over.

Tipping  

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.

Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.

The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format:

CEO: $5 USD (per day)

Local guides: $2 per day

Hotel porters: $1 USD

Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the cost of the bill

Optional Activities  

Stone Town
- Stone Town Walking Tour (20-40USD per person)
- Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market (5USD per person)
- Sultan's Palace Museum (3USD per person)
- House of Wonders (5USD per person)

Jozani Forest
- Jozani Forest Tour (35-150USD per person)

Jambiani
- Scuba Diving (65-100USD per person)
- Swahili Cultural Tour (70-200USD per person)
- Snorkelling (35-60USD per person)

Kendwa
- Safari Blue - Sailing Day Trip (60-100USD per person)

Local Dress  

Zanzibar is a traditional muslim society. Please respect local customs by dressing modestly. Shorts and skirts should be knee length and shoulders should be covered at all times. Topless sunbathing is NOT recommended in Zanzibar.

Meals Included  

4 breakfasts

Departure Tax  

USD48 departure tax is charged at Zanzibar airport after you check in. This is to be paid in $US cash, at the desk behind the check-in counter. This fee is subject to change.

What's Included  

Arrival and departure transfer. Stone Town orientation walk. Spice plantation guided tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Transport  

Private minibus, walking.

Detailed Trip Notes  

ZANZIBAR
There are two main islands and several smaller islands. The main island of Zanzibar is about 40km of the coast of Tanzania. The island is about 85km long and between 20 and 30 km wide and covers an area of 1500 sq km. The island is surrounded by coasts of rocky inlets or sandy beaches with lagoons and mangrove swamps and coral reefs. Humidity is generally quite high although relieved by sea breezes and the temperatures are generally consistent through the year. The main crops grown are coconuts and cloves. Bananas, citrus fruits and other spices are also grown commercially. The first European arrivals were Portuguese navigators looking for a trade route to India. They reached Zanzibar at the end of the 15th century and established a trading station. At the end of 17th century they were ousted by the Omani Arabs. During this period Zanzibar became a major slave-trading centre. In 1840 the Omani Sultan Said moved his court from Muscat to Zanzibar and the island became a Arab state and a important centre of trade and politics in the region. Livingstone and Stanley also spent time here. Zanzibar was a British protectorate from 1890 until 1963 when the state gained independence.

RAMADAN: According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 27th and June 25th, 2017. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day.


REGIONAL INFORMATION
Climate
There are generally two rainy seasons - the short and the long rains. The short rains normally occur from late October through November, and the long rains from late March through to early June. A good time to visit is between late June and October when the rains have finished and the air is coolest. Alternatively, from late December to February or early March is another good time to visit, just after the short rains, but before the long rains; this is a very hot and humid time of the year.

Electricity
The electric current in Tanzania operates on 230V, 50Hz.

Language
The official languages are Swahili and English. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout.

TANZANIA - Offical Statistics
Full country name: United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania)
Area: 945,087 km2
Population: 38,329,000-July 2005 est (34,443,603-2002 census)
Capital city: Dodoma
People: 99% native African (over 100 tribes), 1% Asian, European and Arabic
Languages Swahili, English, indigenous.
Religion: 40% Christian, 33% Muslim, 20% indigenous beliefs
Government: Republic (multi-party state)
President: Benjamin William Mkapa
Major industries: Tobacco, sugar, sisal, diamond and gold mining, oil refining, cement, tourism
Major trading partners: India, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Rwanda, the Netherlands, South Africa, Kenya, U.K., Saudi Arabia, China
Currency: Tanzanian shilling

INTERESTING FACTS
• The name is name made up from an amalgamation of TANganyika and ZANzibar.
• Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa (although not in Africa as a whole, the Sudan is 3 times larger); it's landmass covering an area of just over 945,087 sq. km (including Zanzibar).
• This makes Tanzania about the size of France, Germany and Switzerland combined; 3 times the size of the entire British Isles or one-tenth the size of the whole of the USA.
• Tanzania's population at the last official census was 31.3 million, with approximately one third being classified as “urban”.
• Agriculture forms roughly half of GDP and agriproducts (e.g.: coffee, tea, tobacco, cashew nut, sisal, cotton) some 75% of export earnings. Dodoma, in central Tanzania, is the political capital of the country although Dar es Salaam is the effective trading and business capital, with its safe harbour ("Dar es Salaam” means “Haven of Peace”), international airport and population of some 1.75million.

