🏝️ Zanzibar: 15 life hacks for a perfect vacation
Every year more and more travelers choose Zanzibar for their holidays. This island is ready to open up to anyone who wants to learn about its mysteries and secrets. We have collected the main tips that you need to read before traveling to Tanzania to make your vacation enjoyable and comfortable.
Tips before your trip
Watch the tides
Ebbs and flows in Zanzibar are a common phenomenon. In some parts of the island they reach 1-2 kilometers. How dangerous are ebbs and flows for an unprepared tourist?
During high tides, seawater comes from the ocean and fills areas at shallow depths. It comes unexpectedly and rapidly. If you don't know the exact time of the tide, it becomes very difficult to get to the shore safely.
Low tides also pose a great danger. Sea water recedes, leaving numerous inhabitants of the underwater world on the sand. Be sure to look down to avoid stepping on sea urchins, which are poisonous.
You can keep track of the tide schedule in the Tides Planner, My Tide Times apps or on a special website.
Bargain with every purchase
In Zanzibar, prices for tourists are several times higher than for the local population. This was not done by chance. This is how traders make a living, because Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world, and thousands of tourists are ready to immediately pay the mentioned amount.
You can and should bargain with sellers. Feel free to do this in places where there is no clear price tag: in markets, small shops and shops. You will save a lot on many things, and spend this money on excursions or other entertainment.
If a store or restaurant has a fixed price, it is almost impossible to reduce it. How to get out of this situation? Visit nearby locations and find the cheapest option. This is another way to stay on budget.
Be careful at sea
We have already written about the dangers of sea urchins. Unfortunately, the paradise of Zanzibar is fraught with many other risks. Jellyfish, sharks and poisonous fish can turn your holiday into a living nightmare. Try not to swim into remote areas and ask locals which areas are best to avoid.
Do not openly display jewelry or large sums of money
In Zanzibar, tourists often complain about thefts and robberies. If you carry valuables with you, don't be surprised if one day you find them missing. The local population is trying to get out of poverty in every possible way. You can ensure the safety of your money and jewelry using a hotel safe, which is under reliable protection.
Don't pay for goods and services in advance
We wrote how and why it is important to bargain. Also, never agree to pay in advance. This also applies to buying groceries or souvenirs, and taking a taxi. Be sure to find out the final cost of the product or service so as not to overpay for it and even try to reduce the price.
Don't walk around the island at night
Robberies and thefts can overtake tourists not only during shopping and excursions, but also while walking under the stars. Unfortunately, asking for help will take a long time and persistently, and getting it is not an easy task. Even if you leave the bar to the hotel, and your journey takes up to 5 minutes, ask one of the employees to accompany you. This way you will ensure safety and will not get into an unpleasant situation.
Forget about jet lag
Don't think about changing the clock, new sleep patterns or acclimatization. Your task is to come to the island and relax in real time.
What should you take with you?
Sunscreen
Zanzibar is a place where the sun shines all year round. Take care of your skin in advance and apply sunscreen to your face and body every day.
First aid kit
Collect a list of first aid medications, paying special attention to repellents. Yes, malarial mosquitoes can still leave an unpleasant mark on the body and soul, after which the rest will be significantly spoiled.
G socket adapter
This is a UK 3 pin plug which will allow you to easily plug in your charger anywhere on the island. Don’t rely on a hotel or bungalow: even there you can’t always find an adapter, and you hardly want to spend the first day buying one on the island.
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Driver's license
If you have a license, you can rent a car and move around the island, regardless of public transport schedules. Don't forget to change lanes to the left and get a special permit to drive a car. This can be done at a car rental company or at the police station.
What souvenirs should I bring?
Traditional jewelry of the Maasai tribe
Robes with authentic African prints are one of Tanzania's most impressive souvenirs. The clothes of the Masai tribe are distinguished by bright colors and a special technique of fastening to the body. Their culture is not complete without colorful massive beaded jewelry.
You can buy elements of the Maasai culture in Zanzibar, but we recommend going to the market in Arusha for them. This way you can go on an excursion to a new city and not be left without original African souvenirs.
Ebony and soapstone souvenirs
Do you want to diversify your home interior with stylish items from your travels? Pay attention to the decorative elements made of ebony wood. Just a few decades ago it was literally more expensive than ivory and gold.
Dishes, figurines, and ritual masks are made from this material. All products are made in black, which means they will fit into almost any interior. Don't miss the opportunity to bring home a real piece of Africa.
Spices
Spices in Zanzibar are not just food, but a part of life. The local population grows them everywhere and sells them to tourists, preserving the taste and spirit of Africa in small bags. Go to local markets, consult, taste and inhale the aromas of spices. Buy a few packets of cardamom, turmeric and cloves for yourself and your loved ones.
The average price for one package is $1. Agree, quite a bit for a souvenir that will transport you to a paradise island at every opportunity?
Coffee
Coffee lovers, rejoice! Tanzania is ready to offer Arabica and Robusta. Have you already decided which variety you will bring with you?
You can find quality coffee in the souvenir shop and local market. If you buy an excursion to a farm or local production, be sure to choose coffee there. The path that the grains take from the plantation to the store shelf is minimal, and freshness and taste are guaranteed!
Painting using the tingating technique
A separate layer of African culture is the paintings of Tingatinga. They are particularly bright, because to create them, artists use car enamel paints. Traditionally, the main place in such work is given to animals and birds.
For a small painting you will have to pay about $90, but do not forget to bargain. For the convenience of tourists, the painting is removed from the frame and rolled up. This way you can ensure the integrity of the canvas and not worry about the capacity of your luggage.
