Zanzibar

The vessel is scheduled to berth at the Port of Zanzibar. Reaching the town centre takes approximately 15 minutes on foot or a brief taxi journey. Anyone considering the walk should remember that conditions are hot and humid. Taxis are normally waiting at the pier.

Keep a printable map to hand.

A walk through the Local Market reveals genuine local colour. Its unforgettable displays include fruit, vegetables, spices, animals and a range of everyday essentials.

Explore Stone Town's maze of narrow lanes and absorb its exotic atmosphere. Small workshops and shops invite discovery.

Taxis are the best form of transport on Zanzibar island. They are readily available and travel anywhere required, but have no meters, so agree a fare before getting into the vehicle.

Jozani Forest Reserve, around a 25-mile drive from Stone Town, protects the rare Colobus monkey. Morning offers the best chance of seeing the animals. Entry is charged for access to the monkeys' favourite meeting place. Subject to available vehicles and guides, private independent-sightseeing arrangements may be requested through the Tour Office on board.

Plantations still grow many different spices, but tourism plays an ever greater part in the island's economy. Warm Indian Ocean waters attract holidaymakers for activities including swimming, sailing and exploring below the surface in unspoilt underwater parks.

Popular purchases include spices, leather work, gold and silver jewellery, local crafts, colourful cloth and wooden Zanzibar chests. Small shops occupy the narrow streets of central Stone Town. Before buying wooden goods, make sure the timber has been treated against termites.

Tanzania's currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH, /=). About 1100 Tsh equals one US dollar.

As a rule, Tanzanian shops, restaurants and hotels expect payment in Tsh. Exceptions are travel visas, national-park entry fees, which non-residents must pay in US dollars, and safaris and Kilimanjaro treks, generally priced in US dollars although other currencies are also accepted. Zanzibar prices are usually in US dollars, including the Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar ferry fare, and non-residents must pay hotels in foreign currency, although the hotel will exchange Tsh for you.

Only large hotels, resorts and certain travel agents accept Credit Cards. In brief, Tanzania remains a cash society.

Tanzanians use Kiswahili and, to a degree, English. As elsewhere, English is spoken more often in larger cities and tourist destinations.

Internet cafés are becoming steadily more common across Tanzania and are easy to locate in major urban areas such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

For Emergency Services, call 112.

Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1400-1800, and Sat 0830-1230. Certain shops open on Sunday.