A Word of Warning  

Remember that Zanzibar is overwhelmingly Muslim, and immodestly dressed women, or men in shorts, will get harassed and cause great offence.

Visas and Entry Requirements  

Travellers arriving to Zanzibar airport without a visa now need to complete the following process at the airport to obtain a Visa on arrival:

- Queue for a Government Control Number
- Queue to pay for this at the bank
- Queue for Immigration to check and issue the visa

This process can take in excess of two hours, so we highly recommend travellers apply for their Tanzanian Visa online at www.immigration.go.tz. The online process asks for a bit more information than a visa on arrival, and are issued within 2 - 3 weeks to be approved. Entering Tanzania with a pre-bought Visa will make for a much smoother experience.

All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Please note that upon arrival by air to Stone Town, Tanzania, most nationals can obtain a visa for US$50 in $US cash (valid for those who would be permitted a Tanzania visa while still in their own country), though the visa currently costs $100 for U.S. nationals. This visa is valid for up to 3 months with multiple entries/exits permitted to Kenya and Uganda only. If you are transiting through Uganda or Kenya, you will have to purchase a transit visa en route. These are usually $US20 or US$10 respectively, and valid for 24 hours. Alternatively, for either of these two countries, you may purchase a normal visa for US$30 and US$25 respectively (most nationals), both of which are valid for up to 3 months. As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.

IMPORTANT NOTE
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local consulate and health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Meals  

In both Stone Town and Kendwa, your hotels will have a restaurant, or you may inquire with our local representative about good local establishments. Part of the excitement of a G Adventures trip is the ability to try local dishes when possible.

Accommodation  

Simple hotels (4 nts).

Finishing Point Instructions  

The last night of this tour is spent in Kendwa, on the north-west coast of Zanzibar. On day 5, one complimentary departure transfer can be arranged, provided that you provide us with your exact departure details at time of booking. You may determine where exactly in the Stone Town area you wish to be dropped off - be it at the airport, ferry terminal, or at a hotel or location within Stone Town. Our local G Adventures representative in Zanzibar will assist you with these arrangements. Upon arrival to your chosen location, your G Adventures tour ends. If you have pre-purchased post-tour accommodation in Kendwa, we can provide you this final transfer on your final date of check-out.

What to Take  

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one backpack, soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. Comfortable casual clothes made of polyester or linen are best in tropical and semi tropical climates - a set of smart casual clothes is advisable.

Money Exchange  

The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH).

Shillings can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your CEO will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour and approximately how much money you will need for each country.
The easiest foreign currency to exchange for locally for any of the local currencies is the $US; however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged as well. Please note that due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than year 2006 are not accepted in Africa.
Large note ($US 50, $US 100 etc) can be difficult to change in some places, but will gain you the best exchange rate.

If you plan to rely on cash, please bring foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) with you, as it is often expensive to buy these currencies locally. And in more rural areas, it is often not likely.
If you plan to buy your visas at borders, you will need to bring $USD cash to pay for these visas. Please note you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy these visas- they must be purchased in USD.

Please do not bring Travellers' cheques toAfrica. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places.

Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. it is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should somethingunforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels.
While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.

Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your CEO will advise on these.

Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

About our Transportation  

Transportation throughout your stay in Zanzibar will be by private 7 seater van with air conditioning. If there is a large group (8 or more passengers), 2 vehicles will be used, and the group will be split up. Roads can run the full range of conditions from new to very poor.Please note for your own safety it is mandatory to wear your seat belt at all times when in a vehicle.

Land Transfers & Included Tours/activities: Many of the land transfers and included tours will be by private van, car or taxi, while others may be shared with other travellers depending on availability, nature of the activity and destination. For transfers, you may have a local non English-speaking driver only, for included tours, you will be accompanied by an English speaking local guide.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.