Small rural villages are set in lush plantations of vanilla, cloves, casava and coconut palms. The island is surrounded by mangrove beaches on the West Coast and pristine white beaches and coral reefs on the East Coast. The sea is dotted with numerous isolated islands. Kiswahili is the National Language, although English is widely spoken by many. Arabic and Indian are also widely spoken.
Power shortages can occur.
Cottons are recommended. Although weather should be checked before arriving in Zanzibar. Visitors must have an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Special precautions must be taken for Malaria. Duty Free Goods - Personal effects and articles for personal consumption are duty free.