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Cairo-Mounir El-Fishawy
Wherever you go in Zanzibar you will hear “Karibu Zanzibar”. It is a Swahili for “Welcome to Zanzibar”.
The Swahili language, is a mixture of the Arabic, Persian and Indian languages and cultures but with an African flavour. It is the official language of Zanzibar and some of the neighbouring countries.
Zanzibar is made up of an archipelago of islands, such as “Unguja” which is the name for Zanzibar Island, Pemba and a number of small surrounding islands which are all in the Indian Ocean near to the eastern cost of Africa, particularly Tanzania to which Zanzibar is politically attached.
The total area of the archipelago is 2332 sq. km., and its population is about one million, mostly Muslims but there are also Christians and Hindus. You can see mosques next to churches and temples. All the people worship in peace and harmony.
Necessities of travel
Due to its closeness to the equator, Zanzibar has two rainy seasons, the first between March and May with heavy down pours, and the second between August and November - a season with less rain. You are advised not to travel during these seasons and to take injections against yellow fever and malaria pills. The insects are ferocious biters so it is a good idea to wear clothes with long sleeves and trousers.
Zanzibar….the conservative island
Zanzibar is a conservative place: no short skirts, drinking alcohol in public, walking naked on the beaches or eating and drinking in public during Ramadan. Ask permission before photographing people especially if they are praying in mosques.
Shopping is a specially enjoyable experience in Zanzibar. Traditional products are available along with Indian spices, gold jewellery, and hand-made Arabic and Persian carpets. Most of these goods are for tourists and can be bought in the traditional markets and from peddlers.
Food is also Swahili
The Zanzibari kitchen consists of Indian, Persian and Arabic meals. Most famous are tandoori dishes, curries, Arabic and Indian biriany, rice with safron as well as sea food. The currency on the island is the shilling.
Islamic Tourism will describe the island’s attractions in more detail after a visit made possible by the head of the Tourist Board, Mr. Peter Mewnguo and his deputy Koz Gamba. | 
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