Frequently Asked Questions
Children's Programs
The hotel does not currently offer a Children's Program, but there is a kid’s playground area that includes a clubhouse, shallow splash pool, jungle gyms, 9 hole mini-golf course, swings and kiddies race track. There is also a play centre with TV and videos.
Climate / Weather
Temperatures average between 25 to 30°C. Humidity can be very high along the coastal strip and on Zanzibar. Humidity is typically much lower in the interior highlands.
The longest periods of rain happen between March and May, whereas the shorter periods come between October and December. Heavy rains in the south of Tanzania occur frequently from December until April.
Currency
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
The US Dollar (USD) is accepted at the resort
Dress Code
Zanzibar has a predominantly Muslim population. The locals don't enforce any kind of dress code, but it is highly encouraged to wear conservative dress. Zanzibar's climate is a tropical, so loose fitting and natural lightweight material, such as linen or cotton is recommended. Although it is a Muslim population, shorts and sleeveless tops are acceptable forms of casual wear.
Men should always wear a shirt or top in public and swim wear should be confined to beaches or the swimming pool.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Tanzania is unsafe to drink. Travelers are strongly urged to use bottled water for drinking and food preparation.
Electrical Current
Tanzania has 220-240 volt / 50 cycles (Hz) per second electricity, meaning unless your computer or appliance is dual voltage or designed for 220 volts, you will need a converter (transformer).
Visitors from the UK or Europe will not need adapters or converters but visitors from North America will.
In the event of a power cut, a hotel generator takes over. There are 115/240 volt shaving sockets in every bathroom, and 3-point square pin sockets in all bedrooms.
Useful Website: www.walkabouttravelgear.com/wwelect.htm
Language
The official language is Swahili, which is spoken by everyone. English is also spoken in most tourist places.
Location
Tanzania is situated just south of the equator. Zanzibar is located 25 miles off the coast of Tanzania, surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
Standard Time difference compared to UTC/GMT is +3 hours.
Daylight Saving Time is not used
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but highly recommended if you believe the service you received warrants a show of your appreciation. Over 60% of the service personnel income derives from tipping.
Travel Documents
Almost all visitors require a Visa. The only exceptions include citizens of the certain Commonwealth nations. Citizens of the UK, Australia, Canada, India and Nigeria do require visas. Citizens with valid passports may obtain a visa either before arriving in Tanzania or at any port of entry staffed by immigration officials.
The island of Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so there is no need to obtain a second visa if your itinerary will include both Tanzania & Zanzibar and Pemba Island.
Below are the issuing authorities in the Southern Africa region. One should first however, check if there is a Tanzanian Consulate in your country of residence. This will make the process of applying for a visa a lot simpler:
High Commission of Tanzania
822 George Avenue, Arcadia, 0007
P.O Box 56572, Arcadia, 0007
Tel: (+27 12) 342 4393 / 71
Fax: (+2712) 430 4383
Entre Visa - $50.00 - $100.00 USD
Exit Tax - $30.00 USD
Please note that requirements may change.