|
|
The Swahili people of Zanzibar have been welcoming strangers to their country since the first Phoenician ships blew into the harbor on the northwest monsoon of 600 B.C, or thereabouts. They have seen Greek, Arab, Persian, Portuguese, Indian, Chinese, American and British ships anchor offshore in the centuries since, so not much can faze them.
Ancient visitors to the island came to trade in gold, silks, ivory, spices, animal skins and most notoriously, slaves. But many stayed, intermarrying with the locals to form a culture that is uniquely diverse, and produced a race of people who regard hospitality to strangers as a sacred duty. The word you will hear first, and most frequently throughout your stay, is "Karibu" (welcome in Swahili).
The majority of Zanzibar residents practice the Islamic faith, and this is reflected in their lifestyle and culture. All visitors to Zanzibar are advised to be considerate of the following guidelines:
• Swim suits, mini skirts and revealing clothing should not be worn outside hotels, beaches and resort premises.
• Drinking alcohol or being drunk and rowdy in public may offend the residents.
• Nudity on the beaches is not permitted and is against the law.
• Kissing in public or other displays of affection is not customary in Zanzibar.
• Taking photographs of residents without asking their permission is considered offensive.
• Military and security sensitive areas cannot be photographed.
• Mosques are sacred places, and people of other faiths are not usually permitted to enter except with permission of the mosque keeper.
• Photographing of the mosque interior from the doorway is not allowed during prayers.
• You are requested not to eat, drink or smoke in public during the month of Ramadan.
The official languages of Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland are English and Kiswahili; other languages spoken on the Island include Hindi, Gujrati, Urdu, Farsi, Kutchi, Spanish, Italian, French, German and Arabic.
|
|
 |