Fine on indecent dressing in Zanzibar
Fine on indecent dressing in Zanzibar: Zanzibar is one of the popular tourist destinations in Tanzania which has beautiful beaches and a variety of activities on the island. Officials of Zanzibar recently passed on information about the way of dressing of the tourists visiting Zanzibar and stated that tourists are urged to dress decently and to respect the culture of the locals.
Zanzibar is a destination whose locals mostly are of Islamic faith and during tours around this destination, the calls of prayer can also be heard as tourists explore the town and explore its attractions.
According to the minister of tourism Minister Lela Muhamed Mussa, some of the tourists on safari in Zanzibar walk the streets “almost naked”. Therefore fines would be imposed on the tourists and the tour operators and or guides if their clients are not appropriately dressed.
The fine for indecent dressing for tourists in Zanzibar was put in place as a way of ensuring that the tourists follow the rules and dress decently. The amount which is to be paid as a fine for indecent dressing of tourists in Zanzibar is at least 700 USD.
Tourists were also encouraged to dress decently around the public places in Zanzibar like the markets. Light clothes are recommended for safaris to Zanzibar which has tropical kind of climate.
Among other ways of dressing which tourists are encouraged to wear include cardigans, sunhat, sunglasses and to avoid short shorts and other revealing clothes. Being topless on the beaches or wearing thongs while on the beach if also highly discouraged during a safari in Zanzibar.
Clothes which cover the shoulders and the chest area are also recommended during a safari in Zanzibar. Since the locals of Zanzibar are mostly Muslims, they cover most of their bodies as they move around the island.
Swahili is the language which is spoken in Zanzibar and is also spoken along the coastal areas. In Kenya and Tanzania and also in Uganda, the Swahili language is also spoken. Arabic is also spoken in Zanzibar.
Attractions around Zanzibar include the beaches, stone town, the spice farms, coral reefs among others. Many tourists visit this destination to enjoy leisure and vacations along the white sand beaches of Zanzibar and also exploring the stone town which has ancient buildings and other landmarks.
The beaches of Zanzibar include Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, Kizimkazi beach, Kiwengwa beach, Matemwe beach, Jambiani beach and Paje beach. These beaches are located on different parts of the island.
During safaris around the stone town, tourists enjoy exploring this old town of Zanzibar which is located on the western coast of Unguja. This town is known for its architecture which is a mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African culture.
Some of the historical buildings which tourists can enjoy seeing as they explore Zanzibar were palaces for sultans. Coral stones were the main materials used during the construction of the buildings.
Forms of transportation used around stone town include daladala which are a form of public transportation. Other forms of transport used include using the bus and the ferry from Dar es Salaam and Pemba to the mainland.
Zanzibar is also known for its spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper among others. Guided walks are also organized to these spice farms which also gives the tourists an opportunity to taste the exotic fruits.
Apart from the way of dressing, other important things to consider when planning a safari in Zanzibar include a valid visa which is required during entry into Tanzania.
How to get to Zanzibar
Zanzibar can be accessed by flights from Arusha to Zanzibar or by ferry. There are flights to Unguja and to Pemba island. Another location which has flights to Zanzibar is Dar es Salaam which is about 15 minute’s flight.
The ferry which can be used to access Zanzibar is from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.
Tour guides, restaurant owners and other stake holders in tourism are encouraged to inform their clients about the way of dressing during their safaris in Zanzibar.
