More Information
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfer. Guided tour of Stone Town and a spice plantation. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Marvel at history and tradition whilst strolling through Stone Town, take in the aromas at a spice plantation, relax overlooking the ocean.
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.
Important Notes
1. INDEPENDENT TRIP
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 a 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. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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. It is important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan, particularly in Zanizbar. 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.
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.
Meals
In both Stone Town and Mangapwani, your hotels will have a restaurant, 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.
Transport
Private air-conditioned minivan, walking.
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, 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.
Accommodation
Comfort hotels (2 nts), beach resort (2 nts).
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.
Joining Instructions
An arrival transfer is included in your trip, when you arrive on day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
G Adventures is only able to pick you up at the airport/ferry terminal if you inform us in advance of your arrival details (flight or ferry). Please ensure to provide us with this information so we can arrange the transfer.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Representative (Zanzibar)
Mr Salum Muhidin: +255 773 258 773 (Operations Manager)
G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya)
Emergency number:
From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832
From within Kenya: 0727 208 832
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Finishing Point Instructions
The last night of this tour is spent in Mangapwani, 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 Mangapwani, 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.
Checklist
-Documents
-Passport (with photocopies)
-Travel insurance (with photocopies)
-Yellow fever certificate
-Airline tickets (with photocopies)
-Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
-G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
-Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
-Weather-appropriate clothing
-Small towel and swimwear
-4 shirts/t-shirts, cool and breathable
-Long-sleeved shirt for evenings
-1 pair of shorts
-2 pairs of long trousers
-Comfortable shoes
-Sport sandals
-Sun hat, Bandana
-Sunblock
-Sunglasses
-Watch or alarm clock
-First-aid kit (should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin , Malaria pills, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, Antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
-Toiletries (biodegradable)
-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Flashlight/Torch
-Outlet adapter
-Insect Repellent
-Moneybelt
-Antibacterial wipes/gel
-Reusable water bottle
-Pocketknife
-Water purification tablets or filter (optional)
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.
Visas
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.
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.
SLAVERY IN AFRICA
The height of slavery was in the mid 19th century; It is estimated that between 80,000 and 100,000 Africans per year were sold into slavery or were killed by the Swahili Arabs and dominant local tribes. Most were taken from Zambia and Malawi and taken to the shores of Lake Malawi and sold to wholesalers and then taken across the lake. They were then marched across Mozambique usually chained or tied and carrying elephant tusks for export. Any slaves too ill to make the journey were simply abandoned. Most died of dehydration or were killed by wild animals. At the coast they were loaded into dhows and shipped to Zanzibar. They would be packed tightly together with no food and water and lying in their own excrement. The bodies of those who perished were left lying amongst the living. Those who survived where auctioned in Zanzibar and then shipped to places such as Arabia or India.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Tipping
Tipping during your tour is optional, but the gesture is expected as a way to show your satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour.
Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the communities that you visit.
Giving a tip should be 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 as a whole 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 client format:
Local Representative/Local Guide: $2 USD per day.
Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of cost of bill, especially when in a large group (no envelope required).
Local guides: $1 for every couple of hours
Optional Activities
Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions.
All prices are listed in US dollar amounts, per person, and are examples of the entrances fees charged – this does not include hiring transport to/from the destination. And the majority of the activities should be paid in local currency.
Half-day Jozani Forest $55 Single supplement $10
Snorkelling $50
North Coast Tour $75 Single supplement $10
Sailing Trip $75 Single supplement $10
Safari Blue adventure $85 Single supplement $25
Game fishing $300 Single supplement $200
All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
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.
Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor for travel in East Africa. Be aware malaria is present in Zanzibar. We thus recommend that you take malaria medication; your doctor should be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics. Travellers should also carry a basic travel first-aid kit as medical facilities are basic in Zanzibar. An important item to include is a liquid or gel hand sanitizer and/or alcoholic/sanitary wipes, as they will aid in personal cleanliness and hygiene throughout the trip. The local tap water should not be consumed, so any water treatment tablets (ex. iodine), drops, etc, would help, but good, clean, and inexpensive bottled water is widely available throughout the entire trip. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, you must inform G Adventures prior to the purchase of the tour, and upon arrival, to the CEO so he/she can be prepared to help you.
Yellow Fever Certificate:
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.
Sand flies and Mosquitos:
Both tend to come out in the early evening and early mornings. Protective clothing, and insect repellent are highly recommended during these times.
Malaria:
This infectious disease is transmitted by mosquitos carrying the parasite, and has known to have infected individuals in Zanzibar. You must have prophylactics which you can obtain from your local doctor at or health clinic.
Sun:
It is very important that you wear sun block, as Zanzibar is just south of the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.
Hydration:
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.
Diarrhoea:
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
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 at night. 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.
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
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.
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.
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.
Trip Specific Responsible Travel
Ask permission before taking a photo of any local people. The polite way to ask is “Tafadhali (pronounced tougher-thaarli) naomba ruhusu kwa kupiga picha yako.” Many guidebooks say the correct phrase is “nataka kupiga picha yako”, but this is incredibly rude, the equivalent of saying “give me your picture”.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org
Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.
To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)
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.
Feedback
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Group Leader
Local representative in Stone Town, driver.
Meal Budget
Allow USD100-130 for meals not included.
Meals Included
4 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Day 4 Optional Activities
- Mangwapani Coral Cavern and Slave Caves -
- Snorkelling -
Day 4 Optional Activities
- Mangwapani Coral Cavern and Slave Caves -
- Snorkelling -
